Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Manual

STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS —
IF EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.

The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a push
button in the center. Pressing the top of the switch will
increase the volume, and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.

The button located in the center of the right hand control
will switch modes to Radio or CD.

The left hand control is a rocker type switch with a push
button in the center. The function of the left hand control
is different depending on which mode you are in.

The following describes the left hand control operation in
each mode.

Radio Operation
Pressing the top of the switch will SEEK up for the next
listenable station and pressing the bottom of the switch
will SEEK down for the next listenable station.

Remote Sound System Controls

(Back View Of Steering Wheel)

236

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The button located in the center of the left hand control
will tune to the next pre-set station that you have
programmed in the radio pre-set push-buttons.

CD Player
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.

If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track, three times, it will play the third, etc.

The button in the center of the left hand switch changes
CD’s on the 6–Disc in-dash CD changer radio. This
button does not function for all other radios.

CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep a CD/DVD in good condition, take the following
precautions:

1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.

2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.

3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.

4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, cleaners,
or anti-static sprays.

5. Store the disc in its case after playing.

6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.

7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

237

NOTE:

If you experience difficulty in playing a particu-

lar disc, it may be damaged (i.e., scratched, reflective
coating removed, a hair, moisture or dew on the disc)
oversized, or have protection encoding. Try a known
good disc before considering disc player service.

RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES
Under certain conditions, the mobile phone being on in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the mobile phone antenna. This condition is
not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance does
not satisfactorily “clear” by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during mobile phone operation when
not using Uconnect™ (if equipped).

CLIMATE CONTROLS
The controls for the heating, ventilation and air condi-
tioning system in this vehicle consist of a series of rotary

knobs. These comfort controls can be set to obtain desired
interior conditions.

Air Conditioning and Heater

Air Conditioning and Heater Operation
To turn on the air conditioning, set the fan control at any
speed and press the SNOWFLAKE button located at the

Air Conditioning and Heater Control

238

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

right of the control panel. Conditioned air will be di-
rected through the outlets selected by the mode control.
A light at the top of the SNOWFLAKE button shows that
the air conditioning is on. Press the button a second time
to turn the air conditioning off.

Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.

The Mode Control (at the right of the
control panel) can be set in any of the
following positions:

NOTE:

To improve your selection choices, the system

allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots.

Recirculation Modes (Panel or Bi-Level )

Select the recirculation modes when
the outside air contains dust, odors,
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is
desired. This feature allows for recir-
culation of interior air only. Air flows
either through the panel outlets or
both the panel and floor outlets to-

gether, depending on which recirculation mode is
selected.

Panel (Fresh Air Modes)

Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel.

Mode Control

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

239

Bi-Level

Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and at the floor.

Floor

Outside air flows primarily through the floor out-
lets located under the instrument panel.

Mix

Outside air flows in equal proportions through the
floor and defroster outlets.

Defrost

Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlets located at the base of

the windshield, and the demister outlets located at the
edge of each side of the instrument panel.

NOTE:

• The air conditioner compressor operates in both Mix

and Defrost or a blend of these modes, even if the A/C
button has not been pressed. This dehumidifies the air
to help dry the windshield.

• For information on operating the rear defrost, refer to

“Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Fea-
tures Of Your Vehicle”.

Blower Control

The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the Blower Control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left posi-
tion.

240

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:

For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the

climate controls will not function during Remote Start
operation if the blower control is left in the “O” (Off)
position.

Temperature Control

The rotary knob at the center of the
control panel controls the temperature
of the interior air. You can choose your
degree of comfort by rotating the
knob. The coldest temperature setting
is to the extreme left (blue region) and
the warmest setting is to the extreme

right (red region) of the rotation.

Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.

Side window demisters direct airflow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix, Defrost, or Bi-Level modes are
in use.

NOTE:

When you turn off the engine you may hear a

hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.

Operating Tips

Fast Cooldown
For a fast cooldown, open the windows and turn the
blower fan rotary knob to the extreme right position, turn
the mode control to the panel fresh position, press the
SNOWFLAKE button to turn on the air conditioning, and

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

241

drive with the windows open for the first few minutes.
Once the hot air has been expelled, close the windows
and turn the mode selector to the Recirculation Panel
Mode or Recirculation Mode Bi-level position. When a
comfortable condition has been reached, choose a mode
position and adjust the temperature control knob and
blower speed as necessary to maintain comfort. For high
humidity conditions it may be necessary to remain in the
Recirculation mode to maintain comfort.

Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the SNOW-
FLAKE button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature
control, air direction and blower speed to maintain
comfort.

As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. High blower
speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.

Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates on the inside of windows can increase the
rate of window fogging.

242

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer, to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50%
concentration of engine coolant to distilled water is
recommended. Refer to “Cooling System” under “Main-
tenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.

When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy
traffic, in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer,
additional engine cooling may be required. If this situa-
tion is encountered, operate the transmission in a lower

gear and set the air conditioner to recirculation mode.
Operating the air conditioner in recirculation mode pro-
vides the maximum performance from your air condi-
tioning. When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be neces-
sary to shift into NEUTRAL and press the accelerator
slightly for fast idle operation.

Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions. This will help prevent snow going into the ducts.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

243

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
▫ Extreme Cold Weather

(Below –20°F Or –29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

䡵 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 251

䡵 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System . . . . . . 253
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

䡵 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 258

▫ Transfer Case Operating Information/

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

▫ Shifting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

䡵 Limited-Slip Rear Axle Differential — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

䡵 Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266

䡵 Off-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

▫ After Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 273

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 278
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions . . . . . . . . . 279
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 280

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 286
▫ Radial Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

246

STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire

And Wheel – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped . . . . . . . . 288
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 289
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 295
䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) . . . . . . . 296

▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 303
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 305

䡵 Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306

▫ E-85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

STARTING AND OPERATING

247

▫ Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel

Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles . . . . . . 308

▫ Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
▫ Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
▫ Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
▫ Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . 311

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312

▫ Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
▫ Curb Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

▫ Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
▫ Trailer Towing Weights

(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . 320

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

䡵 Snowplow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
䡵 Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

248

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.

NOTE:

This vehicle is equipped with a transmission

shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
pressed to shift out of PARK.

Tip Start Feature
Turn the ignition switch to START position and release it
as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.

STARTING AND OPERATING

249

Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait
5 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into

the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get

it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Start-
ing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel, in case the engine is flooded.

250

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15 sec-
ond periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should be
repeated.

After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.

The engine block heater cord is located at the right front
of the engine compartment for all engine applications.

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

STARTING AND OPERATING

251

Dodge Dakota (2011 year). Manual - part 15