2009 DODGE DAKOTA stop start

þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOW
Snow plows, winches, and other aftermarket equipment
shouldnotbe added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in the
front end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpect-
edly or could fail to deploy during a collision.
WARNING!
Do not add a snow plow, winches, or any other
aftermarket equipment to the front of your vehicle.
This could adversely affect the functioning of the
airbag system and you could be injured.
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
5

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Al-
ways stow the jack, tools and the extra tire and wheel
in the places provided.
8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. Stow the
replaced tire, jack, and tools as previously described.
9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE:Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
²Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
²Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
²Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking.
²Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
²Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
²Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
²Only use the jack in the positions indicated.
²If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
²To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
342 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

Battery............................... 359
Charging............................ 343
Emergency Starting..................... 343
Gas Caution.......................... 343
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 124
Belts, Seat.............................. 37
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 362
Box, Sound............................ 220
B-Pillar Location........................ 276
Brake Fluid............................ 398
Brake System........................269,371
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................269,270
Fluid Check.......................... 371
Master Cylinder....................... 371
Parking............................. 267
Warning Light.....................170,174
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 246
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 70Bulb Replacement....................... 387
Bulbs, Light............................ 387
Calibration, Compass..................... 140
Camper............................... 157
Capacities, Fluid........................ 396
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 357
Power Steering........................ 266
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 368
Car Washes............................ 377
Carbon Monoxide Warning..............158,302
Cargo Light............................ 126
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 308
Cellular Phone........................82,228
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 391
Certification Label....................... 308
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 332
Charging.............................. 343
INDEX 429
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeySTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The SteeringWheel LockAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
- IF EQUIPPED Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingVEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY Vehicles Equipped With Power Door LocksREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY To Unlock The
DoorsTo Lock The DoorsUsing The Panic AlarmGeneral InformationProgramming Additional TransmittersBattery ReplacementREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM -IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power
WindowsAuto Down (Drivers Side Only)Window Lockout SwitchWind BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt Pretensioners
Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts And Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagsEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust SystemSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorOutside Mirrors
Outside Mirrors Folding Feature - If EquippedPower MirrorsHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect System
General InformationVOICE RECOGNITION SYSTEM (VR) - IF EQUIPPED Voice Recognition System (VR) OperationCommandsVoice TrainingSEATS Manual Seat AdjustmentFront Seats Manual Seat ReclinersManual Lumbar Support Adjustment - If EquippedAdjustable
Head Restraints - Front Seating PositionsSix-Way Power Seat Adjuster - Drivers Side OnlyExtended Cab/Crew Cab Rear SeatHeated Seats - If EquippedTOOPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior LightsBattery SaverHeadlight DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights
And Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (Canada - Standard and U.S. Fleet Vehicles) - If EquippedLights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedCargo Light - If EquippedMultifunction LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield WipersWindshield Washers
TILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE Courtesy/Reading Lights
COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER US/M ButtonRESET ButtonSTEP ButtonAverage Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip Odometer (ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T ButtonGlobal ResetCompass/Temperature DisplayAutomatic Compass
CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationTo Put Into a Calibration ModeOutside TemperatureGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming A Single HomeLink ButtonSecurity
Troubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OFF (Battery Fed Configuration)CUPHOLDERS REAR STORAGE - IF EQUIPPED Rear Convenience Storage CratesPlastic Grocery Bag Retainers FLOOR
CONSOLE - IF EQUIPPED Floor Console FeaturesREAR CARGO AREA UTILITY RAILS REAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Defroster - If EquippedSliding Rear Window - If EquippedSLIDE-IN CAMPERS Camper ApplicationsGeneral InformationCarbon Monoxide
Warning-Vehicles Equipped With A Cap or Slide-In CampersTAILGATE Tailgate RemovalTwo-Position Tailgate/Upper Load PlatformUNDERSTANDING YOURINSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and
MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)AM/FM/CD/DVD MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM RADIO (RER/REN) - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Voice
Recognition System (VR) - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) - If EquippedClock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation
Instructions - CD MODE For CD And MP3 Audio PlayNotes on Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeSALES CODE RES/RSC - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) AND SIRIUS RADIO Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
Operation Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SOUND BOX OPERATION SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED (REN/REQ/RER/RES/REU RADIOS ONLY)
System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video
Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationCD PlayerCD/DVD MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Air Conditioning And Heater Operating Tips
Operation Tips Chart STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionNormal StartingExtreme Cold Weather(below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER -
IF EQUIPPED MANUAL TRANSMISSION Shifting DownshiftingReverse ShiftingAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Brake/Transmission Interlock SystemAutomatic TransmissionFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION NV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating Information/
PrecautionsShifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer Case NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating Information / PrecautionsShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case LIMITED-SLIP REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY
SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterPOWER STEERING Power Steering Fluid CheckPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Rear-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) - If EquippedFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS)TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresTire Pressures for High Speed OperationRadial Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If
EquippedLimited-Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL TIREPRESSURE
INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS Reformulated Gasoline
Gasoline/Oxygenate BlendsE-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel VehiclesMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsFLEXIBLE FUEL (4.7L ENGINE ONLY) - IF EQUIPPED E-85 General InformationETHANOL FUEL (E-85)Fuel
RequirementsSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles (E-85) and Gasoline VehiclesStartingCruising RangeReplacement PartsADDING FUELFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)VEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelCurb WeightLoadingTRAILER TOWING Common Towing
DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsSNOWPLOW RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) 2WD Models4WD ModelsWHAT TO DO
IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER CHANGING A FLAT TIRE Jack LocationRemoving The Spare TireTire Changing ProcedurePreparationsInstructionsTo Stow the Flat or SpareJUMP-STARTING FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS
- IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE Four-Wheel Drive VehiclesTwo-Wheel Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 3.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 4.7L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap
MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenanceDrive Shaft
Constant Velocity JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemBrake SystemClutch HydraulicSystemManual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionTransfer CaseAxlesAppearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
FUSES Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn LightsRear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stop Lamps, And Turn Signal Bulbs - ReplacementCenter
High-Mounted Stop Light And Cargo LampLicense LampsFog LightsFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsWARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesIF YOU
NEED ASSISTANCE Chrysler LLC Customer CenterChrysler Canada Inc. Customer CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)Service ContractINDEX