Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Manual

Two-Position Tailgate/Upper Load Platform
Your tailgate can be opened to the full-open or the
partial-open position. The partial-open position is for
loading objects longer than the length of the bed (sheets
of plywood, etc.) by creating an upper load platform:

Installing Lumber

1. Place lumber across the box in the indentations pro-
vided above the wheel housings and in the bulkhead
dividers, to form the floor. There are indents in the sheet
metal (or bed liner if equipped) on the inner side of the
box in front (Club Cab

威 only) and behind both wheel

housings.

2. Secure the tailgate in the partially-open position:

3. Open the tailgate slightly.

1 — Bulkhead Divider Slot
2 — Wheel Housing Indentions

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4. Snap the tailgate support cable between the cable
guide and the tailgate bumper. Do this on both sides of
the tailgate.

To return the tailgate to the full-open position:

1. Lift up on the tailgate.

2. Remove both cables from between the cable guides
and the tailgate bumpers, and lower the tailgate.

CAUTION!

• Care should always be exercised when operating a

vehicle with cargo. Vehicle speeds may need to be
reduced. Severe turns or rough roads may cause
shifting or bouncing of the cargo that may result in
vehicle damage.

• Ensure the load is securely tied down and is

properly identified according to local laws if it
extends beyond the tail lights.

• Loading should not exceed 400 lbs (181 kg) of

material suspended above the wheelhouse and
partially open tailgate or vehicle damage may
result.

Tailgate Guide

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

173

▫ Notes On Playing MP3 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
▫ Operation Instructions - Auxiliary Mode . . . . 219

䡵 Media Center 130 With Satellite Radio

(Sales Code RES+RSC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

▫ Operating Instructions — Radio Mode . . . . . 220
▫ Operation Instructions — CD Mode For CD

And MP3 Audio Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

▫ Notes On Playing MP3 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
▫ List Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . . . . . 230
▫ Info Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . . . . . 230
▫ Uconnect™ Multimedia

(Satellite Radio) — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 231

䡵 Steering Wheel Audio

Controls — If Equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

▫ Radio Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
▫ CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

䡵 CD/DVD Disc Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
䡵 Radio Operation And Mobile Phones . . . . . . . 238
䡵 Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

▫ Air Conditioning And Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
▫ Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
▫ Operation Tips Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES

1 — Headlight Switch

6 — Glove Compartment

11 — Transfer Case Switch*

2 — Air Outlets

7 — Radio

12 — Speed Control Switches

3 — Demister Outlets

8 — Climate Controls

13 — Hood Release

4 — Instrument Cluster

9 — Power Outlet

14 — Parking Brake Release

5 — Airbags

10 — Heated Seat Switches*

* If Equipped

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177

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.

2. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The
gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to exceed
the upper limits of the normal operating range.

CAUTION!

Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature gauge if the engine overheats.

3. Turn Signal Indicators

When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate

the direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
left/right turn signal is left on, with the vehicle speed
greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more than 1 mile
(1.6 km).

4. Low Fuel Warning Light

The low fuel warning light will illuminate when the
fuel gauge reads 1/8 of a tank or less. There is a
pointer on the side of this symbol that indicates the

side that your fuel filler door is located.

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179

5. High Beam Indicator

The high beam indicator will illuminate if the
headlights are on high beam.

6. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if

the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will
flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.

7. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H (Hot), this indicator will illuminate

and a single chime will sound after reaching a set
threshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture gauge to pass H (Hot), the indicator will continu-
ously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the light remains on, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your Vehicle”. Fol-
low the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.

8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed.

9. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the

ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If

the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.

If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.

10. Vehicle Security Light

The vehicle security light will flash rapidly for
approximately 15 seconds when the vehicle
security alarm is arming. The light will flash at
a slower speed continuously after the alarm is

set. The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned to ON/RUN.

11. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will illuminate when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON/RUN position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.

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181

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.

12. Oil Pressure Warning Light

The Oil Pressure Warning Light illuminates when
the engine oil pressure has become too low. For a

bulb check, this light will come on momentarily when the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN. If the light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon
as possible. Immediate service should be obtained.

13. Tachometer
The tachometer gauge measures engine revolutions-per-
minute (RPM x 1000).

14. Shift Lever Indicator
The electronic shift lever indicator is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. The display will place
a box around the selected transmission range (PRND21).
If the PRNDL displays only the characters PRND21 (no
boxes), have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

15. Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press and release
the trip odometer button.

To reset a trip odometer, display the trip odometer then
push and hold the button until the display resets (ap-
proximately two seconds).

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

16. Odometer Display
The odometer display shows the total distance the ve-
hicle has been driven.

U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. If your
odometer needs to be repaired or serviced, the repair
technician should leave the odometer reading the same
as it was before the repair or service. If s/he cannot do so,
then the odometer must be set at zero, and a sticker must
be placed in the door jamb stating what the mileage was
before the repair or service. It is a good idea for you to
make a record of the odometer reading before the repair/
service, so that you can be sure that it is properly reset, or
that the door jamb sticker is accurate if the odometer
must be reset at zero.

Vehicle Odometer Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
messages will display in the odometer:

door

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Door Ajar

gASCAP

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel Cap Fault

LoW tirE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low Tire Pressure

noFUSE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuse Fault

CHAngE OIL

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Change Required

On vehicles equipped with a Overhead Console with
Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer, some ve-
hicle messages may display in the Overhead Console
with Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer when
the appropriate conditions exist. Refer to Overhead Con-
sole with Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer in
“Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.

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183

gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer display
area. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.

LoW tirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between LoW and tirE for three
cycles.

noFUSE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the Igni-
tion Off Draw (IOD) fuse is improperly installed, or
damaged, a “noFUSE” message will display in the odom-
eter display area. For further information on fuses and fuse
locations refer to “Fuses” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.

CHAngE OIL Message
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “CHAngE OIL” message will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately
12 seconds after a single chime has sounded, to indicate
the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil
change indicator system is duty cycle based, which
means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate
dependent upon your personal driving style.

Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to the
following procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position
(do not start the engine).

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.

NOTE:

If the indicator message illuminates when you

start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.

17. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

The fog light indicator illuminates when the front
fog lights are on.

18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light

This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature, that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the

engine at idle or faster with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL, until the light goes off.

CAUTION!

Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.

WARNING!

If the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated and you continue operating the vehicle,
in some circumstances you could cause the fluid to
boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.

19. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – If Equipped

The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light
informs you of a problem with the ETC system.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. If the light remains

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185

lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine
is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned to
ON/RUN and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check.
If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.

20. Brake Warning Light

This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that

the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.

If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:

The light may flash momentarily during sharp

cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.

If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.

WARNING!

Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for ap-
proximately two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.

NOTE:

This light shows only that the parking brake is

applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.

21. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD II) that
monitors the emissions and engine control sys-

tem. If the vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the light
will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/

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187

Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Manual - part 11