2009 DODGE DAKOTA automatic transmission fluid

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 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 asrequired 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 70É F (21É C) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180É F (82É C). Remember it is best to check the level at
the normal operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
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CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50É F
(10É 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.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer 's recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
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.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission (Getrag 238) MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Clutch Linkage Multi-Purpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multi-Purpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant (MS-9763)
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (MS-8985). Limited-slip rear axles
require MOPARtlimited-slip additive (MS-10111). Whenever a fluid
change is made, 4 oz (118 ml) should be added to the gear lubricant
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARtDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is
not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake
fluids
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARtATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil filter.
oRotate tires.
oReplace the engine air cleaner filter.
oReplace the ignition cables (3.7L engine).
oReplace the spark plugs (3.7L engines).
oReplace the top row of spark plugs (4.7L engines). **
oInspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
oChange the manual transmission fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police,
delivery service (commercial service), off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot
weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
oChange the automatic transmission fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
oChange the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 407
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120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
oChange the engine oil and engine oil filter.
oRotate tires.
oReplace the engine air cleaner filter.
oReplace the ignition cables (3.7L engine).
oReplace the spark plugs (3.7L engines).
oReplace the top row of spark plugs (4.7L engines). **
oInspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
oInspect the CV joints.
oInspect the exhaust system.
oInspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, replace if necessary.
oChange the manual transmission fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police,
delivery service (commercial service), off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot
weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
oChange the automatic transmission fluid & filter.
oChange the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or frequent trailer towing.
oReplace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 413
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Adding Fuel........................... 306
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 359
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 360
Air Conditioning........................ 229
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..........229,232
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............360,361
Air Conditioning System................229,360
Air Filter.............................. 359
Air Pressure, Tires....................281,289
Airbag.............................46,178
Airbag Light..........................55,72
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,170
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 288
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 222
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............367,396
Disposal............................ 369Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............269,270
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 170
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,170
Appearance Care........................ 376
Assistance Towing........................ 96
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 31
Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Transaxle....................12,245
Interlock System........................ 15
Automatic Transmission.............239,246,372
Adding Fluid......................... 373
Fluid Level Check...................... 372
Fluid Type........................... 398
Gear Ranges.......................... 246
Special Additives...................... 374
Torque Converter...................... 250
Axle Fluid............................. 398
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 375
428 INDEX

Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 372
Brake............................... 371
Engine Oil........................... 356
Power Steering........................ 266
Transfer Case......................... 375
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 397
Fog Lights..........................126,395
Four Wheel Drive....................... 251
Operation........................... 251
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 332
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 346
Front Axle (Differential)................... 376
Fuel................................. 297
Adding............................. 306
Gauge.............................. 168
Octane Rating......................297,397
Requirements......................297,396
Tank Capacity........................ 396Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling............................... 306
Fuses................................ 381
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 142
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............306,353
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 168
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 297
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 298
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 168
Fuel................................ 168
Odometer.........................171,173
Speedometer......................... 170
Tachometer.......................... 171
Gear Ranges........................243,246
General Information................... 110,297
Glass Cleaning.......................... 380
Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 153
INDEX 433
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Lights On Reminder.................... 126
Low Fuel............................ 168
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 175
Passing............................. 128
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 169
Service.............................. 387
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 176
Turn Signal.....................127,387,389
Voltage............................. 170
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 168
Limited-Slip Differential................... 262
Loading Vehicle......................... 308
Tires ............................... 276
Locks................................. 29
Auto Unlock.......................... 31
Automatic Door........................ 30
Child Protection........................ 32
Door................................ 29
Keys................................ 12Power Door........................... 29
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 61
Lubrication, Body....................... 362
Lug Nuts............................. 341
Lumbar Support........................ 117
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 359
Maintenance Procedures................... 356
Maintenance Schedule.................... 400
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 175,354
Manual, Service......................... 421
Manual Transmission...............239,242,372
Fluid Level Check...................... 372
Lubricant Selection..................372,398
Shift Speeds.......................... 243
Map/Reading Lights..................... 136
Mirrors................................ 80
436 INDEX