2005 DODGE DAKOTA ignition

Check the Battery Test Indicator (if equipped). If a light or
bright colored dot is visible in the indicator (if equipped),
DO NOT jump-start the battery.
If the indicator (if equipped) is dark or shows a green dot,
proceed as follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watch bands or bracelets which might make an
unintended electrical contact.
2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the ignition
OFF on both vehicles.
3. Turn OFF heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact on the engine.
284 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recom-
mended.Attach towing device to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle — not to bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws applying to vehicles
under tow must be observed.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised
and the opposite end on a towing dolly.
Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in Neutral and the ignition key in the OFF
position along with the front wheels raised and the rear
wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed 30
mph (50 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15
miles (25 km).
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km),
it must be towed on a flatbed, or with the rear wheels
raised and the front wheels on the ground, or with the
front end raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 287
6

Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank orthe key is turned off. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed
to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle’s OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may
need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

contain “Mini”fuses and plug-in “ISO” relays. A label
inside the latching cover of the Power Distribution Cen-
ters identifies each component for ease of replacement, if
necessary. These fuses and relays can be obtained from
your dealer.
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it suggests a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
NOTE:If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for
longer than 21 days you may want to take steps to protect
your battery. You may do this by disconnecting the
battery or by disconnecting the two ignition-off draw
(I.O.D.) fuses located in the Auxiliary Power DistributionCenter (PDC) located in the engine compartment. The
I.O.D. cavities include a snap-in retainer that allows the
fuse to be disconnected, without removing it from the
fuse block. Pressing the I.O.D. fuse back into the cavity
reconnects it.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (I.O.D.) fuse
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). The
I.O.D. cavity includes a snap-in retainer that allows the
fuse to be disconnected, without removing it from the
fuse block.
•The transfer case should be placed in the 4HI mode
and kept in this position to minimize the battery drain.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cable from the battery.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 329
7

Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 253
Gross Cargo Weight...................... 252
GVWR............................253,255
Hands-Free Phone........................ 84
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 272
Headlights............................ 330
High Beam........................... 119
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 119
Lights On Reminder.................... 117
Passing............................. 119
Replacing............................ 330
Switch.............................. 116
Heated Mirrors.......................... 84
Heated Seats........................... 112
Heater, Engine Block..................... 198
High Beam Indicator..................... 153
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 119Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 259
Holder, Cup........................... 143
Homelink Transmitter.................... 133
Hood Release.......................... 112
Hoses................................ 316
Ignition............................... 13
Key ...............................10,13
Lock................................ 13
Illuminated Entry........................ 15
Infant Restraint.......................... 59
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 241
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 81
Instrument Cluster....................... 152
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 150
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 328
Interior Appearance Care.................. 327
Interior Lights.......................... 114
382 INDEX

Low Fuel.........................152,153
Malfunction Indicator................... 157
Passing............................. 119
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 153
Service.............................. 330
Turn Signal........................ 118,336
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 152
Washer Fluid......................... 157
Limited-Slip Differential................... 218
Loading Vehicle......................... 252
Tires ............................... 229
Locks................................. 16
Auto Unlock.......................... 18
Automatic Door........................ 18
Child Protection........................ 20
Door................................ 16
Ignition.............................. 13
Keys................................ 10
Power Door........................... 17Steering Wheel......................... 13
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 62
Lubricating Oil......................... 324
Lubrication, Body....................... 309
Lug Nuts............................. 282
Lumbar Support........................ 109
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 306
Maintenance Procedures................... 298
Maintenance Schedule.................... 349
ScheduleA......................... 362
ScheduleB.......................... 352
Malfunction Indicator Light..............157,295
Manual, Service......................... 373
Manual Transmission...............196,204,320
Fluid Level Check...................... 320
Lubricant Selection..................320,345
Map/Reading Lights..................... 127
Mirrors................................ 81
384 INDEX