2009 DODGE DAKOTA power steering

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys................. 12
NIgnition Key Removal.................. 12
NLocking Doors With The Key............. 15
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped......... 15
NIf You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel.............................. 15
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock........ 15
NAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System............................. 15mSentry KeytImmobilizer System Ð If
Equipped............................. 16
NReplacement Keys..................... 17
NCustomer Key Programming............. 17
mVehicle Security Alarm System Ð If Equipped . . 19
NTo Set The Alarm...................... 19
NTo Disarm The System.................. 19
mIlluminated Entry....................... 20
NVehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks . . . 20
2

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

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission (Getrag 238) MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Clutch Linkage Multi-Purpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multi-Purpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant (MS-9763)
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (MS-8985). Limited-slip rear axles
require MOPARtlimited-slip additive (MS-10111). Whenever a fluid
change is made, 4 oz (118 ml) should be added to the gear lubricant
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARtDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is
not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake
fluids
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under ªOil Change
Requiredº in ªUse Factory Settingsº of the EVIC section
in this manual, or under ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in
the ªInstrument Cluster Descriptions section of this
manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil levelwhile the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission, and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 401
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