2005 DODGE POWER WAGON oil temperature

Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce
the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the
fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check–545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). 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.
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“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
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 tem-
perature). 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 381
7

Schedule“B”
Follow schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F C (32°).
•Trailer towing.
•Snowplowing.
•Heavy Loading.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If 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“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule“B”of theMaintenance Schedulessection of
this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on scheduleAof theMainte-
nance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE“B”413
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Disc Brakes............................ 376
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 375
Door Ajar............................. 159
Door Locks............................. 18
Door Opener, Garage..................... 130
Drive Belts............................ 360
Driving
Off-Pavement......................... 224
Off-Road............................ 224
Electric Rear Window Defrost..........88,207,211
Electrical Power Outlets................... 139
Electronic Speed Control................... 118
Emergency Brake........................ 282
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 347
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 334
Jacking............................. 338Jump Starting......................... 344
Tow Hooks.......................... 347
Towing............................. 348
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 410
Emission Related Components.............. 364
Engine............................... 352
Air Cleaner.......................... 361
Break-In Recommendations................ 70
Compartment Identification............... 352
Coolant (Antifreeze).................374,407
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 313
Flooded, Starting...................... 268
Fuel Requirements..................... 406
Oil ...........................356,406,407
Oil Filler Cap......................... 359
Oil Selection.......................358,406
Oil Synthetic......................... 359
Temperature Gauge..................... 160
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 332
INDEX 443
10

Gasoline.............................. 307
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 307
Gauges............................... 161
Coolant Temperature.................... 160
Fuel................................ 164
Oil Pressure.......................... 159
Speedometer......................... 159
Tachometer.......................... 158
Voltmeter............................ 158
Gear Ranges........................... 270
Gear Ratios............................. 80
Glass Cleaning.......................... 392
GVWR............................... 315
Hands-Free Phone........................ 90
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 334
Head Restraints......................... 104
Headlights.......................... 111,394
High Beam........................... 115High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 115
Lights On Reminder.................... 113
Passing............................. 114
Switch.............................. 111
Heated Mirrors.....................88,207,211
Heated Seats........................... 107
Heater............................... 203
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 115
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 321
Hoisting.............................. 343
Homelink Transmitter.................... 130
Hood Release.......................... 108
Hoses................................ 375
Hub Caps............................. 342
Ignition.............................15,266
Key ...............................12,16
Lock..............................15,16
INDEX 445
10