cruise control DODGE DAKOTA 2009 3.G Owners Manual

²Cruise control status
²Traction/stability control status
²Tire pressure monitoring system status (if equipped).
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time - babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States, and all Canadian provinces, require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it. Children
12 years and younger should ride properly buckled up in
a rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics,
children are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seats rather than in the front.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult seat belt. Always check the child seatowner's manual to ensure you have the right seat for
your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child.
Infants and Small Children
²
Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward facing: infant
carriers and9convertible9child seats.
²The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg).9Convertible9child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are
held in the vehicle by the seat belt or the LATCH child
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The control buttons for the Electronic Speed Control are
located on the steering wheel. When engaged, the Elec-
tronic Speed Control takes over the accelerator operation
at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).
Electronic Speed Control Buttons
1 Ð Resume 4 Ð Set
2 Ð Cancel 5 Ð Cruise
3 Ð Decel 6 Ð On/Off 132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button to the ON position. In the
instrument cluster, the word ªCRUISEº illuminates to
indicate that the system is on.
NOTE:The Electronic Speed Control has been designed
to shut down if multiple speed control buttons (i.e., SET
and CANCEL) are operated simultaneously in order to
ensure proper operation. The Electronic Speed Control
can be reactivated by pushing the speed control ON/OFF
button and reestablishing the desired vehicle SET speed.
To Set At A Desired Speed
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press
and release the SET button. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, normal braking, or pressing
the CANCEL button will deactivate the speed controlwithout erasing the memory. Pushing the ON/OFF but-
ton to the OFF position or turning off the ignition erases
the memory.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control ON when not
in use is dangerous. You could accidentally set the
Electronic Speed Control to cause it to go faster than
you want. You could lose control and have an acci-
dent. Always leave the system OFF when you are not
using it.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above
20 mph (32 km/h).
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
23. Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light will illuminate and
remain lit for six to eight seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON. If the light does not
illuminate when the ignition is first turned ON,or the light stays on or comes on while driving, have the
airbag system checked by an authorized dealer.
24. 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator illuminates when the transfer case is
in 4WD position.
25. SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator
The SVC 4WD illuminates when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and will stay on for two
seconds. If the light stays on or illuminates during
driving, it means that the 4WD system is not functioning
properly and that service is required.
26. Cruise Indicator
The cruise indicator illuminates when the electronic
speed control system is turned on.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 273
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 354
Child Restraint........................58,59
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............61,66
Child Seat.............................. 63
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 378
Climate Control......................... 228
Clock.....................179,182,196,199,209
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 227
Compact Spare Tire...................... 284
Compass.............................. 140
Compass Calibration..................... 140
Compass Variance....................... 141
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 136
Console, Floor.......................... 154
Console, Overhead....................... 135
Contract, Service........................ 425Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 368
Cooling System......................... 366
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 367
Coolant Capacity...................... 396
Coolant Level......................366,369
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 369
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 366
Inspection........................... 369
Points to Remember.................... 370
Pressure Cap......................... 368
Radiator Cap......................... 368
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......367,396,397
Temperature Gauge..................... 168
Crates
Rear Convenience Storage................ 151
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 132
Cupholders............................ 150
Customer Assistance..................... 423
430 INDEX

Data Recorder, Event...................... 56
Daytime Running Lights................... 126
Dealer Service.......................... 356
Defroster, Rear Window................... 156
Defroster, Windshield...................72,230
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 130
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 353
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 262
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 169
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 372
Oil (Engine).......................... 356
Power Steering........................ 266
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 369
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 142
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 361Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 264
E-85 Fuel............................. 302
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 149
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 132
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 346
Jacking............................. 337
Tow Hooks.......................... 346
Towing............................. 347
Emission Control System Maintenance......354,400
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 359
Block Heater......................... 241
Break-In Recommendations................ 70
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 397
INDEX 431
10

Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 130
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Operation.......................332,337
Jacking Instructions...................... 338
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 17
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 16
Keyless Entry System...................... 21
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 46
Lane Change and Turn Signals.........127,168,389
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 37
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren).............................. 61
Life of Tires............................ 286
Lights..............................73,123Airbag............................55,178
Anti-Lock Warning..................... 170
Back-Up............................. 389
Brake Warning........................ 174
Bulb Replacement...................... 387
Cargo .............................. 126
Center Mounted Stop................... 391
Courtesy/Reading..................... 136
Cruise.............................. 178
Daytime Running...................... 126
Fog ..........................126,173,395
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 332
Headlights........................... 125
High Beam........................... 128
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 128
Instrument Cluster..................... 168
Intensity Control....................... 123
Interior..........................123,136
License............................. 394
INDEX 435
10

Seats................................. 115
Adjustment.......................... 115
Cleaning............................ 379
Heated............................. 120
Lumbar Support....................... 117
Reclining............................ 116
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............19,170
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)..........367,397
Selection of Oil......................... 357
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 16
Sentry Key Programming................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement................... 17
Service and Maintenance.................. 356
Service Assistance....................419,423
Service Contract......................... 425
Service Manuals........................ 421
Setting the Clock.............179,182,196,199,209
Shift Speeds........................... 243Shifting
Automatic Transmission................. 246
Manual Transmission................... 242
Transfer Case......................... 251
Transfer Case, Shifting into Transfer Case
Neutral (N).......................... 325
Transfer Case, Shifting out of Transfer Case
Neutral (N).......................... 327
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage.............. 42
Shoulder Belts........................... 37
Signals, Turn.....................127,168,389
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 289
Snow Plow............................ 323
Snow Tires............................ 291
Sound Box............................ 220
Spare Tire..........................284,334
Speed Control (Cruise Control).............. 132
Speedometer........................... 170
Starting............................... 239
440 INDEX