2011 DODGE DAKOTA service

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Warning Lights
- Low Fuel Warning Light
- Charging System Light**
- Oil Pressure Warning Light**
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light**
- Airbag Warning Light**
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
- Seat Belt Reminder Light
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light**
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)**
- SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
(See page 37 for more information.)
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
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WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if
you are not buckled up properly. You can strike the interior of your vehicle
or other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be
sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up properly.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) — AIRBAGS
• This vehicle has Advanced Front Airbags for both the driver and right frontpassenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint system. The Advanced
Front Airbags will not deploy in every type of collision.
• Advanced Front Airbags are designed to provide additional protection by supplementing the seat belts in certain frontal collisions depending on the
severity and type of collision. Advanced Front Airbags are not expected to
reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or rollover collisions.
• This vehicle may be equipped with Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains to protect the driver, front and rear passengers sitting next to a
window.
• If the Airbag Warning Light
is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center
immediately.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details regarding the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
WARNING!
• Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more severe injuries in acollision. The airbags work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, the airbags won't deploy at all. Always wear your seat
belts even though you have airbags.
• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during Advanced Front Airbag deployment could cause serious injury, including
death. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your
arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
• Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
• Being too close to the Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain during deployment could cause you to be severely injured or killed.
• Do not drive your vehicle after the airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect
you.
• After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
GETTING STARTED
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24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time ofarrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With
your consent, we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, whencold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE,
ADJUST THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE
SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION, THE
VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time
the vehicle is restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
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• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able todetect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires
or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage
may result when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not
use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped
with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull overand stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly
burned by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized
service center for service if your vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunctionor the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not
applied, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster
problem or an Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake
system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could
have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc.,may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the
light stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter
damage. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the chargingsystem light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem
with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving,stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will
sound for four minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, werecommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever
is placed in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
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• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually bedrivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall
and your vehicle may require towing.
- Airbag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, havethe vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD systemis not functioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you do
not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature thatmight occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop
the vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until
the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap untila “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHAngE OIL) appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, but do not
increase engine idle speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
40

NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat
condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor and the Fan Control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
• If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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• Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw clockwise. Raise the vehicle onlyuntil the tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is obtained to install
the spare tire.
• Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
• Position the spare wheel/tire on the vehicle and install the lug nuts with the cone-shaped end toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug nuts clockwise. To
avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the nuts fully
until the vehicle has been lowered.
• Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw counterclockwise, and remove the jack and wheel blocks.
• Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate nuts until each one has been tightened twice.
The correct wheel nut tightness is 120 to 160 ft lbs (163 to 217 N·m). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your
authorized dealer or at a service station.
• Secure the jack and tools in their proper locations.
• For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle. Continue winching up the tire until you hear the
winch click three times.
NOTE: To Stow the Flat or Spare: The wheel retainer does not fit through the
center of the aluminum wheel. The tire must be stored in a safe manner in the bed
of the truck.
WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised
vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle
should be jacked on a firm, level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• If it is necessary to retrieve the spare tire from under the vehicle on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid being hit when operating the
jack or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing procedures to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle: Always park on a firm, level surface as
far from the edge of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
(Continued)
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