2009 DODGE DAKOTA air condition

NOTE:Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
If your RKE Transmitter fails to operate from a normal
distance, check for these two conditions.
1. Weak batteries in the RKE transmitter. The expected
life of batteries is five years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, military base, and some mobile
or CB radios.
Programming Additional Transmitters
This vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant with two
RKE transmitters programmed for this vehicle only. A
total of eight RKE transmitters can be programmed for
your vehicle. Additional RKE transmitters can be pro-
grammed to your vehicle through the use of currently
programmed RKE transmitters.NOTE:When entering program mode using that cur-
rently programmed RKE transmitter, all other pro-
grammed RKE transmitters will be erased and you will
have to reprogram them for your vehicle.
Use the following procedure to program additional RKE
transmitters if the vehicle is not equipped with a Sentry
Keyt:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all the doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt. (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may confuse you during this
programming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position.(Do not start the
engine.)
5. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
2

WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
seat failure and injury to the child. In a collision, the
seat could come loose and allow the child to crash
into the inside of the vehicle or other passengers, or
even be thrown from the vehicle. Use only the anchor
positions directly behind the child restraint to secure
a child restraint top tether strap. See your authorized
dealer for help, if necessary.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system
each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace or adjust as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Heater Defroster Ducts
Inspect the heater defroster ducts for proper operation.
Check for proper airflow through all defroster ducts. If
there is any question regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any
question regarding seat belt or retractor condition, re-
place the seat belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light should come on, and remain on,
for six to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not lit during
starting, see your authorized dealer. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. If there is a problem
with the airbag warning light, the seat belt light will
flash.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

When you press the VR hard-key, you will hear a beep.
The beep is your signal to give a command.
NOTE:If you do not say a command within a few
seconds, the system will present you with a list of
options.
If you ever wish to interrupt the system while it lists
options, press the VR hard-key, listen for the beep, and
say your command.
Pressing the VR hard-key while the system is speaking is
known as ªbarging in.º The system will be interrupted
and after the beep you can add or change commands.
This will become helpful once you start to learn the
options.
NOTE:At any time, you can say the words CANCEL,
HELP, or MAIN MENU.These commands are universal and can be used from any
menu. All other commands can be used depending upon
the active application.
For example, if you are in the disc menu and you are
listening to FM radio, you can speak commands from the
disc menu or from the FM radio menu.
When using this system, you should speak clearly and at
a normal speaking volume.
The system will best recognize your speech if the win-
dows are closed, and the heater/air-conditioning fan is
set to low.
At any point, if the system does not recognize one of your
commands, you will be prompted to repeat it.
To hear the first available Menu, press the VR hard-key
and say HELP or MAIN MENU.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

To remove the cleats from the utility rail, remove the end
cap by pushing up on the locking tab, located on the
bottom of the end cap. Slide the cleat off the end of the
rail.REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Defroster Ð If Equipped
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
A pushbutton type switch is located on the right
side of the Air Conditioning and Heater Control,
below the A/C (snowflake) button. Pressing the switch
will turn on the Rear Window Defroster. A light above the
Rear Window Defroster symbol will illuminate to indi-
cate the Rear Window Defroster is on. Pushing the button
a second time will turn the Rear Window Defroster off
Utility Rail End Cap
156 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOperating Instructions Ð Satellite Mode.... 223
NOperating Instructions Ð Hands-Free Phone
(If Equipped)........................ 226
NOperating Instructions Ð Video
Entertainment System (VES)Ÿ
(If Equipped)........................ 226
mRemote Sound System Controls Ð
If Equipped........................... 226
NRadio Operation..................... 227NCD Player.......................... 227
mCD/DVD Maintenance.................. 227
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones....... 228
mClimate Controls...................... 228
NAir Conditioning And Heater............ 229
NOperating Tips...................... 232
NOperation Tips Chart.................. 234
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
4

5. High Beam Indicator
The high beam indicator will illuminate if the
headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
The seat belt reminder light will illuminate for
several seconds after the ignition is turned ON as
a reminder to ªbuckle up.º This light will remain
on as long as the seat belt remains unbuckled. If this light
flashes, it indicates a fault in the seat belt system. Have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
7. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proachesH(Hot), this indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound after reaching a setthreshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture gauge to passH(Hot), the indicator will continu-
ously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the light remains on, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4

20. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL