Vehicle Quick Reference: Maintenance Dodge Dakota III facelift

FLUID TYPES

When service is required, Chrysler LLC recommends that only Mopar® brand parts, lubricants and chemicals be used. Mopar® provides the best engineered products for servicing Chrysler LLC vehicles.

Only lubricants bearing designations defined by the following organization should be used to service a Chrysler LLC vehicle

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

Scheme 2

This symbol on the front of an oil container means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) to meet all the lubrication requirements specified by Chrysler LLC.

POWER STEERING FLUID

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid is required in the power steering system. Substitute fluids can induce power steering system failure.

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change.

BRAKE FLUID

The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform to DOT 3 specifications and SAE J1703 standards. No other type of brake fluid is recommended or approved for usage in the vehicle brake system. Use only Mopar brake fluid or an equivalent from a tightly sealed container.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

Note. Refer to FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS for fluid level checking procedures.

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid is the recommended fluid for Chrysler automatic transmissions.

Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch chatter can result from the use of improper fluid.

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change.

FLUID ADDITIVES

Chrysler strongly recommends against the addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than those automatic transmission fluids listed above. Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks.

Various "special" additives and supplements exist that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These additives and others also claim to improve converter clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation, varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been supported to the satisfaction of Chrysler and these additives must not be used. The use of transmission "sealers" should also be avoided, since they may adversely affect the integrity of transmission seals.

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS

ENGINE

SPARK PLUGS

TRANSMISSION

TRANSFER CASE

CHASSIS

Oil Change Indicator- Reset

The vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The "Oil Change Required" message flashes in the EVIC display for approximately ten seconds after a single chime has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate depending upon your personal driving style.

Unless reset, this message continues to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Menu button. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform the following procedure

1. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position. Do not start the engine.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within ten seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" position.

Note. If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.

At Each Stop for Fuel

1. 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 improves the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
2. Check the windshield washer solvent and add if required.

Once a Month

1. Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
2. Inspect the battery. Clean and tighten the terminals as required.
3. Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering and transmission, and add as needed.
4. Check all lights and other electrical items for correct operation.

At Each Oil Change

1. Change the engine oil filter.
2. Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
3. Check the manual transmission fluid level.

Required Maintenance Intervals

Note. ** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are equipped with 16 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 50 000 km (30,000 miles). The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a premium plug and must be changed every 170 000 km (102,000 miles).