heating DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G User Guide

ROCKING THE VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Allow the engine to
idle with the transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles.
This will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of
transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING

A scorching odor may be detected if you continue to run
a malfunctioning engine. The 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. Service, including a tune-up to
manufacturer’s specifications should be obtained imme-
diately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver’s side door.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
Cooling System Tips—Trailer Towing
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
4 - Pin Connector
7 - Pin Connector
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
•See Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW/HAUL” feature on when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Move the shift lever to the next
lower position to eliminate excessive transmission shift-
ing. This action will also reduce the possibility of trans-
mission overheating and provide better engine braking.
SNOWPLOW
Dodge Dakota Models
NOTE:Do not use Dodge Dakota Models for snowplow
applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows, winches, and other aftermarket equip-
ment should not be added to the front end of your
vehicle. The airbag crash sensors may be affected by
the change in the front end structure. The airbags
could deploy unexpectedly or could fail to deploy
during a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.
STARTING AND OPERATING 263
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CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305
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Customer Assistance..................... 368
Data Recorder, Event...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights................... 117
Dealer Service.......................... 297
Defroster, Rear Window................... 191
Defroster, Windshield...................74,186
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 120
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 294
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 218
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 153
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 320
Oil (Engine).......................... 298
Power Steering........................ 308
Disarming, Theft System................... 28
Disc Brakes............................ 318
Disposal
Used Coolant......................... 313Door Ajar Light......................... 156
Door Locks............................. 16
Door Opener, Garage..................... 133
Drive Belts............................ 302
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 309
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 83
Electrical Power Outlets................... 139
Electronic Speed Control................... 123
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 224
Jacking............................. 278
Overheating.......................... 315
Tow Hooks.......................... 286
Towing............................. 287
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 348
Emission Related Components.............. 316
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 303
INDEX 379
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Block Heater......................... 198
Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Compartment......................... 293
Coolant (Antifreeze).................313,344
Cooling............................. 312
Exhaust Gas Caution..................73,250
Fails to Start.......................... 197
Flooded, Starting...................... 197
Fuel Requirements..................... 343
Jump Starting......................... 283
Oil ...........................298,343,344
Oil Filler Cap......................... 301
Oil Selection.......................... 343
Oil Synthetic......................... 301
Overheating.......................... 315
Starting............................. 196
Temperature Gauge..................... 152
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 15
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 269Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 313
Event Data Recorder...................... 57
Exhaust Gas Caution................73,250,312
Exhaust System.......................73,311
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 40
Exterior Lighting........................ 116
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 303
Engine Fuel.......................... 304
Engine Oil........................302,344
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 302
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 272
Turn Signal..................... 118,152,336
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 283
Flooded Engine Starting................... 197
Floor Console.......................... 141
Fluid, Brake........................... 345
380 INDEX

Automatic Dimming..................... 82
Electric Powered....................... 83
Heated.............................. 84
Outside.............................. 82
Rearview............................. 81
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 6
Mopar Parts.........................297,372
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 118
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 72
Occupant Classification System............... 45
Occupant Restraints....................... 31
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 245
Oil, Engine.........................298,344
Capacity............................ 343
Change Interval....................... 299
Dipstick............................. 298
Disposal............................ 302Filter............................302,344
Filter Disposal........................ 302
Identification Logo..................... 301
Materials Added to..................... 302
Recommendation...................300,343
Synthetic............................ 301
Viscosity..........................301,343
Onboard Diagnostic System..............294,295
Opener, Garage Door..................... 133
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 82
Overdrive..........................155,201
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 201
Overhead Console....................126,127
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 127
Overheating, Engine...................154,315
Owner’s Manual........................ 373
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 219
INDEX 385
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