2012 DODGE DURANGO adding oil

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.6L ............. 581
 Engine Compartment — 5.7L ............. 582
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 583
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 583
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 584
 Replacement Parts ..................... 585
 Dealer Service ........................ 586
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 586
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 587 ▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... 590
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 590
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 591
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 593
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 595
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 596
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 598
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 599
▫ Cooling System ..................... 601
7

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time tocheck the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off, or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the SAFE level range. Adding 1 U.S. Quart
(0.95L) of oil when the level is at the bottom of the SAFE
range will result in the level being at the top of the SAFE
range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 587

Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt condition should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Use 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
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The 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 Oil, and Refrigerants.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 593

Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the 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 shift 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. The fluid level is only valid if there is a
solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. If the
fluid is low, add as 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 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 613

Cooling System......................... 601
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 603
Coolant Capacity ..................... 632
Coolant Level ....................... 605
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 605
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 602
Inspection .......................... 601
Points to Remember .................. 606
Pressure Cap ........................ 604
Radiator Cap ....................... 604
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......602,632
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 208
Cupholders ............................ 270
Customer Assistance ..................... 655
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 80
Daytime Running Lights ................... 191
Dealer Service .......................... 586
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 283 Defroster, Windshield
.................. 100,413
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 583
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................ 613
Oil (Engine) ........................ 587
Power Steering ...................... 464
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 574
Disposal Engine Oil ......................... 590
Used Engine Fluids ................... 590
Door Locks ............................. 34
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 36
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 250
Driving ............................... 457
Off-Pavement ....................... 457
Off-Road .......................... 457
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 323
E-85 Fuel ............................. 515
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INDEX 667