2007 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 are no indicator lights on or
flashing the transfer case position is Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection (4WD⇔4WD LOCK).
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 theService 4WDlight is
illuminated. 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 NV 244 Generation
II 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.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 4WD or
206 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 dismounted 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 (refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” 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, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 233
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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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 293
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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 maynotbe 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.
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

High Beam/Low Beam Select.............. 96
Instrument Cluster..................... 136
Intensity Control....................... 91
Interior........................... 90,103
License............................. 343
Lights On Reminder..................... 93
Low Fuel.........................136,137
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 142
Passing.............................. 95
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 137
Service.............................. 332
Turn Signal........................ 94,338
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 136
Limited-Slip Differential................... 210
Loading Vehicle......................... 247
Tires ............................... 222
Locks................................. 27
Auto Unlock.......................... 30
Automatic Door........................ 29Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 27
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 61
Lubricating Oil......................... 322
Lubrication, Body....................... 307
LugNuts ............................. 281
Lumbar Support......................... 84
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 304
Maintenance Procedures................... 296
Maintenance Schedule.................... 350
Schedule “A”......................... 364
Schedule “B”......................... 353
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 119
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 142,294
Manual, Service......................... 374
386 INDEX

Transaxle............................. 190
Automatic......................... 12,190
Manual.............................. 14
Operation........................... 190
Transfer Case........................... 321
Fluid ............................... 347
Transmission........................191,318
Automatic......................187,191,318
Filter ............................... 320
Fluid .........................318,320,347
Maintenance.......................... 318
Manual........................187,196,318
Shifting ............................. 197
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..110
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . 23
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 232
Trip Computer.......................... 104
Trip Odometer.......................... 140Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 143
Turn Signals....................... 94,136,338
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 375
Universal Transmitter..................... 110
Unlock, Auto........................... 30
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................. 315
Variance, Compass....................... 108
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................223,247
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 332
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 136
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 373
Washers, Windshield...................... 97
Washing Vehicle......................... 323
INDEX 393
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