oil dipstick DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G Owners Manual

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine 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 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the ADD and SAFE markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the ADD mark will result in a SAFE reading on these
engines.
It is important to check the oil while the vehicle is on
level ground. Add oil only when the level is at or below
the ADD OIL mark.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen onboth sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission
belowthe operating temperature, the fluid level should
be between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dip-
stick with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF ( 82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Compact Disc Maintenance............... 132
Compact Disc Player.................106,110
Compact Spare Tire..................... 178
Compass.............................. 79
Compass Calibration...................79,80
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 77
Console, Floor.......................... 88
Console, Overhead....................... 76
Contract, Service....................... 282
Converter, Catalytic..................... 189
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 240
Cooling System.....................237,240
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 239
Coolant Capacity..................... 258
Coolant Level........................ 240
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 238
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 238
Inspection........................... 237
Points to Remember................... 241
Radiator Cap........................ 240
Selection of Coolant.............238,258,259
Temperature Gauge.................... 99
Cruise Control.......................... 74Cruise Light........................... 104
Cup Holder............................ 89
Customer Assistance.................... 280
Daytime Running Lights.................. 69
Dealer Service......................... 225
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 140
Defroster, Windshield...............54,133,136
Delay Wipers........................... 71
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 223
Differential, Limited-Slip................. 162
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 100
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................ 245
Oil (Engine)......................... 226
Power Steering....................... 234
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 217
Disc Brakes........................... 243
Disposal
Used Coolant........................ 238
Door Ajar............................ 103
Door Locks..........................13,14
Door Opener, Garage..................... 81
290 INDEX

Power Door.......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 42
Lubricating Oil........................ 248
Lubrication, Body....................... 235
Lug Nuts............................. 213
Lumbar Support........................ 63
Maintenance.......................... 226
Maintenance Free Battery................. 232
Maintenance Procedures.................. 226
Maintenance Schedule................... 263
Schedule9A9......................... 274
Schedule9B9......................... 265
Malfunction Indicator Light............103,224
Manual, Service........................ 284
Manual Transmission..............144,150,245
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Lubricant Selection.................245,260
Shift Speeds......................... 151
Mirrors............................... 58
Automatic Dimming.................... 59
Electric Powered....................... 60Outside............................. 59
Rearview............................ 58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 5
Mopar Parts........................225,284
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 70
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 52
Occupant Restraints...................... 24
Odometer............................ 103
Trip ............................... 103
Oil, Engine.........................226,259
Capacity............................ 258
Change Interval...................... 227
Dipstick............................ 226
Disposal............................ 229
Filter...........................229,259
Filter Disposal....................... 229
Identification Logo.................... 228
Materials Added to.................... 229
Pressure Gauge....................... 100
Recommendation..................228,258
Synthetic........................... 229
INDEX 295
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