Lubrication & Maintenance: Other Dodge Dakota III

Chassis

Body

GEAR LUBRICANTS

SAE ratings also apply to multigrade gear lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the lubricants usage. Such as API GL-5 and SAE 75W-90.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

Your engine is designed to meet all emissions regulations and provide excellent fuel economy and performance when using high quality unleaded "regular" gasoline having an octane rating of 87. The routine use of premium gasoline is not recommended. Under normal conditions the use of premium fuel will not provide a benefit over high quality regular gasolines and in some circumstances may result in poorer performance.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is required. Engine damage resulting from operation with a heavy spark knock may not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.

Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance and durability for your vehicle. We recommend the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are available.

REFORMULATED GASOLINE

Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning gasoline referred to as "reformulated" gasoline. Reformulated gasoline contain oxygenates, and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

We strongly support the use of reformulated gasoline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will provide excellent performance and durability for the engine and fuel system components.

GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the country during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in your vehicle.

MMT IN GASOLINE

MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline blended with MMT provide no performance advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane number without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system performance in some vehicles. We recommend that gasolines free of MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.

It is even more important to look for gasoline without MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at levels higher than allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformulated gasoline.

SULFUR IN GASOLINE

If you live in the northeast United States, your vehicle may have been designed to meet California low emission standards with Cleaner-Burning California reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emission standards, your vehicles will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. We recommend that you try a different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for service.

MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL

All gasoline sold in the United States and Canada are required to contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional detergents or other additives is not needed under normal conditions.

FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS

1. The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance, damage the emission control system, and could result in loss of warranty coverage.
2. An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or malfunctioning and may require immediate service. Contact your dealer for service assistance.
3. When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load, or engine piston damage may result.
4. The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these products contain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of DaimlerChrysler Corporation and may not be covered under the new vehicle warranty.

Note. Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can result in civil penalties being assessed against you.

ENGINE COOLANT

The cooling system is designed around the coolant. The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the heat to the air.

The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion protection. Mopar(R) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equivalent ethylene glycol base coolant with organic corrosion inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when mixed with 50% Ethylene Glycol and 50% distilled water to obtain a freeze point of -37°C (-35°F). If it loses color or becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with fresh properly mixed coolant solution.

COOLANT PERFORMANCE

The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and distilled water mixture depends upon climate and vehicle operating conditions. The coolant performance of various mixtures follows

Pure Distilled Water - Distilled water can absorb more heat than a mixture of water and ethylene-glycol. This is for purpose of heat transfer only. Water also freezes at a higher temperature and allows corrosion.

100 percent Ethylene-Glycol - The corrosion inhibiting additives in ethylene-glycol need the presence of distilled water to dissolve. Without water, additives form deposits in system. These act as insulation causing temperature to rise to as high as 149°C (300°F). This temperature is hot enough to melt plastic and soften solder. The increased temperature can result in engine detonation. In addition, 100 percent ethylene-glycol freezes at -22°C (-8°F).

50/50 Ethylene-Glycol and Distilled Water - Is the recommended mixture, it provides protection against freezing to -37°C (-34°F). The antifreeze concentration must always be a minimum of 44 percent, year-round in all climates. If percentage is lower, engine parts may be eroded by cavitation. Maximum protection against freezing is provided with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which prevents freezing down to -67.7°C (-90°F). A higher percentage will freeze at a warmer temperature. Also, a higher percentage of antifreeze can cause the engine to overheat because specific heat of antifreeze is lower than that of water.

ENGINE OIL

When service is required, DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that only Mopar(R) brand parts, lubricants and chemicals be used. Mopar(R) provides the best engineered products for servicing DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles.

Only lubricants bearing designations defined by the following organization should be used.

1. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
2. American Petroleum Institute (API)
3. National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
4. Association des Constructeurs Europeens d' Automobiles (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) (ACEA)

API SERVICE GRADE CERTIFIED

Use an engine oil that is API Certified. MOPAR(R) provides engine oils, that meet or exceed this requirement.

Scheme 3

An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the viscosity of engine oil. Use only engine oils with multiple viscosities such as 5W-30 or 10W-30. These are specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot temperature viscosity range. Select an engine oil that is best suited to your particular temperature range and variation.

ACEA Categories

For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for Service Fill Oils, use engine oils that meet the requirements of ACEA A1/B1, A2/B2, or A3/B3.

ENERGY CONSERVING OIL

An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for gasoline engines. The designation of ENERGY CONSERVING is located on the label of an engine oil container.

Scheme 4

Standard engine oil identification notations have been adopted to aid in the proper selection of engine oil. The identifying notations are located on the front label of engine oil plastic bottles and the top of engine oil cans.

This symbol means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). DaimlerChrysler only recommend API Certified engine oils. Use Mopar(R) engine oil or equivalent.

TRANSFER CASE - NV233

Recommended lubricant for the NV233 transfer case is Mopar(R) ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

TRANSFER CASE - NV244

Recommended lubricant for the NV244 transfer case is Mopar(R) ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

AXLE

Note. DaimlerChrysler recommends Mopar(R) lubricants or lubricants of equal quality.

FRONT AXLE

1. C205F - Mopar(R) Gear Lubricant 75W-90

REAR AXLE

1. 8 1/4 - Mopar(R) Synthetic Gear Lubricant 75W-140
2. 9 1/4 - Mopar(R) Synthetic Gear Lubricant 75W-140

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Note. DaimlerChrysler recommends Mopar(R) lubricants or lubricants of equal quality.

1. G238 - Mopar(R) ATF+4

Schedule "B"

Follow schedule "B" if you usually operate your vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.

1. Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
2. Stop and go driving.
3. Extensive engine idling.
4. Driving in dusty conditions.
5. Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
6. More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
7. Trailer towing.
8. Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
9. Off-road or desert operation.
10. If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) fuel.

Note. If ANY of these apply to you then change your engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first and follow schedule "B" of the "Maintenance Schedules" step of this information.

Note. If ANY of these apply to you then change your coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000 km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow schedule "B" of the "Maintenance Schedules" step of this information.

* This applies only if your vehicle is used for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.

Schedule "A"

(!) This maintenance is not required if previously performed.

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.

JUMP STARTING

Scheme 5

1. Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually inspect engine compartment for: Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary. Frozen battery. Yellow or bright color test indicator, if equipped. Low battery fluid level. Generator drive belt condition and tension. Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary. CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on disabled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle charging system can result.
2. When using another vehicle as a booster source, park the booster vehicle within cable reach. Turn off all accessories, set the parking brake, place the automatic transmission in PARK or the manual transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the ignition OFF.
3. On disabled vehicle, place gear selector in park or neutral and set park brake. Turn off all accessories.
4. Connect jumper cables to booster battery. RED clamp (4) to positive terminal (+). BLACK clamp (2) to negative (3) terminal (-). DO NOT allow clamps at opposite end of cables to touch, electrical arc will result. Review all warnings in this procedure.
5. On disabled vehicle, connect RED jumper cable (4) clamp to positive (+) terminal. Connect BLACK jumper cable clamp to engine ground (1) as close to the ground cable attaching point as possible.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery. CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will overheat and could fail.
7. Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to at least 12.4 volts (75% charge) before attempting to start engine. If engine does not start within 15 seconds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool (15 min.), before cranking again.

DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS

1. Disconnect BLACK cable clamp (2) from engine ground (1) on disabled vehicle.
2. When using a booster vehicle, disconnect BLACK cable clamp (2) from battery negative terminal (3). Disconnect RED cable clamp (4) from battery positive terminal (5).
3. Disconnect RED cable clamp (4) from battery positive terminal (4) on disabled vehicle.

TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS

A vehicle equipped with SAE approved wheel lift-type towing equipment can be used to tow all vehicles. When towing a 4WD vehicle using a wheel-lift towing device, use tow dollies under the opposite end of the vehicle. A vehicle with flatbed device can also be used to transport a disabled vehicle.

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised and the opposite end on a towing dolly.

Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the transmission in Neutral and the ignition key in the OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15 miles (25 km).

If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km), it must be towed on a flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the ground, or with the front end raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly.

Note. Towing the vehicle at more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than 15 miles (25 km ) can cause severe transmission damage.

Scheme 6

1. Secure loose and protruding parts.
2. Always use a safety chain system that is independent of the lifting and towing equipment.
3. Do not allow towing equipment to contact the disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
4. Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle while it is lifted by the towing device.
5. Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed.
6. Always observe state and local laws regarding towing regulations.
7. Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other motorists.
8. Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, or J-hooks to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-reinforced frame hole.
9. Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Use a flatbed device to transport a loaded vehicle.

GROUND CLEARANCE

A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road.

RAMP ANGLE

If a vehicle with flatbed towing equipment is used, the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15 degrees.

TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE

When the vehicle is locked and keys are not available, use a flat bed hauler. A wheel-lift device can be used on 4WD vehicles provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING

Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - REAR END LIFTED

1. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under front wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach safety chains to frame rails. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel. CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
7. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
8. Place the transmission in park.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - FRONT END LIFTED

1. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under rear wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach the safety chains. CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
7. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
8. Place the transmission in park.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) OF 4X4 VEHICLES

Note. Because of the design of the transfer cases only vehicles equipped with a NV 244 Generation II transfer case should be used for recreational towing.

Note. The NV 244 Generation II transfer case must be shifted into Neutral (N) for recreational towing. The Neutral (N) selection button is located on the lower left hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case Neutral (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.

Note. If the vehicle is to be towed for multiple days or one day for an eight hour or above duration, disconnect and isolate the battery to prevent discharge do to the illumination of the odometer and PRNDL light. After the battery negative cable is reinstalled the radio clock and stations will need to be reset.

Shifting into Neutral (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Place ignition key in the ON position.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 4 seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light comes on release Neutral (N) button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive (D).
12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key to the unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift automatic transmission into Park (P).
14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.

Note. Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until the 4 seconds elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the 4 second timer, then the Neutral (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.

Note. The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

Note. Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting OUT of Neutral (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Place ignition key in the ON position.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 1 second.
7. After the Neutral (N) indicator light turns off release the Neutral (N) button.
8. After the Neutral (N) button has been released the transfer case will shift to the position identified by the selector switch.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Drive (D), release the clutch on manual transmission.

Note. Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until 1 second elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the 1 second time, then all of the mode position indicator lights will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.

Note. The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

Note. Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.