2010 DODGE DAKOTA engine

• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that couldlead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Hav e the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical ch arging system. If the charging system
light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop thevehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommendyou drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle theignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service immediately. If the light is flashing
when the engine is running, immediate servi ce is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an el evated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
- Airbag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system is notfunctioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you do not operate
the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperat ure that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle, w ith the transmission inNEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for mor e than three days after tightening the gas
cap, see your authorized dealer.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHAngE OIL) appears and a single chime
sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you c an reduce the potential for overheating by
taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift tran smission intoNEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat
condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor and the Fan Control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
• If the temperature reading does not re turn to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, t urn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open the
hood until the radiator has had time to co ol. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm,
level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• If it is necessary to retrieve the spare tire from under the vehicle on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of
being hit.
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Preparations for Jump-Start
• The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the engine compartment, behind
the left headlight assembly.
WARNING!
• Take care to avoid the radiator coolin g fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry, such as watch bands or bracelets, that might make an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks away
from the battery.
• Set the parking brake, shift the autom atic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition
to LOCK.
• Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
• If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection
and personal injury could result.
Jump-Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property damage due
to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
• Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the
discharged vehicle.
• Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable to the positive (+)post of
the booster battery.
• Connect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable to the negative (-)post of the booster
battery.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

• Connect the opposite end of the negative(-)jumper cable to a good engine ground
(exposed metal part of the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and the
fuel injection system.
WARNING!
Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-)of the discharged battery. The
resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.
• Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
• Disconnect the negative (-)jumper cable from the engine ground of the vehicle with
the discharged battery.
• Disconnect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable from the negative (-)post of the
booster battery.
• Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable from the positive (+)
post of the booster battery.
• Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable from the positive (+)post of the
discharged vehicle.
• Reinstall the air intake duct.
• If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle you should have the battery and charging system inspected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw power from the
vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehi cle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade
battery life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
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FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by arocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth between REVERSE and 1st gear.
Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without
spinning the wheels, is most effective.
• Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This wil l minimize overheating and reduce the risk of
transmission failure during prolonge d efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds
may cause tire damage or failure. Atire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
WARNING!
• Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing serious injury.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between 1st and REVERSE, do not spinthe wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or s pinning the wheels too fast ma y lead to transmission
overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ENGINE COMPARTMENT3.7L Engine
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4.7L Engine
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE