2008 DODGE DAKOTA light

Interior Lights
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotating
wheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the
second upward detent position, or if equipped, when the
UNLOCK button is pressed on the key fob.When a door
is open and the interior lights are on, rotating the dimmercontrol all the way down to the OFF detent will cause all
the interior lights to go out. This is also known as the
9Party9mode because it allows the doors to stay open for
extended periods of time without discharging the vehi-
cle's battery.
The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control up (brighter) or
down (dimmer). When the headlights are ON you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
up until you hear a click. This feature is termed the
ªParadeº mode and is useful when headlights are re-
quired during the day. If the dimmer control is not in this
position, the audio display may be difficult to read if the
headlights are on during the daytime.
Club Cab/Quad Cab models may have an optional
switched dome lamp that may be operated by pressing
the lens.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3

Battery Saver
To protect the life of your vehicle's battery, Load Shed-
ding is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.
If the ignition is off and any door is left ajar for 15
minutes or the dimmer control is rotated upwards for 15
minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.
If the headlamps remain on while the ignition is cycled
off, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after 8
minutes. If the headlamps are turned on and left on for 8
minutes while the ignition is off, the exterior lights will
automatically turn off.
NOTE:Battery Saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
Headlamp Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlamp delay that will leave the headlamps on for 60
seconds. This delay is initiated when the ignition is
turned OFF while the headlamp switch is on, and then
the headlamp switch is cycled off. The headlamps will
remain on for 60 seconds. Headlamp delay can be
cancelled by either turning the headlamp switch ON then
OFF or by turning the ignition ON.
Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first
position, the parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate light and instrument panel
lights are all turned on. The headlights will turn ON
when the switch is rotated to the second position.
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, courtesy lights or cargo
lights are left on, after the ignition is turned off, a chime
will sound when the driver's door is opened.
Fog Lights Ð If Equipped
The foglights are turned ON by placing the head-
light rotary control in the parking light or head-
light position and pressing on the headlight rotary
control. The fog lights will operate only when the parking
lights are ON or when the vehicle headlights are ON low
beam. An indicator light located in the instrument cluster
will illuminate when the fog lights are on. The fog lights
will turn off when the switch is pressed a second time,
also when the headlight switch is rotated to the OFF
position, or the high beam is selected.
CARGO Light Ð If Equipped
The cargo lights are turned on by pressing on the
CARGO button. The interior lights will also turn on
when the cargo lights are on. The cargo lights will also
turn on for 30 seconds when a key fob Unlock is pressed,
as part of the illuminated entry feature.
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Multifunction Control Lever
The multifunction control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
Turn Signals
Move the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or
left-hand turn.The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If an indicator fails
to light when the lever is moved, it would suggest that
the switch or indicator lamp is defective.
If a defective bulb or wiring circuit is detected for the
turn signal system, the arrow indicators will flash at a
faster rate.
You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down.
NOTE:If a turn signal has been left on for at least a mile
duration, a continuous chime will sound.
Turn Signal Auto-Mode
Tap the multi-function control lever once and the turn
signal (left or right) will flash 3 times, and automatically
turn off.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117
3

Passing Light
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the high beam headlights to
turn on until the lever is released.
High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch
Pull the multifunction control lever fully toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from HIGH or
LOW beam.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The multifunction control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don't use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The overhead console has the following features:
²Courtesy Lights
²Garage Door Opener Ð If Equipped
²Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer Ð If
Equipped
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3

Courtesy/Reading Lights
Near the front of the console are two courtesy/reading
lights.
Both lights illuminate as courtesy lights when a door is
opened, when the dimmer control is rotated to the
courtesy light position (fully upward position), or when
the UNLOCK button is pressed on the Remote Keyless
Entry transmitter, if so equipped. These lights are also
operated individually as reading lights by pressing the
recessed area of the corresponding lens.
NOTE:The courtesy/reading lights will remain on until
the switch is pressed a second time, so be sure they have
been turned off before leaving the vehicle. If the interior
lights are left on after the vehicle is turned OFF, they will
extinguish after 8 minutes.
COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER
This feature allows you to choose between a compass/
temperature display and one of four trip conditions being
monitored.
US/M Button
Use this button to change the display from U.S. to metric
measurement units.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE