Under Hood - Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual

30 - 4 NEW VEHICLE PREPARATION

UNDER HOOD

INSPECTION - HOOD LATCH/SAFETY CATCH
(1) Check operation of hood latch and safety catch-
adjust as required (Fig. 2).
NOTE: The safety catch prevents the hood from
going to full open position until it is manually
released. To test the safety catch, unlock the hood
with the interior release, then try to raise the hood
without operating the safety catch.
INSPECTION—FLUID LEVELS
ENGINE OIL
CAUTION: Use only oil that meets the specified
requirements.
NOTE: If oil level is low, inspect for oil leaks.
(1) Check engine oil level. The oil should be in the
safe range or between the minimum and maximum
marks.
• If the oil level is at the minimum mark, add oil
that meets specifications, Refer to the service infor-
mation.
• The best time to check the oil is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed-up engine is turned off, or
before starting the engine after it has been off over-
night.
• For the most accurate readings, the vehicle
should be on level ground.
• Wipe up any excess oil that may have spilled, or
the customer could mistakenly perceive this as the
result of a leak.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE
CAUTION: Only use fluid that meets the vehicle's
specific requirement. Consult the service manual
for information.
NOTE: Mopar ATF+4 contains special additives not
found in Mercon and Dexron II fLuids. Use of fluid
other than Mopar ATF+4 (when specified) could
result in an upshift shudder in some applications.
Transmission and transaxle fluid check procedures
are specific to each vehicle line. (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID CAPACITIES -
SPECIFICATIONS).
Fig. 2 HOOD LATCH, STRIKER AND SAFETY CATCH
1 - SAFETY CATCH
2 - HOOD LATCH STRIKER
3 - HOOD
4 - RADIATOR UPPER SUPPORT
5 - HOOD LATCH
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