2004 DODGE DAKOTA service interval

Transfer Case
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident the transfer case fluid level can be checked by
removing the filler plug located on the back side of the
transfer case. The fluid level should be at the bottom edge
of the filler plug hole when the vehicle is in a level
position.
The transfer case fluid should be drained and refilled at
the intervals specified.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Axles
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
The manufacturer does not recommend regularly sched-
uled oil changes for axles in vehicles whose operation is
classified as normal truck service.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may beencountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Rear Axle
Limited-slip differentials require the use of Mopartlim-
ited slip additive. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. This
should be added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid
change is made, when equipped with a limited-slip
differential. Rear axle fluid level should be 1/49(6.35
mm) below filler plug hole for 8 1/4 axles and should be
5/89(16 mm) below filler plug hole for 9 1/49axles.
Front Axle
Front axle fluid level should be at the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
Selection of Lubricating Grease
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) has
developed a symbol (Certification Mark) to aid the
vehicle owner in the proper selection of grease for chassis
components. This symbol, an example shown below, is
located on the grease container and identifies the appli-
cation and quality of the grease.
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F32 (É C).
²Trailer towing.
²Heavy Loading.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If 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 ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 263
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Power Door.......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 42
Lubricating Oil........................ 248
Lubrication, Body....................... 235
Lug Nuts............................. 213
Lumbar Support........................ 63
Maintenance.......................... 226
Maintenance Free Battery................. 232
Maintenance Procedures.................. 226
Maintenance Schedule................... 263
Schedule9A9......................... 274
Schedule9B9......................... 265
Malfunction Indicator Light............103,224
Manual, Service........................ 284
Manual Transmission..............144,150,245
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Lubricant Selection.................245,260
Shift Speeds......................... 151
Mirrors............................... 58
Automatic Dimming.................... 59
Electric Powered....................... 60Outside............................. 59
Rearview............................ 58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 5
Mopar Parts........................225,284
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 70
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 52
Occupant Restraints...................... 24
Odometer............................ 103
Trip ............................... 103
Oil, Engine.........................226,259
Capacity............................ 258
Change Interval...................... 227
Dipstick............................ 226
Disposal............................ 229
Filter...........................229,259
Filter Disposal....................... 229
Identification Logo.................... 228
Materials Added to.................... 229
Pressure Gauge....................... 100
Recommendation..................228,258
Synthetic........................... 229
INDEX 295
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