2009 DODGE DURANGO check oil

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do 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
Brake Master Cylinder — Fluid Level Check
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 “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Use 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
accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
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.
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°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.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 shift lever 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 “HOT”
(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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
7

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 “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F ( 82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°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.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

oil if it has been 6 months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under 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 “OIL CHANGE
REQUIRED – If Equipped” under “System Status (EVIC
Displays)” in Section 3, or under “Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” under “Instrument Cluster Description” in Sec-
tion 4.At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 449
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
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 16 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).
450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Axle Fluid............................. 445
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 420
Battery.......................395,396,397,404
Charging............................ 388
Emergency Starting..................... 388
Gas Caution.......................... 388
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 147
Belts, Seat............................40,74
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 406
B-Pillar Location........................ 325
Brake Assist System...................... 313
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 312
Brake Fluid............................ 445
Brake System........................... 416
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................309,312
Fluid Check.......................... 416
Master Cylinder....................... 416Parking............................. 308
Warning Light.....................205,210
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 293
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 71
Bulb Replacement....................... 435
Bulbs, Light..........................74,434
Calibration, Compass..................... 174
Camera, Rear........................... 163
Capacities, Fluid........................ 443
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 355
Oil (Engine).......................... 402
Power Steering........................ 307
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 413
Car Washes............................ 421
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............73,351
Cargo Management System................. 191
Cargo Organizer....................... 191
INDEX 475
10

Extender, Seat Belt........................ 50
Exterior Lights.......................... 74
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Engine Oil........................403,444
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 403
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 378
Turn Signal...................74,149,203,437
Flat Tire Stowage.....................380,387
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 355
Engine Oil........................... 354
Fuel Requirements..................352,353
Replacement Parts..................... 355
Starting............................. 354
Flooded Engine Starting................... 290
Floor Console.......................189,190Fluid, Brake.........................416,445
Fluid Capacities......................... 443
Fluid Leaks............................. 75
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 417
Brake.............................. 416
Engine Oil........................... 401
Power Steering........................ 307
Transfer Case......................... 419
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 444
Fog Lights..........................148,442
Folding Rear Seat.....................128,132
Four Wheel Drive....................... 298
Operation........................... 298
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 378
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 390
Front Axle (Differential)................... 420
Fuel................................. 347
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................355,357
INDEX 479
10

Rear Camera........................... 163
Rear Cupholder......................... 190
Rear Liftgate............................ 35
Rear Park Sense System................... 158
Rear Window Defroster................... 194
Rear Window Features.................... 193
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 193
Rearview Mirrors........................ 82
Reclining Front Seats..................... 121
Recorder, Event Data...................... 60
Recreational Towing...................... 371
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....... 372
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 374
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 348
Refrigerant............................ 406
Release, Hood.......................... 141
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 49
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 266Remote Starting System.................... 26
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Parts....................... 400
Replacement Tires....................... 336
Reporting Safety Defects................... 468
Resetting Oil Change Indicator...........169,207
Restraints, Child.......................62,67
Restraints, Occupant...................... 39
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 390
Roll Over Warning........................ 4
Roof Type Carrier....................... 195
Rotation, Tires.......................... 339
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 74
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 74
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 468
Safety, Exhaust Gas.....................38,73
Safety Information, Tire................... 320
Safety Tips............................. 72
486 INDEX