maintenance DODGE DAKOTA 2007 3.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE..............................75
4INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS.........................................131
5STARTING AND OPERATING.................................................183
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES..............................................271
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE...............................................289
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES..................................................349
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.........................................369
10INDEX....................................................................377
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INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, cer-
tain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products
of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

▫Reset Button.........................104
▫Global Reset.........................105
▫Step Button.........................105
▫Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)........106
▫Distance To Empty (DTE)...............106
▫Trip Odometer (ODO)..................106
▫Elapsed Time (ET).....................106
▫C/T Button.........................107
▫Compass/Temperature Display...........107
▫Automatic Compass Calibration...........107
▫Manual Compass Calibration.............108
▫To Put Into a Calibration Mode...........108
▫Outside Temperature...................109
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........110
▫Programming HomeLink................112
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 114
▫Using HomeLink.....................114
▫Erasing HomeLink Buttons..............115
▫Reprogramming a Single HomeLink Button . . . 115
▫Security............................115

Power Sunroof — If Equipped.............116
▫Express Open Feature..................118
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................119

Electrical Power Outlets..................119
▫Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off (Battery Fed
Configuration).......................120
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
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WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
sunroof,other controls, or move the vehicle.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
This vehicle has two 12V auxiliary power outlets that can
provide up to 20 Amps of current for accessories de-
signed for use with standard power outlet adapters. The
outlets are located in the instrument panel, below the
temperature control setting knob, and the other inside the
full - size center console. When the optional Cigar Lighter
heating element is used, it heats when pushed in and
pops out automatically when ready for use.To preserve
the heating element, do not hold the lighter in the
heating position.
The instrument panel outlet can be reconfigured by the
customer to operate only when the ignition is On (switch
battery fed) or with the ignition switch On/Off (battery
fed) to allow for cellular phone charging and/or opera-
tion while the ignition is Off. This can be done by moving
the power outlet (switchable) fuse (fuse #22) from the
inboard position to the outboard position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119
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Remote Sound System Controls — If Equipped . . 172
▫Radio Operation......................172
▫CD Player..........................173

Compact Disc Maintenance................173

Sound Box Operation....................174
Radio Operation And Cellular Phones........175

Climate Controls.......................175
▫Air Conditioning And Heater.............175
▫Operating Tips.......................178
▫Operation Tips Chart...................181
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 133
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The button located in the center of the left hand control
will tune to the next pre-set station that you have
programmed in the radio pre-set push-buttons.
CD Player
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track, three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left hand switch changes
CD’s on the 6–Disc in-dash CD changer radio. This
button does not function for all other radios.
COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the compact discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 173
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▫Alignment And Balance.................234

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information – If
Equipped............................235

Tire Chains...........................235

Snow Tires...........................237

Tire Rotation Recommendations............237

Fuel Requirements......................238
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................239
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............239
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................240
▫Materials Added To Fuel................241
▫Fuel System Cautions..................241
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............242
Adding Fuel..........................243
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............244

Flexible Fuel— If Equipped................245
▫E-85 General Information................245
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................245
▫Fuel Requirements....................245
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.............246
▫Starting............................246
▫Cruising Range.......................247
▫Replacement Parts.....................247
▫Maintenance.........................247

Vehicle Loading........................247
STARTING AND OPERATING 185
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Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
The 3.7L/4.7L engines are designed to
meet all emissions regulations and provide
excellent fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded “regu-
lar” gasoline having an octane rating of 87.
The routine use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. Under normal conditions the use of pre-
mium fuel will not provide a benefit over high quality
regular gasoline and in some circumstances may result in
poorer performance.
The 4.7 HO engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 91. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 91 octane
for optimum performance.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons when refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.
NOTE:When the ambient temperature is above 90°F,
you may experience hard starting and rough idle follow-
ing start up even if the above recommendations are
followed.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
Whether operating the vehicle on an E-85 ethanol fuel or
unleaded gasoline the engine oil requirements are the
same. Refer to the “Maintenance Procedures” section of
this manual for the proper quality and viscosity engine
oil.
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F. In the range
of 0°F to 32°F, you may experience an increase in the time
it takes for your engine to start, and a deterioration in
drivability (sags and/or hesitations) until the engine is
fully warmed up.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than
gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel con-
sumption. You can expect your MPG and your driving
range to decrease by about 30% compared to gasoline
operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
If you operate the vehicle using E-85 fuel, follow Sched-
ule B in the maintenance schedule section of this manual.
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver’s side door.
STARTING AND OPERATING 247
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