2007 DODGE DURANGO 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 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 367
7

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

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.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Pressure Cap......................... 383
Radiator Cap......................... 383
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......382,417,418
Temperature Gauge..................... 185
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 143
CupHolder ............................ 173
Customer Assistance..................... 448
Data Recorder, Event...................... 60
Daytime Running Lights................... 134
Dealer Service.......................... 366
Defroster, Rear Window................... 246
Defroster, Windshield................ 73,232,238
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 138
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 363
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 186
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Oil (Engine).......................... 367Power Steering........................ 377
Disarming, Theft System................... 18
Disc Brakes............................ 387
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 384
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 160
DriveBelts ............................ 371
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 378
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 223
E-85 Fuel............................. 317
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 169
Electronic Brake Control System............. 275
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 143
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........191,279
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 152
INDEX 461
10

Rearview............................. 79
Vanity ............................... 83
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 306
Mopar Parts.........................365,451
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 283
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 135
Navigation Radio........................ 219
Navigation System....................... 219
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 71
Occupant Classification System (OCS).......... 55
Occupant Restraints....................... 38
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 310
Oil, Engine.........................367,418
Capacity............................ 417
Change Interval....................... 368
Dipstick............................. 367Disposal............................ 370
Filter ............................370,418
Filter Disposal........................ 370
Identification Logo..................... 369
Materials Added to..................... 370
Recommendation...................369,417
Synthetic............................ 370
Viscosity..........................369,417
Onboard Diagnostic System..............363,364
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 160
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 81
Overdrive..........................189,257
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 257
Overhead Console....................150,151
Overheating, Engine...................... 187
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 452
Panic Alarm............................ 22
Parking Brake.......................... 269
468 INDEX