maintenance DODGE DAKOTA 2008 3.G Service Manual

SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Prepare For The Appointment
If you're having warranty work done, be sure to have the
right papers with you. Take your warranty folder. All
work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty, discuss additional charges with the service
manager. Keep a maintenance log of your vehicle's
service history. This can often provide a clue to the
current problem.
Prepare A List
Make a written list of your vehicle's problems or the
specific work you want done. If you've had an accident,
or work done that is not on your maintenance log, let the
service advisor know.
Be Reasonable With Requests
If you list a number of items, and you must have your
vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the situation with
the service advisor and list the items in order of priority.
At many dealers, you may obtain a rental vehicle at a
minimal daily charge. If you need a rental, it is advisable
to make these arrangements when you call for an ap-
pointment.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
The manufacturer and its dealers are vitally interested in
your satisfaction. We want you to be happy with our
products and services.
Warranty service must be done by an authorized
Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealer. We strongly recommend
that you take your vehicle to your selling dealer. They
know you and your vehicle best, and are most concerned
that you get prompt and high quality service. The
manufacturer's dealers have the facilities, factory-trained
398 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS
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for an order form.
NOTE:A street address is required when ordering
manuals. (No P.O. Boxes).
²Service Manuals.
These comprehensive service manuals provide the
information that students and professional technicians
need in diagnosing/troubleshooting, problem solving,
maintaining, servicing, and repairing DaimlerChrysler
Corporation vehicles. A complete working knowledge
of the vehicle, system, and/or components is written
in straightforward language with illustrations, dia-
grams, and charts.
²Diagnostic Procedure Manuals.
Filled with diagrams, charts and detailed illustrations,
these practical manuals make it easy for students and
technicians to find and fix problems on computer-
controlled vehicle systems and features. They show
exactly how to find and correct problems the first time,
using step-by-step troubleshooting and driveability
procedures, proven diagnostic tests and a complete list
of all tools and equipment.
²Owner's Manuals.
These manuals have been prepared with the assistance
of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you
with specific Chrysler group vehicles. Included are
starting, operating, emergency and maintenance pro-
cedures as well as specifications, capabilities and
safety tips.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 403
9

Adding Fuel........................282,312
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 343
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 346
Air Conditioning........................ 209
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..........209,213
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............346,347
Air Conditioning System................209,346
Air Filter.............................. 343
Air Pressure, Tires....................262,270
Airbag.............................45,166
Airbag Light..........................53,70
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,160
Alignment and Balance................... 269
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 202
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........352,353,384
Disposal............................ 354
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............249,250Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 160
Anti-Theft System.....................19,160
Appearance Care........................ 363
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 19
Audio Systems (Radio).................... 197
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 31
Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Transaxle....................12,224
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission.............221,225,359
Adding Fluid......................... 360
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 361
Fluid Level Check...................... 359
Fluid Type........................... 386
Gear Ranges.......................... 225
Special Additives...................... 361
Torque Converter...................... 229
Axle Fluid............................. 386
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 362
408 INDEX

CD (Compact Disc) Player................. 197
Cellular Phone..................79,197,199,209
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 379
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 141
Certification Label....................... 288
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 313
Charging.............................. 323
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 254
Child Restraint......................55,56,57
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............59,64
Child Seat.............................. 61
Circuit Breakers......................... 367
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 365
Climate Control......................... 209
Clock........................167,172,184,199
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 207
Compact Spare Tire...................... 265
Compass.............................. 130Compass Calibration..................... 130
Compass Variance....................... 131
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 126
Console, Floor.......................... 140
Console, Overhead....................... 125
Contract, Service........................ 400
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 353
Cooling System......................... 351
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 353
Coolant Capacity...................... 384
Coolant Level......................351,354
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 354
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 352
Inspection........................... 354
Points to Remember.................... 355
Pressure Cap......................... 353
Radiator Cap......................... 353
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......352,384,385
Temperature Gauge..................... 158
410 INDEX

Jacking............................. 318
Tow Hooks.......................... 326
Towing............................. 327
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 388
Emission Related Components.............. 356
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 343
Block Heater......................... 224
Break-In Recommendations................ 68
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 385
Exhaust Gas Caution..................69,281
Flooded, Starting...................... 222
Fuel Requirements..................... 384
Jump Starting......................... 323
Oil ...........................338,384,385
Oil Filler Cap......................... 340
Oil Selection.......................... 384
Oil Synthetic......................... 341
Starting............................. 221Temperature Gauge..................... 158
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 310
Event Data Recorder...................... 53
Exhaust Gas Caution................69,281,350
Exhaust System.......................69,350
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 44
Exterior Lighting........................ 114
Fabric Care............................ 365
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 343
Engine Fuel.......................... 343
Engine Oil........................341,385
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 341
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 312
Turn Signal..................... 117,158,377
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 322
412 INDEX

Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 287
Engine Oil........................... 286
Fuel Requirements..................284,285
Maintenance.......................... 287
Replacement Parts..................... 287
Starting............................. 286
Flooded Engine Starting................... 222
Floor Console.......................... 140
Fluid, Brake........................... 386
Fluid Capacities......................... 384
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 359
Brake............................... 357
Engine Oil........................... 338
Power Steering........................ 347
Transfer Case......................... 362
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 385
Fog Lights.......................... 116,383Four Wheel Drive....................... 233
Operation........................... 233
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 312
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 325
Front Axle (Differential)................... 363
Fuel................................. 278
Adding............................. 282
Filter............................... 343
Gauge.............................. 158
Octane Rating......................278,385
Requirements......................278,384
Tank Capacity........................ 384
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling............................... 282
Fuses................................ 367
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 132
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............283,335
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 158
INDEX 413
10

Lug Nuts............................. 321
Lumbar Support........................ 107
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 345
Maintenance Procedures................... 337
Maintenance Schedule.................... 388
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 164,335
Manual, Service......................... 403
Manual Transmission...............221,230,359
Fluid Level Check...................... 359
Lubricant Selection..................359,386
Map/Reading Lights..................... 126
Mirrors................................ 77
Electric Powered....................... 77
Outside.............................. 77
Rearview............................. 77
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 273
Mopar Parts.........................337,401MP3 Player............................ 197
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 117
Navigation Radio........................ 197
Navigation System....................... 197
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 68
Occupant Restraints....................... 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 278
Oil Change Indicator..................... 162
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 162
Oil, Engine.........................338,385
Capacity............................ 384
Change Interval....................... 339
Dipstick............................. 338
Disposal............................ 341
Filter............................341,385
Filter Disposal........................ 341
Identification Logo..................... 340
INDEX 417
10

Resetting Oil Change Indicator.............. 162
Restraints, Child.......................55,61
Restraints, Occupant...................... 35
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 325
Rotation, Tires.......................... 272
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 70
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 70
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 402
Safety Information, Tire................... 253
Safety Tips............................. 69
Satellite Radio....................197,199,201
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 202
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 388
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 367
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 43
Seat Belts..........................35,36,70
And Pregnant Women................... 44
Child Restraint.......................55,57Extender............................. 44
Front Seat............................ 36
Pretensioners.......................... 42
Reminder............................ 159
Seats................................. 105
Adjustment.......................... 105
Cleaning............................ 365
Heated.............................. 110
Lumbar Support....................... 107
Reclining............................ 106
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............19,160
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)..........352,385
Selection of Oil......................... 340
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 14
Sentry Key Programming................... 16
Sentry Key Replacement................... 16
Service and Maintenance................337,388
Service Assistance....................... 398
Service Contract......................... 400
420 INDEX

Rotation............................. 272
Safety...........................253,261
Sizes............................... 254
Snow Tires........................... 272
Spare Tire........................... 315
Spinning............................ 266
Tread Wear Indicators................... 267
Wheel Mounting....................... 318
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 321
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 296
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 229
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 326
Towing............................... 291
Disabled Vehicle....................... 327
Guide.............................. 296
Recreational.......................... 305
Weight.............................. 296
Traction.............................. 245
Trailer Towing.......................... 291Cooling System Tips.................... 303
Hitches............................. 295
Minimum Requirements................. 298
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 296
Wiring.............................. 301
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 296
Trailer Weight.......................... 296
Transaxle............................. 224
Automatic.........................12,224
Manual.............................. 13
Operation........................... 224
Transfer Case........................... 362
Fluid............................... 386
Transmission........................225,359
Automatic......................221,225,359
Filter............................... 361
Fluid............................359,386
Maintenance.......................... 359
Manual........................221,230,359
INDEX 423
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic
Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY Vehicles EquippedWith Power Door LocksREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsUsing the Panic
AlarmGeneral InformationProgramming Additional TransmittersBattery ReplacementREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows Auto Down (Drivers Side Only)
Window Lockout SwitchWIND BUFFETINGOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder
System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags Event Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust System
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORSInside Day/Night MirrorOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding Feature - If EquippedElectric
Remote-Control MirrorsHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Manual Seat
AdjustmentFront Seats Manual Seat ReclinersManual Lumbar Support Adjustment - If EquippedAdjustable Head Restraints - Front Seating Positions6 -Way Power Seat Adjuster - Drivers Side OnlyExtended Cab/Crew Cab Rear SeatHeated Seats - If EquippedTO OPEN
AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior Lights Battery SaverHeadlamp DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (Canada - Standard and US Fleet Vehicles - If Equipped)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedCARGO Light - If Equipped
Multifunction Control LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield Wipers Windshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IFEQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The
Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE Courtesy/Reading LightsCOMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER US/M ButtonRESET Button Global ResetStep Button Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip Odometer
(ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T Button Compass/Temperature DisplayAutomatic Compass CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationTo Put Into a CalibrationModeOutside TemperatureGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian
ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OFF
(Battery Fed Configuration)FLOOR CONSOLE - IF EQUIPPED Floor Console FeaturesCENTER STORAGE COMPARTMENT - IF EQUIPPED CUP HOLDERS REAR STORAGE - IFEQUIPPED Rear Convenience Storage CratesPlastic Grocery Bag Retainers REAR
WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Defroster - If EquippedSliding Rear Window - If Equipped TAILGATE Tailgate RemovalTwo Position Tailgate / Upper Load PlatformREAR CARGO AREA UTILITY RAILS SLIDE-IN CAMPERS Camper ApplicationsGeneral Information
Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped With A Cap or Slide-In CampersINSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTERINSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting
ProcedureRADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE RES -AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation
Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating
Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)SALES CODE RER - MULTIMEDIA
SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite RadioOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) (If Equipped)Clock Setting ProcedureSATELLITE RADIO (RSC) - IF EQUIPPED (RER/REQ/REN RADIOS ONLY) System ActivationElectronic
Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If
Equipped)REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationCD PlayerCOMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE SOUND BOX OPERATION RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Air Conditioning And Heater Operating
TipsOperation Tips Chart STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionNormal StartingIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingEngine Block Heater - If Equipped AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Brake/Transmission
Interlock SystemAutomatic TransmissionMANUAL TRANSMISSION Recommended Shift SpeedsDownshiftingFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION NV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer Case NV 244
Generation II Transfer Case Operating Information / PrecautionsShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case LIMITED-SLIP REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing WaterPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System - If EquippedFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake SystemPOWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire
PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL
TIRE PRESSURE
INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS Reformulated Gasoline
Gasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)FLEXIBLE FUEL - IF EQUIPPED E-85 General InformationETHANOL FUEL (E-85)Fuel RequirementsSelection
Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles (E-85) and Gasoline VehiclesStartingCruising RangeReplacement PartsMaintenanceVEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelCurb WeightLoadingTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing
Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsSNOWPLOW Snowplow UsageRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing 2WD ModelsRecreational Towing 4WD ModelsEQUIPMENT
IDENTIFICATION PLATE WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER ADDING FUEL CHANGING A FLAT TIRE Jack LocationRemoving The Spare TireTire Changing ProcedureJUMP STARTING FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY TOW
HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE Four-Wheel Drive VehiclesTwo-Wheel Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT 4.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler
Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsEngine Air Cleaner FilterEngine
Fuel FilterCatalytic ConverterMaintenance Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsDrive Shaft Constant Velocity JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling System
Emission Related ComponentsBrake SystemClutch Hydraulic SystemManual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionTransfer CaseAxlesAppearance Careand Protection from CorrosionFUSES (POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT
LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsRear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stoplamp, and Turn Signal Bulbs - ReplacementCenter High-Mounted Stoplamp And Cargo LampLicense LampsFog LampsFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR
OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In Canada
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX