light DODGE DAKOTA 2011 3.G Owner's Manual

Two–Position Tailgate/Upper Load
Platform
• Your tailgate can be opened to thefull-open or the partial-open
position. The partial-open position
is for loading objects longer than
the length of the bed (sheets of
plywood, etc.) by creating an upper
load platform.
Installing Lumber • Place lumber across the box in the indentations provided above the
wheel housings and in the
bulkhead dividers, to form the floor.
There are indents in the sheet
metal (or bed liner if equipped) on
the inner side of the box in front
(Crew Cab
®only) and behind both
wheel housings.
• Secure the tailgate in the partially-open position.
• Open the tailgate slightly.
• Snap the tailgate support cable between the cable guide and the
tailgate bumper. Do this on both
sides of the tailgate.
• To return the tailgate to the full-open position:
• Lift up on tailgate.
• Remove both cables from
between the cable guides and
the tailgate bumpers, and lower
the tailgate.
CAUTION!
• Care should always beexercised when operating a
vehicle with cargo. Vehicle
speeds may need to be
reduced. Severe turns or rough
roads may cause shifting or
bouncing of the cargo that may
result in vehicle damage.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
• Ensure the load is securely tieddown and is properly identified
according to local laws if it
extends beyond the tail lights.
• Loading should not exceed 400 lbs (181 kg) of material
suspended above the
wheelhouse and partially open
tailgate or vehicle damage may
result.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS
(MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT
RATINGS)
NOTE: For trailer towing information
(maximum trailer weight ratings) refer to
the following website addresses:
• http:// www.ramtrucks.com/towing
• http:// www.ramtruck.ca (Canada)
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive Models
• Recreational towing of two-wheel
drive models is not allowable.
Towing the vehicle with the
transmission in NEUTRAL can
cause severe transmission
damage. Removal of the driveshaft
for towing is not recommended,
since this would allow fluid to drain
from the transmission.
UTILITY
34

Four-Wheel Drive Models
Recreational Towing Procedure• Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
• Bring the vehicle to a complete
stop, shut the engine OFF and
turn the Key Fob to the ON/RUN
position (do not start the engine).
• Press the brake pedal and shift the automatic transmission into
NEUTRAL, or press the clutch
pedal to the floor on a manual
transmission.
• Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, press the transfer case
NEUTRAL button for four
seconds.
• After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light comes on,
release the NEUTRAL button.
• Start the engine and shift the automatic transmission into
REVERSE.
• Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is
no vehicle movement.
• Repeat the previous step with the transmission in DRIVE.
• Shut the engine OFF, and place the Key Fob in the unlocked OFF
position.
• Shift automatic transmissions into PARK. Shift manual
transmissions into fourth gear.
• Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with a tow bar and
disconnect the negative battery
cable.
• Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details. NOTE:
• The first two steps are requirements
that must be met prior to pressing
the NEUTRAL button, and must
continue to be met until the four
seconds elapse and the shift has
been completed. If any of these
requirements (with the exception of
Key Fob ON) are not met prior to
pressing the NEUTRAL button or are
no longer met during the four second
timer, then the NEUTRAL indicator
light will flash continuously until all
requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL button is released.
• The Key Fob must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the
Key Fob in not ON, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates that shift
requirements have not been met.
CAUTION!
• Internal damage to the transfercase will occur if a front or rear
wheel lift is used when
recreational towing.
• The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL for
recreational towing. The
NEUTRAL button is located on
the lower left hand corner of the
4WD Control Switch. Shifts into
and out of transfer case
NEUTRAL can take place with
the selector switch in any mode
position.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK position for
recreational towing.
(Continued)
UTILITY
35

24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time ofarrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With
your consent, we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, whencold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE,
ADJUST THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE
SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION, THE
VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time
the vehicle is restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able todetect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires
or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage
may result when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not
use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped
with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull overand stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading
does not return 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.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly
burned by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized
service center for service if your vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunctionor the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not
applied, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster
problem or an Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
38

WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake
system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could
have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc.,may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the
light stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter
damage. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the chargingsystem 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 the vehicle 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, werecommend you 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 the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever
is placed in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
39

• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually bedrivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an elevated/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, havethe vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD systemis not functioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you do
not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature thatmight occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop
the vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, 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 untila “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
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 can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, but do not
increase engine idle speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
40

• Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw clockwise. Raise the vehicle onlyuntil the tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is obtained to install
the spare 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 tighten 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 down 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 with a torque wrench by your
authorized dealer or at a service station.
• 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.
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.
• 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. If you need to get under a raised
vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle
should be jacked on a firm, level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• If it is necessary to retrieve the spare tire from under the vehicle on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit.
• 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 being hit when operating the
jack or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing procedures to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle: Always park on a firm, level surface as
far from the edge of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
(Continued)
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
46

WARNING!(Continued)
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle lessstable and could cause it to slip off the jack and hurt someone near it.
Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
• A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or hard stop, could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and
the spare tire in the places provided.
JUMP-STARTING
• If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be jump-started using a set of
jumper cables and a battery in another vehicle or by using a portable battery
booster pack.
• Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE: When using a portable battery booster pack follow the manufacturer’s
operating instructions and precautions.
Preparations for Jump-Start
• The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
• Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
• Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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Power Distribution Center (fuses)
• The Power Distribution Center located on the left side of the enginecompartment. 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 Instrument Cluster/Door
Locks/Brake Transmission 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 Instrument Cluster 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
62

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse
Description
31 30 Amp Green Ignition Run/AC/Windows
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
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