check engine light DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G User Guide

WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never allow any lit smoking materials near the
vehicles while removing the cap or filling the
tank.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Fuel Tank Filler Tube
NOTE:
On some models, the fuel tank filler tube has a
restricting door about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the
opening. If fuel is poured from a portable container, the
container should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
force open the restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº
sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
The Check Engine light will come on if the gas cap is
not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap is
tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
STARTING AND OPERATING 187
5

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5
seconds and then remain on until the first engine
crank or the key is turned off. This means that your
vehicle's OBD system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until
the first engine crank or the key is turned off. This
means that your vehicle's OBD system isreadyand
you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
²Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
²
Rotate the tires every 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
264 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 239
Adding Fuel........................186,208
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 233
Air Conditioning....................... 134
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........135,137
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 234
Air Conditioning System................. 134
Air Pressure, Tires...................176,182
Airbag...........................31,34,102
Airbag Light........................... 38
Airbag On/Off Switch.................... 34
Alarm.............................21,102
Alarm, Panic........................... 19
Alignment and Balance.................. 181
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............238,258
Anti-Lock Brake System...............164,165
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 102
Anti-Theft System....................21,102
Appearance Care....................... 249
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 59
Automatic Transmission............144,146,245
Adding Fluid........................ 246Fluid and Filter Changes................ 247
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Fluid Type.......................247,260
Gear Ranges......................... 147
Overdrive........................... 148
Shifting............................ 146
Special Additives..................... 247
Torque Converter..................... 149
Axle Fluid............................ 260
Axle Lubrication....................... 248
Backfire, Engine........................ 190
Ball Joints............................ 235
Battery............................... 232
Charging........................... 215
Emergency Starting.................... 215
Gas Caution......................... 215
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 21
Saving Feature........................ 68
Belts, Drive........................... 230
Belts, Seat............................. 25
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 235
B-Pillar Location....................... 172
288 INDEX

Turn Signal.......................... 99
Flat Tire Stowage....................... 215
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 145
Floor Console.......................... 88
Fluid, Brake........................... 260
Fluid Capacities........................ 258
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 245
Brake.............................. 243
Cooling System....................... 237
Power Steering....................... 234
Transfer Case........................ 248
Fog Lights..........................69,257
Four Wheel Drive...................... 151
Operation........................... 151
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 208
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 167
Front Axle............................ 248
Fuel................................. 184
Adding............................. 186
Filler Cap........................... 186
Filter.............................. 231
Gasoline............................ 184Gauge............................. 100
Materials Added...................... 186
Octane Rating........................ 259
Requirements.....................184,258
System Hoses........................ 241
Tank Capacity........................ 258
Fuses................................ 253
Garage Door Opener..................... 81
Gasoline............................. 184
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 184
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 99
Fuel............................... 100
Oil Pressure......................... 100
Speedometer......................... 100
Tachometer.......................... 99
Voltmeter............................ 99
Gear Ranges........................100,147
Glass Cleaning......................... 251
GVWR............................... 191
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 208
292 INDEX

Power Door.......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 42
Lubricating Oil........................ 248
Lubrication, Body....................... 235
Lug Nuts............................. 213
Lumbar Support........................ 63
Maintenance.......................... 226
Maintenance Free Battery................. 232
Maintenance Procedures.................. 226
Maintenance Schedule................... 263
Schedule9A9......................... 274
Schedule9B9......................... 265
Malfunction Indicator Light............103,224
Manual, Service........................ 284
Manual Transmission..............144,150,245
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Lubricant Selection.................245,260
Shift Speeds......................... 151
Mirrors............................... 58
Automatic Dimming.................... 59
Electric Powered....................... 60Outside............................. 59
Rearview............................ 58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 5
Mopar Parts........................225,284
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 70
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 52
Occupant Restraints...................... 24
Odometer............................ 103
Trip ............................... 103
Oil, Engine.........................226,259
Capacity............................ 258
Change Interval...................... 227
Dipstick............................ 226
Disposal............................ 229
Filter...........................229,259
Filter Disposal....................... 229
Identification Logo.................... 228
Materials Added to.................... 229
Pressure Gauge....................... 100
Recommendation..................228,258
Synthetic........................... 229
INDEX 295
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