2005 DODGE DAKOTA service indicator

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas
cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
7

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Turn Off the engine and allow approximately 5 min-
utes for the oil to settle to the bottom of the crankcase.
3. Remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Wipe the engine oil level indicator (dipstick) clean.
5. Install the engine oil level indicator (dipstick) and
make sure it is seated in the tube.
6. Remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick), keep-
ing the handle above the tip, and read the oil level on the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To determine the battery charge, check the battery test
indicator (if equipped) on top of the battery. Refer to the
illustration.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Also, if a “fast charger” is used while battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307
7

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

Maintenance.......................... 320
Manual........................196,204,320
Shifting............................. 205
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 133
Transmitter Programming................... 25
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 239
Trip Computer.......................... 127
Trip Odometer.......................... 155
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 159
Turn Signals...................... 118,152,336
Universal Transmitter..................... 133
Unlock, Auto........................... 18
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................. 316
Variance, Compass....................... 132
Vehicle Identification Number................ 5
Vehicle Loading......................230,252Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 6
Vehicle Storage......................... 329
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 152
Warnings and Cautions..................... 5
Warranty Information..................... 370
Washers, Windshield..................... 121
Washing Vehicle......................... 325
Weight Load Carrying.................... 252
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 241
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 326
Wheel Changing........................ 274
Wheel Mounting........................ 278
Wheel Nut Torque....................... 282
Wind Buffeting.......................... 31
Window Fogging........................ 188
Windows.............................. 29
Power............................... 29
Windshield Defroster...................74,186
INDEX 391
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