2009 DODGE DAKOTA high beam

Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected the cause should be located and corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
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Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada ± Standard and
U.S. Fleet Vehicles) Ð If Equipped
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started, the transmission is out of the PARK
position and the parking brake is released. This provides
a constant9lights on9condition until the ignition is
turned OFF. The lights illuminate at less than normal
intensity. If the parking brake is applied or the transmis-
sion is in the PARK position, the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) will turn off.
Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, courtesy lights or cargo
lights are left on, after the ignition is turned OFF, a chime
will sound when the driver's door is opened.
Fog Lights Ð If Equipped
The Fog Lights are turned on by placing the
headlight rotary control in the parking light or
headlight position and pushing on the headlight
rotary control. The fog lights will operate only when the
parking lights are on, or when the vehicle headlights are
on low beam. An indicator light located in the instrument
cluster will illuminate when the fog lights are on. The fog
lights will turn off when the switch is pushed a second
time, also when the headlight switch is rotated to the off
position, or the high beam is selected.
Cargo Light Ð If Equipped
The cargo lights are turned on by pressing on the
CARGO button. The cargo lights will also turn on for
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If an indicator fails
to light when the multifunction lever is moved, it would
suggest that the switch or indicator lamp is defective.
If a defective bulb or wiring circuit is detected for the
turn signal system, the arrow indicators will flash at a
faster rate.
NOTE:If a turn signal has been left on for at least a mile
duration, a continuous chime will sound.
Turn Signal Auto-Mode
Tap the multifunction lever once and the turn signal (left
or right) will flash three times, and automatically turn off.
Flash-To-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will turn on the high beam headlights
until the multifunction lever is released.
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch
Pull the multifunction lever fully toward the steering
wheel to switch the headlights from high or low beam.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The multifunction lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
Windshield Wipers
The wipers and washers are operated by a switch in the
multifunction lever. Turn the end of the multifunction
lever to select the desired wiper speed.
High Beam/Low Beam
Wiper/Washer Operation
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129
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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
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Gross Axle Weight Rating...............309,311
Gross Cargo Weight...................... 308
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 311
GVWR............................... 308
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectt) .............. 82
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water................... 264
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 332
Headlights............................ 387
High Beam........................... 128
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 128
Lights On Reminder.................... 126
Passing............................. 128
Switch.............................. 125
Heated Seats........................... 120
Heater, Engine Block..................... 241
High Beam Indicator..................... 169High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 128
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 315
Holder, Cup........................... 150
HomeLinkt(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 142
Hood Release.......................... 121
Ignition
Key ................................. 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 16
Infant Restraint.......................... 58
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 289
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 80
Instrument Cluster....................... 168
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 166
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 380
Interior Appearance Care.................. 379
Interior Lights.......................... 123
434 INDEX

Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 130
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Operation.......................332,337
Jacking Instructions...................... 338
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 17
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 16
Keyless Entry System...................... 21
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 46
Lane Change and Turn Signals.........127,168,389
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 37
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren).............................. 61
Life of Tires............................ 286
Lights..............................73,123Airbag............................55,178
Anti-Lock Warning..................... 170
Back-Up............................. 389
Brake Warning........................ 174
Bulb Replacement...................... 387
Cargo .............................. 126
Center Mounted Stop................... 391
Courtesy/Reading..................... 136
Cruise.............................. 178
Daytime Running...................... 126
Fog ..........................126,173,395
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 332
Headlights........................... 125
High Beam........................... 128
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 128
Instrument Cluster..................... 168
Intensity Control....................... 123
Interior..........................123,136
License............................. 394
INDEX 435
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