2005 DODGE DAKOTA fuel pressure

Brake System..........................221
▫Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — (If Equipped)................221
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — If Equipped..................222

Power Steering........................223

Rocking The Vehicle.....................224

Tire Safety Information...................224
▫Tire Markings........................224
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........228
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........229

Tires—General Information................233
▫Tire Pressure.........................233
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................234▫Radial-Ply Tires......................236
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........237
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........238
▫Tire Spinning........................238
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................239
▫Replacement Tires.....................240
▫Alignment And Balance.................241

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information.......241

Tire Chains...........................242

Snow Tires...........................243

Tire Rotation Recommendations............244

Fuel Requirements......................245
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................246
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure for passenger cars
is listed on either the face of the driver’s door or the
driver’s side “B” pillar. For vehicles other than passenger
cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are listed on either
the “B” pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire
Inflation Pressures brochure in the glove compartment.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than themaximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
Tire Placard Location
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met.
Store heavier items down low and be sure that the weight
is distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

ADDING FUEL
If using a portable fuel container, it should have a flexible
nozzle long enough to reach past the restriction in the
fuel filler tube.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is in a vehicle or on a truck
bed. You could be burned. Always place gas contain-
ers on the ground while filling.
WARNING!
Remove the gas cap slowly to prevent fuel spray
from the filler neck which may cause injury.
The volatility of present gasolines may cause a build
up of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase
while you drive. This pressure can result in a spray
of gasoline and/or vapors when you remove the cap
from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap slowly allows
the pressure to vent and prevents fuel spray.
Never allow any lit smoking materials near the
vehicles while removing the cap or filling the tank.
Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 273
6

coolant. Your service attendant should be advised of this.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
A. Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
B. Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant bottle. If antifreeze needs to be added, contents of
coolant bottle also must be protected against freezing.
C. If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant bottle does not drop when the engine
cools, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks.
D. Maintain a minimum coolant concentration of 50%
ethylene glycol and distilled water.E. Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle over-
flow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
F. Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean also.
G. The thermostat should not be changed for summer or
winter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
Emission Related Components
Fuel System Hoses And Vapor/Vacuum Harnesses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
350 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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