2005 DODGE DAKOTA brakes

Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake Master Cylinders
The fluid level in the master cylinders should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifications,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Brake Linings
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting brakes.
During normal driving, a few brake applications while
moving in reverse will maintain your brakes at the
specified adjustment. Adjustment will continue until the
brake linings are worn. To avoid brake failure, brake pull
or damage to the rotors or drums, inspect the brake
linings as specified in the maintenance schedule. If
excessively worn, the brake linings must be replaced.
Brake Hoses
Inspection should be performed whenever the brake
system is serviced or at intervals specified. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing or wornspots. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
7

Ball Joints............................. 309
Battery............................... 306
Charging............................ 283
Emergency Starting..................... 283
Gas Caution.......................... 283
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 115
Belts, Drive............................ 302
Belts, Seat.............................. 32
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 309
B-Pillar Location........................ 229
Brake Fluid............................ 345
Brake System........................221,318
Anti-Lock.........................221,222
Disc Brakes.......................... 318
Fluid Check.......................... 318
Hoses.............................. 319
Master Cylinder....................... 318
Parking............................. 219Warning Light.....................155,157
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 199
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 72
Bulb Replacement....................... 330
Bulbs, Light............................ 330
Calibration, Compass..................... 131
Camper............................... 144
Capacities, Fluid........................ 343
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 301
Power Steering........................ 308
Car Washes............................ 325
Carbon Monoxide Warning..............145,250
Cargo Light............................ 118
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 252
Catalytic Converter....................251,304
CD Player..........................161,166
Cellular Phone........................84,184
INDEX 377
10

Customer Assistance..................... 368
Data Recorder, Event...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights................... 117
Dealer Service.......................... 297
Defroster, Rear Window................... 191
Defroster, Windshield...................74,186
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 120
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 294
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 218
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 153
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 320
Oil (Engine).......................... 298
Power Steering........................ 308
Disarming, Theft System................... 28
Disc Brakes............................ 318
Disposal
Used Coolant......................... 313Door Ajar Light......................... 156
Door Locks............................. 16
Door Opener, Garage..................... 133
Drive Belts............................ 302
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 309
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 83
Electrical Power Outlets................... 139
Electronic Speed Control................... 123
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 224
Jacking............................. 278
Overheating.......................... 315
Tow Hooks.......................... 286
Towing............................. 287
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 348
Emission Related Components.............. 316
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 303
INDEX 379
10

Parking On Hill......................... 219
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 55
Passing Light........................... 119
Pets.................................. 72
Pets, Transporting........................ 72
Phone, Cellular.......................... 84
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 84
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 230
Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 317
Power
Brakes.............................. 318
Distribution Center..................... 328
Door Locks.........................15,17
Mirrors.............................. 83
Outlet.............................. 139
Steering..........................223,308
Windows............................. 29
Power Steering Fluid..................... 345
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 40Preparation for Jacking.................... 279
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 38
Programmable Electronic Features.........134,138
Programming Transmitters............25,134,138
Quad Cab............................. 112
Radial Ply Tires......................... 236
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 315
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 159
Radio Operation...................161,166,184
Radio Reception........................ 159
Radio, Satellite.......................... 178
Radio (Sound Systems).................161,166
Rear Axle............................. 323
Rear Window........................... 31
Rear Window Defroster................... 191
Rearview Mirrors........................ 81
386 INDEX