2004 DODGE DAKOTA service

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
4 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys................. 9
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................ 9
NSentry Key Ð If Equipped................ 9
mIgnition And Steering Lock Ð If Equipped....11
NManual Transmissions...................11
NAutomatic Transmissions.................12
mIlluminated Entry.......................12
NVehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....12
mDoor Locks...........................13
NManual Locks.........................13
NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........14NChild Protection Door Lock...............16
mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped........17
NTo Unlock The Doors (Four Door Vehicles)....17
NTo Lock The Doors.....................18
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................19
NProgramming Additional Transmitters........19
NGeneral Information....................20
NTransmitter Battery Service...............21
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.......21
NTo Set The Alarm......................21
NTo Disarm The System...................22
2

continuously to signal that the vehicle has been immobi-
lized. If the9Security Light9remains on during vehicle
operation, it indicates a fault in the system electronics. If
this option was ordered, all of the keys provided with
your new vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle
electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:
Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed and needs to be cut.
NOTE:When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:
1. Insert the first valid key into the ignition and turn the
ignition to the ON position for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition back to the OFF
position and remove the first key.
2. Insert the second valid key and switch the ignition to
the ON position within 15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a
chime will sound and the9Security Light9will begin to
flash. Turn the ignition back to the OFF position and
remove the second key.
3. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition and switch
the ignition to the ON position within 60 seconds of
having removed the second key. After 10 seconds, a
single chime will sound. The9Security Light9will stop
flashing, then turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement battery is 2016.
NOTE:Do not touch the battery terminals that are on
the back housing or the printed circuit board.
1. With transmitter buttons facing down, use a flat blade
or dime to pry the two halves of the transmitter apart.
Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket during
removal.2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the transmitter case snap the two halves
together. Make sure there is an even gap between the two
halves. Test transmitter operation.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visual signals. The
horn will sound repeatedly for 3 minutes and the head-
lights and security light in the instrument cluster will
flash for an additional 15 minutes. The engine will not
run until the system is disarmed.
To Set the Alarm:
The alarm will set when you use the power door locks,
turn the key in the door lock cylinder, or use the Keyless
Entry transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed the SECURITY light in the instrument
cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the system is
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
2

Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
²The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse num-
bers 18 and 19 in the fuse block. See your dealer if the
fuse is good.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap can
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

General Information
The Manufacturer's Warranty does not apply to body
modifications and special equipment, such as a camper
unit, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc., supplied by
manufacturers other than the manufacturer. For warranty
coverage and service on these items, contact the appli-
cable manufacturer.
To mount a camper unit with an overhang, the tailgate
can be removed. Unlatch tailgate and remove support
cables from the retainer pins. Raise right side of tailgate
until the lower right side pivot clears the hanger bracket.
Then slide the tailgate to the right to remove.
Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap or Slide-In Campers
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the
exhaust system on vehicles equipped with ªCap or
Slide-In Campersº should extend beyond the overhang-
ing camper compartment and be free of leaks.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
3

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The temperature gage indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is oper-
ating satisfactorily. The gage needle in V6 and V8
engines will likely indicate a high temperature when
driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy
traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to
260É (hot mark), stop the vehicle, shift into N (Neutral)
and elevate engine speed for 2-3 minutes. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal, seek
authorized service immediately.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gage pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
2. Voltage Gage ± If Equipped
When the engine is running, the gage will
indicate the electrical system voltage. During
normal electrical load, the pointer will remain near the
center of the scale. If the pointer moves to either the
high or low sections, and remains there during normal
driving, the electrical system should be serviced.
3. Tachometer
This gage measures engine revolutions per minute (rpm
x 1000).
4. Shift Indicator Light
A small triangle lights to signal the most economical shift
point for vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
See the Manual Transmission Operating description in
section 5 of this manual for details.
5. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 99
4

direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal bulb. A continuous low chime is activated
when the left/right turn signal is left on with the engine
RPM vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for
more than 1 mi. (1.6 km)
6. High Beam Indicator
This light indicates that headlights are on high
beam.
7. Speedometer
This gage shows vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
8. Oil Pressure Gage ± If Equipped
This gage indicates engine oil pressure. Any
reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine oil system is operating satisfactorily. A
continuous high or low reading under normal operat-
ing conditions may indicate a lubrication system mal-
function. Immediate service should be obtained. Theoil gage does not indicate the amount of oil in the
engine. See section 7 for the oil level checking proce-
dure.
9. Fuel Gage
This gage shows the level of fuel in tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
10. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) or PRND21 with all boxes on,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
11. O/D (Overdrive) OFF Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only
This light will illuminate when the overdrive off button
has been selected.
100 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS