power steering 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

position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the air bag system.WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

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 or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation 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.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Seats .............................. 123
▫ Power Driver Seat .................... 124
▫ Manual Seat Adjustment ............... 126
▫ Front Seat — Manual Recliner ........... 128
▫ Manual Lumbar — If Equipped .......... 128
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 129
▫ Head Restraints ..................... 130
▫ Extended Cab/Crew Cab Rear Seat ....... 132
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 132
 Lights ............................. 134
▫ Headlights, Parking Lights And
Panel Lights ........................ 134
▫ Headlight Delay ..................... 135 ▫
Lights-On Reminder .................. 135
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 135
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 135
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 135
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 136
▫ Battery Saver ....................... 138
▫ Cargo Light — If Equipped ............. 139
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 139
▫ Windshield Wipers ................... 140
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 141
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 142
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 143
▫ To Activate ......................... 144
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Limited-Slip Rear Axle Differential — If
Equipped ............................ 264
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 264
▫ Acceleration ........................ 264
▫ Traction ........................... 265
 Driving Through Water ................. 265
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 266
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 266
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 268
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 268
 Power Steering ....................... 269
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 270
 Parking Brake ........................ 271 
Brake System ........................ 273
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 273
 Tire Safety Information ................. 275
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 275
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 278
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 279
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 280
 Tires — General Information ............. 284
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 284
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 285
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 286
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 287
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
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STARTING AND OPERATING 269

system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only bechecked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

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