2005 DODGE DAKOTA warning light

•When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded
vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load,
or engine piston damage may result.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

If you regularly pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop and turn signals on the trailer are recommended for
motoring safety.
When the additional trailer lighting is connected to the
vehicle, the flasher does not provide an indication of
outside lamp/bulb failure. Therefore, an occasional vi-
sual check around the vehicle is recommended. Once the
trailer is removed the above indication will return to the
vehicle.
WARNING!
The direct connection of hydraulic brake lines from
vehicle brake system to trailer system is not accept-
able. The extra load may cause brake failure and you
may be injured.
All Dakota models require an electrically actuated elec-
tric brake controller. A blue colored connector for electric
brake hookup is located under the instrument panel
above the brake pedal.
Heavy trailer towing also may require breakaway electric
trailer brakes, anti-sway devices or equalizing hitches for
safe operation. Such devices are commonly required by
state law.
Trailer Tow Wiring
The Trailer Tow Package includes a 4 and 7 pin wiring
harness located at the rear underbody of the vehicle.
NOTE:Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory
harnesses only. Do not cut or splice wiring to the brake
circuits.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met
during the 1 second time, then all of the mode position
indicator lights will flash continuously until all require-
ments are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that
the jack will not damage surrounding truck parts and
adjust the jack position as required.
4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To
avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully
tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been lowered.
NOTE:Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
Right Rear Jacking Location
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 281
6

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

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

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

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
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