2009 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

To Stow the Flat or Spare
Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the
wheel retainer through the center of the wheel and
position it properly across the wheel opening.
For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow
with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.
Rotate the winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn
into place against the underside of the vehicle. Continue
to rotate until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click
three times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the
tire several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
NOTE:To Stow the Flat or Spare: Wheel retainer does
not fit through the center of the aluminum wheel. The tire
must be stored in a safe manner in the bed of the truck.
JUMP±STARTING
WARNING!
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don't lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery
or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12-Volts.
Check the Battery Test Indicator (if equipped). If a light or
bright colored dot is visible in the indicator, DO NOT
jump-start the battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 343
6

If the indicator is dark or shows a green dot, proceed as
follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watch bands or bracelets, which might make an
unintended electrical contact.
2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the ignition
OFF on both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact to a metal surface of the engine block.
WARNING!
²Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
(Continued)
344 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)
²During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump-start.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
²Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
²Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
²Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 345
6

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE, while apply-
ing slight pressure to the accelerator.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Allow the engine to
idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
Tow Hooks
346 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
²Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury
or death.
²Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recom-
mended.Attach towing device to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle Ð not to bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws, applying to vehicles
under tow, must be observed.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised
and the opposite end on a towing dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 347
6

Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the ignition key in the
OFF position, along with the front wheels raised and the
rear wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed
30 mph (50 km/h), and the distance must not exceed
15 miles (25 km).If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km)
or faster than 30 mph (50 km/h), it must be towed on a
flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised and the front
wheels on the ground, or with the front end raised and
the rear wheels on a towing dolly.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle with the rear wheels on the
ground at more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than
15 miles (25 km), can cause severe transmission damage.
348 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð 3.7L............. 351
mEngine Compartment Ð 4.7L............. 352
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II....... 353
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 353
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................ 354
mReplacement Parts..................... 355
mDealer Service........................ 356
mMaintenance Procedures................. 356NEngine Oil......................... 356
NEngine Oil Filter..................... 358
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter............... 359
NMaintenance-Free Battery............... 359
NAir Conditioner Maintenance............ 360
NDrive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints....... 361
NBody Lubrication..................... 362
NWindshield Wiper Blades............... 362
NWindshield Washers................... 363
7

NExhaust System...................... 363
NCooling System...................... 366
NBrake System....................... 371
NClutch Hydraulic System............... 372
NManual Transmission.................. 372
NAutomatic Transmission................ 372
NTransfer Case....................... 375
NAxles............................. 375
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 376
mFuses.............................. 381
NUnderhood Fuses (Power Distribution
Center)............................ 381
mVehicle Storage....................... 386mReplacement Light Bulbs................. 387
mBulb Replacement..................... 387
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights............................. 387
NRear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stop Lamps,
And Turn Signal Bulbs Ð Replacement..... 389
NCenter High-Mounted Stop Light And Cargo
Lamp............................. 391
NLicense Lamps...................... 394
NFog Lights......................... 395
mFluids And Capacities................... 396
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts....... 397
NEngine............................ 397
NChassis............................ 398
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE