2011 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
1
INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫ Locking Doors With A Key .............. 15
 Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ......... 15
▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ...... 15
▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ........ 15
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System ............................. 15 
Sentry Key — If Equipped ............... 15
▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 17
▫ Customer Key Programming ............. 17
 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 18
▫ To Arm The System ................... 19
▫ To Disarm The System ................. 19
 Illuminated Entry ...................... 20
▫ Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks . . . 20
2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .............. 20
▫ To Unlock The Doors .................. 21
▫ To Lock The Doors .................... 21
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 23
▫ General Information ................... 23
▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 24
▫ Battery Replacement ................... 24
 Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 25
▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 25
 Door Locks ........................... 28
▫ Manual Door Locks ................... 28
▫ Power Door Locks .................... 28
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock .............. 32
Windows ............................ 33
▫ Power Windows ...................... 33
▫ Auto-Down — Driver’s Side Only ......... 34
▫ Window Lockout Switch ................ 34
▫ Wind Buffeting ....................... 35
 Occupant Restraints ..................... 35
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 39
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 44
▫ Center Lap Belts ...................... 45
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 46
▫ Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 46
▫ Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 47
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 48
▫ Energy Management Feature ............. 48
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ......................... 49
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 50
▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 51
▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – Air
Bags .............................. 51
▫ Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 53
▫ Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 55 ▫
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 62
▫ Child Restraints ...................... 63
 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 75
 Safety Tips ........................... 76
▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 76
▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 77
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 78
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 80
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your vehicle has the
key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers
can be used to order duplicate keys from your authorized
dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these numbers
and keep them in a safe place.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
1. Place the shift lever in PARK.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.
Ignition Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become temporarily
trapped in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped, but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — ACC
4 — ON/RUN
2 — LOCK 5 — START
3 — OFF
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key:
1. Press and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.
Ignition Release Button
1 — ACC4 — ON/RUN
2 — LOCK 5 — START
3 — OFF
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE