2010 DODGE DAKOTA power steering

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

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. 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,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77

▫Voice Training ...................... 120
 Seats .............................. 120
▫ Manual Seat Adjustment ............... 121
▫ Front Seats Manual Seat Recliners ........ 121
▫ Manual Lumbar Support Adjustment —
If Equipped ........................ 122
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints —
Front Seating Positions ................ 123
▫ Six-Way Power Seat Adjuster
(Driver’s Side Only) .................. 124
▫ Extended Cab/Crew Cab Rear Seat ....... 126
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 126
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 127
 Lights ............................. 129 ▫
Interior Lights ...................... 129
▫ Battery Saver ....................... 130
▫ Headlight Delay ..................... 131
▫
Headlights, Parking Lights And Panel Lights. . 131
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 132
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 132
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 132
▫ Cargo Light — If Equipped ............. 133
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 133
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 135
▫ Windshield Wipers ................... 135
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 136
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 137
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Limited-Slip Rear Axle Differential —
If Equipped .......................... 264
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 264
 Driving Through Water ................. 265
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 265
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 265
 Power Steering ....................... 267
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 268
 Parking Brake ........................ 269
 Brake System ........................ 270
▫ Rear-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 270
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped ........................ 271
 Tire Safety Information ................. 273 ▫
Tire Markings ....................... 273
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 277
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 278
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 279
 Tires — General Information ............. 283
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 283
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 284
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 285
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 286
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 286
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 287
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 288
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 288
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
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 steer-
ing 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 267

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 areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.7L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Power Distribution Center 11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
6 — Battery
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.7L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Power Distribution Center 11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
6 — Battery
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE