2008 DODGE DAKOTA tailgate

NGeneral Information...................138
mElectrical Power Outlets..................138
NElectrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
(Battery Fed Configuration)..............139
mFloor Console Ð If Equipped..............140
NFloor Console Features.................140
mCenter Storage Compartment Ð If Equipped . . . 141
mCup Holders..........................141
mRear Storage ± If Equipped................142
NRear Convenience Storage Crates..........142
NPlastic Grocery Bag Retainers.............144
mRear Window Features...................145NRear Window Defroster ± If Equipped.......145
NSliding Rear Window ± If Equipped........146
mTailgate..............................146
NTailgate Removal.....................146
NTwo Position Tailgate / Upper
Load Platform.......................147
mRear Cargo Area Utility Rails..............149
mSlide-In Campers.......................151
NCamper Applications...................151
NGeneral Information...................151
NCarbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap Or Slide-In Campers..........151
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Sliding Rear Window ± If Equipped
A locking device in the center of the window helps to
prevent entry from the rear of the vehicle. Squeeze the
lock to release the window.
TAILGATE
Tailgate Removal
To simplify mounting a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. Follow these steps:
1. Open the tailgate to a 45É angle.
2. Unclip and remove the cables from the box while
maintaining a 45É angle.
Sliding Rear Window Latch
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Lift the tailgate off of the pivot on the passenger side
by pulling upward and rearward at the same time.
4. Slide the tailgate to the passenger side while making
sure clearance from the box and taillight is maintained.
To reinstall the tailgate, do the following:
1. Slide the tailgate onto the driver's side pivot.2. Hold the tailgate at a 45É angle and insert it into the
passenger side pivot.
3. Clip the cables to the box.
Two Position Tailgate / Upper Load Platform
Your tailgate can be opened to the full open or the partial
open position. The partial open position is for loading
objects longer than the length of the bed (sheets of
plywood, etc.) by creating an upper load platform:
1. Install lumber
²Place lumber across the box in the indentations
provided above the wheel housings and in the
bulkhead dividers to form the floor. There are
indents in the sheet metal (or bed liner if equipped)
on the inner side of the box in front (Club Cab only)
and behind both wheel housings.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 147
3

2. Secure the tailgate in the partially open position:
²Open the tailgate slightly.
²Snap the tailgate support cable between the cable
guide and the tailgate bumper. Do this on both sides
of the tailgate.To return the tailgate to the full open position:
²Lift up on the tailgate.
²Remove both cables from between the cable guides
and the tailgate bumpers and lower the tailgate.
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
²Care should always be exercised when operating a
vehicle with cargo. Vehicle speeds may need to be
reduced. Severe turns or rough roads may cause
shifting or bouncing of the cargo that may result in
vehicle damage.
²Insure the load is securely tied down and is
properly identified according to local laws if it
extends beyond the taillamps.
²LOADING should not exceed 400 lbs (181 kg) of
material suspended above the wheelhouse and
partially open tailgate or vehicle damage may
result.
REAR CARGO AREA UTILITY RAILS
CAUTION!
The maximum load per cleat should not exceed 320
lbs (145 kg) and the angle of the load on each cleat
should not exceed 60 degrees above horizontal, or
damage to the cleat or cleat rail may occur.
There are four adjustable cleats that can be used to assist
in securing cargo. Each cleat must be located and tight-
ened down in one of the detentes, located on either rail,
in order to keep cargo properly secure.
To move the cleat to any position on the rail, turn the nut
counterclockwise approximately three turns. Then pull
out on the cleat and slide it to the detent nearest the
desired location. Make sure the cleat is seated in the
detent and tighten the nut.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 149
3

SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in
campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please
refer to the Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load-
ing document located in your Owner's Manual packet or
available from your dealer. For safety reasons, follow all
instructions on this important document.
General Information
The Manufacturer's Warranty does not apply to body
modifications and special equipment, such as a camper
unit, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc., supplied by
manufacturers other than the manufacturer. For warranty
coverage and service on these items, contact the appli-
cable manufacturer.To mount a camper unit with an overhang, the tailgate
can be removed. Unlatch tailgate and remove support
cables from the retainer pins. Raise right side of tailgate
until the lower right side pivot clears the hanger bracket.
Then slide the tailgate to the right to remove.
Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap or Slide-In Campers
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the
exhaust system on vehicles equipped with ªCap or
Slide-In Campersº should extend beyond the overhang-
ing camper compartment and be free of leaks.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
3

Storage Compartment, Center Seat........... 141
Storage, Vehicle......................... 373
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 325
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 270
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 341
System, Navigation...................... 197
System, Remote Starting.................... 27
Tachometer............................ 161
Tailgate............................... 146
Taillights.............................. 377
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 158
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 59
Theft System Arming...................... 19
Theft System Disarming.................... 19
Tilt Steering Column..................... 120
Tire and Loading Information Placard......257,270
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 256
Tire Markings.......................... 253Tire Safety Information.................... 253
Tires ............................70,261,404
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 267
Air Pressure.......................... 261
Alignment........................... 269
Chains.............................. 270
Changing............................ 313
Compact Spare........................ 265
General Information.................... 261
High Speed.......................... 264
Inflation Pressures..................... 262
Jacking............................. 318
Life of Tires.......................... 267
Load Capacity.....................257,258
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 273
Pressure Warning Light.................. 165
Quality Grading....................... 404
Radial.............................. 264
Replacement......................... 268
422 INDEX

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