2005 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

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 “Cap or
Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the overhang-
ing camper compartment and be free of leaks.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145
3

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
CONTENTS

Instruments And Controls.................150

Instrument Cluster......................151

Instrument Cluster Description.............152

Radio Reception Information...............159
▫AM Reception.......................159
▫FM Reception........................159

Electronic Digital Clock..................160
▫Clock Setting Procedure.................160
Sales Code REF — AM/FM/CD (Single Disc)
Radio With Optional Hands Free Phone
Capability............................161
▫Operating Instructions - Radio Mode.......161
▫Operation Instructions - CD Mode.........164
▫Operating Instructions - Hands Free
Phone — If Equipped..................1664

Sales Code RAQ – AM/FM/CD (6-Disc) Radio
With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands Free
Phone, And Video Capabilities.............166
▫Operating Instructions - Radio Mode.......166
▫Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For
CD Audio Play)......................170
▫Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For
CD Audio Play)......................172
▫Notes On Playing MP3 Files.............174
▫Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For
MP3 Audio Play).....................176
▫Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . 176

Satellite Radio — If Equipped..............178
▫System Activation.....................179▫Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ESN/SID)....................179
▫Selecting Satellite Mode In REF Radios......180
▫Selecting Satellite Mode In RAQ Radios.....180
▫Selecting a Channel....................180
▫Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels......181
▫Using The PTY (Program Type) Button
(If Equipped)........................181
▫PTY ButtonScan.....................181
▫PTY ButtonSeek.....................181
▫Satellite Antenna......................181
▫Reception Quality.....................182
148 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Remote Sound System Controls — If Equipped . . 182
▫Radio Operation......................183
▫CD Player..........................183

Compact Disc Maintenance................183

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones........184
Climate Controls.......................184
▫Air Conditioning And Heater.............185
▫Operating Tips.......................188
▫Operation Tips Chart...................190

Rear Window Defroster – If Equipped........191
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 149
4

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
150 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 151
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gage
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position. (See page 245
for more information.)
2. Temperature Gage
The temperature gage indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing 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 the “H” mark,
stop the vehicle, shift into N (Neutral) increase engine
speed for 2-3 minutes. If the temperature reading does
not return to normal, seek authorized service immedi-
ately.
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.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
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 LED. A single chime is activated when the
152 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS