2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 99

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 99 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION 1. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage The temperature gage indicates engine coolant temperature. Any reading within the normal range indicates that the cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The gage needle in V6 and V8 engines will likely indicate a high temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to 260° (hot mark), stop the vehicle, shift into N (Neutral) and elevate engine speed for 2-3 minutes. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, seek authorized service immediately. The gage pointer will remain near its last reading when the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading when the engine is restarted. 2. Voltage Gage - If Equipped When the engine is running, the gage will indicate the electrical system voltage. During normal electrical load, the pointer will remain near the center of the scale. If the pointer moves to either the high or low sections, and remains there during normal driving, the electrical system should be serviced. 3. Tachometer This gage measures engine revolutions per minute (rpm x 1000). 4. Shift Indicator Light A small triangle lights to signal the most economical shift point for vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. See the Manual Transmission Operating description in section 5 of this manual for details. 5. Turn Signal Indicators When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the 4 CAUTION! Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running as you would not be able to react to the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.