2009 DODGE DAKOTA suspension

WARNING!
²DO NOT use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
²NEVER use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
²Because of limited chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.
²Install chains as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
²Do not install tire chains on front wheels of
vehicles.
²Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions
on method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for usage. Always use the lower sug-
gested operating speed of the chain manufacturer
if different than the speed recommended by the
manufacturer.
These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires of your
vehicle.
NOTE:The use of class ªSº chains is permitted on your
vehicle with P245/70R16 tires.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the component in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels).
Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
5

WARNING! (Continued)
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. With a manual transmission, shift the transmis-
sion into REVERSE. For four-wheel drive vehicles,
make sure the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL.
Always, block or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer so that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

18,000 Miles (30,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
oRotate tires.
oInspect the front and rear axle fluid,
change if you are using your vehicle for
police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or frequent
trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
24,000 Miles (40,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil filter.
oRotate tires.
oIf using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
oInspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
oInspect the CV joints.
oInspect the exhaust system.
oInspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
404 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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48,000 Miles (80,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil filter.
oRotate tires.
oIf using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
oInspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
oInspect the CV joints.
oInspect the exhaust system.
oInspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
oRotate tires.
oInspect the front and rear axle fluid,
change if you are using your vehicle for
police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or frequent
trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
406 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
oRotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
72,000 Miles (120,000 km) or 72 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil filter.
oRotate tires.
oIf using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
oInspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
oInspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if you are using your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road, or frequent trailer towing.
oInspect the CV joints.
oInspect the exhaust system.
oInspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
408 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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96,000 Miles (160,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil filter.
oRotate tires.
oIf using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
oInspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
oInspect the CV joints.
oInspect the exhaust system.
oInspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
102,000 Miles (170,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
oRotate tires.
oReplace the ignition cables (4.7L
engines).
oReplace the side row of spark plugs
(4.7L engines). **
oFlush and replace the engine coolant.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 411
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