engine overheat DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G User Guide

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified (non-
HOAT), may result in engine damage that may not
be covered under the new vehicle warranty, and
decreased corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the specified
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base anti-
freeze products. Do not use additional rust inhibi-
tors or antirust products, as they may not be compat-
ible with the radiator coolant and may plug the
radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant or refilling system, a 50% solution
of ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should beused. Higher concentrations (not to exceed 65%) are
required if temperatures below ±37ÉF (± 38ÉC) are antici-
pated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
7

Downshifting.......................... 151
Drive Belts............................ 230
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 235
Electrical Power Outlets................... 86
Electronic Power Distribution Center........ 252
Electronic Speed Control.................. 74
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 167
Jacking............................. 211
Jump Starting........................ 215
Overheating......................... 239
Towing............................. 217
Emission Control System Maintenance....... 262
Emission Related Components............. 241
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 231
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 230
Block Heater......................... 146
Break-In Recommendations............... 52
Compartment.....................221,222
Coolant..........................238,259
Cooling............................ 237Exhaust Gas Caution................53,189
Fails to Start......................... 145
Flooded, Starting..................... 145
Fuel Requirements.................... 258
Oil ..........................226,258,259
Oil Selection......................... 258
Oil Synthetic......................... 229
Overheating......................... 239
Starting............................ 144
Temperature Gauge.................... 99
Entry System, Illuminated................. 12
Equipment Identification Plate............. 206
Exhaust Gas Caution..................53,237
Exhaust System......................53,236
Exterior Lighting........................ 68
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 230
Engine Fuel......................... 231
Engine Oil.......................229,259
Engine Oil Disposal................... 229
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 208
INDEX 291
10

Viscosity.........................228,258
Onboard Diagnostic System............223,224
Opener, Garage Door..................... 81
Outside Rearview Mirrors................. 59
Overdrive............................ 148
Overhead Console.....................76,77
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 77
Overheating, Engine..................104,239
Owner's Manual....................... 284
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 163
Parking On Hill........................ 163
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............ 34
Passing Light........................... 70
Pickup Box........................... 194
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 172
Positive Crankcase Valve................. 242
Power
Brakes............................. 243
Distribution Center.................... 252
Door Locks.......................... 14
Mirrors............................. 60Outlet.............................. 86
Steering.........................166,234
Windows............................ 22
Power Steering Fluid.................... 260
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 30
Pressure Gauge, Oil..................... 100
Programmable Electronic Features.........82,85
Programming Transmitters............19,82,85
Quad Cab............................. 65
Radial Ply Tires........................ 178
Radiator Cap.......................... 240
Radio.......................106,114,119,124
Radio Operation.................. 114,119,132
Rear Axle............................. 248
Rear Window Defroster.................. 140
Rearview Mirrors........................ 58
Reclining Front Seats..................... 62
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 259
Recreational Towing..................... 202
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 202
296 INDEX