check oil DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Owners Manual

2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
3. To assemble the transmitter case, snap the two halves
together.
NOTE:If the key fob is equipped with a screw, reinstall
and tighten the screw until snug.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the
system provides both audible and visual signals. The
horn will sound repeatedly for 3 minutes and the head-
lights and security light in the instrument cluster will
flash for an additional 15 minutes. The engine will not
run until the system is disarmed.
To Set the Alarm:
The alarm will set when you use the power door locks or
use the Keyless Entry transmitter to lock the doors. After
all the doors are locked and closed the security light in
the instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the
system is arming. The security light in the instrument
panel cluster will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds to
indicate that the alarm is being set. After the alarm is set,
the security light will flash at a slower rate to indicate
that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the security light stays on continuously during
vehicle operation, have the system checked by your
dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
2

Fluid Leaks
Check the area under vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected, the cause should be located and
corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
2

12. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
13. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained. (See page 298 for more information.)14. Tachometer
This gage measures engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm
x 1000).
15. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display 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. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
16. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 155
4

6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts in
a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 85-115 ft. lbs.
(115-155 N·m) torque. If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by
your dealer or at a service station.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle.
Always stow the jack, tools and the extra tire and
wheel in the places provided.
7. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. Stow the
replaced tire, jack, and tools as previously described.
8. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE:Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge
of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be
raised.
•Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking.
•Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated.
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are securely
stowed, spares must be stowed with the value stem
facing the ground.
282 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment 3.7L V6..............292

Engine Compartment 4.7L/4.7HO V-8........293

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........294
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............295

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................295

Replacement Parts......................297

Dealer Service.........................297

Maintenance Procedures..................298▫Engine Oil..........................298
▫Engine Oil Filter......................302
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................302
▫Spark Plugs.........................303
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................303
▫Engine Fuel Filter.....................304
▫Catalytic Converter....................304
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................306
7

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.1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Turn Off the engine and allow approximately 5 min-
utes for the oil to settle to the bottom of the crankcase.
3. Remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Wipe the engine oil level indicator (dipstick) clean.
5. Install the engine oil level indicator (dipstick) and
make sure it is seated in the tube.
6. Remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick), keep-
ing the handle above the tip, and read the oil level on the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
7

•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing, Taxi, Police or delivery service (com-
mercial service).
•Off-Road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
IfNONEof these apply to you, then change your engine
oil every 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first and follow scheduleAof theMaintenance
Schedulessection of this manual.4x4 Models, If Used Primarily For Off-Road Operation
Every 50 hours of use.
Dusty Conditions
Driving through dust-laden air increases the problems of
keeping abrasive materials out of the engine. Under these
conditions, special attention should be given to the
engine air cleaner. The crankcase ventilation system
should also be checked periodically. Make sure that these
units are always clean. This will tend to reduce to a
minimum the amount of abrasive material that may enter
the engine.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacture only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Materials Added to Engine Oils
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MoparEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tensioner
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals, and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts and tensioner should be checked for condition.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
302 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination
of the grease.
Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All four wheel drive models are equipped with four
constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boot should be
inspected for external leakage or damage periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated
periodically to assure quiet, easy operation and to protect
against rust and wear. Prior to the application of any
lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and
grease should be removed. Particular attention should
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
7