2013 Dodge Avenger Owner Manual - Page 456

454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in each position), ending with the transmission in PARK. 5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission. 6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180° F (82° C), which is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle is driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a temperature of approximately 80° F (27° C). 7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated. Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if the actual level is at or above the hole. • If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the crosshatched area marked "HOT" (between the upper two holes in the dipstick). • If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between the lower two holes in the area marked "COLD." If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait at least two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level. 8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake. To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.