2009 DODGE DAKOTA oil

²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
²Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
Fluid Level Check Ð Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brakepads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
²Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifica-
tions, may result in sudden brake failure during
hard prolonged braking. You could have an acci-
dent.
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
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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
7

Special Care
²
If you drive on salted or dusty roads, or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
²It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels be kept clear and open.
²If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
²If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause, which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.
²If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
²If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
²Use MOPARtTouch Up Paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your authorized dealer has touch up-paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly with
a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil, use MOPARtWheel Cleaner or select a
nonabrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring
pads, steel wool, a bristle brush or metal polishes. Only
MOPARtcleaners are recommended. Do not use oven
cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic
solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheels'
protective finish.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPARtTotal Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electricdefrosters, or windshields equipped with a windshield
wiper de-icer. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments, which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rearview mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

This center contains cartridge fuses, mini fuses and
relays. A description of each fuse and component may be
stamped on the inside cover, otherwise the cavity num-
ber of each fuse is stamped on the inside cover thatcorresponds to the following chart. These fuses and
relays can be obtained from your authorized dealer.
CavityCartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
1 Spare
2 Spare
3 30 Amp
PinkElectric Brake
4 50 Amp
RedPower Seat
5 Spare
6 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw
(IOD) Cabin Com-
partment Node
(CCN), Radio
7 10 Amp
RedPowertrain Control
Module (PCM)/Fuel/
RAD/AC Coils
Power Distribution Center
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Grasp the headlight and pull firmly to disengage the
headlight housing from the fender panel.
4. While firmly holding the headlight housing in your
hands, unlock and disconnect headlight bulb connector.
5. Twist 1/4-turn and remove headlight bulb from hous-
ing and replace.NOTE:The headlight bulb is a halogen bulb. Take care
not to touch the bulb with your fingers. Body oils from
your fingers could cause excessive heat buildup which
reduces bulb life.
To remove the park/turn signal bulb, rotate bulb socket
1/4-turn and remove socket from housing. Pull bulb
straight from socket.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)22 Gallons 83 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts 4.7 Liters
4.7L/4.7L HO Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts 5.7 Liters
Cooling System (Includes 2.1 Quarts/2 Liters for Cool-
ant Bottle)
3.7L Engine (MOPARtAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula)13.3 Quarts 12.5 Liters
4.7L/4.7L HO Engine (MOPARtAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula)13.3 Quarts 12.5 Liters
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARtAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hy-
brid Organic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade
Engine Oil Filter MOPARtEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent
Spark Plugs (3.7L Engine) ZFR6F-11G (Gap 0.043 in [1.09 mm])
Spark Plugs (4.7L Engine) Upper Bank Ð FR8TE2 (Gap 0.039 in [0.99 mm]) Lower Bank Ð
FR8T1332 (Gap 0.051 in [1.30 mm])
Fuel Selection 3.7L/4.7L 87 Octane
Fuel Selection 4.7L HO Premium Unleaded 91 Octane only or higher
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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