light DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G User Guide
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²The driver and front passenger seats should be moved
back as far as practical to allow the airbag room to
inflate.
WARNING!
²Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won't deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
²Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
²Airbag Control Module
²AIRBAG Readiness Light
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Steering Wheel and Column
²Instrument Panel
²Airbag Control Module bullet (with integrated crash
sensor)
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Knee Impact Bolsters
²Passenger Side Frontal Airbag ON/OFF Switch
How The Airbag System Works
²
The airbag control module determines if a frontal
collision is severe enough to require the airbags to
inflate.
²The airbag control module will not detect side, roll
over, or rear collisions.
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²The airbag control module also monitors the readiness
of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions.
These include all of the items listed above except the
knee bolsters, the instrument panel, and the steering
wheel and column If the key is in the9off9position, in
the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are
not on and will not inflate
²The airbag control module also turns on the AIRBAG
light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when
the ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off.
If it detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the light either momentarily or continuously.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won't have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
²When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of
the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The
airbags fully inflate in milliseconds. This is only about
half of the time it takes you to blink your eyes. The
airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain
the driver and front passenger. The driver's front
airbag gas is vented through the airbag material
towards the instrument panel. The passenger's front
airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of
the airbag. In this way the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.
²The knee impact bolsters help protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag.
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ± If Equipped
The passenger front airbag is to be turned off only if the
passenger:
²is an infant (less than 1 year old) who must ride in the
front seat because there is no rear seat, because the rear
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seat is too small for a rear-facing infant restraint or
because the infant has a medical condition which
makes it necessary for the driver to be able to see the
infant,
²is a child, age 1 to 12 who must ride in the front seat
because there is no rear seat, because there is no rear
seat position available, or because the child has a
medical condition which makes it necessary for the
driver to be able to see the child,
²has a medical condition which makes passenger airbag
inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger
than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument
panel) or windshield in a crash.
WARNING!
Whenever an airbag is turned off, even a lap/
shoulder belted passenger may hit their head, neck,
or chest on the dashboard (instrument panel) or
windshield in a crash. This may result in serious
injury or death.
NOTE:The Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch is not
available in the Quad Cab.
To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag
Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag On/Off
Switch, push the key in and turn clockwise, and remove
the key from the switch. This will shut off the passenger
side airbag. The ªOffº light near the switch will illumi-
nate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
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To Turn On the Passenger Airbag
Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag On/Off
Switch, push the key in and turn counterclockwise, and
remove the key from the switch. This will turn on the
passenger airbag. The ªOffº light near the switch will be
off when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the air bag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe frontal col-
lision, and then immediately to deflate.
NOTE:A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
²The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasiumfloor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven't healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.
²As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturers instruc-
tions for cleaning.
²It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
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WARNING!
Deployed airbags can't protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 10 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
Maintaining Your Airbag Systems
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
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Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
²The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse num-
bers 18 and 19 in the fuse block. See your dealer if the
fuse is good.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap can
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
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Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You can feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle:
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights as
you turn them on. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check the area under vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected, the cause should be located and
corrected.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors..............................58
NInside Day/Night Mirror.................58
NAutomatic Dimming MirrorÐ If Equipped....59
NOutside Mirrors.......................59
NExterior Mirrors Folding Feature...........59
NElectric Remote-Control Mirrors............60
NHeated Mirrors Ð If Equipped.............61
mSeats................................61
NSeat Adjustment.......................61
NReclining Seats........................62
N6 - Way Power Seat Adjuster Ð Driver's Side
Only...............................63NLumbar Support Adjustment Ð Power Seats
Only...............................63
NSeatback Releases Ð Bench Seat............63
NSeatback ReleasesÐBucket And Split Bench....64
NClub Cab Easy Entry System..............64
NClub Cab/Quad Cab Rear Seat.............65
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............66
mLights...............................67
NInterior Lights........................67
NBattery Saver.........................68
NHeadlamp Delay.......................68
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights......68
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NDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only)......69
NLights-On Reminder....................69
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................69
NCargo Light Ð If Equipped...............70
mMultifunction Control Lever...............70
NTurn Signals..........................70
NPassing Light.........................70
NHigh Beam / Low Beam Select Switch.......71
NWindshield Wipers.....................71
NWindshield Washers....................72
mTilt Steering Column Ð If Equipped.........73
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......74
NTo Activate...........................74
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................74
NTo Deactivate.........................74
NTo Resume Speed......................75NTo Vary The Speed Setting................75
NTo Accelerate For Passing................75
mOverhead Console......................76
NCourtesy/Reading Lights.................76
mCompass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer...77
NUS/M Button.........................77
NReset Button..........................77
NGlobal Reset..........................77
NStep Button..........................78
NAverage Fuel Economy (AVG ECO).........78
NDistance To Empty (DTE)................78
NTrip Odometer (ODO)...................78
NElapsed Time (ET)......................78
NC/T Button..........................79
NCompass/Temperature Display............79
NAutomatic Compass Calibration............79
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MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
The mirror should be adjusted to center on the view
through the rear window. A two-point pivot system
allows for horizontal and vertical adjustment of the
mirror.Annoying headlight glare can be reduced by moving the
small control under the mirror to the night position
(toward rear of truck). The mirror should be adjusted
while set in the day position (toward windshield).
58 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE