2009 DODGE DAKOTA check transmission fluid

16. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
17. Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
The fog light indicator shows when the fog lights
are ON.
18. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature, that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If thislight comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light goes off.
19. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) ± If Equipped
The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light
informs you of a problem with the ETC system.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. If the light remains
lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable, however, see an authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine
is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned ON
and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light
does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in 1st gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the TOW/
HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the ªMain-
tenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for proper maintenance
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
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 1/4 in (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 ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission
NOTE:If equipped with a dipstick, use the following
procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dipstick, it is
sealed and should not be tampered with. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level
is set properly.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180É F (82É C). 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.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

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 authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized 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 five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil levelwhile the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy 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 401
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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 changed 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).
402 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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