2005 DODGE DAKOTA wheel

To Stow The Flat Or Spare
Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the
wheel retainer through the center of the wheel and
position it properly across the wheel opening.
For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow
with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.
Rotate the winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn
into place against the underside of the vehicle. Continue
to rotate until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click
3 times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the tire
several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
To Stow the Flat or Spare: Wheel retainer does not fit
through the center of the aluminum wheel. The tire must
be stored in a safe manner in the bed of the truck.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the con-
taminated area immediately with large quantities
of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery
or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12 volts.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 283
6

CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recom-
mended.Attach towing device to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle — not to bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws applying to vehicles
under tow must be observed.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised
and the opposite end on a towing dolly.
Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in Neutral and the ignition key in the OFF
position along with the front wheels raised and the rear
wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed 30
mph (50 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15
miles (25 km).
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km),
it must be towed on a flatbed, or with the rear wheels
raised and the front wheels on the ground, or with the
front end raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 287
6

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

differential. Rear axle fluid level should be 1/4(6.35mm)
below filler plug hole for 8 1/4axles and should be 5/8
(16mm) below filler plug for 9 1/4axles.
Front Axle
Front Axle fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
plug.
Selection of Lubricating Grease
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) has
developed a symbol (Certification Mark) to aid the
vehicle owner in the proper selection of grease for chassis
components. This symbol, an example shown below, is
located on the grease container and identifies the appli-
cation and quality of the grease.There are two groups
identified, those for wheel
bearings (Letter “G”) and
those for chassis (Letter
“L”) lubrication. Perfor-
mance categories within
these groups result in dual
letter designations for
each group. The letter des-
ignations shown in the ex-
ample are the highest
quality level available and when combined as shown can
be used for chassis lubrication. Use only those greases
that have the NLGI symbol on the container along with
the proper quality level for your application.
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
•
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
•It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels be kept clear and open.
•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
•All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly
with mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To
remove heavy soil, select a nonabrasive, non-acidic
cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle
brush or metal polishes. Only Moparcleaners are
recommended. Do not use oven cleaner. Avoid auto-
matic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective fin-
ish.
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use Mopartouch up paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to match the
color of your vehicle.
Interior Care
Use MoparFabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery
and carpeting.
Use MoparVinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl upholstery and
trim.
MoparTotal Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MoparTotal Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7

Fluid Capacities......................... 343
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 320
Brake............................... 318
Cooling System....................... 312
Engine Oil........................... 298
Power Steering........................ 308
Transfer Case......................... 323
Fog Lights.......................... 117,342
Four Wheel Drive....................... 206
Operation........................... 206
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 272
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 224
Front Axle............................. 324
Fuel................................. 245
Adding............................. 247
Filter............................... 304
Gauge.............................. 152
Octane Rating......................245,344Requirements......................245,343
Tank Capacity........................ 343
Fueling............................... 247
Fuses................................ 328
Garage Door Opener..................... 133
GasCap ...........................248,295
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 152
Gasoline.............................. 245
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 246
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 152
Fuel................................ 152
Odometer.........................155,156
Speedometer......................... 154
Tachometer.......................... 155
Gear Ranges........................... 199
Glass Cleaning.......................... 328
Grease............................... 324
INDEX 381
10

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