manual transmission DODGE DAKOTA 2011 3.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫ Locking Doors With A Key .............. 15
 Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ......... 15
▫ To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ...... 15
▫ To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ........ 15
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System ............................. 15 
Sentry Key — If Equipped ............... 15
▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 17
▫ Customer Key Programming ............. 17
 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 18
▫ To Arm The System ................... 19
▫ To Disarm The System ................. 19
 Illuminated Entry ...................... 20
▫ Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks . . . 20
2

CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key:
1. Press and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.
Ignition Release Button
1 — ACC4 — ON/RUN
2 — LOCK 5 — START
3 — OFF
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Locking Doors With A Key
You can insert the key into the door lock cylinder with
either side up. To lock the driver’s door, turn the key
rearward. To unlock the driver’s door, turn the key
forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle”.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved
approximately a half turn in either direction, and the key
is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel one-
half revolution, turn off the engine and remove the key.
Turn the steering wheel slightly in either direction until
the lock engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ACC, or ON/RUN
position, and the brake pedal is pressed.
SENTRY KEY — IF EQUIPPED
The Sentry Key prevents unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion by disabling the engine. The system does not need to
be armed or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless
of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
•Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
Jack Warning Label
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 341

Maintenance Free Battery.................. 364
Maintenance Procedures ................... 360
Maintenance Schedule .................... 406
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 187,358
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ................... 403
Manual, Service ......................... 427
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 147
Methanol ............................. 302
Mirrors ................................ 85
Automatic Dimming ................... 86
Electric Powered ...................... 87
Outside ............................ 87
Rearview ........................... 85
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 296
Mopar Parts ......................... 359,426
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 302
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 136New Vehicle Break-In Period
................ 75
Occupant Restraints ................... 35,55,59
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............54,55,58
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 301
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............ 268
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 268
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 184
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 184
Oil, Engine ......................... 361,402
Capacity ........................... 401
Change Interval ..................... 361
Dipstick ........................... 361
Disposal ........................... 363
Filter .......................... 363,402
Filter Disposal ....................... 363
Identification Logo ................... 362
Materials Added to ................... 363
Recommendation .................. 362,401
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INDEX 441

Satellite Radio Antenna.................208,232
Schedule, Maintenance .................... 406
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 386
Seat Belt Reminder ....................... 49
Seat Belts .......................... 35,39,78
And Pregnant Women .................. 50
Child Restraint ..................... 63,65
Extender ........................... 51
Front Seat .......................... 39
Inspection .......................... 78
Pretensioners ........................ 48
Reminder .......................... 180
Untwisting Procedure .................. 46
Seats ................................. 123
Adjustment ......................... 126
Heated ............................ 129
Lumbar Support ..................... 128
Reclining .......................... 128
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............18,181Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)
..........372,402
Selection of Oil ......................... 362
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 17
Service and Maintenance .................. 360
Service Assistance ....................... 423
Service Contract ......................... 425
Service Manuals ........................ 427
Setting the Clock .................. 194,212,221
Shifting Automatic Transmission ................ 253
Transfer Case ....................... 258
Transfer Case, Shifting into Transfer
Case Neutral (N) ..................... 329
Transfer Case, Shifting out of Transfer
Case Neutral (N) ..................... 331
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage .............. 44
Shoulder Belts ........................... 39
444 INDEX

Hitches............................ 319
Minimum Requirements ................ 321
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 320
Wiring ............................ 324
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 320
Trailer Weight .......................... 320
Transaxle ............................. 252
Automatic ....................... 12,252
Manual ............................ 14
Operation .......................... 252
Transfer Case ........................... 381
Fluid ............................. 403
Transmission ........................ 253,378
Automatic .................... 249,253,378
Fluid ............................. 403
Maintenance ........................ 378
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24 Transmitter, Garage Door Opener
(HomeLink®)
.......................... 153
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 290
Trip Computer .......................... 147
Trip Odometer .......................... 183
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 191
Turn Signals ................... 137,179,392,394
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) .............. 88
Underhood Fuses ........................ 387
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 429
Universal Transmitter ..................... 153
Unlock, Auto ........................... 31
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt .............. 46
Utility Rails, Rear Cargo Area ............... 167
Variance, Compass ....................... 152
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ...................... 281,312
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INDEX 447