2009 DODGE DAKOTA warning light

NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become temporarily
trapped in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate thekey to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. 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
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 Ð ACC 4 Ð ON/RUN
2 Ð LOCK 5 Ð START
3 Ð OFFTHINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

Once the vehicle has started, the engine will run for
15 minutes. To cancel remote start, press the REMOTE
START button once.
The parking lights will remain illuminated to indicate
that the vehicle has remote started and the engine isrunning. The lights will turn off when the ignition is
turned to RUN or the remote start is cancelled.
To enter the vehicle while the engine is running during a
remote start, you must first unlock the vehicle using the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. Then, prior to
the end of the 15-minute cycle, insert the key into the
ignition switch and turn the switch to the ON position,
otherwise the engine will cancel remote start and auto-
matically turn off.
Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:
²If the engine stalls or the RPM exceeds 2500
²Any engine warning light come on
²The hood is opened
²The Hazard switch is pressed
²The transmission is moved out of PARK
Remote Start Button
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Seat Belt Pretensioners
The seat belts for front outboard seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove any slack from the seat belt system in the event of
a collision. These devices improve the performance of the
seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the
occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all
size occupants, including those in child restraints.
NOTE:These devices are not a substitute for proper seat
belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be
worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re-
straint Controller (ORC). Like the airbags, the pretension-
ers are single-use items. After a collision that is severe
enough to deploy the airbags and pretensioners, both
must be replaced.
Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertT)
If the driver's seat belt has not been buckled within
60 seconds of starting the vehicle, and if the vehicle speed
is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning
System (BeltAlertt) will alert the driver to buckle their
seat belt. The driver should also instruct all other occu-
pants to buckle their seat belts. If the driver unbuckles the
seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, an immediate
chime will be heard and, BeltAlerttwill continue to
chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96 sec-
onds or until the driver's seat belt is buckled. BeltAlertt
will be reactivated if the driver's seat belt is unbuckled
for more than 10 seconds, and the vehicle speed is greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h).
BeltAlerttcan be enabled or disabled by your authorized
dealer, or by following these steps:
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or START position. Chrylser LLC does not recommend
deactivating BeltAlertt.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and
buckle the driver's seat belt.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait
for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn off.
3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle
and then re-buckle the driver's seat belt at least three
times within 10 seconds, ending with the seat belt
buckled.
4. Turn off the engine. A single chime will sound to
signify that you have successfully completed the
programming.
BeltAlerttcan be reactivated by repeating this procedure.NOTE:Although the BeltAlertthas been deactivated,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will continue to illuminate
while the driver's seat belt remains unbuckled.
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use seat belts
throughout their pregnancies. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug against the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended, your
authorized dealer can provide you with a seat belt
extender. This extender should be used only if the
existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required,
remove the extender and store it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
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WARNING! (Continued)
²If the vehicle has window bags, they also need
room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or
window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
²Occupant Restraint Controller
²Side Remote Acceleration Sensors ± if equipped
²Airbag Warning Light
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Window Bags above side windows ± if equipped
²Steering Wheel and Column
²Instrument Panel
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Knee Impact Bolsters
²Front Acceleration Sensors
²Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners
How the Airbag System Works
²
TheOccupant Restraint Controller (ORC)determines
if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. The front airbag inflators are de-
signed to provide different rates of airbag inflation
from direction provided by the ORC. The ORC will not
detect rollover.
The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or RUN position. These include all of the
items listed above, except the steering wheel and
column, and knee bolsters. If the key is in the OFF
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition,
the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
During a moderate-to-severe rear impact, the ORC may
only deploy the seat belt pretensioners.
²Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warn-
ing light in the instrument cluster for six to
eight seconds for a self-check when the
ignition is first turned on. After the self-
check, the AIRBAG warning light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the AIRBAG warning light either momen-
tarily or continuously. A single chime will sound if the
light comes on again after initial start up.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG warning light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won't have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right
away.
NOTE:Children 12 years and younger should always
ride buckled up in a rear seat, in an appropriate child
restraint.
²TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
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WARNING! (Continued)
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag
system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works
on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.
NOTE:Perchlorate Material ± special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately five seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
²The Airbag Warning Light does not come on or flickers
during the six to eight seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the six to eight
second interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
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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