2010 DODGE DAKOTA towing

INTRODUCTION/WELCOME
WELCOME FROM CHRYSLER GROUP
LLC ..................... 2
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
DRIVER COCKPIT.............. 4
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ..........6
GETTING STARTED
KEYFOB...................8
THEFT ALARM................ 9
SEATBELT ................. 9
CHILD RESTRAINTS ............. 9
FRONTSEATS................13
HEATEDSEATS...............14
TILT STEERING COLUMN ..........15
PROGRAMMABLEFEATURES .......15
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
TURN SIGNALS/WIPER/WASHER/HIGH
BEAMSLEVER ...............17
HEADLIGHT SWITCH ............18
SPEED CONTROL ..............19
CLIMATE CONTROLS ........... 20
POWERSUNROOF ............ 20
WIND BUFFETING ..............21
ELECTRONICS
NON-TOUCH-SCREENRADIOS...... 22
NAVIGATION TOUCH-SCREEN RADIO . . .25
STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS . . 28
UNIVERSAL GARAGE DOOR OPENER
(HOMELINK
®) .............. 28
POWER OUTLET ............. 30
Uconnect™ Phone ........... 30
VOICECOMMAND .............32
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION .....33
UTILITY
REAR CRATE 'N GO®STORAGE ......34
REAR CARGO AREA UTILITY RAILS .....34
TAILGATE ..................34 TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM
TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
........35
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ............35
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK
SYSTEM...................37
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
- U.S. ONLY ................ 38
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING
LIGHTS .................. 38
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .......41
JACKINGANDTIRECHANGING...... 42
JUMP-STARTING ............. 48
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS .........51
TOWINGADISABLEDVEHICLE.......52
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ........53
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ......54
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
OPENING THE HOOD............55
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ..........56
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES ..........58
MAINTENANCE CHART .......... 60
FUSES................... 62
TIREPRESSURES..............65
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE ......65
EXTERIOR BULBS ............. 66
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
CHRYSLER GROUP LLC CUSTOMER
CENTER...................67
CHRYSLER CANADA INC. CUSTOMER
CENTER...................67
ASSISTANCE FOR THE HEARING
IMPAIRED..................67
PUBLICATIONS ORDERING .........67
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS IN
THE 50 UNITED STATES AND
WASHINGTON, D.C. ........... 68
TIRE WARRANTY ............. 68
MOPAR ACCESSORIES
MOPAR®ACCESSORIES..........71
TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION
• This is an electric-shift transfer caseand is operated by the 4WD Control
Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which
is located on the instrument panel.
• The transfer case provides four mode positions:
• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
• NEUTRAL (N)
• This transfer case is designed to be driven in the two-wheel drive position
(2WD) for normal street and highway
conditions on dry, hard-surfaced
roads.
• When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions can be used to lock the
front and rear driveshafts together
and force the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD
Control Switch to the desired
position. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose
or slippery road surfaces only.
• Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard-surfaced
roads may cause increased tire wear
and damage to the driveline
components. NOTE:
The transfer case NEUTRAL
position is selected by pressing the
recessed button located on the lower
left-hand corner of the 4WD Control
Switch. The transfer case NEUTRAL
position is to be used for recreational
towing only.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift
while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning. The NV233/243 transfer case
is not equipped with a synchronizer and,
therefore, the front and rear driveshaft
speeds must be equal for the shift to
take place. Shifting while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning can cause
damage to the transfer case.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL position
without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case
NEUTRAL position disengages both
the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the
vehicle to move reg ardless of the
transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle.
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OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES

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.
35
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.
UTILITY
36

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