battery DODGE DAKOTA 2007 3.G Owner's Manual

Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
7

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
The top of the maintenance free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Don’t use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 volts. Don’t allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
•If a “fast charger” is used while battery is in vehicle,
disconnect both vehicle battery cables before con-
necting 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305
7

CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
54 Spare
55 10 Amp
RedCabin Compartment
Node (CCN) Accessory
(ACC) Feed
56 10 Amp
RedHeated Seats
57 20 Amp
YellowAirbag System # 2
58 20 Amp
YellowHeated Seats
59 10 Amp
RedHVAC Module
60 10 Amp
RedABS Module
61 20 Amp
YellowFront Control Module
(FCM) 3 (Reverse
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331
7

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
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
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add, if
required.
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.
352 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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
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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

Transaxle............................. 190
Automatic......................... 12,190
Manual.............................. 14
Operation........................... 190
Transfer Case........................... 321
Fluid ............................... 347
Transmission........................191,318
Automatic......................187,191,318
Filter ............................... 320
Fluid .........................318,320,347
Maintenance.......................... 318
Manual........................187,196,318
Shifting ............................. 197
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..110
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . 23
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 232
Trip Computer.......................... 104
Trip Odometer.......................... 140Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 143
Turn Signals....................... 94,136,338
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 375
Universal Transmitter..................... 110
Unlock, Auto........................... 30
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................. 315
Variance, Compass....................... 108
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................223,247
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 332
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 136
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 373
Washers, Windshield...................... 97
Washing Vehicle......................... 323
INDEX 393
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