DODGE DAKOTA 2006 3.G Owners Manual

Transfer Case
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident the transfer case fluid level may be low. Have the
transfer case serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage may result from operation of the vehicle
with low transfer case fluid.
The transfer case fluid should be drained and refilled at
the intervals specified.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Axles
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
The manufacturer does not recommend regularly sched-
uled oil changes for axles in vehicles whose operation is
classified as normal truck service.
NOTE: The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Rear Axle
Rear Axle Limited-slip differentials require the use of
Mopar limited-slip additive. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. This should be
added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is
made, when equipped with limited-slip differential. Rear
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axle fluid level should be 1/4(6.35mm) below filler plug
hole for 8 1/4 axles and should be 5/8 (16mm) below
filler plug for 9 1/4  axles.
Front Axle
Front Axle fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
plug.
Selection of Lubricating Grease
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) has
developed a symbol (Certification Mark) to aid the
vehicle owner in the proper selection of grease for chassis
components. This symbol, an example shown below, is
located on the grease container and identifies the appli-
cation and quality of the grease. There are two groups
identified, those for wheel
bearings (Letter “G”) and
those for chassis (Letter
“L”) lubrication. Perfor-
mance categories within
these groups result in dual
letter designations for
each group. The letter des-
ignations shown in the ex-
ample are the highest
quality level available and when combined as shown can
be used for chassis lubrication. Use only those greases
that have the NLGI symbol on the container along with
the proper quality level for your application.
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle. The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
•Stone and gravel impact.
•Insects, tree sap and tar.
•Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
•Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
•
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.
•If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as possible.
•Use Mopar 
auto polish to remove road film and
stains and to polish your vehicle. Take care never to
scratch the paint.
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•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
•
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
•It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels be kept clear and open.
•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
•All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly
with mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To
remove heavy soil, select a nonabrasive, non-acidic
cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle
brush or metal polishes. Only Mopar cleaners are
recommended. Do not use oven cleaner. Avoid auto-
matic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective fin-
ish.
334 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use Mopar touch up paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to match the
color of your vehicle.
Interior Care
Use Mopar  Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery
and carpeting.
Use Mopar Vinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl upholstery and
trim.
Mopar  Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery. Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and Mopar
Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
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Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters or windshields equipped with a windshield
wiper de-icer. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic. 1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (FUSE/RELAY)
Your vehicle is equipped with an electrical power distri-
bution center located on the left side of the engine
compartment. These power distribution centers house new plug-in
“Cartridge” fuses which replace all the in-line fusible
links previously used. The power distribution centers
also contain “Mini”fuses and plug-in “ISO” relays. These
fuses and relays can be obtained from your dealer.
Cavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
1 Spare
2 40 Amp Green Ignition ACC
3 30 Amp Pink Elect Brake
4 50 Amp Red Power Seat
5 40 Amp Green Ignition Run Only
6 20 Amp Yellow IOD (CNN, Radio)
7 10 Amp Red PCM/Fuel/ RAD/AC
Coils
8 10 Amp Red CCN/Mirr/ 4x4
Power Distribution Center
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Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
9 10 Amp Red Airbag System #3
10 Spare
11 10 Amp Red AC Clutch
12 15 Amp Blue T Tow Lt Stop/Turn
13 15 Amp Blue T Tow Rt Stop/Turn
14 20 Amp Yellow IOD #2
15
25 Amp NaturalTrans/PCM
16 20 Amp Yellow Horn
17 20 Amp Yellow ABS Feed (Valves)
18 20 Amp Yellow Fuel Pump
19 15 Amp Blue Stop Lamp (CHMSL)
20 20 Amp Yellow CCN Door Locks/BTSI
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
21 25 Amp Natu- ral Audio Amp
22 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlet (Switchable)
23 20 Amp Yellow Fog Lamps
24 20 Amp Yellow PCM B+
25 15 Amp Blue CCN Illumina- tion
26 Spare
27 10 Amp Red Power Mirror
28 20 AmpYellow Power Outlet
29 20 Amp Yellow FCM4 (Wip- ers)
30 Spare
31 Spare
32 30 Amp Pink FCM1 (Ext. Lights # 1)
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Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
33 30 Amp Pink ASD
34 30 Amp Pink FCM2 (Ext. Light # 2)
35 40 Amp Green HVAC Blower Motor
36 10 Amp Red Ignition UNLK/
RN/ST
37 10 Amp Red Crank
38 20 Amp Blue Run/Start
39 30 Amp Pink Starter Sole- noid
40 Spare
41 30 Amp Pink Wiper Motor
42 25 Amp Natu- ral FCM5 (T-Case)
43 10 Amp Red Lt Park Lamps
44 10 Amp Red Rt Park LampsCavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
45 20 Amp Yellow T Tow Park Lamps
46 10 Amp Red Airbag System #2
47 40 Amp Green Ignition Run/ Acc
48 20 Amp Blue Sunroof/ Sound Box
49 30 Amp Pink T Tow B+
50 40 Amp Green ABS Module (Pump)
51 40 Amp Green Park Lamps
52 Spare
53 40 Amp Green Rear Defogger
54 Spare
55 10 Amp Red CCN ACC Feed
56 10 Amp Red Heated Seats
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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