Dodge 2008 Dakota User manual

Dakota
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 Dakota
81-326-0834 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................73
4
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS ......................................... 161
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................227
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................325
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................343
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................401
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................409
10
INDEX ....................................................................419
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................4
mWarnings And Cautions ...................6
mVehicle Identification Number ...............6
mVehicle Modifications/Alterations ............7
1

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions 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 authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

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.
VIN Plate Location
6 INTRODUCTION

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.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫Locking Doors With The Key ..............14
mSentry Keyt...........................15
▫Replacement Keys ......................16
▫Customer Key Programming ..............17
▫General Information ....................18
mSteering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........18
▫If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel ..............................18
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........18
▫Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System ..............................19
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........19
▫To Set The Alarm ......................19
▫To Disarm The System ...................19
mIlluminated Entry ........................20
▫Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks ....20
2