engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tem-
perature, then wait at least 15 minutes after engine
shutdown to check the oil.
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. Never operate the engine with oil level below the “ADD”
mark or above the upper “SAFE” mark. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7
CAUTION!Overtightening may distort the threads or damage
the filter element seal.
Install the filter as specified by the filter manufacturer.
Turn the filter 3/4 to one full turn after making contact
with the gasket.
Check the condition of the threads and sealing surface on
the oil pan and drain plug.
Install the drain plug and sealing washer and tighten to
37 ft-lbs. (50 N·m).
Use only high-quality multi-grade lubricating oil in your
engine. Choose the correct oil for your operating condi-
tions as outlined in the Selection of Engine Oil.
Fill the engine with the correct grade of new oil. Start the engine and operate it at idle for several minutes.
Check for leaks at the lubricating oil filter and oil pan
drain plug.
Run the engine until it has reached operating tempera-
ture, stop the engine. Wait approximately 15 minutes to
let the oil in the upper parts of the engine drain back to
the pan. Check the oil level again.
Add oil as necessary to bring the level to the “SAFE”
mark on the dipstick.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Filter
Care should be taken in disposing of the used engine
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately
discarded, can present a problem to the environment.
Contact your local dealer, service station, or governmen-
tal agency for advice on recycling programs and where
used fluids and filters can be safely discarded in your
area. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7
Fluid Level Check – 545RFE Transmission
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 mi (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
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 parking brake.
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 a 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 dipstick 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 transmission below
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 tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper) MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7
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. Operate the engine at idle speed for a minimum of 60
seconds and normal operating temperature.
3. Fully apply parking brake and press the brake pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park). Make sure the
engine is running at idle speed.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 160° F - 175° F (70° C
– 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. Cold is
when fluid temperature is between 70 °F–85°F(20°C–
30° C). 6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. 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 a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add
Mopar A68SRC™ Automatic Transmission Fluid as
required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill. Never
use any ATF other than Mopar AS68RC™ Automatic
Transmission Fluid. After adding any quantity of oil
through the dipstick 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 transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70° F – 85° F (20° C – 30° C). If442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
the fluid level is correctly established at room tempera-
ture, it should be between the HOT (upper) reference
holes when the transmission reaches 160° F - 175° F (70°
C – 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. Never use any ATF
other than Mopar AS68RC™ Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the Parking Brake.
NOTE: 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 positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
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 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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......... 428,469
Temperature Gauge ..................... 174
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 132
CupHolder ............................ 152
Customer Assistance ..................... 504
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights ................... 124
Dealer Service .......................... 395
Defroster, Rear Window ................. 86,160
Defroster, Windshield ................ 76, 232,234
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 128
Diesel Exhaust Brake ..................... 265
Diesel Fuel ............................ 331
Diesel Fuel Requirements .................. 331
Bulk Storage of ........................ 336
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 295
Dipsticks .............................. 398
Power Steering ........................ 421 Disc Brakes ............................ 434
Disposal .............................. 405
Engine Oil ........................... 405
Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 430
Door Ajar ............................. 180
Door Locks ............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 145
Downshifting ........................ 281,282
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......... 410
DriveBelts ............................ 406
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... 326,378
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 222
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............. 86,160
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 149
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 132
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 142
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 288
Emergency Brake ........................ 299 INDEX 517
10
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 298
Oil, Engine ............................ 469
Capacity ............................ 468
Change Interval .................... 400,402
Dipstick ............................. 398
Disposal ............................ 405
Filter ......................... 398,403,469
Identification Logo .................. 401,402
Materials Added to ..................... 403
Pressure Gauge ....................... 174
Recommendation ................... 401,402
Synthetic ............................ 403
Viscosity .......................... 401,403
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 403
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 394
Operating Precautions .................... 394
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 84
Overdrive .......................... 269,275
Overdrive OFF Switch ................. 269,275 Overhead Console .................... 134,141
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 134
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 508
Panic Alarm ............................ 22
Parking Brake .......................... 299
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ............. 53
Passing Light ........................... 126
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 130
Personal Settings ........................ 145
Phone, Cellular .......................... 87
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............. 87
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 310
Positive Crankcase Valve .................. 418
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 457
Door Locks ........................... 27
Mirrors .............................. 85
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 149524 INDEX