2005 Dodge Dakota Owner Manual - Page 298

298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES The pages that follow contain the required maintenance services determined by the engineers who designed your vehicle. Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed maintenance intervals, there are other items that should operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance. However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance. These items should be inspected if a malfunction is observed or suspected. Engine Oil Checking Engine Oil Level To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5 minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before starting the engine after it has sat overnight. 1. Position the vehicle on a level surface. 2. Turn Off the engine and allow approximately 5 minutes for the oil to settle to the bottom of the crankcase. 3. Remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick). 4. Wipe the engine oil level indicator (dipstick) clean. 5. Install the engine oil level indicator (dipstick) and make sure it is seated in the tube. 6. Remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick), keeping the handle above the tip, and read the oil level on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).