warning DODGE DAKOTA 2007 3.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid should be checked whenever other underhood
services are performed. The fluid level is checked by
removing the fill plug. If the level of the lubricant is more
than 1/4(6.35 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole
while the vehicle is level, enough lubricant should beadded to bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
This fluid does not require periodic changing. However,
if it becomes necessary to add or replace the fluid in these
transmissions, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 MoparTotal 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.
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.
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

** This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but not required to maintain the
emissions warranty.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
368 SCHEDULE “A”
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Thegrade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
376 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Adding Fuel........................243,272
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 302
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 305
Air Conditioning........................ 175
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..........175,178
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............305,306
Air Conditioning System................175,305
AirFilter .............................. 302
Air Pressure, Tires....................227,235
Airbag........................... 44,54,142
Airbag Light.......................... 54,73
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 54
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 18,139
Alignment and Balance................... 234
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 171
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........... 311,312,345
Disposal............................ 313Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............213,214
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 139
Anti-Theft System..................... 18,139
Appearance Care........................ 323
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 30
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................. 79
Automatic Door Locks..................... 29
Automatic Transaxle.................... 12,190
Interlock System........................ 15
Automatic Transmission.............187,191,318
Adding Fluid......................... 319
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 320
Fluid Level Check...................... 318
FluidType ........................320,347
Gear Ranges.......................... 191
Special Additives...................... 320
Torque Converter...................... 195
AxleFluid ............................. 347
378 INDEX

Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 321
BallJoints ............................. 306
Battery............................... 304
Charging............................ 283
Emergency Starting..................... 283
Gas Caution.......................... 283
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)................ 91
Belts,Drive ............................ 301
Belts, Seat.............................. 35
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 307
B-Pillar Location........................ 222
Brake Fluid............................ 347
Brake System........................213,316
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................213,214
Disc Brakes.......................... 316
Fluid Check.......................... 316
Hoses.............................. 317Master Cylinder....................... 316
Parking............................. 212
Warning Light.....................139,141
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 191
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 71
Bulb Replacement....................... 333
Bulbs,Light ............................ 332
Calibration, Compass..................... 107
Camper............................... 128
Capacities, Fluid........................ 345
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 299
Power Steering........................ 306
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 312
Car Washes............................ 323
Carbon Monoxide Warning..............129,242
CargoLight ............................ 94
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 247
INDEX 379
10

Emission Related Components.............. 315
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 302
Block Heater......................... 189
Break-In Recommendations................ 71
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 346
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 72,242
Flooded, Starting...................... 188
Fuel Requirements..................... 345
Jump Starting......................... 283
Oil ...........................297,345,346
Oil Filler Cap......................... 299
Oil Selection.......................... 345
Oil Synthetic......................... 300
Starting............................. 187
Temperature Gauge..................... 136
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 270
Event Data Recorder...................... 56Exhaust Gas Caution................ 72,242,309
Exhaust System....................... 72,309
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 43
ExteriorLighting ......................... 92
Fabric Care............................ 325
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 302
Engine Fuel.......................... 302
Engine Oil........................300,346
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 300
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 272
Turn Signal...................... 94,136,338
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 282
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 247
Engine Oil........................... 246
Fuel Requirements..................... 245
382 INDEX

Fuel................................ 136
Odometer........................... 140
Speedometer......................... 138
Tachometer.......................... 139
Gear Ranges........................... 191
General Information...................... 18
Glass Cleaning.......................... 326
Grease............................... 322
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............248,252
GrossCargoWeight ...................... 247
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 251
GVWR ............................248,251
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 272
Headlights............................ 333
High Beam........................... 96
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch......... 96
Lights On Reminder..................... 93
Passing.............................. 95Replacing............................ 333
Switch ............................... 92
Heated Mirrors.......................... 82
Heated Seats............................ 87
Heater, Engine Block..................... 189
High Beam Indicator..................... 137
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . . 96
Hitches
TrailerTowing ........................ 256
Holder,Cup ........................... 123
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 110
Hood Release........................... 88
Hoses................................ 315
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 19
Infant Restraint.......................... 58
384 INDEX

Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 235
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 79
Instrument Cluster....................... 136
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 134
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 326
Interior Appearance Care.................. 325
Interior Lights........................... 90
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)............ 97
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Operation.......................273,278
Jacking Instructions...................... 279
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Keyless Entry System...................... 20
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 44Lane Change and Turn Signals......... 94,136,338
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 35
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . 61
LifeofTires ............................ 233
Lights ............................... 74,90
Airbag............................ 54,142
Anti-Lock Warning..................... 139
Back-Up............................. 338
Brake Warning........................ 141
Bulb Replacement...................332,333
Cargo ............................... 94
Center Mounted Stop................... 341
Courtesy/Reading..................... 103
Cruise .............................. 143
Daytime Running....................... 93
Fog ........................... 93,137,345
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 272
Headlights............................ 92
High Beam........................... 96
INDEX 385
10

High Beam/Low Beam Select.............. 96
Instrument Cluster..................... 136
Intensity Control....................... 91
Interior........................... 90,103
License............................. 343
Lights On Reminder..................... 93
Low Fuel.........................136,137
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 142
Passing.............................. 95
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 137
Service.............................. 332
Turn Signal........................ 94,338
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 136
Limited-Slip Differential................... 210
Loading Vehicle......................... 247
Tires ............................... 222
Locks................................. 27
Auto Unlock.......................... 30
Automatic Door........................ 29Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 27
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 61
Lubricating Oil......................... 322
Lubrication, Body....................... 307
LugNuts ............................. 281
Lumbar Support......................... 84
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 304
Maintenance Procedures................... 296
Maintenance Schedule.................... 350
Schedule “A”......................... 364
Schedule “B”......................... 353
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 119
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 142,294
Manual, Service......................... 374
386 INDEX