oil temperature DODGE DAKOTA 2006 3.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the if the light remains on, turn
the engine off immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
9. Speedometer
Shows the vehicles speed.
10. Voltage Light This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.
11. Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
154 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

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 if ANYapply 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).
•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: IfANY of 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 Schedules section of this manual.
If NONE of these apply to you, then change your engine
oil every 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first and follow schedule Aof the Maintenance
Schedules section 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
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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.
Engine Oil Identification (API) Symbol
There is a symbol to aid you in selecting the proper
engine oil. This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacture only recommends
API Certified engine oils that
meet the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395. Use Mopar or an
equivalent oil meeting the specifi-
cation MS-6395.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil
filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil
viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir should be checked for fluid level at
regular intervals. When freezing weather is anticipated,
flush out the water in the reservoir by operating the
system. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer anti-
freeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the system
for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not harmful
to paint or trim.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
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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 “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 transmission below
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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 329
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
required service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule “B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•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 km).
•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 (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•Heavy Loading
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: IfANY of 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 Schedules section of this manual.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then change your
coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
 Maintenance Schedules section of this manual.
Second is Schedule “A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule B.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 361
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Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•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 km).
•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 (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•Heavy Loading
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: IfANY of 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 Schedules section of this manual.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then change your
coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
 Maintenance Schedules section of this manual.
364 SCHEDULE “B”
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Block Heater......................... 203
Break-In Recommendations ................ 70
Compartment ......................... 303
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 322,356
Cooling ............................. 320
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 71,256
Fails to Start .......................... 202
Flooded, Starting ...................... 202
Fuel Requirements ..................... 355
Jump Starting ......................... 293
Oil ........................... 307,355,356
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 310
Oil Selection .......................... 355
Oil Synthetic ......................... 311
Overheating .......................... 323
Starting ............................. 201
Temperature Gauge ..................... 152
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 14
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 279 Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze
................. 322
Event Data Recorder ...................... 55
Exhaust Gas Caution ................71,256,320
Exhaust System ....................... 71,320
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 39
Exterior Lighting ........................ 115
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 313
Engine Fuel .......................... 313
Engine Oil ........................ 31 1,356
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 311
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 282
Turn Signal ..................... 1 17,152,348
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 293
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 202
Floor Console .......................... 142
Fluid, Brake ........................... 357
394 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... 355
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 328
Brake ............................... 326
Cooling System ....................... 320
Engine Oil ........................... 307
Power Steering ........................ 317
Transfer Case ......................... 331
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 356
Fog Lights .......................... 1 16,354
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 211
Operation ............................ 211
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 282
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 229
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 332
Fuel ................................. 250
Adding ............................. 253
Filter ............................... 313
Gauge .............................. 152 Octane Rating
...................... 250,356
Requirements ...................... 250,355
Tank Capacity ........................ 355
Fueling ............................... 253
Fuses ................................ 337
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) ........... 132
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............254,304
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 152
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 250
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 251
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................... 152
Fuel ................................ 152
Odometer ......................... 155,156
Speedometer ......................... 154
Tachometer .......................... 155
Gear Ranges ........................... 204
Glass Cleaning .......................... 336
INDEX 395
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Spark Plugs............................ 312
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 121
Speedometer ........................... 154
Starting ............................... 201
Emergency (Jump Starting) ............... 293
Engine Block Heater .................... 203
Steering Column Controls ...................... 117
Column Lock .......................... 13
Power ........................... 228,317
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 120
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls ............................. 186
Storage Compartment, Center Seat ........... 143
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 340
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 229
Sun Roof .............................. 138
Sunroof Maintenance ..................... 140
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information ........ 247 Synthetic Engine Oil
...................... 311
Tachometer ............................ 155
Tailgate ............................... 145
Taillights .............................. 348
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 152
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 60
Theft System Arming ...................... 26
Theft System Disarming .................... 27
Thermostat ............................ 325
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 120
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......234,247
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 233
Tire Markings .......................... 230
Tire Safety Information .................... 230
Tires ............................ 72,238,387
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 245
Air Pressure .......................... 238
Alignment ........................... 246
INDEX 403
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