2006 DODGE DAKOTA ECO mode

•Do not modify the front seat center console or center
position seat in any way.
•Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not
designated for the specific model being repaired. Al-
ways use the correct seat cover specified for the
vehicle.
•Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat
cover. Do not add a secondary seat cover other than
those approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopar. 
•At no time should any supplemental restraint system
(SRS) component or SRS related component or fas-
tener be modified or replaced with any part except
those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/
Mopar .
WARNING!
Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the front passenger seat assembly, its related compo-
nents, or seat cover may inadvertently change the
airbag deployment in case of a frontal crash. This
could result in death or serious injury to the front
seat passenger if the vehicle is involved in an acci-
dent. A modified vehicle may not comply with
required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS).
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy the airbags
when the impact sensors detect a moderate-to-severe
frontal collision, to help restrain the driver and front
passenger, and then immediately deflate.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
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WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
seat failure and injury to the child. In a collision, the
seat could come loose and allow the child to crash
into the inside of the vehicle or other passengers, or
even be thrown from the vehicle. Use only the
anchor positions directly behind the child restraint
to secure a child restraint top tether strap. See your
dealer for help if necessary.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300
miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds
up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While
cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits
of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Avoid wide open throttle acceleration in low gear.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality, energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫To Set At A Desired Speed ...............122
▫ To Deactivate ........................122
▫ To Resume Speed .....................122
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............123
▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............124

Overhead Console ......................125
▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights ................125

Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer ....126
▫ US/M Button ........................126
▫ Reset Button .........................126
▫ Global Reset .........................127
▫ Step Button .........................127
▫ Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO) ........128 ▫
Distance To Empty (DTE) ...............128
▫ Trip Odometer (ODO) ..................128
▫ Elapsed Time (ET) .....................128
▫ C/T Button .........................129
▫ Compass/Temperature Display ...........129
▫ Automatic Compass Calibration ...........129
▫ Manual Compass Calibration .............130
▫ To Put Into a Calibration Mode ...........130
▫ Outside Temperature ...................131

Garage Door Opener — If Equipped .........132
▫ Programming HomeLink ................133
▫ Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 135
▫ Using HomeLink .....................136
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
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•UConnect™ phonebook name tag recognition rate is
optimized for the voice of the person who stored the
name in the phonebook.
•You can say O(letter O) for 0(zero). 800must be
spoken eight-zero-zero.
•Even though international dialing for most number
combinations is supported, some shortcut dialing
number combinations may not be supported.
Far End Audio Performance
•
Audio quality is maximized under:
•low-to-medium blower setting,
•low-to-medium vehicle speed,
•low road noise,
•smooth road surface,
•fully closed windows, and
•dry weather condition.
•Operation from driver seat.
•Performance, such as, audio clarity, echo. and loud-
ness to a large degree, rely on the phone and network,
and not the UConnect™ system.
•Echo at far end can sometime be reduced by lowering
the in-vehicle audio volume.
Bluetooth Communication Link
Cellular phones have been found to occasionally lose
connection to the UConnect™ system. When this hap-
pens, the connection can generally be re-established by
switching the phone off/on. Your cell phone is recom-
mended to remain in Bluetooth onmode.
Power-Up
After switching the ignition key from OFF to either ON
or ACC position, or after a reset, you must wait at least
five (5) seconds prior to using the system.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
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Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset. This
display mode becomes less sensitive to instantaneous
changes in fuel consumption as the number of total
vehicle miles since the last reset increases. It is suggested
that this mode be reset periodically for general operation
or when driving conditions change significantly (for
example, at the end of a trip or when a trailer is
connected or disconnected).
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be travelled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. The estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level.
When Distance To Empty = 0, the fuel gauge pointer will
initially be on the red “E” marker. At this point (fuel
gauge pointer on the the red “E” marker) there is reserve fuel capacity, which corresponds to approximately 8% of
tank volume. This reserve capacity was put in place to
prevent the likelihood of customers running out of fuel
when operating at maximum load conditions in areas
where there aren’t many gas stations.
NOTE:
The Distance To Empty will remain equal to
zero, until the vehicle runs out of fuel or is refueled.
Trip Odometer (ODO)
This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset.
Elapsed Time (ET)
This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

If you live in Canada or you are having difficulties
programming a gate operator by using the Program-
ming  procedures (regardless of where you live), replace
 Programming HomeLink step 3 with the following:
NOTE: If programming a garage door opener or gate
operator, it is advised to unplug the device during the
 cycling process to prevent possible overheating.
3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLink button
while you press and release every two seconds (cycle)
your hand-held transmitter until the frequency signal has
successfully been accepted by HomeLink. (The indicator
light will flash slowly and then rapidly.) Proceed with
 Programming step four to complete.
Using HomeLink
To operate, simply press and release the programmed
HomeLink button. Activation will now occur for the
trained device (i.e. garage door opener, gate operator,
security system, entry door lock, home/office lighting, etc.). For convenience, the hand-held transmitter of the
device may also be used at any time. In the event that
there are still programming difficulties or questions,
contact HomeLink at:
www.homelink.com or 1-800-355-
3515 .
Erasing HomeLink Buttons
To erase programming from the three buttons (individual
buttons cannot be erased but can be reprogrammed-
note below), follow the step noted:
•Press and hold the two outer HomeLink buttons until
the indicator light begins to flash-after 20 seconds.
Release both buttons. Do not hold for longer that 30
seconds. HomeLink is now in the train (or learning)
mode and can be programmed at any time beginning
with Programming - step 2.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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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12. ABS Warning Light This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
13. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained. 14. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine revolutions-per-minute
(rpm x 1000).
15. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes), have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
16. Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button. To reset the
Trip Odometer, press and hold the button while in trip
mode, until the Trip Odometer resets.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 155
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