warning DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Service Manual

WARNING!
Vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a danger-
ous gas. Do not run the vehicle’s exhaust while
training the transceiver. Exhaust gas can cause seri-
ous injury or death.
WARNING!
Your motorized door or gate will open and close
while you are training the Universal Transceiver. Do
not train the transceiver if people or pets are in the
path of the door or gate. A moving door or gate can
cause serious injury or death to people and pets or
damage to objects.
2. Position the end of your hand-held transmitter 1-3
inches (3-8 cm) away from the HomeLink buttons while
keeping the indicator light in view.
3. Simultaneously press and hold both the HomeLink
button that you want to train and the hand-held trans-
mitter buttons.Do not release the buttons until step 4
has been completed.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 135
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General Information
The Manufacturer’s Warranty does not apply to body
modifications and special equipment, such as a camper
unit, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc., supplied by
manufacturers other than the manufacturer. For warranty
coverage and service on these items, contact the appli-
cable manufacturer.
To mount a camper unit with an overhang, the tailgate
can be removed. Unlatch tailgate and remove support
cables from the retainer pins. Raise right side of tailgate
until the lower right side pivot clears the hanger bracket.
Then slide the tailgate to the right to remove.
Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped
With A Cap or Slide-In Campers
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the
exhaust system on vehicles equipped with “Cap or
Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the overhang-
ing camper compartment and be free of leaks.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145
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left/right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM
vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more
than one mile. (See page 118 for more information.)
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads 1/8
of a tank or less. There is a pointer on the side of
this symbol that indicates the side that your fuel
filler door is located.
5. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to “buckle
up.” This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the airbag system. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer. (See page 32 for more information.)7. Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
8. Coolant Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shift into N
(Neutral) and increase the engine speed for 2 to 3
minutes. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, seek authorized service immediately.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 153
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CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the if the light remains on, turn
the engine off immediately, and call for service.
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 a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
9. Speedometer
Shows the vehicles speed.
10. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.
11. Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
154 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

12. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
13. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained. (See page 298 for more information.)14. Tachometer
This gage measures engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm
x 1000).
15. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
16. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 155
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21. BRAKE System Warning Light
This light will light when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and will remain on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on, it may be an indication that the parking
brake has not been released, or there is a low brake fluid
level. If the light remains on when the parking brake has
been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on
the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the
parking brake is applied, the light will flash when the
gear position is out of park for automatic transmissions.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary. Operating the vehicle in this condition is dangerous!
22. Low Washer Fluid Indicator
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.23. HeadLights On Indicator
Indicate when your headlights are on.
24. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 157
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▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............246
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................246
▫Materials Added To Fuel................247
▫Adding Fuel.........................247
▫Fuel System Cautions..................249
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............250

Catalytic Converter.....................251

Vehicle Loading........................252
▫Certification Label.....................252
▫Curb Weight.........................254
▫Loading............................254

Trailer Towing.........................256
▫Definitions..........................256
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............258▫Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR). 259
▫Trailer Towing—Hitches................259
▫Trailer Towing Information
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........260
▫Trailer Towing Requirements.............260
▫Trailer Tow Wiring....................261
▫Cooling System Tips—Trailer Towing.......262

Snowplow............................263
▫Dodge Dakota Models..................263

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 264
▫Recreational Towing 2WD Models.........264
▫Recreational Towing 4WD Models.........265

Traction.............................269

Equipment Identification Plate.............269
STARTING AND OPERATING 195
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STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is depressed.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled on fuel injected
engines and will decrease as the engine warms up.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling can cause excessive
exhaust temperatures which can damage your ve-
hicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is located at the right front
of the engine compartment for all engine applications.
198 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Automatic Transmission
The electronic PRNDL on the instrument cluster indicates
the transmission gear selected. The selector lever is
mounted on the right side of the steering column. To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of PARK.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.
“P” Park
Supplements parking brake by locking the transmission.
Engine can be started in this range. Never use Park while
vehicle is in motion. Apply parking brake when leaving
vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first,
then place selector in Park position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 199
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