2005 DODGE DAKOTA jump start

STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is depressed.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher..................272

Adding Fuel..........................273

Changing A Flat Tire....................274
▫Jack Location........................274
▫Removing The Spare Tire................276
▫Tire Changing Procedure................278
Jump Starting.........................283

Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped........286

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................287
▫Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............287
▫Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............287
6

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

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

WARNING!
Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
During cold weather when temperatures are below
freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery
may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting because
the battery could rupture or explode. The battery
temperature must be brought up above freezing
point before attempting jump start.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting
out the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 285
6

Block Heater......................... 198
Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Compartment......................... 293
Coolant (Antifreeze).................313,344
Cooling............................. 312
Exhaust Gas Caution..................73,250
Fails to Start.......................... 197
Flooded, Starting...................... 197
Fuel Requirements..................... 343
Jump Starting......................... 283
Oil ...........................298,343,344
Oil Filler Cap......................... 301
Oil Selection.......................... 343
Oil Synthetic......................... 301
Overheating.......................... 315
Starting............................. 196
Temperature Gauge..................... 152
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 15
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 269Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 313
Event Data Recorder...................... 57
Exhaust Gas Caution................73,250,312
Exhaust System.......................73,311
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 40
Exterior Lighting........................ 116
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 303
Engine Fuel.......................... 304
Engine Oil........................302,344
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 302
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 272
Turn Signal..................... 118,152,336
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 283
Flooded Engine Starting................... 197
Floor Console.......................... 141
Fluid, Brake........................... 345
380 INDEX

Emergency (Jump Starting)............... 283
Engine Block Heater.................... 198
Steering
Column Controls...................... 118
Column Lock.......................... 13
Power...........................223,308
Wheel, Tilt........................... 122
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................. 182
Storage Compartment, Center Seat........... 142
Storage, Vehicle......................... 329
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 224
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 241
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 301
Tachometer............................ 155
Tailgate............................... 143
Taillights.............................. 336
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 152Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 62
Theft System Arming...................... 27
Theft System Disarming.................... 28
Thermostat............................ 316
Tilt Steering Column..................... 122
Tire and Loading Information Placard....229,230,241
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 228
Tire Markings.......................... 224
Tire Safety Information.................... 224
Tires ...............................74,233
Air Pressure.......................... 233
Alignment........................... 241
Chains.............................. 242
Changing............................ 274
Compact Spare........................ 237
General Information.................... 233
High Speed.......................... 236
Inflation Pressures..................... 234
Jacking............................. 278
INDEX 389
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