2011 DODGE DAKOTA heater

Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait
5 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Start-
ing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel, in case the engine is flooded.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15 sec-
ond periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should be
repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is located at the right front
of the engine compartment for all engine applications.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 251

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) is
beneficial for E-85 startability when the ambient tempera-
ture is less than 32°F (0°C).
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 309

WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories. 3. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park
the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
Jump-Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this procedure could result in per-
sonal injury or property damage due to battery ex-
plosion.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 347

Cupholders............................ 162
Customer Assistance ..................... 423
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights ................... 135
Dealer Service .......................... 360
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 169
Defroster, Windshield ................... 78,240
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 140
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 357
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 264
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 180
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................ 379
Oil (Engine) ........................ 361
Power Steering ...................... 270
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 374
Door Locks ............................. 28 Door Locks, Automatic
.................... 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 153
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 265
E-85 Fuel ............................. 306
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 87
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 160
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 143
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 349
Jump Starting ....................... 345
Tow Hooks ......................... 351
Towing ............................ 352
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 358
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 363
Block Heater ........................ 251
10
INDEX 435

Speedometer........................ 181
Tachometer ......................... 182
Gear Ranges ........................... 253
General Information ................... 1 18,301
Glass Cleaning .......................... 386
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 165
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............313,315
Gross Cargo Weight ...................... 312
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 315
GVWR ............................... 312
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) .............. 88
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 265
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 334
Headlights ............................ 392
High Beam ......................... 138
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 138Lights On Reminder
.................. 135
Passing ............................ 137
Switch ............................ 134
Heated Seats ........................... 129
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 251
High Beam Indicator ..................... 180
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 138
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 319
Holder, Cup ........................... 162
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 153
Hood Release .......................... 132
Ignition Key ............................... 12
Illuminated Entry ........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 15
Infant Restraint ........................ 63,64
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 85
438 INDEX

Signals, Turn................... 80,137,179,394
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 293
Snow Plow ............................ 327
Snow Tires ............................ 295
Spare Tire ....................... 288,289,337
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 143
Speedometer ........................... 181
Starting ............................... 249
Engine Block Heater .................. 251
Engine Fails to Start .................. 250
Remote ............................ 25
Steering Column Controls ..................... 136
Power .......................... 269,270
Wheel Lock ......................... 15
Wheel, Tilt ......................... 142
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .............. 236
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls ......................... 236 Storage
............................... 391
Storage Bin ............................ 163
Storage, Behind the Seat ................... 163
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 391
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 391
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 349
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 363
System, Remote Starting .................... 25
Tachometer ............................ 182
Tailgate ............................... 171
Taillights .............................. 394
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 179
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 67
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 142
Tip Start .............................. 249
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 280
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 278
Tire Markings .......................... 275
10
INDEX 445