Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Manual — part 22

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these procedures could result in
damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle
or the discharged vehicle.

1. Connect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable to the
positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.

2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper
cable to the positive (+) post of the booster battery.

3. Connect the negative end (-) of the jumper cable to the
negative (-) post of the booster battery.

4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper
cable to a good engine ground (exposed metal part of the
discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and
the fuel injection system.

WARNING!

Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the
discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.

5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start
the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in
the reverse sequence:

6. Disconnect the negative (-) jumper cable from the
engine ground of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

7. Disconnect the negative end (-) of the jumper cable
from the negative (-) post of the booster battery.

348

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

8. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper
cable from the positive (+) post of the booster battery.

9. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable
from the positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.

10. Reinstall the air intake duct.

If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.

CAUTION!

Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE, while apply-
ing slight pressure to the accelerator.

CAUTION!

Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

349

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck. And do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Allow the engine to

idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.

CAUTION!

Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels
continuously for more than 30 seconds.

350

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.

WARNING!

• Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck

vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury
or death.

• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow

hooks. Tow straps may become disengaged, caus-
ing serious injury.

CAUTION!

Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.

Tow Hooks

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

351

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recom-
mended. Attach towing device to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle, not to bumpers or associated brack-
ets. State and local laws, applying to vehicles under
tow, must be observed.

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFF

the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the

vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised
and the opposite end on a towing dolly.

Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and the ignition key in the
OFF position, along with the front wheels raised and the

rear wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed
30 mph (50 km/h), and the distance must not exceed
15 miles (25 km).

If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km)
or faster than 30 mph (50 km/h), it must be towed on a
flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised and the front
wheels on the ground, or with the front end raised and
the rear wheels on a towing dolly.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle with the rear wheels on the
ground at more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more
than 15 miles (25 km), can cause severe transmission
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

352

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 Engine Compartment — 3.7L . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
䡵 Engine Compartment — 4.7L . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
䡵 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II . . . . . . 357

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . 357

䡵 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

䡵 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
䡵 Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360

䡵 Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360

▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
▫ Engine Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
▫ Adding Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368

7

▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
▫ Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
▫ Front/Rear Axle Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From

Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382

䡵 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

▫ Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution

Center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

䡵 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
䡵 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392

䡵 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392

▫ Headlamp (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn

Signal Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392

▫ Rear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stop Lamps,

And Turn Signal Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394

▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp And Cargo

Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

▫ License Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
▫ Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401

䡵 Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
䡵 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts . . . . . . . 402

▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403

354

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.7L

1 — Air Cleaner Filter

7 — 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 Filter

7 — 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

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.

CAUTION!

• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause

further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.

• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,

severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A “gASCAP” message will be
displayed in the odometer. Tighten the gas cap until a

⬙clicking⬙ sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer reset
button to turn the message off. If the problem persists,

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

357

the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If the prob-
lem is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL off.

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.

For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not

on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.

Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.

Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.

2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.

3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.

358

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:

a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not ready and you should
not

proceed to the I/M station.

b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.

If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II

system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.

Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.

REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPAR

威 parts for normal/scheduled

maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPAR

威 parts for maintenance

and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

359

DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.

Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.

CAUTION!

• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-

form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.

(Continued)

360

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

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change

intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your vehicle. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.

362

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils, provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.

Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.

Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.

Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR

威 engine oil filters are a high quality oil

filter and are recommended.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

363