battery DODGE DAKOTA 2006 3.G Owner's Manual

cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system is determined not ready
for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine. If you crank or start the engine, you
will have to start this test over.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305
7

3. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen: a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank or
the key is turned off. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD system is not readyand you should notproceed
to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle’s OBD system is readyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system is not readyyou should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopar
parts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tensioner
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals, and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts and tensioner should be checked for condition.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing, or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure proper engine
performance and emission control. The plugs installed in
your vehicle should operate satisfactorily in normal
service for the mileage indicated in the Maintenance
Chart. New plugs should be installed at this mileage. The
entire set should be replaced if there is any malfunction
due to a faulty spark plug. Check the Vehicle Emissions
Control Information label for the proper type of spark
plug for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
When replacing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
To determine the battery charge, check the battery test
indicator (if equipped) on top of the battery. Refer to the
illustration.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7

CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Also, if a “fast charger” is used while battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
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.
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
57 20 Amp Yellow Airbag System #2
58 20 Amp Yellow Heated Seats
59 10 Amp Red HVAC Module
60 10 Amp Red ABS Module
61 20 Amp Yellow FCM3 (Re- verse Lamps)
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it suggests a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
NOTE: If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for
longer than 21 days you may want to take steps to protect
your battery. You may do this by disconnecting the
battery or by disconnecting the two ignition-off draw
(I.O.D.) fuses located in the Auxiliary Power Distribution
Center (PDC) located in the engine compartment. The
I.O.D. cavities include a snap-in retainer that allows the
fuse to be disconnected, without removing it from the
fuse block. Pressing the I.O.D. fuse back into the cavity
reconnects it.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (I.O.D.) fuse
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). The
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

I.O.D. cavity includes a snap-in retainer that allows the
fuse to be disconnected, without removing it from the
fuse block.
•The transfer case should be placed in the 4HI mode
and kept in this position to minimize the battery drain.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cable from the battery.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Interior Bulb No.
Dome Light ........................ WL212–2
Cargo Light ............................ 567
Overhead Console Lights ................... 192
Reading Light ....................... WL212–2 LIGHT BULBS — Outside Bulb No.
Headlight
............................. H13
Front Park/Turn/Sidemarker .............3157NA
Back-Up .............................. 3157
Center High Mounted Stoplight .............. 921
Fog Lamp ............................. 9145
Rear Sidemarker ......................... 168
License Plate Light ....................... 168
Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal .................3057
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341
7

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation. At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 363
8
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Ball Joints............................. 317
Battery ............................... 315
Charging ............................ 293
Emergency Starting ..................... 293
Gas Caution .......................... 293
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 114
Belts, Drive ............................ 312
Belts, Seat .............................. 31
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 318
B-Pillar Location ........................ 234
Brake Fluid ............................ 357
Brake System ........................ 225,326
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 225,226
Disc Brakes .......................... 326
Fluid Check .......................... 326
Hoses .............................. 327
Master Cylinder ....................... 326
Parking ............................. 224 Warning Light
..................... 155,156
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 204
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 70
Bulb Replacement ....................... 342
Bulbs, Light ............................ 341
Calibration, Compass ..................... 129
Camper ............................... 145
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 355
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 310
Power Steering ........................ 317
Car Washes ............................ 333
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............146,256
Cargo Light ............................ 117
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 258
Catalytic Converter .................... 256,313
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...............160,168
Cellular Phone ........................ 82,188
INDEX 391
10

License............................. 353
Lights On Reminder .................... 116
Low Fuel ......................... 152,153
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 157
Passing ............................. 118
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 153
Service .............................. 341
Turn Signal ........................ 1 17,348
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 152
Washer Fluid ......................... 157
Limited-Slip Differential ................... 223
Loading Vehicle ......................... 258
Tires ............................... 234
Locks ................................. 15
Auto Unlock .......................... 17
Automatic Door ........................ 17
Child Protection ........................ 19
Door ................................ 15
Ignition .............................. 13 Keys
................................ 10
Power Door ........................... 16
Steering Wheel ......................... 13
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 60
Lubricating Oil ......................... 332
Lubrication, Body ....................... 318
Lug Nuts ............................. 291
Lumbar Support ........................ 107
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 315
Maintenance Procedures ................... 307
Maintenance Schedule .................... 361
Schedule “A” ......................... 375
Schedule “B” ......................... 364
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 140
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 157,305
Manual, Service ......................... 386
Manual Transmission ...............201,209,328
Fluid Level Check ...................... 328
398 INDEX