DODGE DAKOTA 2011 3.G Owners Manual

right of the control panel. Conditioned air will be di-
rected through the outlets selected by the mode control.
A light at the top of the SNOWFLAKE button shows that
the air conditioning is on. Press the button a second time
to turn the air conditioning off.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.The Mode Control (at the right of the
control panel) can be set in any of the
following positions: NOTE:
To improve your selection choices, the system
allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots.
Recirculation Modes (Panel or Bi-Level )
Select the recirculation modes when
the outside air contains dust, odors,
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is
desired. This feature allows for recir-
culation of interior air only. Air flows
either through the panel outlets or
both the panel and floor outlets to-
gether, depending on which recirculation mode is
selected.
Panel (Fresh Air Modes)
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel.Mode Control
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239

Bi-Level
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and at the floor.
Floor
Outside air flows primarily through the floor out-
lets located under the instrument panel.
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the
floor and defroster outlets.
Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlets located at the base of
the windshield, and the demister outlets located at the
edge of each side of the instrument panel. NOTE:
•The air conditioner compressor operates in both Mix
and Defrost or a blend of these modes, even if the A/C
button has not been pressed. This dehumidifies the air
to help dry the windshield.
•For information on operating the rear defrost, refer to
“Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Fea-
tures Of Your Vehicle”.
Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the Blower Control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left posi-
tion.
240 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the
climate controls will not function during Remote Start
operation if the blower control is left in the “O” (Off)
position.
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the
control panel controls the temperature
of the interior air. You can choose your
degree of comfort by rotating the
knob. The coldest temperature setting
is to the extreme left (blue region) and
the warmest setting is to the extreme
right (red region) of the rotation.
Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air. Side window demisters direct airflow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix, Defrost, or Bi-Level modes are
in use.
NOTE:
When you turn off the engine you may hear a
hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.
Operating Tips
Fast Cooldown
For a fast cooldown, open the windows and turn the
blower fan rotary knob to the extreme right position, turn
the mode control to the panel fresh position, press the
SNOWFLAKE button to turn on the air conditioning, and
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241

drive with the windows open for the first few minutes.
Once the hot air has been expelled, close the windows
and turn the mode selector to the Recirculation Panel
Mode or Recirculation Mode Bi-level position. When a
comfortable condition has been reached, choose a mode
position and adjust the temperature control knob and
blower speed as necessary to maintain comfort. For high
humidity conditions it may be necessary to remain in the
Recirculation mode to maintain comfort.
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the SNOW-
FLAKE button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature
control, air direction and blower speed to maintain
comfort.As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. High blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates on the inside of windows can increase the
rate of window fogging.
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer, to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50%
concentration of engine coolant to distilled water is
recommended. Refer to “Cooling System” under “Main-
tenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy
traffic, in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer,
additional engine cooling may be required. If this situa-
tion is encountered, operate the transmission in a lowergear and set the air conditioner to recirculation mode.
Operating the air conditioner in recirculation mode pro-
vides the maximum performance from your air condi-
tioning. When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be neces-
sary to shift into NEUTRAL and press the accelerator
slightly for fast idle operation.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions. This will help prevent snow going into the ducts.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243

Operation Tips Chart
244 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 249
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 249
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 249
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C) ................ 250
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 250
▫ After Starting ....................... 251
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 251
Automatic Transmission ................. 252
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 253
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 253
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 253
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 253
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 258
▫ Transfer Case Operating Information/
Precautions ......................... 258
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 262
5

Limited-Slip Rear Axle Differential — If
Equipped ............................ 264
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 264
▫ Acceleration ........................ 264
▫ Traction ........................... 265
 Driving Through Water ................. 265
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 266
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 266
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 268
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 268
 Power Steering ....................... 269
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 270
 Parking Brake ........................ 271 
Brake System ........................ 273
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 273
 Tire Safety Information ................. 275
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 275
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 278
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 279
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 280
 Tires — General Information ............. 284
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 284
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 285
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 286
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 287
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 287
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 288
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 289
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 289
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 290
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 290
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 291
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 292
 Tire Chains .......................... 293
 Snow Tires .......................... 295
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 295
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 296
▫ Base System ........................ 299 ▫
General Information .................. 301
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 301
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 302
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 302
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 303
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 303
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 304
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 304
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 305
 Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 306
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 306
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 307
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 247

▫Fuel Requirements ................... 307
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 308
▫ Starting ........................... 308
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 309
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 309
▫ Maintenance ........................ 309
 Adding Fuel ......................... 310
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 310
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 311
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 312
▫ Certification Label ................... 312
▫ Curb Weight ........................ 313 ▫
Loading ........................... 313
 Trailer Towing ........................ 314
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 315
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 319
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 320
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 320
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 321
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 326
 Snowplow .......................... 327
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 328
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models .............. 328
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models .............. 328
248 STARTING AND OPERATING