power steering DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................10
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................10
▫Sentry Key — If Equipped................11

Ignition And Steering Lock.................13
▫Manual Transmissions...................13
▫Automatic Transmissions.................14

Illuminated Entry........................15
▫Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....15

Door Locks............................16▫Manual Door Locks.....................16
▫Power Door Locks.....................17
▫Child Protection Door Lock...............20

Remote Keyless Entry.....................21
▫To Unlock The Doors...................22
▫To Lock The Doors.....................22
▫Using The Panic Alarm..................24
▫General Information....................24
▫Programming Additional Transmitters........25
2

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to fail when
you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system is 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 structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag system.
The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if
modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
any advanced airbag system service. If your seat including your trim
cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (including removal
or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to
your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories
may be used. If it is necessary to modify an advanced airbag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
•Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video players on the
right front passenger seat back. The additional weight may cause
the Occupant Classification System to be unable to correctly classify
the right front occupant. This could allow the passenger frontal
airbag to inflate when it is not desired.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not mount
or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•It 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 an airbag system.
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 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
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 mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Manual Lumbar Support Adjustment — If
Equipped...........................109
▫Adjustable Head Restraints — Front Seating
Positions...........................109
▫6 - Way Power Seat Adjuster — Driver’s Side
Only..............................110
▫Club Cab/Quad Cab Rear Seat............112
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped.............112

To Open And Close The Hood.............112

Lights...............................114
▫Interior Lights.......................114
▫Battery Saver........................115
▫Headlamp Delay......................116
▫Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights.....116▫Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only).....117
▫Lights-On Reminder...................117
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped...............117
▫Cargo Light — If Equipped..............118

Multifunction Control Lever...............118
▫Turn Signals.........................118
▫Passing Light........................119
▫High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch......119
▫Windshield Wipers....................120
▫Windshield Washers...................121

Tilt Steering Column....................122

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped......123
▫To Activate..........................123
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System..........................221
▫Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — (If Equipped)................221
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System — If Equipped..................222

Power Steering........................223

Rocking The Vehicle.....................224

Tire Safety Information...................224
▫Tire Markings........................224
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........228
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........229

Tires—General Information................233
▫Tire Pressure.........................233
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................234▫Radial-Ply Tires......................236
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........237
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........238
▫Tire Spinning........................238
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................239
▫Replacement Tires.....................240
▫Alignment And Balance.................241

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information.......241

Tire Chains...........................242

Snow Tires...........................243

Tire Rotation Recommendations............244

Fuel Requirements......................245
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................246
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the Anti-lock Brake System, you will experience
some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a stop. This is
the result of the system reverting to the base brake
system.
Engagement of the Anti-lock Brake System may be
accompanied by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a
clicking noise. These occurrences are normal, and indi-
cate that the system is functioning properly.
POWER STEERING
Your power steering system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for any reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted, it
will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will experience an increase in steering
effort and a noticeable amount of “free play” in the
steering wheel.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............307
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............308
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............309
▫Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints........309
▫Body Lubrication.....................309
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................310
▫Windshield Washers...................310
▫Exhaust System......................311
▫Cooling System.......................312
▫Emission Related Components............316
▫Brake System........................318
▫Clutch Hydraulic System................319
▫Manual Transmission..................320▫Automatic Transmission................320
▫Transfer Case........................323
▫Axles..............................323
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........324
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................325

Power Distribution Center (Fuse/Relay).......328

Vehicle Storage........................329

Replacement Light Bulbs.................330

Bulb Replacement......................330
▫Headlamps..........................330
▫Front Park And Turn Signal Lamp..........334
▫Rear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stoplamp, And
Turn Signal Bulbs — Replacement.........336
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination
of the grease.
Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All four wheel drive models are equipped with four
constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boot should be
inspected for external leakage or damage periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated
periodically to assure quiet, easy operation and to protect
against rust and wear. Prior to the application of any
lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and
grease should be removed. Particular attention should
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission (Getrag 238) MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant (MS9763).
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (MS-8985). Limited-slip rear axles
require Moparlimited-slip additive (MS-10111). Four ounces (118 ml)
should be added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is made.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
7

Ball Joints............................. 309
Battery............................... 306
Charging............................ 283
Emergency Starting..................... 283
Gas Caution.......................... 283
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 115
Belts, Drive............................ 302
Belts, Seat.............................. 32
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 309
B-Pillar Location........................ 229
Brake Fluid............................ 345
Brake System........................221,318
Anti-Lock.........................221,222
Disc Brakes.......................... 318
Fluid Check.......................... 318
Hoses.............................. 319
Master Cylinder....................... 318
Parking............................. 219Warning Light.....................155,157
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 199
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 72
Bulb Replacement....................... 330
Bulbs, Light............................ 330
Calibration, Compass..................... 131
Camper............................... 144
Capacities, Fluid........................ 343
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 301
Power Steering........................ 308
Car Washes............................ 325
Carbon Monoxide Warning..............145,250
Cargo Light............................ 118
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 252
Catalytic Converter....................251,304
CD Player..........................161,166
Cellular Phone........................84,184
INDEX 377
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