check engine light DODGE DAKOTA 2010 3.G User Guide

23. Airbag Warning LightThe 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. Refer to
“Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Start-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
24. 4WD Indicator This light indicates the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive and 4LOCK. 4WD allows all four wheels
to receive torque from the engine simulta-
neously.
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.
27. Cargo Lamp
The Cargo Lamp indicator will illuminate
when the Cargo Lamp is activated by pressing
the CARGO button, located on the headlight
switch.
28. TOW/HAUL
The TOW/HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected.
186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Tow/Haul – If Equipped
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOW
Snow plows, winches, and other aftermarket equipment
should notbe added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in the
front end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpect-
edly or could fail to deploy during a collision.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If the prob-
lem is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is on. If necessary, add fluid to
bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the
master cylinder area before removing the cap. With disc
brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check the system for leaks.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission, and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE: ** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with sixteen spark plugs, one set is located on
the top of the engine under the coils, and the second set
is located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug, and must be changed every 48,000 miles
(80 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug, and must be changed every 96,000 miles
(160 000 km).
8
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S406 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

Changing A Flat Tire..................... 333
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 275
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . 356
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 74
Checks, Safety ........................... 74
Child Restraint ........................ 61,62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............64,70
Child Seat .............................. 67
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 382
Climate Control ......................... 237
Clock .................. 187,189,204,206,209,218
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 236
Compass .............................. 146
Compass Calibration ..................... 146
Compass Variance ....................... 147
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 142
Console, Floor .......................... 159
Console, Overhead ....................... 141 Contract, Service
........................ 425
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 371
Cooling System ......................... 369
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 370
Coolant Capacity ...................... 399
Coolant Level ...................... 369,372
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 372
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 369
Inspection ........................... 372
Points to Remember .................... 373
Pressure Cap ......................... 371
Radiator Cap ......................... 371
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......370,399,400
Temperature Gauge .................... 174
Crates Rear Convenience Storage ................ 157
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 138
Cupholders ............................ 156
Customer Assistance ..................... 423
434 INDEX

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

Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 183
Passing ............................. 134
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 175
Service ............................. 390
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 184
Turn Signal ................... 77,133,391,392
Voltage ............................. 176
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 174
Limited-Slip Differential ................... 264
Loading Vehicle ......................... 309
Tires ............................... 279
Locks ................................. 29
Auto Unlock .......................... 32
Automatic Door ........................ 31
Child Protection ........................ 33
Door ................................ 29
Keys ................................ 12
Power Door ........................... 30
Steering Wheel ......................... 15Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH).. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 364
Lug Nuts ............................. 341
Lumbar Support ........................ 122
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 362
Maintenance Procedures ................... 358
Maintenance Schedule .................... 404
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 183,356
Manual, Service ......................... 428
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ..................... 401
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 142
Mirrors ................................ 83
Automatic Dimming ..................... 84
Electric Powered ....................... 85
Outside .............................. 84
Rearview ............................. 83
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
440 INDEX