2008 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key Removal...................12
NLocking Doors With The Key..............14
mSentry Key............................14
NReplacement Keys......................16
NCustomer Key Programming..............16
NGeneral Information....................18
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........18NIf You Wish To Manually Lock The
Steering Wheel........................18
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
NAutomatic Transmission Ignition
Interlock System.......................19
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........19
NTo Set The Alarm......................19
NTo Disarm The System...................19
2

mIlluminated Entry........................20
NVehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....20
mRemote Keyless Entry.....................21
NTo Unlock The Doors...................21
NTo Lock The Doors.....................22
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................24
NGeneral Information....................24
NProgramming Additional Transmitters........25
NBattery Replacement....................26
mRemote Starting System Ð If Equipped........27
mDoor Locks............................28
NManual Door Locks.....................28
NPower Door Locks.....................29NChild Protection Door Lock...............32
mWindows.............................33
NPower Windows.......................33
NAuto Down (Driver's Side Only)...........34
NWindow Lockout Switch.................34
NWind Buffeting........................34
mOccupant Restraints......................35
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................36
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....40
NAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
Mode ± If Equipped....................41
NCenter Lap Belts.......................42
NSeat Belt Pretensioners...................42
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................43
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............44
NSeat Belt Extender......................44
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) ± Airbags...........45
NEvent Data Recorder (EDR)...............53
NChild Restraint........................55mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........68
mSafety Tips............................69
NExhaust System.......................69
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle..........................70
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle..........................70
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, and remove the key.
NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
Ignition Key
Ignition Switch Positions
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual TransmissionÐIf Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
Ignition Key Release Button
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:A key, which has not been programmed, is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.NOTE:
²The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with some after-market remote starting systems. Use
of these systems may result in vehicle starting prob-
lems and loss of security protection.
²Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,Ÿ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder-equipped components on the
same key chain willnotcause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part isphysically held
against the ignition keybeing used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Replacement Keys
NOTE:Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Key is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
location. This number is required for dealer replacement
of keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at anauthorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank
key is one, which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid sentry keys, you can program new
sentry keys to the system by performing the following
procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ªONº position for at least 3
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE