2010 DODGE DAKOTA ECO mode

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the Ve-
hicle Security Alarm is activated it will provide both
audible and visible signals. The horn will sound repeat-
edly for the three minutes and the headlights, park lamps
and/or turn signals and Vehicle Security Light will flash
for an additional 15 minutes. The engine will not run
until the Vehicle Security Alarm is disarmed
To Set the Alarm
The Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use the
power door locks, or use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly for approximately
15 seconds to signal that the Vehicle Security Alarm is
arming. After the Vehicle Security Alarm is set, the
Vehicle Security Light will flash at a slower rate to
indicate that the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed.NOTE:
If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-
ously during vehicle operation, have the Vehicle Security
Alarm checked by an authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System
Use the RKE transmitter to unlock the door. If something
has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in your absence,
the horn will sound three times when you unlock the
doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The Vehicle Security Alarm will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Key. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Key is used to start a vehicle, the
engine will run for two seconds and then shut down.
After six unsuccessful attempts at starting the engine, the
Vehicle Security Alarm will shut down until the correct
key is used. To exit alarming mode, press the RKE
transmitter UNLOCK button or start the vehicle with a
programmed Sentry Key.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

4. Test the Flash Lamps With Lock feature while outside
of the vehicle by pressing the LOCK button on the RKE
transmitter with the ignition in the OFF position and the
key removed.
NOTE:Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle
Security Alarm. Opening a door with the Vehicle Security
Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the
UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle Security
Alarm System.
5. If the desired programming was not achieved, or to
reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
Using The Panic Alarm
To activate the Panic mode while the ignition is OFF,
press and release the PANIC button on the RKE trans-
mitter once. When the Panic mode is activated, the
interior lights will illuminate, the headlights and parking
lights will flash, and the horn will sound. To cancel the Panic mode, press and release the PANIC
button on the RKE transmitter a second time. Panic mode
will automatically cancel after three minutes, or if the
vehicle is started or exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). During
the Panic Mode, the door locks and RKE systems will
function normally. Panic mode will not disarm the Ve-
hicle Security Alarm System, on vehicles so equipped.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•The hazard switch is pressed
•The transmission is moved out of PARK
•The brake pedal is pressed
To Exit Remote Start Mode without Driving the
Vehicle
Press and release the REMOTE START button one time,
or allow the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.
NOTE:To avoid unintentional shut downs, the system
will disable the one time press of the REMOTE START
button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote
Start request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode and Drive the Vehicle
Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, press and release
the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to unlock
the doors and disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm (if
equipped). Then, prior to the end of the 15-minute cycle,
insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the switch
to the ON position.
NOTE:
•The ignition switch must be in the ON position in
order to drive the vehicle.
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you press the power door LOCK switch while the key
is in the ignition, and any front door is open, the power
locks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden-
tally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing the key,
or closing the door, will allow the locks to operate. A
chime will sound if the key is in the ignition switch and
the driver’s door is open, as a reminder to remove the
key.
Automatic Door Locks
If this feature is enabled, your door locks will lock
automatically when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 15 mph
(24 km/h).
This feature is enabled when your vehicle is shipped
from the assembly plant and can be disabled by using the
following procedure:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all 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. Within 10 seconds, cycle the key from the LOCK
position to the ON position and back to LOCK position,
a minimum of four times; ending in the LOCK position.
(Do not start the engine.)
5. Within 30 seconds, press the driver’s door LOCK
switch in the LOCK direction.
6. A single chime will be heard to indicate the feature has
been disabled.
7. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
8. If a chime is not heard, program mode was canceled
before the feature could be disabled. If necessary, repeat
the above procedure.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

Auto Unlock On Exit Feature — If Equipped
This feature unlocks all of the doors of the vehicle when
any door is opened. This will occur only after the vehicle
has been shifted into the PARK position after the vehicle
has been driven (shifted out of PARK and the doors
closed).
Auto Unlock Feature Programming
The Customer Programming sequence to disable or en-
able Auto Unlock:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all the doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt. (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may be confusing during this
programming procedure.)
3. Insert the key into the ignition.4. Within 15 seconds, cycle the key from the LOCK
position to the ON position and back to LOCK position,
a minimum of four times; ending in the LOCK position.
(Do not start the engine.)
5. Within 30 seconds, press the driver’s door LOCK
switch in the UNLOCK direction.
6. A single chime will sound to indicate the feature has
been changed.
7. To reactivate the feature, repeat the above steps.
8. If a chime is not heard, program mode was canceled
before the feature could be changed. If necessary, repeat
the above procedure.
32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) 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. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle”. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter-
preted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
WARNING!
•It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
(Continued)
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced aftera collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The 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 autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 138
▫ To Activate ......................... 139
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 139
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 139
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 139
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 139
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 140
 Overhead Console ..................... 141
▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights .............. 142
 Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer . . . 142
▫ US/M Button ....................... 142
▫ Reset Button ........................ 143
▫ Step Button ........................ 143 ▫
Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO) ....... 144
▫ Distance To Empty (DTE) .............. 144
▫ Trip Odometer (ODO) ................. 145
▫ Elapsed Time (ET) ................... 145
▫ C/T Button ........................ 145
▫ Global Reset ........................ 146
▫ Compass/Temperature Display .......... 146
▫ Automatic Compass Calibration .......... 146
▫ Manual Compass Calibration ............ 146
▫ To Put Into a Calibration Mode .......... 147
▫ Outside Temperature .................. 148
 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped ........ 148
▫ Programming HomeLink .............. 149
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81