headlights DODGE DAKOTA 2009 3.G Owners Manual

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the
Vehicle Security Alarm system is activated it will provide
both audible and visible signals. The horn will sound
repeatedly for the three minutes and the headlights and
Vehicle Security Light will flash for an additional 15 min-
utes. The engine will not run until the Vehicle Security
Alarm system is disarmed
To Set the Alarm
The Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use the
power door locks, or use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly for approximately
15 seconds to signal that the Vehicle Security Alarmsystem is arming. After the Vehicle Security Alarm is set,
the Vehicle Security Light will flash at a slower rate to
indicate that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-
ously during vehicle operation, have the Vehicle Security
Alarm system checked by an authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the RKE transmitter to unlock the door. If something
has triggered the system in your absence, the horn will
sound three times when you unlock the doors. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
The Vehicle Security Alarm system will also disarm if the
vehicle is started with a programmed Sentry Keyt.Ifan
unprogrammed Sentry Keytis used to start a vehicle, the
engine will run for two seconds and then shut down.
After six unsuccessful attempts at starting the engine, the
system will shut down until the correct key is used. To
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

4. Test the Flash Lamps With Lock feature while outside
of the vehicle by pressing the LOCK button on the RKE
transmitter with the ignition in the OFF position and the
key removed.
NOTE:Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter while you are in the vehicle will activate the Vehicle
Security Alarm. Opening a door with the Vehicle Security
Alarm activated will cause the alarm to sound. Press the
UNLOCK button to deactivate the Vehicle Security
Alarm System.
5. If the desired programming was not achieved, or to
reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
Using The Panic Alarm
To activate the Panic mode while the ignition is OFF,
press and release the PANIC button on the RKE trans-
mitter once. When the Panic mode is activated, the
interior lights will illuminate, the headlights and parking
lights will flash, and the horn will sound.To cancel the Panic mode, press and release the PANIC
button on the RKE transmitter a second time. Panic mode
will automatically cancel after three minutes, or if the
vehicle is started or exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). During
the Panic Mode, the door locks and RKE systems will
function normally. Panic mode will not disarm the Ve-
hicle Security Alarm System, on vehicles so equipped.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

mSeats............................... 115
NManual Seat Adjustment............... 115
NFront Seats Manual Seat Recliners......... 116
NManual Lumbar Support Adjustment Ð If
Equipped.......................... 117
NAdjustable Head Restraints Ð Front Seating
Positions........................... 118
NSix-Way Power Seat Adjuster Ð Driver's Side
Only.............................. 119
NExtended Cab/Crew CabtRear Seat....... 120
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped............. 120
mTo Open And Close The Hood............. 121
mLights.............................. 123
NInterior Lights....................... 123NBattery Saver........................ 124
NHeadlight Delay..................... 125
N
Headlights, Parking Lights And Panel Lights... 125
NDaytime Running Lights (Canada ± Standard
And U.S. Fleet Vehicles) Ð If Equipped..... 126
NLights-On Reminder.................. 126
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped.............. 126
NCargo Light Ð If Equipped............. 126
NMultifunction Lever................... 127
mWindshield Wipers And Washers........... 129
NWindshield Wipers................... 129
NWindshield Washers................... 131
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

LIGHTS
The headlight switch is located on the left side of the
instrument panel next to the steering wheel.
Interior Lights
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotatingwheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the
second upward detent position, or if equipped, when the
UNLOCK button is pressed on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter. When a door is open and the interior
lights are on, rotating the dimmer control all the way
down to the OFF detent will cause all the interior lights to
go out. This is also known as the9Party9mode because it
allows the doors to stay open for extended periods of
time without discharging the vehicle's battery.
The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control up (brighter) or
down (dimmer). When the headlights are on you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
up until you hear a click. This feature is termed the
ªParadeº mode and is useful when headlights are re-
quired during the day. If the dimmer control is not in this
position, the audio display may be difficult to read if the
headlights are on during the daytime.
Headlight Switch Location
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
3

NOTE:Club Cabt/Quad Cabtmodels may have an
optional switched dome lamp that is operated by press-
ing the lens.
Battery Saver
To protect the life of your vehicle's battery, Load Shed-
ding is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.
If the ignition is OFF and any door is left ajar for
15 minutes or the dimmer control is rotated upwards for
15 minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.
If the headlights remain on while the ignition is cycled
OFF, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after
eight minutes. If the headlights are turned on and left on
for eight minutes while the ignition is OFF, the exterior
lights will automatically turn off.
NOTE:Battery Saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
Dimmer Control
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Headlight Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlight delay that will leave the headlight on for
60 seconds. This delay is initiated when the ignition is
turned OFF while the headlight switch is on, and then the
headlight switch is cycled off. The headlights will remain
on for 60 seconds. Headlight delay can be cancelled by
either turning the headlight switch on then off, or by
turning the ignition ON.
Headlights, Parking Lights And Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first
position, the parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate light and instrument panel lights are
all turned on. The headlights will turn on when the
switch is rotated to the second position.Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight lenses
that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
Headlight Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
3

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada ± Standard and
U.S. Fleet Vehicles) Ð If Equipped
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started, the transmission is out of the PARK
position and the parking brake is released. This provides
a constant9lights on9condition until the ignition is
turned OFF. The lights illuminate at less than normal
intensity. If the parking brake is applied or the transmis-
sion is in the PARK position, the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) will turn off.
Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, courtesy lights or cargo
lights are left on, after the ignition is turned OFF, a chime
will sound when the driver's door is opened.
Fog Lights Ð If Equipped
The Fog Lights are turned on by placing the
headlight rotary control in the parking light or
headlight position and pushing on the headlight
rotary control. The fog lights will operate only when the
parking lights are on, or when the vehicle headlights are
on low beam. An indicator light located in the instrument
cluster will illuminate when the fog lights are on. The fog
lights will turn off when the switch is pushed a second
time, also when the headlight switch is rotated to the off
position, or the high beam is selected.
Cargo Light Ð If Equipped
The cargo lights are turned on by pressing on the
CARGO button. The cargo lights will also turn on for
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If an indicator fails
to light when the multifunction lever is moved, it would
suggest that the switch or indicator lamp is defective.
If a defective bulb or wiring circuit is detected for the
turn signal system, the arrow indicators will flash at a
faster rate.
NOTE:If a turn signal has been left on for at least a mile
duration, a continuous chime will sound.
Turn Signal Auto-Mode
Tap the multifunction lever once and the turn signal (left
or right) will flash three times, and automatically turn off.
Flash-To-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will turn on the high beam headlights
until the multifunction lever is released.
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch
Pull the multifunction lever fully toward the steering
wheel to switch the headlights from high or low beam.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

5. High Beam Indicator
The high beam indicator will illuminate if the
headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
The seat belt reminder light will illuminate for
several seconds after the ignition is turned ON as
a reminder to ªbuckle up.º This light will remain
on as long as the seat belt remains unbuckled. If this light
flashes, it indicates a fault in the seat belt system. Have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
7. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proachesH(Hot), this indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound after reaching a setthreshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture gauge to passH(Hot), the indicator will continu-
ously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the light remains on, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4

Gross Axle Weight Rating...............309,311
Gross Cargo Weight...................... 308
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 311
GVWR............................... 308
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectt) .............. 82
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water................... 264
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 332
Headlights............................ 387
High Beam........................... 128
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 128
Lights On Reminder.................... 126
Passing............................. 128
Switch.............................. 125
Heated Seats........................... 120
Heater, Engine Block..................... 241
High Beam Indicator..................... 169High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 128
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 315
Holder, Cup........................... 150
HomeLinkt(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 142
Hood Release.......................... 121
Ignition
Key ................................. 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 16
Infant Restraint.......................... 58
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 289
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 80
Instrument Cluster....................... 168
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 166
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 380
Interior Appearance Care.................. 379
Interior Lights.......................... 123
434 INDEX