heating DODGE DAKOTA 2008 3.G Owners Manual

Extended Cab/Crew Cab Rear Seat
More cargo space is available by lifting up on the rear
seat cushion.
The Crew Cab rear seat is a 60/40 split cushion and full
back. Either cushion can be raised independently.
Heated Seats Ð If Equipped
The heated seat switches are located on the center of the
instrument panel.
Press the desired switch once to obtain High heat level,
then press the switch again to obtain Low heat level. A
third button press will turn Off the heated seat. If you do
not purposefully turn the switch Off, the seat heating
level will automatically change to the next lower level, or
Off. The High heat level operates for 30 minutes (ap-
proximate), the Low heat level operates for 30 minutes
(approximate). The heated seat will also turn Off when
the ignition is turned Off. Both indicators On identifies
High heat level. The lower indicator On identifies Lowheat level. Flashing indicator lights on the switch indicate
that the Heated Seat system needs servicing.
WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaus-
tion or other physical condition must exercise care
when using the seat heater. It may cause burns even
at low temperatures, especially if used for long
periods of time.
Do not place anything on the seat that insulates
against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This may
cause the seat heater to overheat.
110 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

7. Return to the vehicle and press the programmed
HomeLinktbutton twice (holding the button for 2 sec-
onds each time). If the device is plugged in and activates,
programming is complete.
If the device does not activate, press the button a third
time (for 2 seconds) to complete the training.
If you are have any problems, or require assistance,
please call toll-free 1±800±355±3515 or, on the Internet at
www.HomeLink.com for information or assistance.
To program the remaining two HomeLinktbuttons,
repeat each step for each remaining button. DO NOT
erase the channels.
Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to ªtime-outº (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission ± which may not be long enough for
HomeLinktto pick up the signal during programming.Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to ªtime-outº in the same manner.
It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling
process to prevent possible overheating of the garage
door or gate motor.
If you are having difficulties programming a garage door
opener or a gate operator, replace ªProgramming
HomeLinkº Step 3 with the following:
3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLinktbutton
while you press and release - every two seconds
(ªcycleº) your hand-held transmitter until
HomeLinkthas successfully accepted the frequency
signal. The indicator(s) will change from a slow to
rapid flash when trained.
If you unplugged the device for training, plug it back in
at this time.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

²Press the Learn Button on the Garage Door Opener to
complete the training for Rolling Code.
²Did you unplug the device for training, and remember
to plug it back in?
If you are have any problems, or require assistance,
please call toll-free 1±800±355±3515 or, on the Internet at
www.HomeLink.com for information or assistance.
General Information
This device complies with FCC rules part 15 and Industry
Canada RSS-210. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operationNOTE:The transmitter has been tested and it complies
with FCC and IC rules. Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user 's authority to operate the
device.
The term ªIC:º before the certification/registration num-
ber only signifies that Industry Canada technical specifi-
cations were met.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
138 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.
NOTE:All accessories connected to these outlets should
be removed or turned OFF when the vehicle is not in use
to protect the battery against discharge (unless the cus-
tomer has reconfigured the fuse block to switched battery
feed).Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OFF
(Battery Fed Configuration)
CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in
use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will discharge the
battery even more quickly. Use these only inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
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REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Defroster ± If Equipped
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.A push-button type switch is located on the right
side of the control below the A/C (Snowflake)
button. Pressing the switch will turn on the Rear Window
Defroster. A light above the Rear Window Defroster
symbol will illuminate to indicate the Rear Window
Defroster is On. Pushing the button again will turn the
Rear Window Defroster Off prior to the time-out. The
Rear Window Defroster will turn off automatically after
15 minutes after the first push, 10 minutes after the
second push all within the same ignition cycle. To
prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear defroster
only when the engine is running.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145
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RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being ON in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The controls for the heating, ventilation and air condi-
tioning system in this vehicle consist of a series of rotary
knobs. These comfort controls can be set to obtain desired
interior conditions.
Air Conditioning And Heater
Air Conditioning And Heater Operation
To turn on the Air Conditioning, set the fan control at any
speed and press the snowflake button located at the right
of the control panel. Conditioned air will be directed
through the outlets selected by the mode control. A light
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 209
4

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50%
concentration of engine coolant to distilled water is
recommended. See ªCooling Systemº in the Maintaining
Your Vehicle section of your Owner's Manual.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gearand set the air conditioner to recirculation mode. Oper-
ating the air conditioner in recirculation mode provides
the maximum performance from your air conditioning.
When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to
shift into NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly
for fast idle operation.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions. This will help prevent snow going into the ducts.
214 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever or by pressing the
accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in
the exhaust system, resulting in overheating and
vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is depressed.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
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When To Use ªTOW/HAULº Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the ªTOW/HAULº button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. Whenoperating in ªTOW/HAULº mode, 5th gear (if
equipped) is disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are
modified. Shifts into Overdrive (4th gear) are allowed
during steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and
automatic closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for
improved braking) will occur during steady braking.
The ªTOW/HAULº light will illuminate in the instru-
ment cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the ªTOW/HAULº mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
Tow Haul Button
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
5

Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW HAULº feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen 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.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 303
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