2011 DODGE DAKOTA tailgate

▫Reprogramming A Single
HomeLink Button................... 158
▫ Security ........................... 158
▫ Troubleshooting Tips .................. 159
▫ General Information .................. 159
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 160
 Cupholders .......................... 162
 Rear Crate ’N Go Storage — If Equipped .... 163
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers ............ 165
 Console Features — If Equipped ........... 165
▫ Floor Console Features ................ 165
 Cargo Area Features ................... 167
▫ Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails —
If Equipped ........................ 167 
Rear Window Features .................. 169
▫ Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped ..... 169
▫ Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped ...... 170
 Slide-In Campers ...................... 170
▫ Camper Applications .................. 170
▫ General Information .................. 170
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warning-Vehicles
Equipped With A Cap Or Slide-In Campers . . 171
 Tailgate ............................ 171
▫ Tailgate Removal .................... 171
▫ Two-Position Tailgate/Upper
Load Platform ...................... 172
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To mount a camper unit with an overhang, the tailgate
can be removed. Unlatch the tailgate and remove the
support cables from the retainer pins. Raise the right side
of the tailgate until the lower right side pivot clears the
hanger bracket. Then slide the tailgate to the right to
remove.
Carbon Monoxide Warning-Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap Or Slide-In Campers
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the
exhaust system on vehicles equipped with “Cap Or
Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the overhang-
ing camper compartment and be free of leaks.
TAILGATE
Tailgate Removal
To simplify mounting a camper unit with an overhang,
the tailgate can be removed quickly. Follow these steps:
1. Open the tailgate to a 45 degree angle.2. Unclip and remove the cables from the box while
maintaining a 45 degree angle.
3. Lift the tailgate off of the pivot on the passenger side
by pulling upward and rearward at the same time.
4. Slide the tailgate to the passenger side while making
sure clearance from the box and taillight is maintained.
To reinstall the tailgate, do the following:
1. Slide the tailgate onto the driver’s side pivot.
2. Hold the tailgate at a 45 degree angle and insert it into
the passenger side pivot.
3. Clip the cables to the box.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 171

Two-Position Tailgate/Upper Load Platform
Your tailgate can be opened to the full-open or the
partial-open position. The partial-open position is for
loading objects longer than the length of the bed (sheets
of plywood, etc.) by creating an upper load platform:
Installing Lumber
1. Place lumber across the box in the indentations pro-
vided above the wheel housings and in the bulkhead
dividers, to form the floor. There are indents in the sheet
metal (or bed liner if equipped) on the inner side of the
box in front (Club Cabonly) and behind both wheel
housings.
2. Secure the tailgate in the partially-open position:
3. Open the tailgate slightly.
1 — Bulkhead Divider Slot
2 — Wheel Housing Indentions
172 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4. Snap the tailgate support cable between the cable
guide and the tailgate bumper. Do this on both sides of
the tailgate.
To return the tailgate to the full-open position:
1. Lift up on the tailgate.2. Remove both cables from between the cable guides
and the tailgate bumpers, and lower the tailgate.
CAUTION!
•Care should always be exercised when operating a
vehicle with cargo. Vehicle speeds may need to be
reduced. Severe turns or rough roads may cause
shifting or bouncing of the cargo that may result in
vehicle damage.
•Ensure the load is securely tied down and is
properly identified according to local laws if it
extends beyond the tail lights.
•Loading should not exceed 400 lbs (181 kg) of
material suspended above the wheelhouse and
partially open tailgate or vehicle damage may
result.
Tailgate Guide
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 173

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), and is an ozone-saving prod-
uct. However, the manufacturer recommends that air
conditioning service be performed by authorized dealers
or other service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPARSpray White Lube or equivalent, to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367

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