DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Owners Manual

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher..................272

Adding Fuel..........................273

Changing A Flat Tire....................274
▫Jack Location........................274
▫Removing The Spare Tire................276
▫Tire Changing Procedure................278
Jump Starting.........................283

Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped........286

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................287
▫Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............287
▫Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............287
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Press the flasher switch
and all front and rear directional signals will flash
intermittently.
Press the switch a second time to turn off the emergency
flashers.This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ADDING FUEL
If using a portable fuel container, it should have a flexible
nozzle long enough to reach past the restriction in the
fuel filler tube.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is in a vehicle or on a truck
bed. You could be burned. Always place gas contain-
ers on the ground while filling.
WARNING!
Remove the gas cap slowly to prevent fuel spray
from the filler neck which may cause injury.
The volatility of present gasolines may cause a build
up 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 you remove the cap
from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap slowly allows
the pressure to vent and prevents fuel spray.
Never allow any lit smoking materials near the
vehicles while removing the cap or filling the tank.
Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 273
6

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
Jack Location
In the Dakota, the scissor jack and tire changing tools for
Club Cab models are stowed in a compartment under the
rear passenger seat. Quad Cab model scissor jack and tire
changing tools are accessed by lifting up the rear passen-
ger seat.
The jack is secured in place by turning the jack screw
until the jack is secured into place.
A finger operated helper tool is provided to assist re-
moval and stowage of the jack. This tool must be
removed to operate the jack for changing the spare tire.
Jack Stowage Location Club Cab
274 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Jack Stowage Location Club CabJack Stowage Location Quad Cab
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 275
6

WARNING!
The jack is designed as a tool for changing tires only.
The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for
service purposes, unless suitable supports are placed
under the vehicle as a safety measure. The vehicle
should be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid
ice or slippery areas.
Removing The Spare Tire
Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole in the rear bumper and
into the winch mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench
handle counterclockwise until the spare tire is on the
ground with enough cable slack to allow you to pull it
out from under the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt
the retainer at the end of the cable and pull it through the
center of the wheel.Steps for Removing the Spare Tire
•Remove the jack from the stowage compartment using
the supplied finger assist tool.
•Remove the finger assist tool from jack and set aside
until jack is stowed.
•Assemble the jack tools.
•Locate the tire carrier access hole on the rear bumper.
•Place assembled jack tool extension rod into the access
hole in the direction of the arrow on the bumper trim.
•Rotate the tool counterclockwise to release and lower
the spare tire to the ground so that it can be pulled
from under the vehicle.
276 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

•Rotate clockwise to stow the spare tire.
Inserting Lug Wrench and Extension
Turning Lug Wrench and Extension
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 277
6

It is recommended that you stow the flat or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.
NOTE:The winch mechanism is designed for use with
the jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or other
power tools is not recommended and can damage the
winch.Tire Changing Procedure
WARNING!
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. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle 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.
Do not raise this vehicle using a bumper jack. The scissor
jack is designed as a tool for changing tires on this vehicle
only. It is not recommended that the jack be used for
service purposes or to lift more than one wheel at a time.
Spare Tire Stowage Location
278 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Preparations
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or
slippery areas. Set the parking brake and place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transmission). On Four
Wheel Drive vehicles, shift the transfer case to the “4L”
position.
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.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
•Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if the right front
wheel is being changed, block
the left rear wheel.
•Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
Instructions
1. Lower and remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools
from stowage.
2. Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but do not remove,
the wheel nuts by turning them counterclockwise one
turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 279
6

3. When changing a front wheel, place the jack under the
frame rail behind the wheel. Locate the jack as far
forward as possible on the straight part of the frame
(prior to inboard transition. Operate the jack using the
jack drive tube and the wheel wrench - the tube exten-
sion, may be used but is not required.When changing a rear wheel, assemble the jack drive
tube to the jack and connect the drive tube to the
extension tube. Place the jack under the axle in the
positions shown with the drive tubes extending to the
rear. Connect the jack tube extension and wheel wrench.
Positioning of the Jack Front Wheels
Left Rear Jacking Location
280 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES