2008 DODGE DAKOTA maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE...............................73
4INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS......................................... 153
5STARTING AND OPERATING................................................. 217
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES...............................................311
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE............................................... 329
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.................................................. 387
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE..........................................397
10INDEX....................................................................407
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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

NOperating Instructions - Video Entertainment
System (VESŸ) (If Equipped).............206
mRemote Sound System Controls Ð If Equipped . . 206
NRadio Operation......................207
NCD Player..........................207
mCompact Disc Maintenance................207
mSound Box Operation....................208mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones........209
mClimate Controls.......................209
NAir Conditioning And Heater.............210
NOperating Tips.......................213
NOperation Tips Chart...................215
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 155
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Also the cluster will display, replacing the odometer,
vehicle warning messages such as: door ajar, low wash,
No-fuse, Change Oil and the outside temperature on
vehicles that are not equipped with the Overhead Con-
sole with Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer.
For additional information, refer to ªCompass/
Temperature Mini-Trip Computerº in section 3.
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn the GASCAP message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
Change Oil Message
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªChange Oilº message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position(Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
162 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

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
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will go to the beginning of the current track or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track, three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left hand switch changes
CD's on the 6±Disc in-dash CD changer radio. This
button does not function for all other radios.
COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the compact discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
NOTE:If you experience difficulty in playing a particu-
lar disc, it may be damaged (i.e. scratched, reflective
coating removed, a hair, moisture or dew on the disc)
oversized, or have theft protection encoding. Try a
known good disc before considering disc player service.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 207
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NSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......286
NStarting............................286
NCruising Range.......................287
NReplacement Parts.....................287
NMaintenance.........................287
mVehicle Loading........................288
NCertification Label.....................288
NCurb Weight.........................289
NLoading............................289
mTrailer Towing.........................291
NCommon Towing Definitions.............291NTrailer Hitch Classification...............295
NTrailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........296
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............296
NTowing Requirements..................298
NTowing Tips.........................302
mSnowplow............................304
NSnowplow Usage.....................304
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 305
NRecreational Towing 2WD Models.........305
NRecreational Towing 4WD Models.........305
mEquipment Identification Plate.............310
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns. These effects can be reduced by timely rotation oftires. The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile
with aggressive tread designs such as those on all season
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº
272 STARTING AND OPERATING