2008 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
CONTENTS
mInstruments And Controls.................156
mInstrument Cluster......................157
mInstrument Cluster Description.............158
mElectronic Digital Clock..................167
NClock Setting Procedure.................168
mRadio General Information................168
NRadio Broadcast Signals.................168
NTwo Types Of Signals..................169
NElectrical Disturbances..................169NAM Reception.......................169
NFM Reception........................169
mSales Code RES Ð AM/FM Stereo Radio With
CD Player (MP3 AUX Jack)................170
NOperating Instructions - Radio Mode.......170
NOperation Instructions - CD Mode For CD
And MP3 Audio Play..................176
NNotes On Playing MP3 Files.............178
NList Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play).......181
NInfo Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play).......1814

mSales Code REQ Ð AM/FM Stereo Radio
And 6±Disc CD/DVD Changer
(MP3/WMA AUX Jack)..................182
NOperating Instructions - Radio Mode.......183
NOperation Instructions - (Disc Mode For CD
And MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-Video)....190
NNotes On Playing MP3/WMA Files........192
NList Button (Disc Mode For
MP3/WMA Play).....................195
NInfo Button (Disc Mode For
MP3/WMA Play).....................195
mSales Code RER Ð Multimedia System Ð If
Equipped............................197
NOperating Instructions Ð Satellite Radio.....199NOperating Instructions Ð Hands-Free
Communication (UConnectŸ) (If Equipped) . . 199
NClock Setting Procedure.................199
mSatellite Radio (RSC) Ð If Equipped
(RER/REQ/REN Radios Only).............201
NSystem Activation.....................201
NElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ENS/SID)....................202
NSelecting Satellite Mode.................202
NSatellite Antenna......................202
NReception Quality.....................203
NOperating Instructions - Satellite Mode......203
NOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone
(If Equipped)........................205
154 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

NOperating Instructions - Video Entertainment
System (VESŸ) (If Equipped).............206
mRemote Sound System Controls Ð If Equipped . . 206
NRadio Operation......................207
NCD Player..........................207
mCompact Disc Maintenance................207
mSound Box Operation....................208mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones........209
mClimate Controls.......................209
NAir Conditioning And Heater.............210
NOperating Tips.......................213
NOperation Tips Chart...................215
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 155
4

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
1 Ð Headlight Switch 6 Ð Glove Box 11 Ð Transfer Case Switch*
2 Ð Air Outlets 7 Ð Radio 12 Ð Speed Control Switches
3 Ð Demister Outlets 8 Ð Climate Controls 13 Ð Hood Release
4 Ð Instrument Cluster 9 Ð Power Outlet 14 Ð Parking Brake Release
5 Ð Airbags 10 Ð Heated Seat Switches* * If Equipped 156 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 157
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the ªHº mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase engine speed
for 2-3 minutes. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, seek authorized service immediately.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gauge pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
158 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

left/right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM
vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more
than one mile.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads 1/8
of a tank or less. There is a pointer on the side of
this symbol that indicates the side that your fuel
filler door is located.
5. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the airbag system. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.7. Coolant Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shift into N
(Neutral) and increase the engine speed for 2 to 3
minutes. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, seek authorized service immediately.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the light remains on, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 159
4

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
8. Speedometer
Shows the vehicles speed.
9. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.10. Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
11. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
160 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS