2007 DODGE POWER WAGON check transmission fluid

Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided if possible and only be
attempted when necessary, in a safe responsible manner.
You should only drive through areas which are desig-
nated and approved. You should tread lightly and avoid
damage to the environment. You should know your
vehicles abilities and be able to recover it if something
goes wrong. You should never stop or shut a vehicle off
when crossing deep water unless you ingested water into
the engine air intake. If the engine stalls do not attempt to
restart it. Determine if it has ingested water first. The key
to any crossing is low and slow. You want to use 1st gear
in 4L (low) and proceed very slowly with a constant slow
speed (3-5 mph maximum) and light throttle. Keep the
vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate through the
crossing. After crossing any water higher than the bottom
of the axle differentials, you should inspect all of the
vehicle fluids for signs of water ingestion.CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer
case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive
too fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause
permanent damage to engine, driveline or other
vehicle components and your brakes will be less
effective once wet and/or muddy
²Before You Cross Any Type Of Water± As you
approach any type of water you need to determine if
you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a
stick. You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle,
current and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or
muddy waters, check for hidden obstacles. Make sure
you will not be intruding on any wildlife and you can
recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW HAUL OD/OFFº feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
5

NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............397
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............398
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............399
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............400
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication.............400
NBody Lubrication.....................401
NWindshield Wiper Blades................401
NWindshield Washers...................401
NExhaust System......................402
NCooling System.......................403
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......408
NBrake System........................409
NClutch Hydraulic System................410NClutch Linkage.......................410
NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level..............................411
NTransfer Case........................412
NFront Drive Shaft.....................412
NManual Transmission..................412
NAutomatic Transmission................412
NFront Wheel Bearings..................415
NSelection Of Lubricating Grease...........416
NNoise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty...........................416
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................420
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........425
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Transfer Case
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 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Front Drive Shaft
The front drive shaft contains a grease fitting which
should be serviced at every oil change (see maintenance
schedule A/B).
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4º (6.4
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicleis on level ground, enough lubricant should be added to
bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Lubricant Selection G56 (6 ± Speed Manual
Transmission Ð If Equipped)
This transmission does not require periodic changing. If
it becomes necessary to add or change the fluid in this
transmission, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid 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.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check ± 545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82ÉC (180ÉF). 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 ªHOTº
(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 ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
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(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF (82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) 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.
Selection Of Lubricant
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 recom-
mended 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
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check 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.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting and tie rod
end links.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the UÐjoints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting.
448 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (87 000) (92 000) (97 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3
months, whichever comes first.X X XXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting. X X X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, or
102, 000 miles (170 000 km) whichever comes first.X
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage.XXX
Lubricate tie rod end links. X X X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid.X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid.X
Change 6-spd manual transmission (G-56) fluid. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
SCHEDULE ªBº 453
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