2005 DODGE DAKOTA transmission fluid

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 transmissionbelow
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
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
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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 fluid be maintained at the correct level and
that it be drained and refilled as specified.
Follow the proper Maintenance Schedule for your type of
driving.
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.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. Exception 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.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission (Getrag 238) MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant (MS9763).
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (MS-8985). Limited-slip rear axles
require Moparlimited-slip additive (MS-10111). Four ounces (118 ml)
should be added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is made.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
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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 in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
350 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the manual transission fluid level (if equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 351
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Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000) (91 000) (96 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3 months which-
ever comes first.X X XXX
Rotate tires. 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 necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.**X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if required. X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid, change filter (3.7L).X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and change main
sump filter (4.7L).X
Inspect transfer case fluid (4X4).X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, or 102, 000 miles
(163 000 km) whichever comes first.X
356 SCHEDULE “B”
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Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (168 000) (173 000) (178 000) (182 000) (187 000) (192 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3
months whichever comes first.X X XXXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary.XX
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.**X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required.XX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid,
change filter (3.7L).X
360 SCHEDULE “B”
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Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (168 000) (173 000) (178 000) (182 000) (187 000) (192 000)
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid
and change main sump filter and spin-on
cooler return filter if equipped. (4.7L).X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not re-
placed at 102,000 miles (163 000 km).X
This applies only if your vehicle is used for police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.** This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but not required to maintain the
emissions warranty.
SCHEDULE “B” 361
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