warning DODGE DAKOTA 2010 3.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also labeled on the origi-
nal factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transmission
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a dipstick, use
the following procedure. If your vehicle has a capped
dipstick, it is sealed and should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips. To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion, ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters, or windshields equipped with a windshield
wiper de-icer. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments, which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rearview mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1.
Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn, or if the
buckles do not work properly.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
•Failure to properly inspect and maintain your
vehicle could result in a component malfunction
and effect vehicle handling and performance. This
could cause an accident
8
MA I
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S420 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

We appreciate that you have made a major investment
when you purchased the vehicle. An authorized dealer
has also made a major investment in facilities, tools, and
training to assure that you are absolutely delighted with
the ownership experience. You’ll be pleased with their
sincere efforts to resolve any warranty issues or related
concerns.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain, or emit, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects, or other reproductive harm. In addi-
tion, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain, or emit, chemi-
cals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
See the Warranty Information Booklet, located on the
DVD, for the terms and provisions of Chrysler Group
LLC warranties applicable to this vehicle.
MOPARPARTS
MOPAR fluids, lubricants, parts, and accessories are
available from an authorized dealer. They are recom-
mended for your vehicle in order to help keep the vehicle
operating at its best.
426 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
430 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Adding Fuel........................... 307
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 362
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 363
Air Conditioning ........................ 237
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..........237,240
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............363,364
Air Conditioning System ................237,363
Air Filter .............................. 362
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 284
Airbag ........................... 46,54,186
Airbag Deployment ....................... 56
Airbag Light ........................ 53,58,76
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 57
Airbag, Side .......................... 52,54
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........49,52,54
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................19,176
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7Antenna, Satellite Radio
................... 231
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............370,399
Disposal ............................ 372
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............270,271
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 176
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 19
Anti-Theft System ..................... 19,176
Appearance Care ........................ 380
Assistance Towing ....................... 101
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 32
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 84
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 31
Automatic Transaxle .................... 12,252
Interlock System ....................... 15
Automatic Transmission .............249,253,376
Adding Fluid ......................... 376
Fluid Level Check ..................... 376
Fluid Type ........................... 401
Gear Ranges ......................... 253
432 INDEX

Special Additives...................... 378
Torque Converter ...................... 257
Axle Fluid ............................. 401
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 379
Battery ............................... 362
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 130
Belts, Seat ............................ 37,76
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 364
Box, Sound ............................ 229
B-Pillar Location ........................ 279
Brake Fluid ............................ 401
Brake System ........................ 270,374
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 270,271
Fluid Check .......................... 374
Master Cylinder ....................... 374
Parking ............................. 269
Warning Light ..................... 176,181Brake/Transmission Interlock
............... 253
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 74
Bulb Replacement ....................... 391
Bulbs, Light .......................... 77,390
Calibration, Compass ..................... 146
Camper ............................... 164
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 399
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 360
Power Steering ........................ 268
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 371
Car Washes ............................ 380
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............75,164,302
Cargo Light ............................ 133
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 309
Cellular Phone ........................ 86,237
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 395
Certification Label ....................... 309
10
INDEX 433

Jump Starting......................... 343
Oil ........................... 359,399,400
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 360
Oil Selection .......................... 399
Oil Synthetic ......................... 361
Starting ............................. 249
Temperature Gauge .................... 174
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 55
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Exhaust Gas Caution ................75,302,366
Exhaust System ....................... 75,366
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 46
Exterior Lighting ........................ 131
Exterior Lights .......................... 77
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 362
Engine Oil ........................ 361,400
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 361 Flashers
Hazard Warning ....................... 332
Turn Signal ................... 77,133,174,392
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 343
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ....................... 306
Engine Oil ........................... 305
Fuel Requirements .................. 303,304
Maintenance ......................... 306
Replacement Parts ..................... 306
Starting ............................. 306
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 250
Floor Console .......................... 159
Fluid, Brake ........................... 401
Fluid Capacities ......................... 399
Fluid Leaks ............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 376
Brake .............................. 374
436 INDEX

Hands-Free Phone (uconnect™).............. 86
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 265
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 332
Headlights ............................ 391
High Beam .......................... 134
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ........ 134
Lights On Reminder .................... 132
Passing ............................. 134
Switch .............................. 131
Heated Seats ........................... 126
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 251
High Beam Indicator ..................... 175
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 134
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ 316
Holder, Cup ........................... 156
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 148 Hood Release
.......................... 127
Ignition Key ................................ 12
Illuminated Entry ........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 16
Infant Restraint .......................... 61
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 83
Instrument Cluster ....................... 174
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 172
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 384
Interior Appearance Care .................. 383
Interior Lights .......................... 129
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 135
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Operation ....................... 333,337
Jacking Instructions ...................... 338
Jump Starting .......................... 343
438 INDEX