check engine DODGE DAKOTA 2011 3.G Owner's Manual

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance, requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) level is adequate. With the engine cold, the level
of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the coolant recovery
bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing
the engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service at-
tendant of this. As long as the engine operating tempera-
ture is satisfactory, the coolant recovery bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant recovery bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, the contents of the coolant recovery bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375

•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled/deionized water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine, which contains aluminum
components.
•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 mayresult 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.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
required into the dipstick tube.
Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70° F (21° C) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379

Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 407

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 373
Adding Fuel ........................... 310
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 363
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 366
Air Conditioning ........................ 238
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............366,367
Air Conditioning System ................238,366
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..........238,241
Air Filter .............................. 363
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 285
Airbag ........................... 51,58,190
Airbag Deployment ....................... 59
Airbag Light ........................ 57,61,78
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 60
Airbag, Side .......................... 55,58
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........54,55,58
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................18,181
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alarm, Panic ............................ 23 Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle
............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................208,232
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 273
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 181
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ..................... 18,181
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............372,401
Disposal ........................... 374
Appearance Care ........................ 382
Assistance Towing ....................... 102
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 31
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 86
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 29
Automatic Transaxle .................... 12,252
Interlock System ...................... 15
Automatic Transmission .............249,253,378
Adding Fluid ....................... 379
Fluid Level Check .................... 379
Fluid Type ......................... 403
432 INDEX

Gear Ranges........................ 253
Special Additives ..................... 378
Torque Converter .................... 257
Axle Fluid ............................. 403
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 381
B-Pillar Location ........................ 280
Battery ............................... 364
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 138
Belts, Seat ............................ 39,78
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 367
Brake Fluid ............................ 403
Brake System ........................ 273,376
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 273
Fluid Check ........................ 376
Master Cylinder ..................... 376
Parking ........................... 271
Warning Light .................... 181,186Brake/Transmission Interlock
............... 253
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 75
Bulb Replacement ....................... 392
Bulbs, Light .......................... 80,392
Calibration, Compass ..................... 152
Camper ............................... 170
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 401
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ 362
Power Steering ...................... 270
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 374
Car Washes ............................ 383
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............77,171,305
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 312
Cargo Light ............................ 139
Cellular Phone ........................ 88,238
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 397
Certification Label ....................... 312
10
INDEX 433

Changing A Flat Tire..................... 335
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 276
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 358
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 76
Checks, Safety ........................... 76
Child Restraint ...................... 63,64,65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............67,72
Child Seat .............................. 69
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 384
Climate Control ......................... 238
Clock ........................... 194,212,221
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 237
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 288
Compass ........................... 151,152
Compass Calibration ..................... 152
Compass Variance ....................... 152
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 147 Console, Floor
.......................... 165
Console, Overhead ....................... 146
Contract, Service ........................ 425
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 374
Cooling System ......................... 371
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 373
Coolant Capacity ..................... 401
Coolant Level .................... 371,375
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 374
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 372
Inspection .......................... 375
Points to Remember .................. 375
Pressure Cap ........................ 374
Radiator Cap ....................... 374
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....372,401,402
Temperature Gauge ................... 179
Crates Rear Convenience Storage .............. 163
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 143
434 INDEX

Floor Console.......................... 165
Fluid Capacities ......................... 401
Fluid Leaks ............................. 80
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 379
Brake ............................. 376
Engine Oil ......................... 361
Power Steering ...................... 270
Transfer Case ....................... 381
Fluid, Brake ........................... 403
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 402
Fog Lights .......................... 135,401
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 258
Operation .......................... 258
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 334
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 349
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 381
Fuel ................................. 301
Adding ........................... 310 Ethanol
........................... 302
Gauge ............................ 179
Methanol .......................... 302
Octane Rating .................... 301,402
Requirements .................... 301,401
Tank Capacity ....................... 401
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 306
Fueling ............................... 310
Fuses ................................ 387
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 153
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............310,311,357
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 179
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 301
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 302
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 179
Fuel .............................. 179
Odometer ....................... 182,183
10
INDEX 437

Daytime Running.................... 135
Exterior ............................ 80
Fog ......................... 135,185,401
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 334
Headlights ......................... 134
High Beam ......................... 138
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 138
Instrument Cluster ................... 179
Intensity Control ..................... 136
Interior ......................... 135,147
License ............................ 399
Lights On Reminder .................. 135
Low Fuel .......................... 179
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 187
Passing ............................ 137
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 180
Service ............................ 392
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 189
Turn Signal ................. 80,137,392,394Voltage
............................ 181
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 179
Limited-Slip Differential ................... 264
Loading Vehicle ......................... 312
Tires .............................. 280
Locks ................................. 28
Auto Unlock ......................... 31
Automatic Door ...................... 29
Child Protection ...................... 32
Door .............................. 28
Keys .............................. 12
Power Door ......................... 28
Steering Wheel ....................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ....................... 67
Lubrication, Body ....................... 367
Lug Nuts ............................. 344
Lumbar Support ........................ 128
440 INDEX