2008 DODGE DAKOTA instrument cluster

NOTE:It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) consists of
the following components:
²Receiver Module
²4 Wheel Sensors
²Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more of
the four active road tire pressures are low. The audible
chime will sound once every ignition cycle for each
condition that it detects. Should this occur, you should
stop as soon as possible, check the inflation pressure of
each tire on your vehicle, and inflate each tire to the
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Thesystem will automatically update and the TPM warning
lamp will extinguish once the updated tire pressures
have been received. The vehicle may need to be driven
for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (25 kph) to receive
this information.
The ªTire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lightº will flash
on and off for 75 seconds, and will remain on solid when
a system fault is detected. The system fault will also
sound a chime. If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence
will repeat, providing the system fault still exists. A
system fault can occur by any of the following scenarios:
1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same Radio Frequencies as the TPM
sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message
will be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the
gas cap until a9clicking9sound is heard. This is an
indication that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press
the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If the
problem persists, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap.
If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system is determined not ready
for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 335
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Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES (POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER)
Your vehicle is equipped with an electrical power distri-
bution center located on the left side of the engine
compartment.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed inbold
typeon the following pages must be done at the times or
mileages specified to assure the continued proper func-
tioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
The ªChange Oilº message will flash in the instrument
cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
388 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse Factory
Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual or under
ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level whilethe vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 389
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Hoses................................ 356
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 14
Infant Restraint........................55,56
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 270
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 77
Instrument Cluster....................... 158
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 156
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 367
Interior Appearance Care.................. 366
Interior Lights.......................... 113
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 119
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Operation.......................313,318Jacking Instructions...................... 319
Key, Programming........................ 16
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 14
Keyless Entry System...................... 21
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 45
Lane Change and Turn Signals......... 117,158,377
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 36
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....... 59
Life of Tires............................ 267
Lights..............................71,112
Airbag............................53,166
Anti-Lock Warning..................... 160
Back-Up............................. 377
Brake Warning........................ 164
INDEX 415
10

Bulb Replacement...................373,374
Cargo .............................. 116
Center Mounted Stop................... 379
Courtesy/Reading..................... 126
Cruise.............................. 167
Daytime Running...................... 115
Fog .......................... 116,163,383
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 312
Headlights........................... 114
High Beam........................... 118
High Beam/Low Beam Select.............. 118
Instrument Cluster..................... 158
Intensity Control....................... 113
Interior........................... 113,126
License............................. 382
Lights On Reminder.................... 116
Low Fuel.........................158,159
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 164
Passing............................. 118Seat Belt Reminder..................... 159
Service.............................. 373
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 165
Turn Signal..................... 117,374,377
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 158
Limited-Slip Differential................... 244
Loading Vehicle......................... 288
Tires ............................... 257
Locks................................. 28
Auto Unlock.......................... 31
Automatic Door........................ 30
Child Protection........................ 32
Door................................ 28
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 29
Steering Wheel......................... 18
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 59
Lubrication, Body....................... 348
416 INDEX

Shifting............................. 231
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener
(HomeLinkt) ........................... 132
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 267
Trip Computer.......................... 126
Trip Odometer.......................... 163
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 167
Turn Signals................... 117,158,374,377
UConnectŸ (Hands-Free Phone)...........79,197
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 404
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port.............. 197
Universal Transmitter..................... 132
Unlock, Auto........................... 31
USB Port.............................. 197Utility Rails, Rear Cargo Area............... 149
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................. 356
Variance, Compass....................... 131
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................258,288
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 373
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description)............. 158
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 401
Washers, Windshield..................... 120
Washing Vehicle......................... 364
Water
Driving Through...................... 245
Weight Load Carrying.................... 288
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 269
424 INDEX