2008 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

General Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
SEATS
Manual Seat Adjustment
The adjusting lever is at the front of the seat, near the
floor. Lift the lever and move the seat to the desired
position. Release the bar to lock the seat into position.
Using body pressure, move forward and rearward on the
seat to be sure the seat adjusters have latched.
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3

WARNING!
Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. The sudden movement of the seat could
cause you to lose control. The seat belt might not be
properly adjusted and you could be injured. Adjust
any seat only while the vehicle is parked.
Front Seats Manual Seat Recliners
The front seats are equipped with recliners. The reclining
mechanism is operated by a lever located on the right
side of the passenger's seat and the left side of the
driver's seat. To recline, lean forward slightly before
lifting the lever, then push back to the desired position
and release the lever. Lean forward and lift the lever to
return the seatback to its normal position. Using body
pressure, lean forward and rearward on the seat to be
sure the seatback is locked.
106 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the
shoulder belt is no longer resting against your chest.
In a collision you could slide under the seat belt and
be seriously or even fatally injured. Use the recliner
only when the vehicle is parked.
Manual Lumbar Support Adjustment Ð If
Equipped
The manual lumbar support rotary control adjustment is
located on the left side of the driver's seat. Rotate the
knob to increase or decrease the amount of lumbar
support.Adjustable Head Restraints Ð Front Seating
Positions
Head restraints can reduce the risk of whiplash injury in
the event of impact from the rear. Pull up or push down
on the restraints so that the upper edge is as high as
practical, at least to the level of the ears.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107
3

To lower the head restraint, depress the release button
located at the base of the head restraint and push down
on the head restraint.
6 - Way Power Seat Adjuster Ð Driver's Side Only
The 6-way power seat adjuster switches are on the
outboard side of the driver's seat. Use this switch to
move the seat up or down, forward or rearward, or tilt.
Power Seat Control Location
108 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The power seat controls are on the outboard side of the
driver's seat cushion. Three switches control the seat
movement. The four-way switch in the center can be
moved forward or backwards to get the most comfortable
position. The same switch can be moved up and down to
control seat height. Change the seat angle by using the
two toggle switches, tilting it up or down.
Up, Down, Forward, and Rearward
Tilt Adjustment
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 109
3

Extended Cab/Crew Cab Rear Seat
More cargo space is available by lifting up on the rear
seat cushion.
The Crew Cab rear seat is a 60/40 split cushion and full
back. Either cushion can be raised independently.
Heated Seats Ð If Equipped
The heated seat switches are located on the center of the
instrument panel.
Press the desired switch once to obtain High heat level,
then press the switch again to obtain Low heat level. A
third button press will turn Off the heated seat. If you do
not purposefully turn the switch Off, the seat heating
level will automatically change to the next lower level, or
Off. The High heat level operates for 30 minutes (ap-
proximate), the Low heat level operates for 30 minutes
(approximate). The heated seat will also turn Off when
the ignition is turned Off. Both indicators On identifies
High heat level. The lower indicator On identifies Lowheat level. Flashing indicator lights on the switch indicate
that the Heated Seat system needs servicing.
WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaus-
tion or other physical condition must exercise care
when using the seat heater. It may cause burns even
at low temperatures, especially if used for long
periods of time.
Do not place anything on the seat that insulates
against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This may
cause the seat heater to overheat.
110 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.Then push the safety latch lever up while lifting the grille
with your right hand. It is located at the bottom center of
the grille.
Lift the hood and gas filled props will hold it open.
Hood Release Lever LocationSecondary Latch Location
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
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To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the center front
edge of the hood to ensure that both latches engage.
Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully closed,
with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure all hood latches are fully latched before
driving.
LIGHTS
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE