adding oil DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Owners Manual

7. Add oil only if the level is below the “SAFE” range (at
or below the “ADD” mark) on the engine oil level
indicator (dipstick). Adding one quart of oil when the
reading is at the ADD mark 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 dam-
age your engine.
Frequency Of Oil Change
Road conditions and your style of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine ifANYapply to you:
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and Go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
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6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both 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 transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F ( 21°C) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F ( 82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
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Fluid Capacities......................... 343
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 320
Brake............................... 318
Cooling System....................... 312
Engine Oil........................... 298
Power Steering........................ 308
Transfer Case......................... 323
Fog Lights.......................... 117,342
Four Wheel Drive....................... 206
Operation........................... 206
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 272
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 224
Front Axle............................. 324
Fuel................................. 245
Adding............................. 247
Filter............................... 304
Gauge.............................. 152
Octane Rating......................245,344Requirements......................245,343
Tank Capacity........................ 343
Fueling............................... 247
Fuses................................ 328
Garage Door Opener..................... 133
GasCap ...........................248,295
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 152
Gasoline.............................. 245
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 246
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 152
Fuel................................ 152
Odometer.........................155,156
Speedometer......................... 154
Tachometer.......................... 155
Gear Ranges........................... 199
Glass Cleaning.......................... 328
Grease............................... 324
INDEX 381
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