2011 DODGE DAKOTA wiper blades

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.7L ............. 355
 Engine Compartment — 4.7L ............. 356
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 357
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 357
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 358
 Replacement Parts ..................... 359
 Dealer Service ........................ 360 
Maintenance Procedures ................. 360
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 361
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 363
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 363
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 364
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 366
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 367
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 367
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 368
7

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

Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir should be checked for fluid level at
regular intervals. When freezing weather is anticipated,
flush out the water in the reservoir by operating the
system. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer anti-
freeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the system
for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage ......................... 391
Voice Recognition System (VR) .............. 118
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description) ............. 179
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 426
Washers, Windshield ..................... 141
Washing Vehicle ......................... 383
Water Driving Through ..................... 265
Weight Load Carrying .................... 312
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 384
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care ................ 384Wheel Changing
........................ 335
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... 344
Wind Buffeting .......................... 35
Window Fogging ........................ 242
Windows .............................. 33
Power ............................. 33
Rear Sliding ........................ 169
Windshield Defroster ................... 78,240
Windshield Washers .............139,140,141,368
Fluid .......................... 140,368
Windshield Wiper Blades .................. 367
Windshield Wipers .................... 139,140
Wiper Blade Replacement .................. 367
Wipers, Intermittent ...................... 140
Wrecker Towing ......................... 352
448 INDEX