trailer DODGE DAKOTA 2007 3.G Owner's Manual

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “TOW
HAUL” feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “TOW HAUL” feature while operat-
ing the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL” feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 263
5

Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your style of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine ifANYapply to you:
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and Go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing, Taxi, Police or delivery service (com-
mercial service).
•Off-Road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
IfNONEof these apply to you, then change your engine
oil every 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first and follow scheduleAof theMaintenance
Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
4x4 Models, If Used Primarily For Off-Road Operation
Every 50 hours of use.
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
1 Spare
2 40 Amp
GreenIgnition Accessory
(ACC)
3 30 Amp
PinkElectric Brake
4 50 Amp
RedPower Seat
5 40 Amp
GreenIgnition Run Only
6 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw (IOD)
Cabin Compartment
Node (CCN), Radio
CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
7 10 Amp
RedPowertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM)/Fuel/
RAD/AC Coils
8 10 Amp
RedCabin Compartment
Node (CCN)/Mirror/4x4
9 10 Amp
RedAirbag System #3
10 Spare
11 10 Amp
RedAC Clutch
12 15 Amp
BlueT Tow Lt Stop/Turn
13 15 Amp
BlueTrailer Tow Rt Stop/
Turn
14 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw (IOD)
#2
15 25 Amp
NaturalTrans/Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM)
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
34 30 Amp
PinkFront Control Module
(FCM) 2 (Ext. Light # 2)
35 40 Amp
GreenHVAC Blower Motor
36 10 Amp
RedIgnition UNLK/RN/ST
37 10 Amp
RedCrank
38 20 Amp
BlueRun/Start
39 30 Amp
PinkStarter Solenoid
40 Spare
41 30 Amp
PinkWiper Motor
42 25 Amp
NaturalFront Control Module
(FCM) 5 (T-Case)
43 10 Amp
RedLt Park LampsCavityCartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
44 10 Amp
RedRt Park Lamps
45 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow Park Lamps
46 10 Amp
RedAirbag System # 2
47 40 Amp
GreenIgnition Run/Accessory
(Acc)
48 20 Amp
BlueSunroof/Sound Box
49 30 Amp
PinkTrailer Tow B+
50 40 Amp
GreenAnti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) Module (Pump)
51 40 Amp
GreenPark Lamps
52 Spare
53 40 Amp
GreenRear Defogger
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typeon the following pages must be done at the times or
mileages specified to assure the continued proper func-
tioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
350 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•Heavy Loading
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 353
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Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (175 000) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid,
change filter (3.7L). *X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid
and change main sump filter and spin-on
cooler return filter if equipped. (4.7L). *X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not re-
placed at 102,000 miles (170 000 km).X
*This applies only if your vehicle is used for police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
** 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.
SCHEDULE “B” 363
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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

Chains.............................. 235
Changing............................ 273
Compact Spare........................ 230
General Information.................... 226
High Speed.......................... 229
Inflation Pressures..................... 227
Jacking............................. 278
LifeofTires .......................... 233
Load Capacity.....................222,223
Quality Grading....................... 375
Radial.............................. 229
Replacement......................... 233
Rotation............................. 237
Safety...........................218,226
Sizes ............................... 219
Snow Tires........................... 237
Spare Tire........................... 275
Spinning ............................ 231
Tread Wear Indicators................... 232Wheel Mounting....................... 278
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 281
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 257
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 195
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 285
Towing ............................... 251
Disabled Vehicle....................... 286
Guide .............................. 257
Recreational.......................... 265
Weight .............................. 257
Traction ............................... 211
TrailerTowing .......................... 251
Cooling System Tips.................... 264
Hitches............................. 256
Minimum Requirements................. 258
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 257
Wiring .............................. 261
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 257
TrailerWeight .......................... 257
392 INDEX