2006 DODGE DAKOTA service indicator

NOTE:The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there is no indicator light on or
flashing, the transfer case position is two-wheel drive
(2WD). If the indicator light is on, the desired position
(4HI or 4LO) has been obtained.
If One or More Shift Requirements are not Met:
1. An indicator light will flash.
2. The transfer case will notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five (5) seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the
Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner’s manual.
The “SVC 4WD” warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the SVC 4WDlight is illumi-
nated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal injury.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

flashing the transfer case position is all-wheel drive
(AWD). If an indicator light is on, the desired position
(4HI or 4LO) has been met.
If One or More Shift Requirements are not Met
1. An indicator light will flash until conditions are met.
2. The transfer case will notshift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five (5)
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to the Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner’s manual.
The SERVICE 4WD warning light monitors the electric
shift 4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the
SVC 4WDlight is illumi-
nated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal injury.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV244 transfer
case is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore
the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the
shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear
wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer
case.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident result-
ing in serious injury or death.
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

License............................. 353
Lights On Reminder .................... 116
Low Fuel ......................... 152,153
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 157
Passing ............................. 118
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 153
Service .............................. 341
Turn Signal ........................ 1 17,348
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 152
Washer Fluid ......................... 157
Limited-Slip Differential ................... 223
Loading Vehicle ......................... 258
Tires ............................... 234
Locks ................................. 15
Auto Unlock .......................... 17
Automatic Door ........................ 17
Child Protection ........................ 19
Door ................................ 15
Ignition .............................. 13 Keys
................................ 10
Power Door ........................... 16
Steering Wheel ......................... 13
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 60
Lubricating Oil ......................... 332
Lubrication, Body ....................... 318
Lug Nuts ............................. 291
Lumbar Support ........................ 107
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 315
Maintenance Procedures ................... 307
Maintenance Schedule .................... 361
Schedule “A” ......................... 375
Schedule “B” ......................... 364
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 140
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 157,305
Manual, Service ......................... 386
Manual Transmission ...............201,209,328
Fluid Level Check ...................... 328
398 INDEX

Trailer Weight.......................... 265
Transaxle ............................. 204
Automatic ........................... 204
Operation ........................... 204
Transfer Case ........................... 331
Fluid ............................... 357
Transmission ........................ 204,328
Automatic ...................... 201,204,328
Filter ............................... 330
Fluid ......................... 328,330,357
Maintenance .......................... 328
Manual ........................ 201,209,328
Shifting ............................. 210
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) . . 132
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . 24
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 244
Trip Computer .......................... 126
Trip Odometer .......................... 156 Trip Odometer Reset Button
................ 159
Turn Signals ...................... 1 17,152,348
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 387
Universal Transmitter ..................... 132
Unlock, Auto ........................... 17
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses ................. 325
Variance, Compass ....................... 130
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 5
Vehicle Loading ...................... 235,258
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 6
Vehicle Storage ......................... 340
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 152
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 5
Warranty Information ..................... 385
Washers, Windshield ..................... 120
Washing Vehicle ......................... 333
INDEX 405
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