2009 DODGE DAKOTA brake fluid

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

NNV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................ 251
NShifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer
Case.............................. 255
NNV 244 Generation II Transfer Case
Operating Information / Precautions....... 257
NShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case....................... 261
mLimited-Slip Rear Axle Differential Ð If
Equipped............................ 262
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces............. 263
mDriving Through Water.................. 264
NFlowing/Rising Water................. 264
NShallow Standing Water................ 264
mPower Steering........................ 266NPower Steering Fluid Check............. 266
mParking Brake........................ 267
mBrake System......................... 269
NRear-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ±
If Equipped......................... 269
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 270
mTire Safety Information.................. 272
NTire Markings....................... 272
NTire Identification Number (TIN).......... 275
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 276
mTires Ð General Information.............. 280
NTire Pressure........................ 280
NTire Inflation Pressures................. 281
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch
pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause
abnormal wear on the clutch.
NOTE:During cold weather, you may experience in-
creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid
warms up. This is normal.
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
²Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle's drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle's fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission/transaxle, axle, etc.) for signs of con-
tamination (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in
appearance) after driving through standing water.
Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid
appears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
²Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
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apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. For correct fluid type, refer to ºPower Steering
Reservoirº under ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section.
PARKING BRAKE
The foot-operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
NOTE:The instrument cluster Brake Warning Light
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

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

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð 3.7L
1 Ð Air Cleaner Filter 7 Ð Battery
2 Ð Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 Ð Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 9 Ð Engine Oil Fill
4 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
5 Ð Clutch Fluid Reservoir (Manual Transmission Only) 11 Ð Washer Fluid Reservoir
6 Ð Power Distribution Center 12 Ð Engine Coolant ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð 4.7L
1 Ð Air Cleaner Filter 7 Ð Engine Oil Fill
2 Ð Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 Ð Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 9 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
4 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 Ð Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 Ð Power Distribution Center 11 Ð Engine Coolant Reservoir
6 Ð Battery 352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE