2006 DODGE DAKOTA brakes

actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includ ea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

PCV valve and passage with increasing mileage. Have
the PCV valve, hoses, and passages checked for proper
operation at the intervals specified. If the valve is
plugged or sticking, replace with a new valve – Do not
attempt to clean the oil PCV valve! Check ventilating
hose for indication of damage or plugging with deposits.
Replace if necessary.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake Master Cylinders
The fluid level in the master cylinders should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifications,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Brake Linings
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting brakes.
During normal driving, a few brake applications while moving in reverse will maintain your brakes at the
specified adjustment. Adjustment will continue until the
brake linings are worn. To avoid brake failure, brake pull
or damage to the rotors or drums, inspect the brake
linings as specified in the maintenance schedule. If
excessively worn, the brake linings must be replaced.
Brake Hoses
Inspection should be performed whenever the brake
system is serviced or at intervals specified. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing or worn
spots. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7

Ball Joints............................. 317
Battery ............................... 315
Charging ............................ 293
Emergency Starting ..................... 293
Gas Caution .......................... 293
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 114
Belts, Drive ............................ 312
Belts, Seat .............................. 31
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 318
B-Pillar Location ........................ 234
Brake Fluid ............................ 357
Brake System ........................ 225,326
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 225,226
Disc Brakes .......................... 326
Fluid Check .......................... 326
Hoses .............................. 327
Master Cylinder ....................... 326
Parking ............................. 224 Warning Light
..................... 155,156
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 204
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 70
Bulb Replacement ....................... 342
Bulbs, Light ............................ 341
Calibration, Compass ..................... 129
Camper ............................... 145
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 355
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 310
Power Steering ........................ 317
Car Washes ............................ 333
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............146,256
Cargo Light ............................ 117
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 258
Catalytic Converter .................... 256,313
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...............160,168
Cellular Phone ........................ 82,188
INDEX 391
10

Customer Assistance..................... 382
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 55
Daytime Running Lights ................... 116
Dealer Service .......................... 307
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 195
Defroster, Windshield ................... 72,190
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 119
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 304
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 223
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 153
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 328
Oil (Engine) .......................... 307
Power Steering ........................ 317
Disarming, Theft System ................... 27
Disc Brakes ............................ 326
Disposal Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 321 Door Ajar Light
......................... 156
Door Locks ............................. 15
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 132
Drive Belts ............................ 312
Drive Shaft Universal Joints ................ 318
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 140
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 121
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 229
Jacking ............................. 288
Overheating .......................... 323
Tow Hooks .......................... 296
Towing ............................. 297
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 360
Emission Related Components .............. 325
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... 313
INDEX 393
10

Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 386
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 224
Parking On Hill ......................... 224
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ............. 54
Passing Light ........................... 118
Pets .................................. 70
Pets, Transporting ........................ 70
Phone, Cellular .......................... 82
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............. 82
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 234
Positive Crankcase Valve .................. 325
Power Brakes .............................. 326
Distribution Center ..................... 337
Door Locks ......................... 14,16
Mirrors .............................. 81
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 140 Steering
.......................... 228,317
Sunroof ............................. 138
Windows ............................. 28
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 357
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 39
Preparation for Jacking .................... 289
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................. 37
Programmable Electronic Features .........133,137
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) ...............24,133,137
Quad Cab ............................. 110
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 241
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 323
Radio Broadcast Signals ................... 159
Radio Operation ................... 160,168,188
Radio Reception ........................ 159
400 INDEX