2007 DODGE DAKOTA tailgate

Floor Console — If Equipped..............121
▫Floor Console Features.................121

Center Storage Compartment — If Equipped . . . 122

Cup Holders..........................123

Rear Window Features...................124
▫Rear Window Defroster – If Equipped.......124
▫Sliding Rear Window – If Equipped........125

Tailgate..............................125▫Tailgate Removal.....................125
▫Two Position Tailgate / Upper Load Platform . 126

Slide-In Campers.......................128
▫Camper Applications...................128
▫General Information...................128
▫Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap Or Slide-In Campers..........129
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Sliding Rear Window – If Equipped
A locking device in the center of the window helps to
prevent entry from the rear of the vehicle. Squeeze the
lock to release the window.
TAILGATE
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.
Sliding Rear Window Latch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
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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.
Two Position Tailgate / Upper Load Platform
Your tailgate can be opened to the full open or the partial
open position. The partial open position is for loading
objects longer than the length of the bed (sheets of
plywood, etc.) by creating an upper load platform:
1. Install lumber
•Place lumber across the box in the indentations
provided above the wheel housings and in the
bulkhead dividers to form the floor. There are
indents in the sheet metal (or bed liner if equipped)
on the inner side of the box in front (Club Cab only)
and behind both wheel housings.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

2. Secure the tailgate in the partially open position:
•Open the tailgate slightly.
•Snap the tailgate support cable between the cable
guide and the tailgate bumper. Do this on both sides
of the tailgate.
To return the tailgate to the full open position:
•Lift up on the tailgate.
1 — Bulkhead Divider
2 — Upper Load Floor Indent
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127
3

•Remove both cables from between the cable guides
and the tailgate bumpers and lower the tailgate.
CAUTION!
•Care should always be exercised when operating a
vehicle with cargo. Vehicle speeds may need to be
reduced. Severe turns or rough roads may cause
shifting or bouncing of the cargo that may result
in vehicle damage.
•Insure the load is securely tied down and is
properly identified according to local laws if it
extends beyond the taillamps.
•LOADING should not exceed 400 lbs (181 kg) of
material suspended above the wheelhouse and
partially open tailgate or vehicle damage may
result.
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ing document located in your Owner’s Manual packet or
available from your dealer. For safety reasons, follow all
instructions on this important document.
General Information
The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications and special equipment, such as a camper
unit, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc., supplied by
manufacturers other than the manufacturer. For warranty
coverage and service on these items, contact the appli-
cable manufacturer.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To mount a camper unit with an overhang, the tailgate
can be removed. Unlatch tailgate and remove support
cables from the retainer pins. Raise right side of tailgate
until the lower right side pivot clears the hanger bracket.
Then slide the tailgate to the right to remove.Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap or Slide-In Campers
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the
exhaust system on vehicles equipped with “Cap or
Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the overhang-
ing camper compartment and be free of leaks.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129
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Speed Control (Cruise Control)............... 99
Speedometer........................... 138
Starting............................... 187
Emergency (Jump Starting)............... 283
Engine Block Heater.................... 189
Engine Fails to Start.................... 188
Remote.............................. 26
Steering
Column Controls....................... 94
Power...........................216,306
Wheel Lock........................... 15
Wheel, Tilt............................ 98
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . 172
Storage Compartment, Center Seat........... 122
Storage, Vehicle......................... 332
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 217
Sun Roof.............................. 116
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 119
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 235Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 300
System, Remote Starting.................... 26
Tachometer............................ 139
Tailgate............................... 125
Taillights.............................. 338
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 136
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 61
Theft System Arming...................... 18
Theft System Disarming.................... 18
Tilt Steering Column...................... 98
Tire and Loading Information Placard......222,235
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 221
Tire Markings.......................... 218
Tire Safety Information.................... 218
Tires ............................ 73,226,375
Aging(LifeofTires) .................... 233
Air Pressure.......................... 226
Alignment........................... 234
INDEX 391
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