2010 DODGE DAKOTA light

REAR CRATE 'N GO®
STORAGE
• The rear Crate 'n Go®storage, located
under the rear seat lower cushion,
consists of two removable,
collapsible storage crates.
• To open the crates, lift upward on the crate handles and engage the crate
end flaps.
• To remove the crate, press on the release lever, located on the ends of
the base, and lift up on the crate.
• To install the crate into the base, insert the crate into the inboard slot
and push down on the outboard side
of the crate, then snap into place.
• To collapse the crate, push the crate end flaps inward to disengage. Push
the sides inward and snap into place.
REAR CARGO AREA UTILITY
RAILS
• There are four adjustable cleats in thepick-up bed that can be used to assist
in securing cargo. Each cleat must be
located and tightened down in one of
the detents along either rail, in order
to keep cargo properly secure.
TAILGATE
Tailgate Removal
• To simplify mounting a camper unitwith an overhang, the tailgate can be
removed quickly. Follow these steps:
• Open the tailgate to a 45-degree angle.
• Unclip and remove the cables from the box while maintaining a
45-degree angle.
• Lift the tailgate off of the pivot on the passenger side by pulling
upward and rearward at the same
time.
• Slide the tailgate to the passenger side while making sure clearance
from the box and taillight is
maintained.
• To reinstall the tailgate, do the following:
• Slide the tailgate onto the driver's side pivot.
• Hold the tailgate at a 45 degree angle and insert it into the
passenger side pivot.
• Clip the cables to the box.
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Two–Position Tailgate/Upper
Load Platform
• Your tailgate can be opened to thefull-open or the partial-open position.
The partial-open position is for
loading objects longer than the length
of the bed (sheets of plywood, etc.)
by creating an upper load platform:
Installing Lumber
• Place lumber across the box in theindentations provided above the
wheel housings and in the bulkhead
dividers, to form the floor. There are
indents in the sheet metal (or bed
liner if equipped) on the inner side of
the box in front (Crew Cab
®only) and
behind both wheel housings.
• Secure the tailgate in the partially-open position.
• Open the tailgate slightly.
• Snap the tailgate support cable between the cable guide and the
tailgate bumper. Do this on both
sides of the tailgate.
• To return the tailgate to the full-open position:
• Lift up on the tailgate.
• Remove both cables from between the cable guides and the tailgate
bumpers, and lower the tailgate.
CAUTION!
• Care should always be exercisedwhen operating a vehicle with
cargo. Vehicle speeds may need to
be reduced. Severe turns or rough
roads may cause shifting or
bouncing of the cargo that may
result in vehicle damage.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
• Ensure the load is securely tieddown and is properly identified
according to local laws if it extends
beyond the tail lights.
• Loading should not exceed 400 lbs (181 kg) of material suspended
above the wheelhouse and
partially open tailgate or vehicle
damage may result.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS
(MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT
RATINGS)
NOTE: For trailer towing information
(maximum trailer weight ratings) refer to
the following website addresses:
• http:// www.dodge.com/towing
• http:// www.dodge.ca (Canada)
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive Models
• Recreational towing of two-wheel
drive models is not allowable. Towing
the vehicle with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe
transmission damage. Removal of the
driveshaft for towing is not
recommended, since this would allow
fluid to drain from the transmission.
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UTILITY

Four-Wheel Drive Models
CAUTION!
• Internal damage to the transfercase will occur if a front or rear
wheel lift is used when
recreational towing.
• The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL for recreational
towing. The NEUTRAL button is
located on the lower left hand
corner of the 4WD Control Switch.
Shifts into and out of transfer case
NEUTRAL can take place with the
selector switch in any mode
position.
• Automatic tran smissions must be
placed in PARK position for
recreational towing.
• Manual transm issions must be
placed in gear (for example, fourth
gear) for recreational towing.
Failure to follow these procedures
can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage.
Recreational Towing Procedure
• Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational
towing.
• Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the engine OFF and turn
the Key Fob to the ON position (do
not start the engine).
• Press the brake pedal and shift the automatic tran smission into
NEUTRAL, or press the clutch pedal
to the floor on a manual
transmission. • Using a ballpoint pen or similar
object, press the transfer case
NEUTRAL button for four seconds.
• After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light comes on, release
the NEUTRAL button.
• Start the engine and shift the automatic tran smission into
REVERSE.
• Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is
no vehicle movement.
• Repeat the previous step with the transmission in DRIVE.
• Shut the engine OFF, and place the Key Fob in the unlocked OFF
position.
• Shift the autom atic transmission
into PARK. Shift manual
transmissions into fourth gear.
• Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with a tow bar and
disconnect the negative battery
cable.
• Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to
be certain that the transfer case is
fully in NEUTRAL before recreational
towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
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36

NOTE:
• The first two steps are requirementsthat must be met prior to pressing the
NEUTRAL button, and must continue
to be met until the four seconds
elapse and the shift has been
completed. If any of these
requirements (with the exception of
Key Fob ON) are not met prior to
pressing the NEUTRAL button or are
no longer met during the four second
timer, then the NEUTRAL indicator
light will flash continuously until all
requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL button is released.
• The Key Fob must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the
Key Fob in not ON, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
• A Flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates that shift requirements
have not been met.BRAKE/TRANSMISSION
INTERLOCK SYSTEM
• This system prevents you from moving
the shift lever out of PARK and into
any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed.
• This system is active only when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
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UTILITY

24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE - U.S. ONLY
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. Ifyou feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent, we
will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when coldand inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the v ehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflat ed. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a subs titute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
38

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance
beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over andstop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, t urn it off. Also, shiftthe transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperat ure reading does not return 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.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangero us. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealership for service if
your vehicle overheats.
- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the
parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an accident.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or m issing gas cap,poor fuel quality, etc., may
illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays
on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and not require towing.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

• 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
40

- 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