2007 DODGE DAKOTA oil dipstick

could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
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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
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 bebetween 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
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Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)...... 311,345,346
Temperature Gauge..................... 136
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............... 99
CupHolder ............................ 123
Customer Assistance..................... 370
Data Recorder, Event...................... 56
Daytime Running Lights................... 93
Dealer Service.......................... 296
Defroster, Rear Window................... 124
Defroster, Windshield................... 73,177
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 97
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 293
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 210
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 137
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 318
Oil (Engine).......................... 297
Power Steering........................ 306Disarming, Theft System................... 18
Disc Brakes............................ 316
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 313
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 110
DriveBelts ............................ 301
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 307
E-85 Fuel............................. 245
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 119
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....... 99
Emergency, In Case of
FreeingVehicleWhenStuck ............... 217
Jacking............................. 278
Tow Hooks.......................... 285
Towing ............................. 286
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 350
INDEX 381
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Manual Transmission...............187,196,318
Fluid Level Check...................... 318
Lubricant Selection..................318,347
Map/Reading Lights..................... 103
Mirrors ................................ 79
Automatic Dimming..................... 79
Electric Powered....................... 81
Heated.............................. 82
Outside.............................. 80
Rearview............................. 79
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................295,373
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 94
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 71
Occupant Classification System (OCS).......... 48
Occupant Restraints....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 238Oil, Engine.........................297,346
Capacity............................ 345
Change Interval....................... 298
Dipstick............................. 297
Disposal............................ 300
Filter ............................300,346
Filter Disposal........................ 300
Identification Logo..................... 299
Materials Added to..................... 300
Recommendation...................299,345
Synthetic............................ 300
Viscosity..........................299,345
Onboard Diagnostic System..............293,294
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 110
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 80
Overdrive..........................139,193
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 193
Overhead Console....................103,104
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 104
INDEX 387
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