Dodge 2006 Dakota User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................7
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..............................75
4
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS .........................................147
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................197
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ..............................................281
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................299
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................359
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .........................................381
10
INDEX ....................................................................389
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 4
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 5
䡵Vehicle Identification Number ............... 5
䡵Vehicle Modifications / Alterations ........... 6
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopar威parts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
4 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is found on a
stamped plate located on the left front corner of the
instrument panel pad, visible from outside of the vehicle
through the windshield. This number also appears on the
Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a
window on your vehicle. Save this label for a convenient
record of your vehicle identification number and optional
equipment.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.
INTRODUCTION 5
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VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
6 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ..................10
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................10
▫Sentry Key Immobilizer — If Equipped .......10
䡵Ignition And Steering Lock .................13
▫Manual Transmissions ...................13
▫Automatic Transmissions .................13
䡵Illuminated Entry ........................14
▫Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks ....14
䡵Door Locks ............................15
▫Manual Door Locks .....................15
▫Power Door Locks .....................16
▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............19
䡵Remote Keyless Entry .....................20
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................21
▫To Lock The Doors .....................21
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................23
▫General Information ....................23
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........24
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▫Battery Replacement ....................25
䡵Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........26
▫To Set The Alarm ......................26
▫To Disarm The System ...................27
䡵Windows .............................28
▫Power Windows .......................28
▫Auto Down ..........................29
▫Window Lockout Switch .................29
▫Sliding Rear Window ...................30
▫Wind Buffeting ........................30
䡵Occupant Restraints ......................30
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................31
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....36
▫Automatic Locking Mode (If Equipped) ......37
▫Center Lap Belts .......................37
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................37
▫Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ...........................38
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............39
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................39
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)—Airbags ...........40
▫Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch – If
Equipped ............................54
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............55
▫Child Restraint ........................57
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........70
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

䡵Safety Tips ............................71
▫Exhaust System .......................71
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................72
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ..............................72
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
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A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The double sided keys may be inserted into the locks
with either side up. The keys for your new vehicle are
enclosed in a plastic bag with a bar code label affixed to
the front. The bar code can be used to order duplicate
keys from your dealer or a locksmith. If you received
your keys without the bag, ask your dealer to give you
the number.
NOTE: Integrated keys (key and key fob combined)
must be cut by the dealer. The dealer must have cutters
that have enough clearance for integrated keys.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door when the key is in the
ignition lock, a continuous chime will sound to remind
you to remove the key.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock
all the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER — IF EQUIPPED
With this system, an electronically coded ignition key
sends a signal to the vehicle electronics. If the electronics
recognizes the signal, the vehicle will start and continue
to run. If the system does not recognize the signal, the
vehicle will start and run for 2 seconds, then shut off.
After six unsuccessful attempts at starting, the system
will shut down until the correct key is used.
NOTE: If the key is in the ignition switch, then all
buttons on that transmitter will be disabled. The buttons
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

on the remaining transmitters will work. If the vehicle is
moving 5 mph or more, then all the transmitter buttons
are disabled for all keys.
NOTE: The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not
compatible with remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a
loss of security protection. Additional Sentry Keys or
Mobil Speed-pass™ devices held against or immediately
adjacent to the ignition key when starting the engine may
cause vehicle starting problems. If a problem occurs,
remove the Sentry Key from the key-ring and attempt to
start the vehicle again. Pagers, cell phones, walkman, etc.
will have no effect on this system.
The ⬙Security Light⬙will illuminate for about 3 seconds
when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON
position. If the vehicle electronics do not receive a valid
signal from the ignition key, the ⬙Security Light⬙will flash
continuously to signal that the vehicle has been immobi-
lized. If the ⬙Security Light⬙remains on during vehicle
operation, it indicates a fault in the system electronics. If
this option was ordered, all of the keys provided with
your new vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle
electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed and needs to be cut.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:
1. Insert the first valid key into the ignition and turn the
ignition to the ON position for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition back to the OFF
position and remove the first key.
2. Insert the second valid key and switch the ignition to
the ON position within 15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a
chime will sound and the ⬙Security Light⬙will begin to
flash. Turn the ignition back to the OFF position and
remove the second key.
3. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition and switch
the ignition to the ON position within 60 seconds of
having removed the second key. After 10 seconds, a
single chime will sound. The ⬙Security Light⬙will stop
flashing, then turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK
Insert the key fully, and then turn the switch to one of the
five illustrated positions. The key can be inserted or
withdrawn only in the LOCK position.
Manual Transmissions
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,
depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
Automatic Transmissions
In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide antitheft protection for your ve-
hicle. 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
Ignition Switch Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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easily. The key can be inserted or withdrawn only in the
LOCK position. Push in on the key in the ignition lock
cylinder to rotate to the LOCK position.
NOTE: The steering wheel will lock when the key is
removed, and the steering wheel is turned 115 degrees
from center clockwise and 65 degrees counterclockwise.
NOTE: On vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, the key cannot be turned to LOCK until the
selector is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull
the shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the LOCK
position.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks
All interior lights will illuminate in the vehicle when the
doors are unlocked using the key fob.
The interior lights will remain on for 30 seconds after the
last door is closed, or until all doors are closed and either
the ignition is turned to the ON position or a key fob
LOCK button is pressed.
There is also a battery saver feature that will turn the
interior lights off after 8 minutes if the ignition is OFF
and a door is left open or the dimmer control is in the
interior lights ON position.
Ignition Switch Positions
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
All the doors can be “manually” locked from the inside
by pushing down the door lock plunger, located on the
door trim panel. Both front doors may be opened from
the inside with the door lock plunger in the down or
locked position.
WARNING!
For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well
as when you park and leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause severe personal inju-
ries and death.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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Power Door Locks
Vehicles equipped with power door locks can be locked
or unlocked from inside by either the use of the door lock
switches located on the front doors or by pressing the
LOCK or UNLOCK buttons on the Remote Keyless Entry
key fob.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

As a safety feature the doors will not lock when using the
door lock switches during the following conditions:
• The driver’s door is open while the key is in the
ignition.
Automatic Door Locks
If this feature is enabled, your door locks will lock
automatically when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 15 mph
(24 km/h).
This feature is enabled when your vehicle is shipped
from the assembly plant and can be disabled by using the
following procedure:
1. Enter your vehicle and Close all doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt (Fastening the seat belt will
cancel any chiming that may confuse you during this
programming procedure).
3. Place the key into the ignition.
4. Within 10 seconds, cycle the key from the OFF position
to the ON position a minimum of four times; ending in
the Off position ( Do not start the engine ).
5. Within 30 seconds, press the driver’s door lock switch
in the LOCK direction.
6. A single chime will be heard to indicate the feature has
been disabled.
7. To re-activate this feature, repeat the above steps.
8. If a chime is not heard, program mode was canceled
before the feature could be disabled. If necessary, repeat
the above procedure.
Auto Unlock Feature
This feature unlocks all the doors of the vehicle when any
door is opened. The following must be met:
• The doors of the vehicle must be locked automatically
by the Automatic Door Lock feature.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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• The vehicle is in P (Park) and the ignition switch is in
any key position.
This feature will not operate if any of the conditions
above are not met or following has occurred:
• Any manual operation of a door lock switch has
occurred.
NOTE: This customer programmable feature is enabled
when your vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant.
Auto Unlock Feature Programming
Customer Programming sequence to disable or enable:
1. Enter your vehicle and close all doors.
2. Fasten your seat belt (fastening the seat belt will cancel
any chiming that may be confusing during this program-
ming procedure).
3. Insert the key into the ignition.
4. Within 15 seconds, cycle the key from the OFF position
to the ON position a minimum of four times; ending in
the Off position ( Do not start the engine ).
5. Within 30 seconds, press the driver’s door lock switch
in the UNLOCK direction.
6. A single chime will sound to indicate the feature has
been changed.
7. To reactivate the feature, repeat the above steps.
8. If a chime is not heard, program mode was canceled
before the feature could be changed. If necessary repeat
the above procedure.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Child Protection Door Lock
To provide a safer environment for children riding in the
rear seat, the rear doors of your vehicle have the child-
protection door lock system.
To use the system, open each rear door and slide the
control UP to engage the locks and DOWN to disengage
the child-protection locks. When the system on a door is
engaged, that door can only be opened by using the
outside door handle even if the inside door lock is in the
unlocked position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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WARNING!
Avoid trapping anyone in a vehicle in a collision.
Remember that the rear doors can only be opened
from the outside when the child protection locks are
engaged.
NOTE: After setting the child protection door lock
system, always test the door from the inside to make
certain it is in the desired position.
NOTE: For emergency exit with the system engaged,
move the door lock switch to the UNLOCK position, roll
down the window and open the door with the outside
door handle.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors or
activate the panic alarm from distances a minimum of 66
feet (20 meters) using a hand held radio transmitter. The
transmitter need not be pointed at the vehicle to activate
the system.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: The line of transmission must not be blocked
with metal objects.
To unlock the doors:
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the key fob
once to unlock only the driver’s door or twice to unlock
all the doors. When the UNLOCK button is pressed, the
illuminated entry will initiate, and the parking lights will
flash on twice.
The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors
upon the first UNLOCK button press by using the
following procedure:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
key fob.
2. Continue to hold the LOCK button at least 4 seconds,
but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold the
UNLOCK button. A single chime will sound to indicate
that this feature has changed.
3. Release both buttons at the same time.
4. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK button on the keyfob.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the keyfob while
you are inside the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
5. If the desired programming was not achieved or to
reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
To lock the doors:
Press and release the LOCK button on the key fob to lock
all doors. If the ignition is OFF, when the doors are
locked, the parking lights will flash on once and the horn
will chirp once.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
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