2008 DODGE DAKOTA catalytic converter

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light Ð If
Equipped
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires are significantly under-inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver 's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 165
4

WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the normal starting procedure should be
repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law. Using
leaded gasoline can impair engine performance, damage the
emission control system.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition malfunc-
tions, can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you
notice a pungent burning odor or some light smoke, your
engine may be out of tune or malfunctioning and may require
immediate service. Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded vehicle
when the humidity is low and the temperature is high, use a
premium unleaded fuel to help prevent spark knock. If spark
knock persists, lighten the load, or engine piston damage may
result.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as octane
enhancers is not recommended. Many of these products con-
tain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or
vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such
fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems can result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly. Follow the
precautions below to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, a
colorless and odorless gas which can kill. Never run the
engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in a
parked vehicle with the engine running for an extended
period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area with the
engine running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper maintenance.
Have the exhaust system inspected every time the vehicle is
raised. Have any abnormal conditions repaired promptly.
Until repaired, drive with all side windows fully open.
²Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to prevent
carbon monoxide and other poisonous exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m3.7L Engine Compartment................332
m4.7L Engine Compartment................333
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........334
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............335
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................335
mReplacement Parts......................337
mDealer Service.........................337
mMaintenance Procedures..................337NEngine Oil..........................338
NEngine Oil Filter......................341
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 342
NSpark Plugs.........................342
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................343
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................343
NCatalytic Converter....................343
NMaintenance Free Battery................345
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............346
7

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule ªAº. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule ªBº.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
7

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Ball Joints............................. 348
Battery............................... 345
Charging............................ 323
Emergency Starting..................... 323
Gas Caution.......................... 323
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 114
Belts, Drive............................ 342
Belts, Seat.............................. 36
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 348
Box, Sound............................ 208
B-Pillar Location........................ 257
Brake Fluid............................ 386
Brake System........................249,357
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................249,250
Disc Brakes.......................... 357
Fluid Check.......................... 357
Hoses.............................. 358
Master Cylinder....................... 357Parking............................. 247
Warning Light.....................160,164
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 225
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 68
Bulb Replacement....................... 374
Bulbs, Light............................ 373
Calibration, Compass..................... 130
Camper............................... 151
Capacities, Fluid........................ 384
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 340
Power Steering........................ 347
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 353
Car Washes............................ 364
Carbon Monoxide Warning..............151,281
Cargo Light............................ 116
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 288
Catalytic Converter...................... 343
INDEX 409
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic
Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY Vehicles EquippedWith Power Door LocksREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsUsing the Panic
AlarmGeneral InformationProgramming Additional TransmittersBattery ReplacementREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows Auto Down (Drivers Side Only)
Window Lockout SwitchWIND BUFFETINGOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder
System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags Event Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust System
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORSInside Day/Night MirrorOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding Feature - If EquippedElectric
Remote-Control MirrorsHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Manual Seat
AdjustmentFront Seats Manual Seat ReclinersManual Lumbar Support Adjustment - If EquippedAdjustable Head Restraints - Front Seating Positions6 -Way Power Seat Adjuster - Drivers Side OnlyExtended Cab/Crew Cab Rear SeatHeated Seats - If EquippedTO OPEN
AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior Lights Battery SaverHeadlamp DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (Canada - Standard and US Fleet Vehicles - If Equipped)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedCARGO Light - If Equipped
Multifunction Control LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield Wipers Windshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IFEQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The
Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE Courtesy/Reading LightsCOMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER US/M ButtonRESET Button Global ResetStep Button Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip Odometer
(ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T Button Compass/Temperature DisplayAutomatic Compass CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationTo Put Into a CalibrationModeOutside TemperatureGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian
ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OFF
(Battery Fed Configuration)FLOOR CONSOLE - IF EQUIPPED Floor Console FeaturesCENTER STORAGE COMPARTMENT - IF EQUIPPED CUP HOLDERS REAR STORAGE - IFEQUIPPED Rear Convenience Storage CratesPlastic Grocery Bag Retainers REAR
WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Defroster - If EquippedSliding Rear Window - If Equipped TAILGATE Tailgate RemovalTwo Position Tailgate / Upper Load PlatformREAR CARGO AREA UTILITY RAILS SLIDE-IN CAMPERS Camper ApplicationsGeneral Information
Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped With A Cap or Slide-In CampersINSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTERINSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting
ProcedureRADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE RES -AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation
Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating
Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)SALES CODE RER - MULTIMEDIA
SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite RadioOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) (If Equipped)Clock Setting ProcedureSATELLITE RADIO (RSC) - IF EQUIPPED (RER/REQ/REN RADIOS ONLY) System ActivationElectronic
Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If
Equipped)REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationCD PlayerCOMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE SOUND BOX OPERATION RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Air Conditioning And Heater Operating
TipsOperation Tips Chart STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionNormal StartingIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingEngine Block Heater - If Equipped AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Brake/Transmission
Interlock SystemAutomatic TransmissionMANUAL TRANSMISSION Recommended Shift SpeedsDownshiftingFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION NV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer Case NV 244
Generation II Transfer Case Operating Information / PrecautionsShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case LIMITED-SLIP REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing WaterPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System - If EquippedFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake SystemPOWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire
PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL
TIRE PRESSURE
INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS Reformulated Gasoline
Gasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)FLEXIBLE FUEL - IF EQUIPPED E-85 General InformationETHANOL FUEL (E-85)Fuel RequirementsSelection
Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles (E-85) and Gasoline VehiclesStartingCruising RangeReplacement PartsMaintenanceVEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelCurb WeightLoadingTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing
Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsSNOWPLOW Snowplow UsageRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing 2WD ModelsRecreational Towing 4WD ModelsEQUIPMENT
IDENTIFICATION PLATE WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER ADDING FUEL CHANGING A FLAT TIRE Jack LocationRemoving The Spare TireTire Changing ProcedureJUMP STARTING FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY TOW
HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE Four-Wheel Drive VehiclesTwo-Wheel Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT 4.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler
Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsEngine Air Cleaner FilterEngine
Fuel FilterCatalytic ConverterMaintenance Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsDrive Shaft Constant Velocity JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling System
Emission Related ComponentsBrake SystemClutch Hydraulic SystemManual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionTransfer CaseAxlesAppearance Careand Protection from CorrosionFUSES (POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT
LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsRear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stoplamp, and Turn Signal Bulbs - ReplacementCenter High-Mounted Stoplamp And Cargo LampLicense LampsFog LampsFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR
OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In Canada
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX