DODGE DAKOTA 2008 3.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE...............................73
4INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS......................................... 153
5STARTING AND OPERATING................................................. 217
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES...............................................311
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE............................................... 329
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.................................................. 387
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE..........................................397
10INDEX....................................................................407
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction........................... 4
mHow To Use This Manual.................. 4
mWarnings And Cautions................... 6mVehicle Identification Number............... 6
mVehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
1

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 Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
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

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual containsWARNINGSagainst operating
procedures, which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also containsCAUTIONSagainst procedures,
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on a
stamped plate located on the left front corner of the
instrument panel pad, visible from outside of the vehicle
through the windshield. This number also appears on the
Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a
window on your vehicle. Save this label for a convenient
record of your vehicle identification number and optional
equipment.
NOTE:It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key Removal...................12
NLocking Doors With The Key..............14
mSentry Key............................14
NReplacement Keys......................16
NCustomer Key Programming..............16
NGeneral Information....................18
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........18NIf You Wish To Manually Lock The
Steering Wheel........................18
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
NAutomatic Transmission Ignition
Interlock System.......................19
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........19
NTo Set The Alarm......................19
NTo Disarm The System...................19
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mIlluminated Entry........................20
NVehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....20
mRemote Keyless Entry.....................21
NTo Unlock The Doors...................21
NTo Lock The Doors.....................22
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................24
NGeneral Information....................24
NProgramming Additional Transmitters........25
NBattery Replacement....................26
mRemote Starting System Ð If Equipped........27
mDoor Locks............................28
NManual Door Locks.....................28
NPower Door Locks.....................29NChild Protection Door Lock...............32
mWindows.............................33
NPower Windows.......................33
NAuto Down (Driver's Side Only)...........34
NWindow Lockout Switch.................34
NWind Buffeting........................34
mOccupant Restraints......................35
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................36
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....40
NAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
Mode ± If Equipped....................41
NCenter Lap Belts.......................42
NSeat Belt Pretensioners...................42
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE