2004 DODGE DAKOTA check oil

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

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 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (29 000) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.*X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and
change main sump filter (4.7L).X
SCHEDULE ªBº 267
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Miles 78,000 81,000 84,000 87,000 90,000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (130 000) (134 000) (139 000) (144 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.*X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if re-
quired.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and
change main sump and cooler return filter (if
equipped) (4.7L).X
SCHEDULE ªBº 271
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Schedule ªAº
Miles 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (10 000) (19 000) (29 000) (38 000) (48 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
274 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Miles 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000
(Kilometers) (58 000) (67 000) (77 000) (84 000) (96 000) (106 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, regardless of mileage.X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.*X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required.X
SCHEDULE ªAº 275
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Miles 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 100,000
(Kilometers) (115 000) (125 000) (134 000) (144000) (154 000) (160 000)
[Months] [72] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Check transfer case fluid Level (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.*X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required.³X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid
and change main sump and cooler return fil-
ter (if equipped) (4.7L).X
276 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Turn Signal.......................... 99
Flat Tire Stowage....................... 215
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 145
Floor Console.......................... 88
Fluid, Brake........................... 260
Fluid Capacities........................ 258
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 245
Brake.............................. 243
Cooling System....................... 237
Power Steering....................... 234
Transfer Case........................ 248
Fog Lights..........................69,257
Four Wheel Drive...................... 151
Operation........................... 151
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 208
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 167
Front Axle............................ 248
Fuel................................. 184
Adding............................. 186
Filler Cap........................... 186
Filter.............................. 231
Gasoline............................ 184Gauge............................. 100
Materials Added...................... 186
Octane Rating........................ 259
Requirements.....................184,258
System Hoses........................ 241
Tank Capacity........................ 258
Fuses................................ 253
Garage Door Opener..................... 81
Gasoline............................. 184
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 184
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 99
Fuel............................... 100
Oil Pressure......................... 100
Speedometer......................... 100
Tachometer.......................... 99
Voltmeter............................ 99
Gear Ranges........................100,147
Glass Cleaning......................... 251
GVWR............................... 191
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 208
292 INDEX