steering DODGE DAKOTA 2011 3.G Owner's Guide

Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer is the tongue weight. In most
cases it should not be less than 10% or more than 15% of
the trailer load. You must consider this as part of the load
on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch works by applying leverage
through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for
heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier tongue
weights and may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning corners.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in PARK. For four-wheel drive ve-
hicles, make sure the transfer case is not in NEU-
TRAL. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer so that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the top
of the steering column, just behind the steering wheel.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
Hazard Warning Flasher Switch
334 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.7L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
6 — Battery
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.7L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
6 — Battery
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed-up engine is shut off.Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart/liter of oil when the reading
is at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading
at the top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multi-Purpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant (MS-9763) or
equivalent.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (MS-8985). Limited-slip rear axles
require MOPARLimited-Slip Additive (MS-10111) or equivalent. When-
ever a fluid change is made, 4 oz (118 ml) should be added to the gear
lubricant.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is
not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake
fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403

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

Cupholders............................ 162
Customer Assistance ..................... 423
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights ................... 135
Dealer Service .......................... 360
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 169
Defroster, Windshield ................... 78,240
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 140
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 357
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 264
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 180
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................ 379
Oil (Engine) ........................ 361
Power Steering ...................... 270
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 374
Door Locks ............................. 28 Door Locks, Automatic
.................... 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 153
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 265
E-85 Fuel ............................. 306
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 87
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 160
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 143
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 349
Jump Starting ....................... 345
Tow Hooks ......................... 351
Towing ............................ 352
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 358
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 363
Block Heater ........................ 251
10
INDEX 435

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