2010 DODGE DAKOTA service indicator

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A “gASCAP” message will be
displayed in the odometer. Tighten the gas cap until a
clickingsound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer reset
button to turn the message off. If the problem persists,
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355

the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If the prob-
lem is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
The “Change Oil” message will flash in the instrument
cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
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S404 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Changing A Flat Tire..................... 333
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 275
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . 356
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 74
Checks, Safety ........................... 74
Child Restraint ........................ 61,62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............64,70
Child Seat .............................. 67
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 382
Climate Control ......................... 237
Clock .................. 187,189,204,206,209,218
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 236
Compass .............................. 146
Compass Calibration ..................... 146
Compass Variance ....................... 147
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 142
Console, Floor .......................... 159
Console, Overhead ....................... 141 Contract, Service
........................ 425
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 371
Cooling System ......................... 369
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 370
Coolant Capacity ...................... 399
Coolant Level ...................... 369,372
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 372
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 369
Inspection ........................... 372
Points to Remember .................... 373
Pressure Cap ......................... 371
Radiator Cap ......................... 371
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......370,399,400
Temperature Gauge .................... 174
Crates Rear Convenience Storage ................ 157
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 138
Cupholders ............................ 156
Customer Assistance ..................... 423
434 INDEX

Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 183
Passing ............................. 134
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 175
Service ............................. 390
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 184
Turn Signal ................... 77,133,391,392
Voltage ............................. 176
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 174
Limited-Slip Differential ................... 264
Loading Vehicle ......................... 309
Tires ............................... 279
Locks ................................. 29
Auto Unlock .......................... 32
Automatic Door ........................ 31
Child Protection ........................ 33
Door ................................ 29
Keys ................................ 12
Power Door ........................... 30
Steering Wheel ......................... 15Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH).. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 364
Lug Nuts ............................. 341
Lumbar Support ........................ 122
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 362
Maintenance Procedures ................... 358
Maintenance Schedule .................... 404
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 183,356
Manual, Service ......................... 428
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ..................... 401
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 142
Mirrors ................................ 83
Automatic Dimming ..................... 84
Electric Powered ....................... 85
Outside .............................. 84
Rearview ............................. 83
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
440 INDEX

Snow Tires........................... 292
Spare Tire ........................... 335
Spinning ............................ 286
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 287
Wheel Mounting ...................... 337
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 341
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 317
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 257
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 348
Towing ............................... 311
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 101
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 349
Guide .............................. 317
Recreational .......................... 325
Weight .............................. 317
Towing Assistance ....................... 101
Traction .............................. 264
Trailer Towing .......................... 311
Cooling System Tips .................... 324 Hitches
............................. 316
Minimum Requirements ................. 318
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 317
Wiring .............................. 322
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 317
Trailer Weight .......................... 317
Transaxle ............................. 252
Automatic ......................... 12,252
Manual .............................. 14
Operation ........................... 252
Transfer Case ........................... 379
Fluid ............................... 401
Transmission ........................ 253,376
Automatic ...................... 249,253,376
Fluid ............................... 401
Maintenance ......................... 376
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 148
446 INDEX