engine DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
4 INTRODUCTION

mWindows.............................22
NPower Windows Ð If Equipped............22
NSliding Rear WindowÐIf Equipped.........23
NClub Cab Vented Quarter Window..........24
NWind Buffeting........................24
mOccupant Restraints.....................24
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................25
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....29
NSeat Belt PretensionersÐQuad Cab Only......29
NFront Lap Belts........................30
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............30NSeat Belt Extender......................31
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint SystemÐAirbag................31
NChild Restraint........................38
mEngine Break-In Recommendations..........52
mSafety Tips............................53
NExhaust System.......................53
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................54
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................54
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The double sided keys may be inserted into the locks
with either side up. The keys for your new vehicle are
enclosed in a plastic bag with a bar code label affixed to
the front. The bar code can be used to order duplicate
keys from your dealer or a locksmith. If you received
your keys without the bag, ask your dealer to give you
the number.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver's door when the key is in the
ignition lock, a continuous chime will sound to remind
you to remove the key.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock
all the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
SENTRY KEY Ð IF EQUIPPED
With this system, an electronically coded ignition key
sends a signal to the vehicle electronics. If the electronics
recognizes the signal, the vehicle will start and continue
to run. If the system does not recognize the signal, the
vehicle will start and run for 2 seconds, then shut off.
After six unsuccessful attempts at starting, the system
will shut down until the correct key is used.
NOTE:The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not
compatible with remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a
loss of security protection. Additional Sentry Keys or
Mobil Speed-passŸ devices held against or immediately
adjacent to the ignition key when starting the engine may
cause vehicle starting problems. If a problem occurs,
remove the Sentry Key from the key-ring and attempt to
start the vehicle again. Pagers, cell phones, walkman, etc.
will have no effect on this system.
The9Security Light9will illuminate for about 3 seconds
when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON
position. If the vehicle electronics do not receive a valid
signal from the ignition key, the9Security Light9will flash
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
2

Central Locking Ð If Equipped
Vehicles with security will have a feature called9Central
Locking.9When the key is placed in the door cylinder
and turned to the9Unlock9position, the security will be
disarmed, the illuminated entry will be turned on and
that door will be mechanically unlocked. If the key is
once again turned to the unlock position within 5 seconds
of the first unlock, the remaining doors will unlock. If the
key is turned to the9Lock9position while all doors are
closed, illuminated entry will be canceled, security will
begin arming, and all doors will lock.
Automatic Door Locks
If this feature is enabled, your door locks will lock
automatically when the vehicle's speed exceeds 15 mph
(24 km/h).
This feature is enabled when your vehicle is shipped
from the assembly plant and can be disabled by using the
following procedure:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.2. Fasten your seat belt (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may confuse you during this
programming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Within 10 seconds cycle the key from the OFF position
to the ON position four times; ending in the OFF position
(Do not start the engine).
5. Within 30 seconds, press the driver's door lock switch
in the LOCK direction.
6. A single chime will be heard to indicate the feature has
been disabled.
7. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
8. If a chime is not heard, program mode was canceled
before the feature could be disabled. If necessary, repeat
the above procedure.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors from
distances up to about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held
radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.
To unlock the doors (four door vehicles):
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the key fob
once to unlock only the driver's door or twice to unlock
all the doors. When the UNLOCK button is pressed, theilluminated entry will initiate, the parking lights will
flash on twice and if installed, the cargo lamp will turn on
for 30 seconds.
The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors
upon the first UNLOCK button press by using the
following procedure:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt. (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may confuse you during this
programming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Within 10 seconds cycle the key from the OFF position
to the ON position four times; ending in the ON position
(Do not start the engine).
5. Within 30 seconds, press the driver's door lock switch
in the UNLOCK direction.
6. A single chime will be heard to indicate the feature has
been disabled.
7. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

8. If a chime is not heard, program mode was canceled
before the feature could be disabled. If necessary, repeat
the above procedure.
NOTE:All two-door vehicles will be shipped from the
assembly plant with this feature disabled. If this feature is
enabled on a two door vehicle, a single UNLOCK button
press will initiate the illuminated entry only - none of the
doors will unlock. If the UNLOCK button is pressed a
second time within 4 seconds of the first, all doors will
unlock.
To lock the doors:
Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to
lock all doors. If the ignition is OFF, when the doors are
locked, the parking lights will flash on once and the horn
will chirp once.
The horn chirp feature will be shipped from the assembly
plants activated. If desired this feature can be disabled by
using the following procedure:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.2. Fasten your seat belt (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may confuse you during this
programming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position (Do not start the
engine).
5. Press and hold the LOCK button on the key fob.
6. After holding the LOCK button for four seconds, also
press the PANIC button within 6 seconds.
7. When a single chime is heard, release both buttons.
8. Turn the ignition OFF to test the horn chirp feature.
9. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
10. If a chime is not heard, program mode was canceled
before the feature could be disabled. If necessary, repeat
the above procedure.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Using the Panic Alarm
To activate the Panic mode while the ignition is OFF press
and release the PANIC button on the transmitter once.
When the Panic mode is activated, the interior lights will
illuminate, the headlamps and parking lights will flash,
and the horn will sound.
To cancel the Panic mode press and release the PANIC
button on the transmitter a second time. Panic mode will
automatically cancel after 3 minutes or if the vehicle is
started and exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). During the Panic
Mode, the door locks and remote keyless entry systems
will function normally. Panic mode will not disarm the
security system on vehicles so equipped.
Programming Additional Transmitters
Vehicles with the keyless entry option will be shipped
from the assembly plants with two key fob transmitters
programmed only for that vehicle. A total of four fobs can
be programmed for your vehicle. Additional fobs can be
programmed to your vehicle through the use of a cur-
rently programmed fob.
NOTE:When entering program mode using that fob,
all other programmed fobs will be erased and you will
have to reprogram them for your vehicle.
Use the Following procedure to program additional key
fobs:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt (Fastening the seatbelt will cancel
any chiming that may confuse you during this program-
ming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position (Do not start the
engine).
5. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the key fob.
6. After holding the UNLOCK button for four seconds,
also press the PANIC button within 6 seconds.
7. Release both buttons and a single chime will be heard.
The chime is an indication that you have successfully
entered program mode. All fobs that are to be pro-
grammed must be done so within 30 seconds of when the
chime was heard.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement battery is 2016.
NOTE:Do not touch the battery terminals that are on
the back housing or the printed circuit board.
1. With transmitter buttons facing down, use a flat blade
or dime to pry the two halves of the transmitter apart.
Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket during
removal.2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
3. To reassemble the transmitter case snap the two halves
together. Make sure there is an even gap between the two
halves. Test transmitter operation.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visual signals. The
horn will sound repeatedly for 3 minutes and the head-
lights and security light in the instrument cluster will
flash for an additional 15 minutes. The engine will not
run until the system is disarmed.
To Set the Alarm:
The alarm will set when you use the power door locks,
turn the key in the door lock cylinder, or use the Keyless
Entry transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed the SECURITY light in the instrument
cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the system is
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
2

arming. The security light in the instrument panel cluster
will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds to indicate that the
alarm is being set. After the alarm is set, the security light
will flash at a slower rate to indicate that the system is
armed.
NOTE:If the SECURITY light stays on continuously
during vehicle operation, have the system checked by
your dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the Keyless Entry transmitter or the key to turn the
door locks to the unlock position. If something has
triggered the system in your absence, the horn will sound
three times when you unlock the doors. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
The Security system will also disarm, if the vehicle is
started with a programmed Sentry Key. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Key is used to start a vehicle, the engine
will run for 2 seconds and then the security alarm will be
initiated. To exit alarming mode, press the RKE Unlock
button, unlock the doors using the key cylinder, or start
the vehicle with a programmed Sentry Key.The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
vehicle and lock the doors with the transmitter, the alarm
will sound when you pull the door handle to exit. You
may also accidentally disarm the system by unlocking
any door with the door key and then locking it. The door
will be locked but the Security Alarm will not arm.
WINDOWS
Power Windows Ð IF Equipped
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE