2008 DODGE DAKOTA engine

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner's manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................43
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............44
NSeat Belt Extender......................44
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) ± Airbags...........45
NEvent Data Recorder (EDR)...............53
NChild Restraint........................55mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........68
mSafety Tips............................69
NExhaust System.......................69
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle..........................70
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle..........................70
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual TransmissionÐIf Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two (2)
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
Ignition Key Release Button
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:A key, which has not been programmed, is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut off
after two (2) seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.NOTE:
²The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with some after-market remote starting systems. Use
of these systems may result in vehicle starting prob-
lems and loss of security protection.
²Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,Ÿ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder-equipped components on the
same key chain willnotcause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part isphysically held
against the ignition keybeing used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
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General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no
more than 1/2 turn in either direction and the key is not
in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel:
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock:
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ACC, or ON positions, and
the brake pedal is depressed.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visual signals. The
horn will sound repeatedly for 3 minutes and the head-
lights and security light in the instrument cluster will
flash for an additional 15 minutes. The engine will not
run until the system is disarmed.
To Set the Alarm:
The alarm will set when you use the power door locks or
use the Keyless Entry transmitter to lock the doors. After
all the doors are locked and closed, the security light in
the instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that thesystem is arming. The security light in the instrument
panel cluster will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds to
indicate that the alarm is being set. After the alarm is set,
the security light will flash at a slower rate to indicate
that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the security light stays on continuously during
vehicle operation, have the system checked by your
dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter to unlock the
doors. If something has triggered the system in your
absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The security system will also disarm, if the vehicle is
started with a programmed Sentry Key. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Key is used to start a vehicle, the engine
will start and run for 2 seconds and then shut down.
After six unsuccessful attempts at starting the engine, the
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Programming Additional Transmitters
Vehicles will be shipped from the assembly plants with
two transmitters programmed only for that vehicle. A
total of eight transmitters can be programmed for your
vehicle. Additional transmitters can be programmed to
your vehicle through the use of a currently programmed
fob.
NOTE:When entering program mode using that fob, all
other programmed transmitters will be erased and you
will have to reprogram them for your vehicle.
Use the following procedure to program additional key
fobs if the vehicle is not equipped with Sentry Key:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt (Fastening the seatbelt will cancel
any chiming that may confuse you during this program-
ming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.4. Turn the ignition to the ON position (Do not start the
engine).
5. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the key fob.
6. After holding the UNLOCK button for four seconds,
also press the PANIC button within 6 seconds.
7. When a single chime is heard release both buttons. The
chime is an indication that you have successfully entered
program mode. All transmitters that are to be pro-
grammed must be done so within 60 seconds of when the
chime was heard.
8. Using the fob to be programmed, press and hold both
the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons, simultaneously for 2
seconds and then release.
9. Press and release the UNLOCK button a single chime
will be heard.
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