2011 DODGE DAKOTA brakes

Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The “DRIVE” range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled/deionized water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine, which contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs mayresult in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is on. If necessary, add fluid to
bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the
master cylinder area before removing the cap. With disc
brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check the system for leaks.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
1 Spare
2 Spare
3 30 Amp Pink Electric Brake
4 50 Amp Red Power Seat
5 Spare
6 20 Amp
Yellow Ignition Off Draw,
Instrument Cluster,
Radio
7 10 Amp
Red Powertrain Control
Module/Fuel/
RAD/AC Coils
8 10 Amp
Red Instrument Cluster/
Mirror/4x4
9 SpareCavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
10 2 Amp
Gray Run/Start Ignition
Switch
11 10 Amp
Red AC Clutch
12 15 Amp
Blue Trailer Tow Lt Stop/
Turn
13 15 Amp
Blue Trailer Tow Rt Stop/
Turn
14 20 Amp
Yellow Ignition Off Draw #2
15 25 Amp
Natural Powertrain Control
Module
16 20 Amp
Yellow Horn
17 20 Amp
Yellow Antilock Brakes Feed
(Valves)
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
50 40 Amp Green Antilock Brakes
Module (Pump)
51 40 Amp Green Park Lamps
52 Spare
53 40 Amp Green Rear Defogger
54 Spare
55 Spare
56 10 Amp
Red Heated Seats
57 20 Amp
Yellow Airbag System # 2
58 20 Amp
Yellow Heated Seats
59 10 Amp Climate ControlCavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
Red System Module
60 10 Amp RedAntilock Brakes
Module
61 20 Amp
Yellow Body Control Module
3 (Reverse Lamps)
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than
21 days you may want to take steps to protect your
battery. You may:
•Remove fuse #J13 in the Totally Integrated Power
Module (TIPM) labeled Main Ignition Off Draw (IOD).
•Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391