2011 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

Headlight Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlight delay that will leave the headlight on for
60 seconds. This delay is initiated when the ignition is
turned OFF while the headlight switch is on, and then the
headlight switch is cycled off. The headlights will remain
on for 60 seconds. Headlight delay can be cancelled by
either turning the headlight switch on then off, or by
turning the ignition ON.
Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, courtesy lights or cargo
lights are left on, after the ignition is turned OFF, a chime
will sound when the driver’s door is opened.
Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started, the transmission is out of the PARK
position and the parking brake is released. This provides
a constantlights on condition until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights illuminate at less than normal
intensity. If the parking brake is applied or the transmis-
sion is in the PARK position, the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) will turn off.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The Fog Lights are turned on by placing the
headlight rotary control in the parking light or
headlight position and pushing on the headlight
rotary control. The fog lights will operate only when the
parking lights are on, or when the vehicle headlights are
on low beam. An indicator light located in the instrument
cluster will illuminate when the fog lights are on. The fog
lights will turn off when the switch is pushed a second
time, also when the headlight switch is rotated to the off
position, or the high beam is selected.
Interior Lights
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotating
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 135

wheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the
second upward detent position, or if equipped, when the
UNLOCK button is pressed on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter. When a door is open and the interior
lights are on, rotating the dimmer control all the way
down to the OFF detent will cause all the interior lights to
go out. This is also known as thePartymode because it
allows the doors to stay open for extended periods of
time without discharging the vehicle’s battery.
The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control up (brighter) or
down (dimmer). When the headlights are on you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
up until you hear a click. This feature is termed the
“Parade” mode and is useful when headlights are re-
quired during the day. If the dimmer control is not in this
position, the audio display may be difficult to read if the
headlights are on during the daytime. NOTE:
Club Cab/Quad Cab models may have an
optional switched dome lamp that is operated by press-
ing the lens.
Multifunction Lever
The multifunction lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
Dimmer Control
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Turn Signals
Move the multifunction lever up or down and the arrows
on each side of the instrument cluster flash to show
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.NOTE:•If either light remains on and does not flash, or there is
a very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside light
bulb. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is
moved, it would suggest that the indicator bulb is
defective.
•If a turn signal has been left on for a minimum of
1 mile (1.6 km), a continuous chime will sound.
Lane Change Assist
Tap the lever up or down once, without moving beyond
the detent, and the turn signal (right or left) will flash
three times then automatically turn off.
Flash-To-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will turn on the high beam headlights
until the lever is released.
Signaling Turns
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High/Low Beam Switch
Pull the multifunction lever fully toward the steering
wheel to switch the headlights from high or low beam.
Battery Saver
To protect the life of your vehicle’s battery, Load Shed-
ding is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.
If the ignition is OFF and any door is left ajar for
15 minutes or the dimmer control is rotated upwards for
15 minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.
If the headlights remain on while the ignition is cycled
OFF, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after
eight minutes. If the headlights are turned on and left on
for eight minutes while the ignition is OFF, the exterior
lights will automatically turn off.
NOTE:Battery Saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
High/Low Beam
138 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Cargo Light — If Equipped
The cargo lights are turned on by pressing on cargo
button. The cargo lights will also turn on for 30 seconds
when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter UN-
LOCK button is pressed, as part of the Illuminated Entry
feature.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The multifunction lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
Cargo Light Switch
Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139

Windshield Wipers
The wipers and washers are operated by a switch in the
multifunction lever. Turn the end of the multifunction
lever to select the desired wiper speed.
Intermittent Wiper System
The intermittent feature of this system was designed for
use when weather conditions make a single wiping cycle,
with a variable pause between cycles, desirable. For
maximum delay between cycles, rotate the control knob
into the upper end of the delay range.
The delay interval decreases as you rotate the knob until
it enters the LO continual speed position. The delay can
be regulated from a maximum of about 18 seconds
between cycles, to a cycle every two seconds. The delay
intervals will double in duration when the vehicle speed
is 10 mph (16 km) or less.
NOTE:If the front wiper is operating when the ignition
is turned OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the
Park position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wipers
will resume operation.
Wiper/Washer Operation
140 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Windshield Washers
To use the washer, push in on the washer knob on the end
of the multifunction lever and hold while spray is
desired. If the washer knob is depressed while in the
delay range, the wiper will operate for several seconds
after the washer knob is released. It will then resume the
intermittent interval previously selected. If the washer
knob is pushed, for a period greater than one second
while in the off position, the wiper will wipe approxi-
mately three wipes after the wash knob is released.To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that exceeds
the temperature range of your climate. This rating infor-
mation can be found on most washer fluid containers.
Washer Operation
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WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to a collision. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with the defroster before and during
windshield washer use.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
This feature allows you to tilt the steering column
upward or downward. The tilt lever is located on the
steering column, below the turn signal lever.
Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to unlock the
steering column. With one hand firmly on the steering
wheel, move the steering column up or down, as desired.
Push the lever away from the steering wheel to lock the
column firmly in place.
Tilt Steering Column Lever
142 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE