2010 DODGE DAKOTA manual transmission

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫ Locking Doors With A Key .............. 15
 Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ......... 15
▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ...... 15
▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ........ 15
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System ............................. 15
 Sentry Key — If Equipped ............... 16 ▫
Replacement Keys ..................... 17
▫ Customer Key Programming ............. 17
 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 19
▫ To Set The Alarm ..................... 19
▫ To Disarm The System ................. 19
 Illuminated Entry ...................... 20
▫ Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks . . . 20
 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .............. 21
▫ To Unlock The Doors .................. 22
2

CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key:
1. Press and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.3. Remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.
Ignition Release Button
1 — ACC
4 — ON/RUN
2 — LOCK 5 — START
3 — OFF
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Locking Doors With A Key
You can insert the key into the door lock cylinder with
either side up. To lock the driver’s door, turn the key
rearward. To unlock the driver’s door, turn the key
forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle”.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved
approximately a half turn in either direction, and the key
is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ACC, or ON position, and
the brake pedal is pressed.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

WARNING! (Continued)
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
•Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
1. Lower and remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools
from stowage.
2. Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but do not remove,
the wheel nuts by turning them counterclockwise one
turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
Jack Warning Label
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 339

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

Reclining............................ 121
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............19,176
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........370,400
Selection of Oil ......................... 360
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 16
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 17
Service and Maintenance .................. 358
Service Assistance ....................... 423
Service Contract ......................... 425
Service Manuals ........................ 428
Setting the Clock ..........187,189,204,206,209,218
Shifting Automatic Transmission ................. 253
Transfer Case ......................... 258
Transfer Case, Shifting into Transfer Case
Neutral (N) .......................... 326
Transfer Case, Shifting out of Transfer Case
Neutral (N) .......................... 328 Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage
.............. 42
Shoulder Belts ........................... 37
Signals, Turn ................... 77,133,174,392
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 290
Snow Plow ............................ 324
Snow Tires ............................ 292
Sound Box ............................ 229
Spare Tire ............................. 335
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 138
Speedometer ........................... 176
Starting ............................... 249
Engine Block Heater .................... 251
Engine Fails to Start .................... 250
Remote .............................. 26
Steering Column Controls ...................... 133
Power ........................... 267,268
Wheel Lock ........................... 15
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 137
444 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