2011 DODGE DAKOTA check oil

Transfer Case
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident the transfer case fluid level may be low. Have the
transfer case serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage may result from operation of the vehicle
with low transfer case fluid.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
Front axle fluid level should be 3/4 in (20 mm) below the
bottom of the fill plug.
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
Rear axle limited-slip differentials require the use of
MOPARLimited-Slip Additive or equivalent. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information. This should be
added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is
made, when equipped with limited-slip differential. Rear7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381

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.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
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M A I
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N A
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D
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 407

Gear Ranges........................ 253
Special Additives ..................... 378
Torque Converter .................... 257
Axle Fluid ............................. 403
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 381
B-Pillar Location ........................ 280
Battery ............................... 364
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 138
Belts, Seat ............................ 39,78
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 367
Brake Fluid ............................ 403
Brake System ........................ 273,376
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 273
Fluid Check ........................ 376
Master Cylinder ..................... 376
Parking ........................... 271
Warning Light .................... 181,186Brake/Transmission Interlock
............... 253
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 75
Bulb Replacement ....................... 392
Bulbs, Light .......................... 80,392
Calibration, Compass ..................... 152
Camper ............................... 170
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 401
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ 362
Power Steering ...................... 270
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 374
Car Washes ............................ 383
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............77,171,305
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 312
Cargo Light ............................ 139
Cellular Phone ........................ 88,238
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 397
Certification Label ....................... 312
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INDEX 433

Floor Console.......................... 165
Fluid Capacities ......................... 401
Fluid Leaks ............................. 80
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 379
Brake ............................. 376
Engine Oil ......................... 361
Power Steering ...................... 270
Transfer Case ....................... 381
Fluid, Brake ........................... 403
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 402
Fog Lights .......................... 135,401
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 258
Operation .......................... 258
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 334
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 349
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 381
Fuel ................................. 301
Adding ........................... 310 Ethanol
........................... 302
Gauge ............................ 179
Methanol .......................... 302
Octane Rating .................... 301,402
Requirements .................... 301,401
Tank Capacity ....................... 401
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 306
Fueling ............................... 310
Fuses ................................ 387
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 153
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............310,311,357
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 179
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 301
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 302
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 179
Fuel .............................. 179
Odometer ....................... 182,183
10
INDEX 437

Maintenance Free Battery.................. 364
Maintenance Procedures ................... 360
Maintenance Schedule .................... 406
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 187,358
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ................... 403
Manual, Service ......................... 427
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 147
Methanol ............................. 302
Mirrors ................................ 85
Automatic Dimming ................... 86
Electric Powered ...................... 87
Outside ............................ 87
Rearview ........................... 85
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 296
Mopar Parts ......................... 359,426
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 302
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 136New Vehicle Break-In Period
................ 75
Occupant Restraints ................... 35,55,59
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............54,55,58
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 301
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............ 268
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 268
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 184
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 184
Oil, Engine ......................... 361,402
Capacity ........................... 401
Change Interval ..................... 361
Dipstick ........................... 361
Disposal ........................... 363
Filter .......................... 363,402
Filter Disposal ....................... 363
Identification Logo ................... 362
Materials Added to ................... 363
Recommendation .................. 362,401
10
INDEX 441

Radial Ply Tires......................... 287
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......371,374
Radio Operation ........................ 238
Rear Axle (Differential) .................... 381
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails ............... 167
Rear Convenience Storage Crates ............. 163
Rear Window .......................... 170
Rear Window Defroster ................... 169
Rear Window Features .................... 169
Rearview Mirrors ........................ 85
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 128
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 62
Recreational Towing ...................... 328
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) ..... 329
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) .... 331
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 302
Refrigerant ............................ 367
Release, Hood .......................... 132
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 49 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 236
Remote Starting System .................... 25
Replacement Keys ........................ 17
Replacement Parts ....................... 359
Replacement Tires ....................... 292
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 426
Resetting Oil Change Indicator .............. 184
Restraints, Child ....................... 63,69
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 35
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck ................ 349
Rotation, Tires .......................... 295
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 78
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 80
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 426
Safety Information, Tire ................... 275
Safety Tips ............................. 76
Safety, Exhaust Gas ....................... 77
10
INDEX 443