2008 DODGE DAKOTA engine

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and is not an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust System
WARNING!
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an ex-
tremely toxic gas that by itself is colorless and
odorless. To avoid inhaling these gases, the following
precautions should be observed:
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
²It may be necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for more than a short period. If so,
adjust your climate control system to force outside air
into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed and the
controls in any position except OFF or RECIRC.
²The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.
Be aware of changes in the sound of the exhaust system;
exhaust fumes detected inside the vehicle; or damage to
the underside or rear of the vehicle. Have a competent
mechanic inspect the complete exhaust system and adja-
cent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose connections
could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger
compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system
each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace or adjust as required.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
2

NGeneral Information...................138
mElectrical Power Outlets..................138
NElectrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
(Battery Fed Configuration)..............139
mFloor Console Ð If Equipped..............140
NFloor Console Features.................140
mCenter Storage Compartment Ð If Equipped . . . 141
mCup Holders..........................141
mRear Storage ± If Equipped................142
NRear Convenience Storage Crates..........142
NPlastic Grocery Bag Retainers.............144
mRear Window Features...................145NRear Window Defroster ± If Equipped.......145
NSliding Rear Window ± If Equipped........146
mTailgate..............................146
NTailgate Removal.....................146
NTwo Position Tailgate / Upper
Load Platform.......................147
mRear Cargo Area Utility Rails..............149
mSlide-In Campers.......................151
NCamper Applications...................151
NGeneral Information...................151
NCarbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap Or Slide-In Campers..........151
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

²You can also press the ªVoice Recognitionº button
anytime while the list is being played, and then choose
the phone you wish to delete.
Things You Should Know About Your UConnectT
System
UConnecttTutorial
To hear a brief tutorial of the system features, press the
ªPhoneº button and say ªUConnecttTutorial.º
Voice Training
For users experiencing difficulty with the system recog-
nizing their voice commands or numbers, the UConnectt
system Voice Training feature may be used. To enter this
training mode, follow one of the two procedures:
From outside the UConnecttmode (e.g. from radio
mode)
²Press and hold the ªVoice Recognitionº button for 5
seconds until the session begins, or,
²Press the ªVoice Recognitionº button and say9Setup,
Voice Training9command.
Repeat the words and phrases when prompted by the
UConnecttsystem. For best results, the Voice Training
session should be completed when the vehicle is parked,
engine running, all windows closed, and the blower fan
switched off.
This procedure may be repeated with a new user. The
system will adapt to the last trained voice only.
To restore the Voice Recognition system to factory default
settings, enter the Voice Training session via the above
procedure and follow the prompts.
Voice Recognition (VR)
²
For best performance, adjust the rear view mirror to
provide at least1¤2inch (1 cm) gap between the
overhead console (if equipped) and the mirror.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97
3

Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight lenses
that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada ± Standard and
US Fleet Vehicles ± If Equipped)
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started, the transmission is out of the PARK
position and the parking brake is released. This provides
a constant9Lights ON9condition until the ignition is
turned OFF. The lights illuminate at less than normal
intensity. If the parking brake is applied or the transmis-
sion is in the park position, the Daytime Running Lights
will turn off.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3

WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over accelerator opera-
tion at speeds greater than (refer to the table below for
the speed for your specific engine). The controls are
mounted on the steering wheel.
Tilt Steering Column Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 121
3

WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control ON when not in use is
dangerous. You could accidentally set the system to
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the sys-
tem OFF when you aren't using it.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above
(refer to the table below for the speed for your specific
engine).
To Vary The Speed Setting
When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by
pressing and holding the ACCEL button. When the
button is released, a new set speed will be established.Tapping the ACCEL button once will result in a speed
increase (refer to the table below for the speed for your
specific engine). Each time the button is tapped, speed
increases so that tapping the button three times will
increase speed by three increments.
Tapping the DECEL button once will result in a speed
decrease (refer to the table below for the speed for your
specific engine). Each time the button is tapped, speed
will decrease. For example, tapping the button 3 times
will decrease the speed by 3 times the speed listed in the
table below (refer to the table below for the speed for
your specific engine).
To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the DECEL button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
3

Functions All Engines
Engage Speed 30 mph (48 km/h)
Minimun RESUME Speed 25 mph (40 km/h)
ACCEL Increase 2 mph (3km/h)
DECEL Decrease 1 mph (2 km/h)
Dropout Speed 25 mph (40 km/h)
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below (refer to the
table below for the speed for your specific engine), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may
exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions.
To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im-
prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to lock out
overdrive by pressing the ªTOW/HAULº button located
at the end of the gear shifter.
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To set the variance: Turn the ignition ON and set the
display to ªCompass/Temperature.º Press and hold the
RESET button approximately five seconds. The last vari-
ance zone number will be displayed. Press the STEP
button to select the new variance zone and press the
RESET button to resume normal operation.
Outside Temperature
Because the ambient temperature sensor is located un-
derhood, engine temperature can influence the displayed
temperature, therefore, temperature readings are slowly
updated when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph (30
km/h) or during stop and go driving.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER Ð IF EQUIPPED
HomeLinktreplaces up to three remote controls (hand
held transmitters) that operate devices such as garage
door openers, motorized gates, lighting, or home security
systems. The HomeLinktunit operates off of your vehi-
cle's battery.
NOTE:HomeLinktis disabled when the Vehicle Theft
Alarm is active.
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE