2011 DODGE DAKOTA steering wheel

WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while driving.
Adjusting the steering column while driving or driv-
ing with the steering column unlocked, could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Be sure the
steering column is locked before driving your ve-
hicle. Failure to follow this warning may result in
serious injury or death.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The control buttons for the Electronic Speed Control are
located on the steering wheel. When engaged, the Elec-
tronic Speed Control takes over the accelerator operation
at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).Electronic Speed Control Buttons
1 — Resume4 — Set
2 — Cancel 5 — On/Off
3 — Decel
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143

▫Notes On Playing MP3 Files ............ 216
▫ Operation Instructions - Auxiliary Mode .... 219
 Media Center 130 With Satellite Radio
(Sales Code RES+RSC) ................... 220
▫ Operating Instructions — Radio Mode ..... 220
▫ Operation Instructions — CD Mode For CD
And MP3 Audio Play ................. 226
▫ Notes On Playing MP3 Files ............ 228
▫ List Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) ...... 230
▫ Info Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) ...... 230
▫ Uconnect™ Multimedia
(Satellite Radio) — If Equipped .......... 231
Steering Wheel Audio
Controls — If Equipped .................. 236
▫ Radio Operation ..................... 236
▫ CD Player ......................... 237
 CD/DVD Disc Maintenance .............. 237
 Radio Operation And Mobile Phones ....... 238
 Climate Controls ...................... 238
▫ Air Conditioning And Heater ............ 238
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 241
▫ Operation Tips Chart ................. 244
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS —
IF EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a push
button in the center. Pressing the top of the switch will
increase the volume, and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.
The button located in the center of the right hand control
will switch modes to Radio or CD.
The left hand control is a rocker type switch with a push
button in the center. The function of the left hand control
is different depending on which mode you are in.
The following describes the left hand control operation in
each mode.
Radio Operation
Pressing the top of the switch will SEEK up for the next
listenable station and pressing the bottom of the switch
will SEEK down for the next listenable station.
Remote Sound System Controls
(Back View Of Steering Wheel)
236 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Limited-Slip Rear Axle Differential — If
Equipped ............................ 264
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 264
▫ Acceleration ........................ 264
▫ Traction ........................... 265
 Driving Through Water ................. 265
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 266
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 266
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 268
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 268
 Power Steering ....................... 269
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 270
 Parking Brake ........................ 271 
Brake System ........................ 273
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 273
 Tire Safety Information ................. 275
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 275
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 278
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 279
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 280
 Tires — General Information ............. 284
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 284
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 285
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 286
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 287
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep
hills or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural
obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,
choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.
Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously.
If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diago-
nally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain,
shift to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator
slowly to avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it isalways a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
•Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 269

system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only bechecked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have a collision.(Continued)
292 STARTING AND OPERATING