2010 DODGE DAKOTA tires

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.
39
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
42

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

MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:
6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000 72,000 78,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000 110,000 120,000 130,000
Change the engine oil and filter. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotatethetires. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
If using your vehicle for any of the following: dusty or
off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter; replace if necessary. XXXX
X
Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary. XXXXXX
Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months. X
XXX
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first
inspection at 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months. X
XXX
Inspect the front suspe nsion, tie rod ends and boot
seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage,
wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if
necessary. XXXXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. XX
Inspect the transfer case fluid. X
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, off-road or
frequent trailer towing. XXXX
Change the autom atic transmissionfluid & filter(s) if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. X
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L engines). XX
Replace top row of spark plugs (4.7L engine). X
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or
frequent trailer towing. X• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for the complete maintenance schedule.
60
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

TIRE PRESSURES
• Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire, at least monthly andinflate to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
• The tire pressures recommended for your vehicle are found on the “Tire and Loading Information” label located on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE: Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for more information on the life of tires.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Ov erloading can causetire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended
load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents. Under-inflation is
the leading cause of tire failure and may result in severe cracking, component
separation, or “blow out”. Over-inflation r educes a tire’s ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle. Over-inflated or under-inflated ti res can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
• All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
• To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR
®Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent or select a non-ab rasive,non-acidic cleaner.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use
oven cleaner. These products may damage the wheel's protective finish. Avoid
automatic car washes that use acidic solution s or harsh brushes that may damage the
wheel's protective finish. Only MOPAR
®Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recommended.
65
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• The Owner's Manual and User Guideelectronic files are also available on
the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge
websites.
• Click on the "For Owners" tab, select "Owner/Service Manuals", then
select your desired model year and
vehicle from the drop down lists.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
IN THE 50 UNITED STATES
AND WASHINGTON, D.C.
• If you believe that your vehicle has adefect that could cause a crash or
cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying the
manufacturer.
• If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you,
your authorized dealer, and the
manufacturer.
• To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll free at
1–888–327–4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–
9153), or go to http://
www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
In Canada
• If you believe that your vehicle has asafety defect, you should contact the
Customer Service Department
immediately. Canadian customers
who wish to report a safety defect to
the Canadian government should
write to: Transport Canada, Motor
Vehicle Defect Investigations and
Recalls, 2780 Sheffield Road, Ottawa,
Ontario K1B 3V9.
TIRE WARRANTY
Tire Limited Warranty And
Adjustment Policy
• When a tire is removed from servicedue to a covered warranty condition
under a tire manufacturer’s “Limited
Warranty Program”, you may be
eligible for a free tire replacement or a
comparable new tire on a “prorated
basis”.
• Certain conditions, such as irregular wear or tire dam age due to road
hazards, collision, improper inflation,
intentional alteration, and misuse,
are excluded from the Limited
Warranty Program. The Limited
Warranty Program expires when your
tires either wear to a specified tread
depth, and/or after a period of time
from the date of purchase, as stated
in the Tire Warranty on the DVD.
NOTE: Refer to the Tire Warranty on
the DVD for specific information relating
to the manufacturer's limited warranty
for the tires in stalledon your vehicle. If
you have any questions regarding the
limited tire warranty coverage, contact
your local authorized dealer or your
local authorized tire dealer.
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
68

Disclaimer:
• THE TIRE MANUFACTURER’S LIMITEDWARRANTY PROGRAM, THE DETAILS
OF WHICH CAN BE FOUND ON THE
OWNERS MANUAL DVD, THE TIRE
MANUFACTURER’S WEBSITE OR AT
ANY AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER
ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REMEDIES
OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, ARISING BY LAW OR
OTHERWISE, INCLUDING FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
MERCHANTABILITY. THE TIRE
MANUFACTURER EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST
PROFIT, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF
GOODWILL, LOSS OF REPUTATION,
PUNITIVE OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE,
COST OR LOSS OF ANY KIND. SOME
STATES AND PROVINCES DO NOT
ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION
OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION
OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO
YOU.
WARNING!
NOTE: Refer to the Owner's Manual on
the DVD for complete warning
information that could prevent
accidents, injuries and even deaths.
WARNING!
Death, serious injury and/or property
damage may result from:
• Tire failure due to impact damageand/or improper maintenance.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Tires should be inspected regularlyby a qualified technician for signs
of damage, such as punctures,
impacts, under-inflation or
overloading.
• Progressive air loss may result from punctures, cuts, curbing, impacts
or partial bead unseating.
Some fitment causes for air loss are:
• Incomplete bead seating.
• Bead tearing caused by a machine tool due to insufficient lubrication
or improper adjustment.
• Leaking valve core or rubber valve components (these should be
replaced when problems are
detected and whenever tires are
replaced).
• Tire failure due to improper repairs.
• See Rubber Manufacturer's Association (RMA) established
repair procedures at www.rma.org
for information on proper repair
procedures. Never perform a
temporary repair or use an inner
tube as a substitute for a proper
repair. Only qualified persons
should repair tires.
• Explosion of tire/rim assembly due to improper mounting.
• Only specially trained persons should mount tires.
• Failure to mount tires on approved rims.
• Failure to deflate single or dual assemblies completely before
demounting.
69
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE