2009 DODGE DAKOTA engine overheat

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
7

WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance, requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) level is adequate. With the engine cold, the level
of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the coolant recovery
bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
7

Electric Powered....................... 81
Outside.............................. 80
Rearview............................. 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 292
Mopar Parts.........................355,420
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 127
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 70
Occupant Restraints....................... 36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 297
Oil Change Indicator..................... 172
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 172
Oil, Engine.........................356,397
Capacity............................ 396
Change Interval....................... 357
Dipstick............................. 356
Disposal............................ 358Filter............................358,397
Filter Disposal........................ 358
Identification Logo..................... 357
Materials Added to..................... 358
Recommendation...................357,396
Synthetic............................ 358
Viscosity..........................357,396
Onboard Diagnostic System..............353,354
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 142
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 80
Overdrive..........................171,248
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 248
Overhead Console....................135,136
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 136
Overheating, Engine...................... 169
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).........4,421
Panic Alarm............................ 24
INDEX 437
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