2009 DODGE DAKOTA heater

compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system
each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace or adjust as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Heater Defroster Ducts
Inspect the heater defroster ducts for proper operation.
Check for proper airflow through all defroster ducts. If
there is any question regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any
question regarding seat belt or retractor condition, re-
place the seat belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light should come on, and remain on,
for six to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not lit during
starting, see your authorized dealer. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. If there is a problem
with the airbag warning light, the seat belt light will
flash.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

When you press the VR hard-key, you will hear a beep.
The beep is your signal to give a command.
NOTE:If you do not say a command within a few
seconds, the system will present you with a list of
options.
If you ever wish to interrupt the system while it lists
options, press the VR hard-key, listen for the beep, and
say your command.
Pressing the VR hard-key while the system is speaking is
known as ªbarging in.º The system will be interrupted
and after the beep you can add or change commands.
This will become helpful once you start to learn the
options.
NOTE:At any time, you can say the words CANCEL,
HELP, or MAIN MENU.These commands are universal and can be used from any
menu. All other commands can be used depending upon
the active application.
For example, if you are in the disc menu and you are
listening to FM radio, you can speak commands from the
disc menu or from the FM radio menu.
When using this system, you should speak clearly and at
a normal speaking volume.
The system will best recognize your speech if the win-
dows are closed, and the heater/air-conditioning fan is
set to low.
At any point, if the system does not recognize one of your
commands, you will be prompted to repeat it.
To hear the first available Menu, press the VR hard-key
and say HELP or MAIN MENU.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

WARNING!
²Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, ex-
haustion or other physical condition must exercise
care when using the seat heater. It may cause burns
even at low temperatures, especially if used for
long periods of time.
²Do not place anything on the seat that insulates
against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This
may cause the seat heater to overheat.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released.
1. First pull the hood release lever located under the left
side of the instrument panel.
Hood Release Lever Location
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 121
3

To remove the cleats from the utility rail, remove the end
cap by pushing up on the locking tab, located on the
bottom of the end cap. Slide the cleat off the end of the
rail.REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Defroster Ð If Equipped
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
A pushbutton type switch is located on the right
side of the Air Conditioning and Heater Control,
below the A/C (snowflake) button. Pressing the switch
will turn on the Rear Window Defroster. A light above the
Rear Window Defroster symbol will illuminate to indi-
cate the Rear Window Defroster is on. Pushing the button
a second time will turn the Rear Window Defroster off
Utility Rail End Cap
156 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

available from your authorized 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 Chrysler LLC. 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 the tailgate and remove the
support cables from the retainer pins. Raise the right side
of the 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.
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 45 degree angle.
2. Unclip and remove the cables from the box while
maintaining a 45 degree angle.
158 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOperating Instructions Ð Satellite Mode.... 223
NOperating Instructions Ð Hands-Free Phone
(If Equipped)........................ 226
NOperating Instructions Ð Video
Entertainment System (VES)Ÿ
(If Equipped)........................ 226
mRemote Sound System Controls Ð
If Equipped........................... 226
NRadio Operation..................... 227NCD Player.......................... 227
mCD/DVD Maintenance.................. 227
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones....... 228
mClimate Controls...................... 228
NAir Conditioning And Heater............ 229
NOperating Tips...................... 232
NOperation Tips Chart.................. 234
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
4

Air Conditioning And Heater
Air Conditioning And Heater Operation
To turn on the air conditioning, set the fan control at any
speed and press the SNOWFLAKE button located at the
right of the control panel. Conditioned air will be di-
rected through the outlets selected by the mode control.A light at the top of the SNOWFLAKE button shows that
the air conditioning is on. Press the button a second time
to turn the air conditioning off.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
The Mode Control (at the right of the
control panel) can be set in any of the
following positions:
NOTE:To improve your selection choices, the system
allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots.
Air Conditioning and Heater Control
Mode Control
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 229
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.................... 239
NManual Transmission.................. 239
NAutomatic Transmission................ 239
NNormal Starting..................... 240
NExtreme Cold Weather (Below ±20ÉF Or
±29ÉC)............................ 240
NIf Engine Fails To Start................. 240
NAfter Starting....................... 241
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped......... 241mManual Transmission................... 242
NShifting........................... 243
NDownshifting....................... 244
NReverse Shifting..................... 245
mAutomatic Transmission................. 245
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System...... 246
NAutomatic Transmission................ 246
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation.............. 251
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