2010 DODGE DAKOTA check oil

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 transmission below
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
temperature). 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 the 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377

•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 six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. 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.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 405

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission, and
add as needed.
•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 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 48,000 miles
(80 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug, and must be changed every 96,000 miles
(160 000 km).
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S406 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Special Additives...................... 378
Torque Converter ...................... 257
Axle Fluid ............................. 401
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 379
Battery ............................... 362
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 130
Belts, Seat ............................ 37,76
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 364
Box, Sound ............................ 229
B-Pillar Location ........................ 279
Brake Fluid ............................ 401
Brake System ........................ 270,374
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 270,271
Fluid Check .......................... 374
Master Cylinder ....................... 374
Parking ............................. 269
Warning Light ..................... 176,181Brake/Transmission Interlock
............... 253
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 74
Bulb Replacement ....................... 391
Bulbs, Light .......................... 77,390
Calibration, Compass ..................... 146
Camper ............................... 164
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 399
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 360
Power Steering ........................ 268
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 371
Car Washes ............................ 380
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............75,164,302
Cargo Light ............................ 133
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 309
Cellular Phone ........................ 86,237
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 395
Certification Label ....................... 309
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INDEX 433

Jump Starting......................... 343
Oil ........................... 359,399,400
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 360
Oil Selection .......................... 399
Oil Synthetic ......................... 361
Starting ............................. 249
Temperature Gauge .................... 174
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 55
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Exhaust Gas Caution ................75,302,366
Exhaust System ....................... 75,366
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 46
Exterior Lighting ........................ 131
Exterior Lights .......................... 77
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 362
Engine Oil ........................ 361,400
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 361 Flashers
Hazard Warning ....................... 332
Turn Signal ................... 77,133,174,392
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 343
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ....................... 306
Engine Oil ........................... 305
Fuel Requirements .................. 303,304
Maintenance ......................... 306
Replacement Parts ..................... 306
Starting ............................. 306
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 250
Floor Console .......................... 159
Fluid, Brake ........................... 401
Fluid Capacities ......................... 399
Fluid Leaks ............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 376
Brake .............................. 374
436 INDEX

Release, Hood.......................... 127
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 45
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 235
Remote Starting System .................... 26
Replacement Keys ........................ 17
Replacement Parts ....................... 357
Replacement Tires ....................... 288
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 427
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .............. 179
Restraints, Child ....................... 61,67
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 36
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck ................ 347
Rotation, Tires .......................... 292
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 76
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 77
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 427
Safety, Exhaust Gas ....................... 75 Safety Information, Tire
................... 273
Safety Tips ............................. 74
Satellite Radio Antenna ................... 231
Satellite Radio (uconnect studios)........... 230
Schedule, Maintenance .................... 404
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 384
Seat Belt Reminder ....................... 45
Seat Belts .......................... 36,37,76
And Pregnant Women ................... 46
Child Restraint ....................... 61,62
Extender ............................. 46
Front Seat ............................ 37
Inspection ............................ 76
Pretensioners .......................... 44
Reminder ............................ 175
Seats ................................. 120
Adjustment .......................... 121
Heated ............................. 126
Lumbar Support ....................... 122
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INDEX 443