2004 DODGE DAKOTA brake fluid

WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifications,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
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.
Brake Linings
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting brakes. A
few brake applications while moving in reverse will
maintain your brakes at the specified adjustment. Adjust-
ment will continue until the brake linings are worn. To
avoid brake failure, brake pull or damage to drums,
inspect the brake linings as specified. If excessively worn,
the brake linings must be replaced.
Brake Hoses
Inspection should be performed whenever the brake
system is serviced or at intervals specified. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing or worn
spots. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
244 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
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 1/49(6.35 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole
while the vehicle is level, enough lubricant should be
added to bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
NV-3500 5-Speed Transmission Lubricant Selection
These transmissions are filled with manual transmission
fluid at the factory. This fluid does not require periodic
changing. If it becomes necessary to add or change the
fluid in these transmissions, Refer to Recommended
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check ± 3.7/4.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180ÉF (82ÉC). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 245
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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 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

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.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center. It is important that the
transmission be adjusted periodically, the fluid be main-
tained at the correct level, and that it be drained and
refilled as specified.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important
that the transmission fluid be maintained at the pre-
scribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº section for the
proper service intervals for your type of driving.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed, and the bands ad-
justed (if equipped).
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any fluid additives to the transmission. Excep-
tion to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided, since they may adversely affect seals.
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NOTE:If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for
longer than 21 days, you may want to take steps to
protect your battery. You may do this by disconnecting
the battery or by disconnecting the ignition-off draw
(I.O.D.) fuse in cavity #12. The I.O.D. cavity includes a
snap-in retainer that allows the fuse to be disconnected,
without removing it from the fuse block. Pressing the
I.O.D. fuse back into the cavity reconnects it.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle's battery:
²Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (I.O.D.) fuse
located in cavity #12 of the fuse block. The I.O.D.
cavity includes a snap-in retainer that allows the fuse
to be disconnected, without removing it from the fuse
block.
²The transfer case should be placed in the 4HI mode
and kept in this position to minimize the battery drain.
²As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cable from the battery.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
A/C Control............................. 74
Ash Tray.............................. 161
Brake System Warning Indicator.............. 194
Dome Light............................ 579
EGR Reminder.......................... 194
Glove Box.............................. 194
Heater Control.......................... 158
High Beam Indicator...................... 194
Instrument Cluster........................ 194
Low Fuel Indicator....................... 194
Low Washer Fluid Indicator................. 194
Oil Indicator............................ 194
Overhead Console........................ 578
Seat Belt Indicator........................ 194
Switched Dome.......................... 578
Temperature Indicator..................... 194
Turn Signals............................ 194
Underhood Light......................... 561
4x4 Shift Indicator........................ 161
254 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission (NV 3500) MopartManual Transmission Fluid, part number 4874464
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front and Rear Axles SAE 75W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant. Limited-Slip Rear
Axles Require Mopartlimited slip additive. Four (4) ounces (118 ml)
should be added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is made.
Rear Axle Fluid for Trailer Towing For all trailer towing or heavy duty applications, replace the factory fill
rear axle fluid with MopartSynthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (MS-
8985)
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Steering Linkage MopartMulti-Mileage Lubricant 5
Ball Joints MopartMulti-Mileage Lubricant 5
260 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
²Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
²
Rotate the tires every 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
264 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
266 SCHEDULE ªBº
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