engine DODGE DAKOTA 2009 3.G Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
This Owner's Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions 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 authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians 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 back of this Owner's 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

NSeat Belt Extender..................... 45
NDriver And Right Front Passenger
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ±
Airbags............................. 46
NEvent Data Recorder (EDR).............. 56
NChild Restraint....................... 58
mEngine Break-In Recommendations.......... 70mSafety Tips............................ 71
NExhaust System....................... 71
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle............................. 72
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle............................. 73
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become temporarily
trapped in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate thekey to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped, but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 Ð ACC 4 Ð ON/RUN
2 Ð LOCK 5 Ð START
3 Ð OFFTHINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key into the door lock cylinder with
either side up. To lock the driver's door, turn the key
rearward. To unlock the driver's door, turn the key
forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
ªBody Lubricationº in Section 7.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no
more than 1/2 turn in either direction, and the key is not
in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel:
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock:
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ACC, or ON position, and
the brake pedal is pressed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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SENTRY KEYTIMMOBILIZER SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The Sentry Keytprevents unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion by disabling the engine. The system does not need to
be armed or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless
of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE:A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for threeseconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash after
the bulb check, it indicates that someone used an invalid
key to try to start the engine. Either of these conditions
will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
²The Sentry KeytImmobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
²Exxon/Mobil SpeedpassŸ, additional Sentry Keyst,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the
Vehicle Security Alarm system is activated it will provide
both audible and visible signals. The horn will sound
repeatedly for the three minutes and the headlights and
Vehicle Security Light will flash for an additional 15 min-
utes. The engine will not run until the Vehicle Security
Alarm system is disarmed
To Set the Alarm
The Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use the
power door locks, or use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly for approximately
15 seconds to signal that the Vehicle Security Alarmsystem is arming. After the Vehicle Security Alarm is set,
the Vehicle Security Light will flash at a slower rate to
indicate that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the Vehicle Security Light stays on continu-
ously during vehicle operation, have the Vehicle Security
Alarm system checked by an authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the RKE transmitter to unlock the door. If something
has triggered the system in your absence, the horn will
sound three times when you unlock the doors. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
The Vehicle Security Alarm system will also disarm if the
vehicle is started with a programmed Sentry Keyt.Ifan
unprogrammed Sentry Keytis used to start a vehicle, the
engine will run for two seconds and then shut down.
After six unsuccessful attempts at starting the engine, the
system will shut down until the correct key is used. To
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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NOTE:Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
If your RKE Transmitter fails to operate from a normal
distance, check for these two conditions.
1. Weak batteries in the RKE transmitter. The expected
life of batteries is five years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, military base, and some mobile
or CB radios.
Programming Additional Transmitters
This vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant with two
RKE transmitters programmed for this vehicle only. A
total of eight RKE transmitters can be programmed for
your vehicle. Additional RKE transmitters can be pro-
grammed to your vehicle through the use of currently
programmed RKE transmitters.NOTE:When entering program mode using that cur-
rently programmed RKE transmitter, all other pro-
grammed RKE transmitters will be erased and you will
have to reprogram them for your vehicle.
Use the following procedure to program additional RKE
transmitters if the vehicle is not equipped with a Sentry
Keyt:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all the doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt. (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may confuse you during this
programming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position.(Do not start the
engine.)
5. Press and hold the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
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Once the vehicle has started, the engine will run for
15 minutes. To cancel remote start, press the REMOTE
START button once.
The parking lights will remain illuminated to indicate
that the vehicle has remote started and the engine isrunning. The lights will turn off when the ignition is
turned to RUN or the remote start is cancelled.
To enter the vehicle while the engine is running during a
remote start, you must first unlock the vehicle using the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. Then, prior to
the end of the 15-minute cycle, insert the key into the
ignition switch and turn the switch to the ON position,
otherwise the engine will cancel remote start and auto-
matically turn off.
Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:
²If the engine stalls or the RPM exceeds 2500
²Any engine warning light come on
²The hood is opened
²The Hazard switch is pressed
²The transmission is moved out of PARK
Remote Start Button
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The vehicle can be started remotely up to a maximum of
two times. The vehicle is also allowed a maximum of one
failed start, where the remote start sequence was initiated
but the engine stopped cranking without starting. After
either of these conditions, or if the Vehicle Security Alarm
System is activated, or if the PANIC button was pressed,
the vehicle must be reset by inserting a valid key into the
ignition and moving it to the RUN position, then back to
LOCK.
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
All the doors can be manually locked from the inside by
pushing down the door lock plunger, located on the door
trim panel. Both front doors may be opened from the
inside with the door lock plunger in the down or locked
position.
WARNING!
²For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive, as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Power Door Locks
A power door lock switch is on each front door trim
panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
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4. Within 10 seconds, cycle the key from the LOCK
position to the ON position and back to LOCK position,
a minimum of four times; ending in the LOCK position.
(Do not start the engine.)
5. Within 30 seconds, press the driver's door LOCK
switch in the LOCK direction.
6. A single chime will be heard to indicate the feature has
been disabled.
7. To reactivate this feature, repeat the above Steps.
8. If a chime is not heard, program mode was canceled
before the feature could be disabled. If necessary, repeat
the above procedure.
Auto Unlock On Exit Feature Ð If Equipped
This feature unlocks all of the doors of the vehicle when
any door is opened. This will occur only after the vehiclehas been shifted into the PARK position after the vehicle
has been driven (shifted out of PARK and the doors
closed).
Auto Unlock Feature Programming
The Customer Programming sequence to disable or en-
able Auto Unlock:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all the doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt. (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may be confusing during this
programming procedure.)
3. Insert the key into the ignition.
4. Within 15 seconds, cycle the key from the LOCK
position to the ON position and back to LOCK position,
a minimum of four times; ending in the LOCK position.
(Do not start the engine.)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31
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