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 five
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 damage
your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
7
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 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 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
(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.
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Outside.............................. 87
Rearview............................. 86
Trailer Towing......................89,400
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 362
Mopar Parts.........................449,526
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 338
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 139
Navigation Radio........................ 248
Navigation System....................... 248
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 480
Tampering Prohibited................480,481
Noise Emission Warranty.................. 482
Occupant Restraints....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 371
Odometer..........................199,207Trip .............................199,207
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 317
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 317
Oil Change Indicator..................... 200
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 200
Oil, Engine.........................451,510
Capacity............................ 508
Change Interval....................... 452
Dipstick............................. 451
Disposal............................ 453
Filter............................454,510
Filter Disposal........................ 453
Identification Logo..................... 452
Materials Added to..................... 453
Pressure Gauge....................... 197
Recommendation...................452,508
Synthetic............................ 453
Viscosity..........................452,508
Onboard Diagnostic System..............447,448
542 INDEX
