Page 370 of 448

Transfer Case — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4” below
the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on level
ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring the
level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Lubricant Selection for 6-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped
If it becomes necessary to add fluid or change the fluid,
be sure to use the same lubricant or equivalent. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
the correct lubricant type.
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.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 371 of 448

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position
ending with the lever in N (Neutral).
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C) which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles. The fluid can not be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Warm is when
fluid is between 85° - 125°F (29° - 52°C).6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “OK”.
b. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between
the two holes. If the fluid level indicates low, add
sufficient fluid to bring to the proper level.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly seated.
Selection Of Lubricant
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7
Page 372 of 448

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.
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 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 the correct lubricant type. A band
adjustment and filter change should be made at the time
of the oil change.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed and the bands
adjusted (if equipped) ) as specified in the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8). Vehicles having severe usage should
follow Maintenance Schedule “B” of the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8).
Severe usage consists of:•Off-the-highway operation;
•Trailer towing;
•Snow plow operation;
•Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 398 of 448
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) P/N 5011764AB or equivalent.
Engine Oil For the proper quality and SAE Grade oil for your engine, refer to the section
Maintenance Procedures.
Engine Oil Filter MoparEngine Oil Filter, P/N 05083285AA or equivalent.
Engine Fuel Filter MoparFuel Filter, P/N 05015581AB or equivalent.
Fuel Selection Refer to the sectionFuel Requirementsfor detailed information on fuel se-
lection.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 441 of 448

Phone, Cellular.......................... 83
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 83
Pickup Box............................ 151
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 265
Power
Distribution Center..................... 383
Door Locks........................... 17
Mirrors.............................. 80
Outlet.............................. 143
Seats............................... 110
Steering..........................259,356
Sunroof............................. 140
Windows............................. 31
Power Steering Fluid..................... 399
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 45
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 43
Programmable Electronic Features.........136,140
Programming Transmitters..............136,140Radial Ply Tires......................... 271
Radio Operation......................171,187
Radio Remote Controls.................... 201
Radio (Sound Systems)...........170,177,187,193
Rear Axle............................. 369
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 373
Reclining Front Seats..................... 108
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 398
Recreational Towing...................... 302
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....303,306
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 305,308
Refrigerant............................ 356
Relays and Flashers...................... 383
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 43
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 22
Remote Sound System Controls.............. 201
Replacement Tires....................... 275
Reporting Safety Defects................... 428
INDEX 441
10