2006 DODGE DAKOTA check engine light

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “TOW
HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “TOW HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals. NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL OD/OFF” feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

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.
294 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system is determined not ready
for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine. If you crank or start the engine, you
will have to start this test over.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305
7

3. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen: a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank or
the key is turned off. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD system is not readyand you should notproceed
to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle’s OBD system is readyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system is not readyyou should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopar
parts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 363
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Adding Fuel........................ 253,282
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 313
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 316
Air Conditioning ........................ 189
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..........189,192
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............316,317
Air Conditioning System ................189,316
Air Filter .............................. 313
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 239,247
Airbag ........................... 40,54,158
Airbag Light ............................ 53
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 54
Alarm, Panic ............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................26,154
Alignment and Balance ................... 246
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 185
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........322,323,355
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............225,226 Anti-Lock Warning Light
.................. 155
Anti-Theft System ..................... 26,154
Appearance Care ........................ 333
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 26
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 17
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 79
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 17
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 204
Automatic Transmission .............201,204,328
Adding Fluid ......................... 329
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 330
Fluid Level Check ...................... 328
Fluid Type ........................ 330,357
Gear Ranges .......................... 204
Special Additives ...................... 330
Torque Converter ...................... 208
Axle Fluid ............................. 357
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 331
390 INDEX

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

Fluid Capacities......................... 355
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 328
Brake ............................... 326
Cooling System ....................... 320
Engine Oil ........................... 307
Power Steering ........................ 317
Transfer Case ......................... 331
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 356
Fog Lights .......................... 1 16,354
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 211
Operation ............................ 211
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 282
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 229
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 332
Fuel ................................. 250
Adding ............................. 253
Filter ............................... 313
Gauge .............................. 152 Octane Rating
...................... 250,356
Requirements ...................... 250,355
Tank Capacity ........................ 355
Fueling ............................... 253
Fuses ................................ 337
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) ........... 132
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............254,304
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 152
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 250
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 251
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................... 152
Fuel ................................ 152
Odometer ......................... 155,156
Speedometer ......................... 154
Tachometer .......................... 155
Gear Ranges ........................... 204
Glass Cleaning .......................... 336
INDEX 395
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