2009 DODGE DAKOTA trailer

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. For proper
tire inflation procedures, refer to ªTire Pressuresº
under ºTires±General Informationº in Section 5.
þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. For the proper inspection
procedure, refer to ªTread Wear Indicatorsº under
ºTires±General Informationº in Section 5.
þWhen replacing tires, refer to ªReplacement Tiresº
under ªTires±General Informationº in Section 5. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle's
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations:
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in 1st gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the TOW/
HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the ªMain-
tenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for proper maintenance
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

CavityCartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
8 10 Amp
RedCabin Compartment
Node (CCN)/Mirror/
4x4
9 Spare
10 2 Amp
GrayLow Current Ignition
Switch
11 10 Amp
RedAC Clutch
12 15 Amp
BlueTrailer Tow Lt Stop/
Turn
13 15 Amp
BlueTrailer Tow Rt Stop/
Turn
14 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw
(IOD) #2
15 25 Amp
NaturalTrans/Powertrain
Control Module
(PCM)CavityCartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
16 20 Amp
YellowHorn
17 20 Amp
YellowABS Feed (Valves)
18 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump
19 15 Amp
BlueCenter High-Mounted
Stop Light (CHMSL)
20 20 Amp
YellowCabin Compartment
Node (CCN) Door
Locks/Brake Trans-
mission Shift Inter-
lock (BTSI)
21 25 Amp
NaturalAudio Amp
22 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet (Switch-
able)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7

CavityCartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
39 30 Amp
PinkStarter Solenoid
40 40 Amp
GreenIgnition Run Feeds
41 30 Amp
PinkWiper Motor
42 25 Amp
NaturalFront Control Module
(FCM) 5 (T-Case)
43 10 Amp
RedLt Park Lamps
44 10 Amp
RedRt Park Lamps
45 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow Park
Lamps
46 10 Amp
RedAirbag System # 2CavityCartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
47 Spare
48 20 Amp
BlueSunroof/Sound Box
49 30 Amp
PinkTrailer Tow B+
50 40 Amp
GreenAnti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) Module
(Pump)
51 40 Amp
GreenPark Lamps
52 Spare
53 40 Amp
GreenRear Defogger
54 Spare
55 Spare
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7

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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30,000 Miles (50,000 km) or
30 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
oRotate tires.
oReplace the engine air cleaner filter.
oReplace the spark plugs (3.7L engines).
oReplace the top row of spark plugs
(4.7L engines). **
oInspect the transfer case fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
36,000 Miles (60,000 km) or
36 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.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
42,000 Miles (70,000 km) or
42 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
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 405
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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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