automatic transmission fluid DODGE DAKOTA 2009 3.G Owners Manual

1 (First)
For driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at
low speeds, 25 mph (40 km/h) or less, when going down
hill, use 1st gear. To prevent excessive engine speed do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an
electronically-controlled 4th and 5th (if equipped) gear
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from Drive to Overdrive, if the following conditions are
present:
²the transmission shift lever is in Drive;
²the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
²the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to ªTorque Converter
Clutchº in this section.
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

operating in TOW/HAUL mode, 5th gear (if equipped) is
disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified.
Shifts into Overdrive (4th gear) are allowed during
steady cruise (for improved fuel economy), and auto-
matic closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for im-
proved braking) will occur during steady braking.
The TOW/HAUL light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster to indicate when the switch has been activated.
Pressing the switch a second time restores normal opera-
tion. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must
be pressed each time the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch, within the
torque converter, engages automatically at a calibrated
speed at light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under
heavier acceleration. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in highgear. When the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated
speed, or during acceleration, the clutch automatically
and smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in
Overdrive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
(usually after 1-3 miles [1.6 - 4.8 km] of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the TOW/HAUL switch, when the transmission
is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into, and out of, Overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in 1st gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the TOW/
HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the ªMain-
tenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for proper maintenance
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
2WD Models
Recreational towing of 2WD models is not allowable.
Towing the vehicle with the transmission in NEUTRAL
can cause severe transmission damage. Removal of the
driveshaft for towing is not recommended, since this
would allow fluid to drain from the transmission.
4WD Models
CAUTION!
²Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
²The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL
for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL selection
button is located on the lower left hand corner of
the 4WD Control Switch. Shifts into and out of
transfer case NEUTRAL can take place with the
selector switch in any mode position.
²Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK
position for recreational towing.
²Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (for
example, 4th gear) for recreational towing. Failure
to follow these procedures can cause severe trans-
mission and/or transfer case damage.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

NExhaust System...................... 363
NCooling System...................... 366
NBrake System....................... 371
NClutch Hydraulic System............... 372
NManual Transmission.................. 372
NAutomatic Transmission................ 372
NTransfer Case....................... 375
NAxles............................. 375
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 376
mFuses.............................. 381
NUnderhood Fuses (Power Distribution
Center)............................ 381
mVehicle Storage....................... 386mReplacement Light Bulbs................. 387
mBulb Replacement..................... 387
NHeadlight (Halogen)/Front Park And Turn
Lights............................. 387
NRear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stop Lamps,
And Turn Signal Bulbs Ð Replacement..... 389
NCenter High-Mounted Stop Light And Cargo
Lamp............................. 391
NLicense Lamps...................... 394
NFog Lights......................... 395
mFluids And Capacities................... 396
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts....... 397
NEngine............................ 397
NChassis............................ 398
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð 3.7L
1 Ð Air Cleaner Filter 7 Ð Battery
2 Ð Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 Ð Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 9 Ð Engine Oil Fill
4 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
5 Ð Clutch Fluid Reservoir (Manual Transmission Only) 11 Ð Washer Fluid Reservoir
6 Ð Power Distribution Center 12 Ð Engine Coolant ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð 4.7L
1 Ð Air Cleaner Filter 7 Ð Engine Oil Fill
2 Ð Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 Ð Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 9 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
4 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 Ð Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 Ð Power Distribution Center 11 Ð Engine Coolant Reservoir
6 Ð Battery 352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid should be checked whenever other underhood
services are performed. The fluid level is checked by
removing the fill plug. If the level of the lubricant is more
than 1/4 in (6.35 mm) below the bottom of the filler holewhile the vehicle is level, enough lubricant should be
added to bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
This fluid does not require periodic changing. However,
if it becomes necessary to add or replace the fluid in these
transmissions, refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission
NOTE:If equipped with a dipstick, use the following
procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dipstick, it is
sealed and should not be tampered with. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level
is set properly.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180É F (82É C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
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 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 on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add asrequired into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two 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 ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70É F (21É C) (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
180É F (82É C). Remember it is best to check the level at
the normal operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50É F
(10É 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.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer 's recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE