Dodge 2008 Dakota User manual

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 ......................................... 153
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................217
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................311
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................329
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................387
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................397
10
INDEX ....................................................................407
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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 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 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 rear of this 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.
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 Key ............................14
▫Replacement Keys ......................16
▫Customer Key Programming ..............16
▫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
2

mIlluminated Entry ........................20
▫Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks ....20
mRemote Keyless Entry .....................21
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................21
▫To Lock The Doors .....................22
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................24
▫General Information ....................24
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........25
▫Battery Replacement ....................26
mRemote Starting System — If Equipped ........27
mDoor Locks ............................28
▫Manual Door Locks .....................28
▫Power Door Locks .....................29
▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............32
mWindows .............................33
▫Power Windows .......................33
▫Auto Down (Driver’s Side Only) ...........34
▫Window Lockout Switch .................34
▫Wind Buffeting ........................34
mOccupant Restraints ......................35
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................36
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....40
▫Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
Mode – If Equipped ....................41
▫Center Lap Belts .......................42
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................42
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE