fuel DODGE DAKOTA 2010 3.G Owners Manual

deploy the SABIC airbags, depending on severity and
type of collision. In these events, the ORC will deploy the
SABIC only on the impact side of the vehicle.
A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side
curtain airbag. The inflating side curtain airbag pushes
the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and
covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 ms
(about one-quarter of the time that it takes to blink your
eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not belted
and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the side curtain airbag inflates. This especially
applies to children. The side curtain airbag is only about
3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is inflated.
Because airbag sensors estimate deceleration over time,
vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of
whether or not an airbag should have deployed.
NOTE:In a rollover the pretensioners and/or SABIC
airbags may deploy on both sides of the vehicle.Front and Side Impact Sensors
In front and side impacts, impact sensors aid the ORC in
determining appropriate response to impact events. Ad-
ditional sensors in the ORC determine the level of airbag
deployment and provide verification.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 138
▫ To Activate ......................... 139
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 139
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 139
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 139
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 139
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 140
 Overhead Console ..................... 141
▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights .............. 142
 Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer . . . 142
▫ US/M Button ....................... 142
▫ Reset Button ........................ 143
▫ Step Button ........................ 143 ▫
Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO) ....... 144
▫ Distance To Empty (DTE) .............. 144
▫ Trip Odometer (ODO) ................. 145
▫ Elapsed Time (ET) ................... 145
▫ C/T Button ........................ 145
▫ Global Reset ........................ 146
▫ Compass/Temperature Display .......... 146
▫ Automatic Compass Calibration .......... 146
▫ Manual Compass Calibration ............ 146
▫ To Put Into a Calibration Mode .......... 147
▫ Outside Temperature .................. 148
 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped ........ 148
▫ Programming HomeLink .............. 149
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

RESET Button
Use the RESET button to reset the following displays:
•Average Fuel Economy
•Trip Odometer
•Elapsed time.
STEP Button
Use the STEP button to choose, or cycle through, the four
trip conditions.
RESET Button
STEP Button
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143

Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
Displays the average fuel economy since the last reset.
Average fuel economy is a running average of the
amount of fuel used and the distance the vehicle has
traveled. When the fuel economy is reset, the display will
momentarily blank, the history will be erased, and the
AVERAGE WILL CONTINUE FROM WHERE IT WAS
BEFORE THE RESET. The reset value is based on a
minimal amount of fuel used and the distance traveled
from the previous drive cycle. The display may take
several miles/kilometers for this value to change, de-
pending upon driving habits.
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. The estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level.NOTE:
The DTE is not resettable.
When Distance To Empty = LOW FUEL, the fuel gauge
pointer will initially be on the red “E” marker. At this
point (fuel gauge pointer on the red “E” marker), there is
reserve fuel capacity, which corresponds to approxi-
mately 8% of tank volume. This reserve capacity was put
in place to prevent the likelihood of customers running
out of fuel when operating at maximum load conditions
in areas where there aren’t many gas stations.
NOTE: The Distance To Empty will remain equal to zero
until the vehicle runs out of fuel or is refueled.
144 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The
gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to exceed
the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature gauge if the engine overheats.3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
left/right turn signal is left on, with the vehicle speed
greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
The low fuel warning light will illuminate when the
fuel gauge reads 1/8 of a tank or less. There is a
pointer on the side of this symbol that indicates the
side that your fuel filler door is located.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Vehicle Odometer Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
messages will display in the odometer:
door............................. Door Ajar
gASCAP ....................... Fuel Cap Fault
LoW tirE ..................... LowTirePr essure
noFUSE .......................... Fuse Fault
CHAngE OIL ............... Oil Change Required
LoW WASH .................. LowW asher Fluid
On vehicles equipped with a Overhead Console with
Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer, some ve-
hicle messages may display in the Overhead Console
with Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer when
the appropriate conditions exist. Refer to Overhead Con-
sole with Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer in
“Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information. gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer display
area. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
LoW tirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between LoW and tirE for three
cycles.
noFUSE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the Igni-
tion Off Draw (IOD) fuse is improperly installed, or
damaged, a “noFUSE” message will display in the odom-
eter display area. For further information on fuses and fuse
locations refer to “Fuses” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
21. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD II) that
monitors the emissions and engine control sys-
tem. If the vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the light
will come on when the ignition is first turned ON and
remain on, as a bulb check, until the engine is started. If
the vehicle is not ready for emissions testing, the light
will come on when the ignition is first turned ON and
remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5 seconds, and
remain on until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the condition investigated
promptly. If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see an authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183

WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

A light at the top of the SNOWFLAKE button shows that
the air conditioning is on. Press the button a second time
to turn the air conditioning off.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.The Mode Control (at the right of the
control panel) can be set in any of the
following positions:
NOTE: To improve your selection choices, the system
allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots.Recirculation Modes (Panel or Bi-Level )
Select the recirculation modes when
the outside air contains dust, odors,
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is
desired. This feature allows for recir-
culation of interior air only. Air flows
either through the panel outlets or
both the panel and floor outlets to-
gether, depending on which recirculation mode is
selected.
Panel (Fresh Air Modes)
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel.
Bi-Level
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and at the floor.Mode Control
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL