2005 DODGE DAKOTA door lock

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to fail when
you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system is not there to protect
you. Do not modify the components or wiring, including adding any kind
of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper
right side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper,
vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag system.
The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if
modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
any advanced airbag system service. If your seat including your trim
cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (including removal
or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to
your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories
may be used. If it is necessary to modify an advanced airbag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
•Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video players on the
right front passenger seat back. The additional weight may cause
the Occupant Classification System to be unable to correctly classify
the right front occupant. This could allow the passenger frontal
airbag to inflate when it is not desired.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not mount
or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system yourself. Be
sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
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 mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You can feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle:
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights as
you turn them on. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

LIGHTS Interior Lights
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotating
wheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the
second upward detent position, or if equipped, when the
UNLOCK button is pressed on the key fob.When a door
is open and the interior lights are on, rotating the dimmer
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Courtesy/Reading Lights
Near the front of the console are two courtesy/reading
lights.
Both lights illuminate as courtesy lights when a door is
opened, when the dimmer control is rotated to the
courtesy light position (fully upward position), or when
the UNLOCK button is pressed on the Remote Keyless
Entry transmitter, if so equipped. These lights are also
operated individually as reading lights by pressing the
recessed area of the corresponding lens.
NOTE:The courtesy/reading lights will remain on until
the switch is pressed a second time, so be sure they have
been turned off before leaving the vehicle. If the interior
lights are left on after the vehicle is turned OFF, they will
extinguish after 8 minutes.
COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER
This feature allows you to choose between a compass/
temperature display and one of four trip conditions being
monitored.
US/M Button
Use this button to change the display from U.S. to metric
measurement units.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127
3

Using HomeLink
To operate, simply press and release the programmed
HomeLink button. Activation will now occur for the
trained device (i.e. garage door opener, gate operator,
security system, entry door lock, home/office lighting,
etc.). For convenience, the hand-held transmitter of the
device may also be used at any time. In the event that
there are still programming difficulties or questions,
contact HomeLink at:www.homelink.com or 1-800-355-
3515.
Erasing HomeLink Buttons
To erase programming from the three buttons (individual
buttons cannot be erased but can bereprogrammed-
note below), follow the step noted:
•Press and hold the two outer HomeLink buttons until
the indicator light begins to flash-after 20 seconds.
Release both buttons. Do not hold for longer that 30seconds. HomeLink is now in the train (or learning)
mode and can be programmed at any time beginning
withProgramming- step 2.
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink Button
To program a device to HomeLink using a HomeLink
button previously trained, follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the desired HomeLink button.Do
NOTrelease the button.
2. The indicator light will begin to flash after 20 seconds.
Without releasing the HomeLink button, proceed with
Programmingstep 2
For questions or comments, contact HomeLink at:
www.homelink.com or 1-800-355-3515.
138 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination
of the grease.
Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All four wheel drive models are equipped with four
constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boot should be
inspected for external leakage or damage periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated
periodically to assure quiet, easy operation and to protect
against rust and wear. Prior to the application of any
lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and
grease should be removed. Particular attention should
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
7

Adding Fuel........................247,273
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 303
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 307
Air Conditioning........................ 185
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..........185,188
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............307,308
Air Conditioning System................185,307
Air Filter.............................. 303
Air Pressure, Tires....................234,241
Airbag...........................41,55,158
Airbag Light............................ 54
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 55
Alarm..............................27,154
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alignment and Balance................... 241
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 181
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........313,314,343
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............221,222Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 155
Anti-Theft System.....................27,154
Appearance Care........................ 325
Arming Theft System...................... 27
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 18
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 82
Automatic Door Locks..................... 18
Automatic Transaxle...................... 199
Automatic Transmission.............196,199,320
Adding Fluid......................... 321
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 322
Fluid Level Check...................... 320
Fluid Type........................322,345
Gear Ranges.......................... 199
Special Additives...................... 322
Torque Converter...................... 203
Axle Fluid............................. 345
Axle Lubrication........................ 323
376 INDEX

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
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