2006 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

TAILGATE REMOVAL
To simplify mounting a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. Follow these steps:
1. Open the tailgate to a 45° angle.
2. Unclip and remove the cables from the box while
maintaining a 45° angle. 3. Lift the tailgate off of the pivot on the passenger side
by pulling upward and rearward at the same time.
4. Slide the tailgate to the passenger side while making
sure clearance from the box and taillight is maintained.
To reinstall the tailgate, do the following:
1. Slide the tailgate onto the driver’s side pivot.
2. Hold the tailgate at a 45° angle and insert it into the
passenger side pivot.
3. Clip the cables to the box.
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145
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refer to the Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ing document located in your Owner’s Manual packet or
available from your dealer. For safety reasons, follow all
instructions on this important document.
General Information
The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications and special equipment, such as a camper
unit, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc., supplied by
manufacturers other than the manufacturer. For warranty
coverage and service on these items, contact the appli-
cable manufacturer.
To mount a camper unit with an overhang, the tailgate
can be removed. Unlatch tailgate and remove support
cables from the retainer pins. Raise right side of tailgate
until the lower right side pivot clears the hanger bracket.
Then slide the tailgate to the right to remove.
Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap or Slide-In Campers
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the
exhaust system on vehicles equipped with “Cap or
Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the overhang-
ing camper compartment and be free of leaks.
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
CONTENTS

Instruments And Controls .................150

Instrument Cluster ......................151

Instrument Cluster Description .............152

Radio Reception Information ...............159
▫ AM Reception .......................159
▫ FM Reception ........................159

Electronic Digital Clock ..................159
▫ Clock Setting Procedur e.................160

Sales Code REF — AM/FM/CD (Single Disc)
Radio With Optional Satellite Radio And
Hands Free Phone Capability ..............160
▫ Operating Instructions - Radio Mode .......161
▫ Operation Instructions - CD Mode .........164
▫ Operation Instructions - Auxiliary Mode .....166
▫ Operating Instructions - Hands Free
Phone — If Equipped ..................167
▫ Operating Instructions - Satellite
Radio — If Equipped ..................1684

Sales Code RAQ – AM/FM/CD (6-Disc) Radio
With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands Free Phone,
And Vehicle Entertainment Systems (VES)
Capabilities ...........................168
▫ Operating Instructions - Radio Mode .......168
▫ Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For
CD Audio Play) ......................174
▫ Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For
CD Audio Play) ......................175
▫ Notes On Playing MP3 Files .............177
▫ Operation Instructions - (CD Mode For
MP3 Audio Play) .....................180
▫ Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . 180

Satellite Radio — If Equipped ..............182
▫ System Activation .....................182 ▫
Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ESN/SID) ....................183
▫ Selecting Satellite Mode In REF, RAQ,
And RAK Radios .....................184
▫ Selecting a Channel ....................184
▫ Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels ......185
▫ Using The PTY (Program Type) Button
(If Equipped) ........................185
▫ PTY Button Scan.....................185
▫ PTY Button Seek.....................185
▫ Satellite Antenna ......................185
▫ Reception Quality .....................186

Remote Sound System Controls — If Equipped . . 186
▫ Radio Operation ......................187
148 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

▫CD Player ..........................187

Compact Disc Maintenance ................188

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones ........188

Climate Controls .......................189 ▫
Air Conditioning And Heater .............189
▫ Operating Tips .......................192
▫ Operation Tips Chart ...................194

Rear Window Defroster – If Equipped ........195
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 149
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
150 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 151
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gauge The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the “H” mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase engine speed
for 2-3 minutes. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, seek authorized service immediately.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gauge pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
152 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS