2009 DODGE DAKOTA check oil

compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system
each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace or adjust as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Heater Defroster Ducts
Inspect the heater defroster ducts for proper operation.
Check for proper airflow through all defroster ducts. If
there is any question regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any
question regarding seat belt or retractor condition, re-
place the seat belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light should come on, and remain on,
for six to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not lit during
starting, see your authorized dealer. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. If there is a problem
with the airbag warning light, the seat belt light will
flash.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected the cause should be located and corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
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WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed.
9. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle's non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). Ifthe charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
10. Vehicle Security Light
The vehicle security light will flash rapidly for approxi-
mately 15 seconds when the vehicle security alarm is
arming. The light will flash at a slower speed continu-
ously after the alarm is set. The security light will also
come on for about three seconds when the ignition is first
turned ON.
11. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will illuminate when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not illuminate when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
12. Oil Pressure Warning Light
The Oil Pressure Warning Light illuminates when
the engine oil pressure has become too low. For a
bulb check, this light will come on momentarily when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. Immediate service should be obtained.
13. Tachometer
The tachometer gauge measures engine revolutions-per-
minute (rpm x 1000).14. Shift Lever Indicator
The electronic shift lever indicator is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. The display will place
a box around the selected transmission range (PRND21).
If the PRNDL displays only the characters PRND21 (no
boxes), have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
15. Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press and release
the trip odometer button.
To reset a trip odometer, display the trip odometer then
push and hold the button until the display resets (ap-
proximately two seconds).
The odometer will also display messages such as: door
ajar, low wash, No-fuse, Lo Tire (display will toggle
between Lo and Tire for three cycles - if equipped),
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
4

DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
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.
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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/liter 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.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer onlyrecommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7

include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected,
should be done by an experienced repairman.NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oils and Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), and is an ozone-saving prod-
uct. However, the manufacturer recommends that air
conditioning service be performed by authorized dealers
or other service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All 4-wheel drive models are equipped with four con-
stant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these joints is
not required. However, the joint boot should be inspected
for external leakage or damage periodically. If external
leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and grease
should be replaced immediately. Continued operation
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
7

Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir should be checked for fluid level at
regular intervals. When freezing weather is anticipated,
flush out the water in the reservoir by operating the
system. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer anti-
freeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the system
for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
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