towing DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Owners Manual

Emergency Assistance
If you are in an emergency and the mobile phone is
reachable:
•Pick up the phone and manually dial the emergency
number for your area.
If the phone is not reachable and the UConnect™ system
is operational, you may reach the emergency number as
follows:
•Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.
•After theReadyprompt and the following beep, say
Emergencyand the UConnect™ system will instruct
the paired cellular phone to call the emergency num-
ber. This feature is only supported in the USA.
NOTE:The emergency number dialed is based on the
Country where the vehicle is purchased (911 for USA/
Canada and 060 for Mexico). The number called may not
be applicable with the available cellular service and area.The UConnect™ system does slightly lower your chances
of successfully making a phone call as to that for the cell
phone directly.
Your phone must be turned on and paired to the UCon-
nect™ system to allow use of this vehicle feature in
emergency situations when the cell phone has network
coverage and stays paired to the UConnect™ system.
Towing Assistance
If you need towing assistance,
•Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.
•After theReadyprompt and the following beep, say
Towing Assistance.
NOTE:The Towing Assistance number dialed is based
on the Country where the vehicle is purchased (1-800-
528-2069 for USA, 1-877-213-4525 for Canada, 55-14-3454
for Mexico city and 1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico
city in Mexico).
96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Please refer to the 24-Hour Towing Assistance coverage
details in the DaimlerChrysler Corporation 24-Hour
Towing Assistance Program Guide.
Paging
To learn how to page, refer to sectionWorking with
Automated Systems.Paging works properly except for
pagers of certain companies which time-out a little too
soon to work properly with the UConnect™ system.
Voice Mail Calling
To learn how to access your voice mail, refer to section
Working with Automated Systems.
Working with Automated Systems
This method is designed to be used in instances where
one generally has to press numbers on the cellular phone
keypad while navigating through an automated tele-
phony system.You can use your UConnect™ system to access a voice-
mail system or an automated service, such as, paging
service or automated customer service. Some services
require immediate response selection, in some instances,
that may be too quick for use of UConnect™ system.
When calling a number with your UConnect™ system
that normally requires you to enter in a touch-tone
sequence on your cellular phone keypad, you can push
the ’Voice Recognition’ button and say the sequence you
wish to enter followed by the wordSend.For example,
if required to enter your pin number followed with a
pound3746#,youcanpressthe’Voice Recognition’
button and say3746#Send.Saying a number, or
sequence of numbers, followed bySendis also to be
used to navigate through an automated customer service
center menu structure and to leave a number on a pager.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97
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Functions 3.7L 4.7L 4.7L HO
Engage Speed 30 mph (48 km/h) 30 mph (48 km/h) 30 mph (48 km/h)
Minimun RESUME Speed 25 mph (40 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
ACCEL Increase 2 mph (3km/h) 2 mph (3km/h) 2 mph (3 km/h)
DECEL Decrease 1 mph (2 km/h) 1 mph (2 km/h) 1 mph (2 km/h)
Dropout Speed 25 mph (40 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below (refer to the
table below for the speed for your specific engine), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may
exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions.
To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im-
prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to lock out
overdrive by pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button located
at the end of the gear shifter.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gage
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position. (See page 245
for more information.)
2. Temperature Gage
The temperature gage indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gage needle in V6 and V8 engines
will likely indicate a high temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or
when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to the “H” mark,
stop the vehicle, shift into N (Neutral) increase engine
speed for 2-3 minutes. If the temperature reading does
not return to normal, seek authorized service immedi-
ately.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gage pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
152 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
17. Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button. To reset the
Trip Odometer, press and hold the button while in trip
mode, until the Trip Odometer resets.
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument cluster.Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn the GASCAP message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
18. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission
fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage
such as trailer towing. If this light comes on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle or faster, with the
transmission in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.
19. Does not Apply
This indicator is not available.
20. Door Ajar
The Door Ajar light will illuminate when the ignition is
ON and any one of the passenger doors are opened.
NOTE:A chime will sound if the vehicle is rolling and
a door has been opened.
156 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
25. Airbag Indicator
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If
the light does not come on when the ignition is
first turned on, or the light stays on or comes
on while driving, have the airbag system checked by an
authorized dealer.
26. 4LO Indicator
Indicates when transfer case is in 4LO position.
27. SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator
The SVC 4WD lights will come on when the ignition key
is turned to the ON position and will stay on for 2
seconds. If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly
and that service is required.
28. Cruise Light (Speed Control)
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
158 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50%
concentration of engine coolant to distilled water is
recommended. See coolant section of Owner’s manual.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear.
When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to
shift into NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly
for fast idle operation.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 189
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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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•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW/HAUL” Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button. This will improve
202 STARTING AND OPERATING

position - see Shifting Procedure section for specific
shifting instructions. The 4HI and 4LO positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving
in the 4HI and 4LO positions on dry hard surfaced roads
may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driv-
eline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.
NOTE:The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there is no indicator light on orflashing the transfer case position is two-wheel drive
(2WD). If the indicator light is on the desired position
(4HI or 4LO) has been obtained.
If One or More Shift Requirements are not Met
1. An indicator light will flash.
2. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five (5)
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to theShifting Procedurefor your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner’s manual.
The “SVC 4WD” warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
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