2008 DODGE DAKOTA check engine

service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
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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.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid should be checked whenever other underhood
services are performed. The fluid level is checked by
removing the fill plug. If the level of the lubricant is more
than 1/49(6.35 mm) below the bottom of the filler holewhile the vehicle is level, enough lubricant should be
added to bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
This fluid does not require periodic changing. However,
if it becomes necessary to add or replace the fluid in these
transmissions, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180ÉF (82ÉC). 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359
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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
Follow the proper Maintenance Schedule for your type of
driving.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer 's recommended transmis-
sion fluid; 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.
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.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
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²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse Factory
Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual or under
ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.
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 whilethe 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 reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 389
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At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the Manual Transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE:** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with sixteen spark plugs, one set is located on
the top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be change every 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
390 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Adding Fuel........................282,312
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 343
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 346
Air Conditioning........................ 209
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..........209,213
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............346,347
Air Conditioning System................209,346
Air Filter.............................. 343
Air Pressure, Tires....................262,270
Airbag.............................45,166
Airbag Light..........................53,70
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,160
Alignment and Balance................... 269
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 202
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........352,353,384
Disposal............................ 354
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............249,250Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 160
Anti-Theft System.....................19,160
Appearance Care........................ 363
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 19
Audio Systems (Radio).................... 197
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 31
Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Transaxle....................12,224
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission.............221,225,359
Adding Fluid......................... 360
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 361
Fluid Level Check...................... 359
Fluid Type........................... 386
Gear Ranges.......................... 225
Special Additives...................... 361
Torque Converter...................... 229
Axle Fluid............................. 386
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 362
408 INDEX

Ball Joints............................. 348
Battery............................... 345
Charging............................ 323
Emergency Starting..................... 323
Gas Caution.......................... 323
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 114
Belts, Drive............................ 342
Belts, Seat.............................. 36
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 348
Box, Sound............................ 208
B-Pillar Location........................ 257
Brake Fluid............................ 386
Brake System........................249,357
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................249,250
Disc Brakes.......................... 357
Fluid Check.......................... 357
Hoses.............................. 358
Master Cylinder....................... 357Parking............................. 247
Warning Light.....................160,164
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 225
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 68
Bulb Replacement....................... 374
Bulbs, Light............................ 373
Calibration, Compass..................... 130
Camper............................... 151
Capacities, Fluid........................ 384
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 340
Power Steering........................ 347
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 353
Car Washes............................ 364
Carbon Monoxide Warning..............151,281
Cargo Light............................ 116
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 288
Catalytic Converter...................... 343
INDEX 409
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Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 287
Engine Oil........................... 286
Fuel Requirements..................284,285
Maintenance.......................... 287
Replacement Parts..................... 287
Starting............................. 286
Flooded Engine Starting................... 222
Floor Console.......................... 140
Fluid, Brake........................... 386
Fluid Capacities......................... 384
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 359
Brake............................... 357
Engine Oil........................... 338
Power Steering........................ 347
Transfer Case......................... 362
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 385
Fog Lights.......................... 116,383Four Wheel Drive....................... 233
Operation........................... 233
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 312
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 325
Front Axle (Differential)................... 363
Fuel................................. 278
Adding............................. 282
Filter............................... 343
Gauge.............................. 158
Octane Rating......................278,385
Requirements......................278,384
Tank Capacity........................ 384
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling............................... 282
Fuses................................ 367
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 132
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............283,335
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 158
INDEX 413
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