2009 DODGE DAKOTA ignition

Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the shift lever is in the PARK position (automatic trans-
mission), or REVERSE, or 1st gear (manual transmission).
When parking on a hill, you should apply the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwisethe load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK.
WARNING!
²Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in PARK, a manual transmission in
REVERSE or 1st gear. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
²Never 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
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Parking Brake
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WARNING!
Both Anti-Lock Brake Systems contain sophisticated
electronic equipment. It may be susceptible to inter-
ference caused by improperly installed or high out-
put radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capabil-
ity. Installation of such equipment should be done by
qualified professionals.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
4-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in maintaining
vehicle control under adverse braking conditions. The
system operates with a separate computer to modulate
hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up and help
avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.The system's pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS warning light. When the
light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning
the ignition OFF and ON again may reset the ABS if the
fault detected was only momentary.WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
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²Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.
Base System ± If Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
²Receiver module
²Four tire pressure monitoring sensors
²Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale LampThe Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more of
the four active road tire pressures are low. Should this
occur, you should stop as soon as possible, check the
inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle, and inflate
each tire to the vehicle's recommended cold placard
pressure value. The system will automatically update
and the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will
extinguish once the updated tire pressures have been
received. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
10 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this
information.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will flash on
and off for 75 seconds, and remain on solid when a
system fault is detected. The system fault will also sound
a chime. If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will
repeat, providing the system fault still exists. The Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will turn off when the
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fault condition no longer exists. A system fault can occur
by any of the following scenarios: 1) Jamming due to
electronic devices or driving next to facilities emitting the
same radio frequencies as the TPM sensors; 2) Installing
some form of aftermarket window tinting that affects
radio wave signals; 3) Lots of snow or ice around the
wheels or wheel housings; 4) Using tire chains on the
vehicle; 5) Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM
sensors.
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a non-matching
full size spare wheel and tire assembly.
1. This spare tire does not have a tire pressure monitor-
ing sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the tire
pressure in the spare tire.
2. If you install the full size spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warninglimit, upon the next ignition key cycle a chime will sound
and the TPM Telltale Lamp will still turn ON due to the
low tire.
3. However, after driving the vehicle for up to 10 min-
utes above 15 mph (25 km/h), the TPM Telltale Lamp
will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on
solid.
4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound and the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid.
5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire, and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the full size spare tire,
the TPMS will update automatically and the TPM Telltale
Lamp will turn OFF, as long as no tire pressure is below
the low-pressure warning limit in any of the four active
road tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
10 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.
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CAUTION! (Continued)
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully,
loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the
temperature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel
to help prevent spark knock. If spark knock per-
sists, lighten the load, or engine piston damage
may result.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
²The use of fuel additives which are now being
sold as octane enhancers is not recommended.
Many of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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Recreational Towing Procedure
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission into NEUTRAL, or de-
press clutch on manual transmission.6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
4 seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start engine.
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9. Shift automatic transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.
12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key to the
unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift automatic transmission into PARK. Shift
manual transmissions into 4th gear.
14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
15. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
NOTE:
²Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until the 4 seconds elapse
and the shift has been completed. If any of theserequirements (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are
not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL button or
are no longer met during the 4 second timer, then the
NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously until
all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL button
is released.
²The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If
the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
²Flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates
that shift requirements have not been met.
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CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is off prior
to shifting the transmission into PARK.
Returning to Normal Operation
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
2. The vehicle must be at a complete stop.
3. Place the ignition key in the OFF position (if it has
been moved or the engine has been started).
4. Place ignition key in the ON position (engine off).
5. Depress brake pedal.6. Shift automatic transmission into NEUTRAL, or de-
press clutch on manual transmission.
7. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
1 second.
8. After the NEUTRAL indicator light turns off, release
the NEUTRAL button.
9. After the NEUTRAL button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position identified by the
selector switch.
10. Start the engine. Shift the automatic transmission into
DRIVE, or place the manual transmission in 1st gear and
momentarily release the clutch, to verify that the transfer
case has engaged.
11. Set parking brake. Shift automatic transmission into
PARK or shift manual transmission into NEUTRAL.
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