2016 DODGE DART check oil

Tires
Checking For Tire Wear
Once a month, check the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
• The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 583

the application of any lubricant, the parts concerned
should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after
lubricating excess oil and grease should be removed.
Particular attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When performing
other underhood services, the hood latch, release mecha-
nism and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment, and the fluid level should be checked at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
588 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to
both the brake system and the clutch release system. The
two systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in
one system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require
fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the
brake fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a
result of a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See
your local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
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598 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid
level can cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is used for
frequent trailer towing, police, fleet, taxi, etc., change the
fluid as indicated in the Maintenance Schedule. In addi-
tion, change the fluid (and filter, if equipped) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
The transmission is designed to be fill for life. The oil
does not need to be checked unless there is an oil leak.
Should the transmission be leaking oil, the transmission
should be serviced to correct the condition.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless lubri-
cant has become contaminated with water.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 601

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and
brake master cylinder as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change engine oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 629

Connect Or Disconnect Link Between the Uconnect
Phone And Mobile Phone.................189
Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile Phone . .170
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................587
B-Pillar Location ......................... .476
Brake Assist System ...................... .459
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............456
Brake Fluid ............................ .625
Brake, Parking .......................... .451
Brakes ................................ .454
Brake System ........................ .454, 597
Master Cylinder ....................... .597
Warning Light ........................ .308
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................428
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................241
Bulb Replacement ..................... .616, 618
Bulbs, Light ..........................113,616
Camera, Rear ........................... .266Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
......622, 623
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .622
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .509
Oil (Engine) .................572, 573, 580, 581
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................595
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............109, 509
Cargo Area Features ...................... .291
Cargo Compartment ...................... .291
Car Washes ............................ .602
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...................383
Cellular Phone .......................... .135
Chains, Tire ............................ .493
Change Oil Indicator ...................338, 353
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .544
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .471
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .575
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............108
Checks, Safety .......................... .108
648 INDEX

DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .449
Electrical Power Outlets .....................282
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................294
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................123
Electronic Brake Control System ...............456
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................456
Traction Control System ...................462
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........250
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............463
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........314
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . .266, 329
Emergency Brake ........................ .451
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................48
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................559
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................531 Jacking
.............................. .544
Jump Starting ......................... .555
Overheating .......................... .531
Towing ............................. .563
Emergency Trunk Release ....................48
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........575
Engine ............................. .572, 573
Air Cleaner .......................... .582
Block Heater ......................... .420
Break-In Recommendations ................107
Checking Oil Level ..................... .578
Compartment ......................... .571
Cooling ............................. .591
Exhaust Gas Caution .................109, 509
Fuel Requirements ..................... .504
Jump Starting ......................... .555
Oil .......................... .578, 622, 623
Oil Filler Cap ................572, 573, 580, 581
Oil Filter ............................ .581
10
INDEX 651

Oil Selection...................... .579, 623
Overheating .......................... .531
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............83
Entry System, Illuminated ....................23
Ethanol ............................... .506
Event Data Recorder ........................86
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................109, 509
Exhaust System ...................... .109, 589
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................123
Exterior Lighting ......................... .234
Exterior Lights ...........................113
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .582
Air Conditioning ....................409, 585
Automatic Transmission ..................601
Engine Oil ........................... .581
Engine Oil Disposal .....................581 Flashers
Hazard Warning ....................... .531
Turn Signal .....................113, 239, 326
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .240
Flooded Engine Starting ....................419
Floor Console ........................... .288
Fluid, Brake ............................ .625
Fluid Capacities ......................... .622
Fluid Leaks .............................113
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................600
Fluids ............................. .623, 625
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........623
Fog Lights ............................. .238
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .230
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................559
Fuel .................................. .504
Adding ............................. .509
652 INDEX