tow DODGE DAKOTA 2010 3.G Owner's Manual

• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that couldlead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Hav e the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical ch arging system. If the charging system
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 thevehicle 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, we recommendyou 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 theignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service immediately. If the light is flashing
when the engine is running, immediate servi ce is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an el evated/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, we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system is notfunctioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you do not operate
the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
40

- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperat ure that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle, w ith the transmission inNEUTRAL, 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 until a “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for mor e than three days after tightening the gas
cap, see your authorized dealer.
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 c an reduce the potential for overheating by
taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift tran smission intoNEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
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 re turn 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.
41
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Jack Location
Extended Cab
• The scissor jack and tire changing tools arestowed in a compartment under the rear
passenger seat.
Crew Cab®
• The scissor jack and tire changing tools areaccessed by lifting up the rear passenger
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 removal and stowage of the jack. This
tool must be removed to operate the jack for
changing the spare tire.
Spare Tire Stowage
• To remove the spare tire, remove the jack-handle components from the storage
compartment and assemble them.
• Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube and insert the tube through the access hole in the rear bumper and into the winch mechanism tube.
• Rotate the wheel wrench handle countercloc kwise 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.
43
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

• Turn the jack screw clockwise to firmly engage the jack saddle with the lift area.
• Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw clockwise. Raise the vehicle only until the tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is obtained to install the spare tire.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable and cause
an accident. It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only
enough to remove the 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 tight en 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 do wn 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 w ith a torque wrench by your authorized dealer
or at a service station.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in an accident or hard stop, could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided.
• 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.
47
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS
• If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are mounted in the front and the rear.
NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use both of the front tow hooks to
minimize the risk of damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a vehicle stranded off-road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle. Tow straps are recommended when towing the vehicle; chains may cause
vehicle damage.
51
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLEModelFlat Towing (all four
wheels on the ground)Flatbed Towing (all four
wheels suspended OFF
the ground)Front Wheels Raised,
Rear Wheels on the
GroundRear Wheels Raised,
Front Wheels on the
Ground
Two-Wheel Drive NOT Permitted
Recommended Method Shift lever must be In
NEUTRAL, the speed
less then 30 mph
(48 km/h) and the
distance traveled less
than 15 mi (24 km).May be used
Four-Wheel Drive NOT Permitted
Recommended Method NOT Permitted without a
towing dolly NOT Permitted without a
towing dolly
52
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by arocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth between REVERSE and 1st gear.
Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without
spinning the wheels, is most effective.
• Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This wil l minimize overheating and reduce the risk of
transmission failure during prolonge d efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds
may cause tire damage or failure. Atire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
WARNING!
• Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing serious injury.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between 1st and REVERSE, do not spinthe wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or s pinning the wheels too fast ma y lead to transmission
overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
53
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:
6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000 72,000 78,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000 110,000 120,000 130,000
Change the engine oil and filter. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotatethetires. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
If using your vehicle for any of the following: dusty or
off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter; replace if necessary. XXXX
X
Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary. XXXXXX
Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months. X
XXX
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first
inspection at 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months. X
XXX
Inspect the front suspe nsion, tie rod ends and boot
seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage,
wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if
necessary. XXXXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. XX
Inspect the transfer case fluid. X
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, off-road or
frequent trailer towing. XXXX
Change the autom atic transmissionfluid & filter(s) if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. X
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L engines). XX
Replace top row of spark plugs (4.7L engine). X
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or
frequent trailer towing. X• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for the complete maintenance schedule.
60
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Power Distribution Center
• The Power Distribution Center located on theleft side of the engine compartment. This
center contains cartridge fuses, mini fuses and relays.
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
1 — — Spare
2 — — Spare
3 30 Amp Pink Electric Brake
4 50 Amp Red Power Seat
5 — — Spare
6 20 Amp Yellow Ignition Off Draw (IOD) Cabin
Compartment Node (CCN), Radio
7 10 Amp Red Powertrain Control Module
(PCM)/Fuel/RAD/AC Coils
8 10 Amp Red Cabin Compartment Node
(CCN)/Mirror/4x4
9 — — Spare
10 2 Amp Gray Run/Start Ignition Switch
11 10 Amp Red AC Clutch
12 15 Amp Blue Trailer Tow Lt Stop/Turn
13 15 Amp Blue Trailer Tow Rt Stop/Turn
14 20 Amp Yellow Ignition Off Draw (IOD) #2
15 25 Amp Natural Trans/Powertrain Control Module
(PCM)
16 20 Amp Yellow Horn
17 20 Amp Yellow ABS Feed (Valves)
18 20 Amp Yellow Fuel Pump
19 15 Amp Blue Center High-Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL)
20 20 Amp Yellow Cabin Compartment Node (CCN)
Door Locks/Brake Tra nsmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI)
21 25 Amp Natural Audio Amp
22 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlet (Switchable)
23 20 Amp Yellow Fog Lamps
24 20 Amp Yellow Powertrain Control Module (PCM) B+
25 15 Amp Blue Cabin Compartment Node (CCN)
Illumination
26 20 Amp Yellow Ignition Run/Start Feed
27 10 Amp Red Power Mirror
28 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlet
29 20 Amp Yellow Front Control Module (FCM) 4
(Wipers)
30 — — Spare
31 30 Amp Green Ignition Run/AC/Windows
63
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Mini-FuseDescription
32 30 Amp Pink Front Control Module (FCM) 1 (Ext.
Lights # 1)
33 30 Amp Pink Auto Shut Down (ASD)
34 30 Amp Pink Front Control Module (FCM) 2 (Ext.
Light # 2)
35 40 Amp Green HVAC Blower Motor
36 — — Spare
37 — — Spare
38 20 Amp Blue — Spare
39 30 Amp Pink Starter Solenoid
40 40 Amp Green Ignition Run Feeds
41 30 Amp Pink Wiper Motor
42 25 Amp Natural Front Control Module (FCM) 5
(T-Case)
43 10 Amp Red Lt Park Lamps
44 10 Amp Red Rt Park Lamps
45 20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow Park Lamps
46 10 Amp Red Airbag System # 2
47 — — Spare
48 20 Amp Blue Sunroof/Sound Box
49 30 Amp Pink Trailer Tow B+
50 40 Amp Green Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Module (Pump)
51 40 Amp Green Park Lamps
52 — — Spare
53 40 Amp Green Rear Defogger
54 — — Spare
55 — — Spare
56 10 Amp Red Heated Seats
57 20 Amp Yellow Airbag System # 2
58 20 Amp Yellow Heated Seats
59 10 Amp Red HVAC Module
60 10 Amp Red ABS Module
61 20 Amp Yellow Front Control Module (FCM) 3
(Reverse Lamps)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
64