transmission fluid Ram 2500 2018 User Guide

CAUTION!
of the same size, type, and/or style. After-
market wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. Af-
ter using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to your authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
— Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately
3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and
remain on until fuel is added.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning
Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the
brake system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warn-
ing Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position, have the brake system in-
spected by an authorized dealer.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the ve-
hicle coolant level is low.
— Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light
— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the fuel filler
cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to
disengage the light. If the light does not turn
off, please see your authorized dealer.
SERV4WD— Service 4WD Warning Light — If
Equipped
If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it means that the 4WD system is not functioning
properly and that service is required. We recom-
mend you drive to the nearest service center and
have the vehicle serviced immediately.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light
This light indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer tow-
ing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission
into PARK and run the engine at idle or
slightly higher until the light turns off.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire.
81

Driving ConditionLoadTurbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine Shut-
down
Stop and Go EmptyCoolLess than One
Stop and Go Medium -One
Highway Speeds MediumWarmTwo
City Traffic Maximum GCWR -Three
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR -Four
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR HotFive
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — GASOLINE
ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle)
in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contrib-
utes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental
and should be avoided. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as a problem. Please check your oil level with
the engine oil indicator often during the
break in period. Add oil as required.
153

ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 3.0L DIESEL
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it underload.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
"Technical Specifications” in this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 6.7L DIESEL
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine
does not require a break-in period due to its
construction. Normal operation is allowed,
providing the following recommendations are
followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging. • Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera-
ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” of the Owner’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins
turbocharged diesel engine, engine run-in is
enhanced by loaded operating conditions
which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles
(10 000 km).STARTING AND OPERATING
154

Recreational Towing —
Two-Wheel Drive Models
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive
models) is allowedONLYif the rear wheels are
OFF the ground. This may be accomplished
using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a
tow dolly, follow this procedure:
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride
Height.
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow ve- hicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly. 3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place au-
tomatic transmission in PARK, manual
transmission in gear (not in NEUTRAL).
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, de- signed for towing, to secure the front
wheels in the straight position.
CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on theground will cause severe transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing
is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft be-
cause fluid may leak from the transmis-
sion, causing damage to internal parts.
Recreational Towing —
Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronic shift
transfer cases must be shifted into NEUTRAL
(N) for recreational towing. Automatic trans-
missions must be shifted into PARK for rec-
reational towing. Manual transmissions must
be placed in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL) for
recreational towing. Refer to the following for
the proper transfer case NEUTRAL (N) shift-
ing procedure for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle.Towing with only one set of wheels on the
ground (front or rear) will cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case dam-
age. Tow with all four wheels either ON
the ground, or OFF the ground (using a
vehicle trailer).
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing
this vehicle backwards can cause severe
damage to the transfer case.
197

CAUTION!
• Before recreational towing, the transfercase must be in NEUTRAL. To be certain
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL,
perform the procedure outlined under
“Shifting Into NEUTRAL”. Internal
transmission damage will result, if the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL during
towing.
• Automatic transmissions must be
placed in PARK, and manual transmis-
sions must be placed in gear (not in
Neutral) for recreational towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft
because fluid will leak from the transfer
case, causing damage to internal parts.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on
tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper
face bar will be damaged.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the auto-
matic transmission is in PARK (or manual
transmission is in gear). The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing
to prevent damage to internal parts. 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on
level ground, with the engine running.
Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride
Height.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL:
• With manual shift transfer case, shiftthe transfer case lever into NEUTRAL
(N)
• With electronic shift transfer case, push and hold the transfer case NEU-
TRAL (N) button. Some models have a
small, recessed “N” button (at the cen-
ter of the transfer case switches) that
must be pushed using a ballpoint pen
or similar object. Other models have a
rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below
the rotary transfer case control knob.
STARTING AND OPERATING
198

SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate.
This means that service is required for your
vehicle. Operating conditions such as fre-
quent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel
usage will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe Op-
erating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as pos-
sible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).Your authorized dealer will reset the oil
change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil
change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be
reset by referring to the steps described un-
der “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
1500 Models Only
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
twelve months or 350 hours of engine run
time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours
of engine run or idle time is generally only a
concern for fleet customers.
2500 – 3500 Models Only
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
twelve months or 350 hours of engine run
time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours
of engine run or idle time is generally only a
concern for fleet customers. Severe Duty All Models
NOTE:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) or 350 hours of engine run time
if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predomi-
nantly at idle, or only very low engine RPM’s.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe
Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first
sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs
before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir, brake master cylinder, power steering
(2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic
transmission (six-speed only) and fill as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
230

Maintenance Plan — Gasoline
Engine
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the follow-
ing pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By OilChange Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten ter- minals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/ 3500 (4x4) models only).
231

Mileage or time passed (whichever comesfirst)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Replace spark plugs. ** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter(s) (six-speed automatic only), if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, or fre-
quent trailer towing. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter(s) (six-speed automatic only). X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, change for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. XX
Change the transfer case fluid. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mile-
age based only, yearly intervals do not
apply.
233

Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean andtighten the terminals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir, brake master cylinder, and automatic
transmission (if equipped), and add as
needed.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air filter.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped with serviceable fittings.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4X4 mod- els only).
Inspection and service should also be per-
formed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Retain all receipts.Oil Change Indicator System —
Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. This system will
alert you when it is time to change your
engine oil by displaying the words “Oil
Change Due” in your instrument cluster dis-
play. The oil change reminder will remind the
owner to change the engine oil every
15,000 miles or 500 hours, whichever
comes first, except for the Chassis Cab mod-
els and Pickup models configured with op-
tional B20 capability that are using B20 bio-
diesel, which are 12,500 miles or 400 hours,
whichever comes first. Failure to change the
engine oil per the maintenance schedule can
result in internal engine damage. Replace the engine oil and oil filter every
15,000 miles (24,000 km) or six months, or
sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator
system. Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) or six months, whichever comes
first.
NOTE:
• Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) or six months or 500 Hours,
whichever comes first.
• Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 12,500 miles (20 000 km) when running
B20 fuel (Chassis Cab Only).
If Chassis Cab models and Pickup models
configured with optional B20 capability are
operated with greater than 5% levels of bio-
diesel, the oil change interval must not exceed
12,500 miles (20 000 km) under any circum-
stances. See the Fuel Requirements section
for more information regarding operation of
Chassis Cab models and Pickup models con-
figured for use with biodiesel blend (B6-B20)
fuel meeting ASTM specification D-7467.SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
238

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first):7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission fluid
(AS69RC transmission only). XX XX X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
sump filter (AS69RC transmission only). XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and fil-
ter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the fol-
lowing: police, fleet, or frequent trailer towing
(68RFE transmission only). XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and fil-
ter(s). X
Change the manual transmission fluid if using
your vehicle for any of the following: police,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. XX
Replace Crankcase Ventilation Filter (CCV). X X
Flush and replace power steering fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant. *** X
Adjust valve lash clearance. X
Inspection and service should also be per-
formed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Retain all receipts.* Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces
every 20,000 miles (32,000 km). If gear oil
leakage is suspected, check the fluid level.If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing change
the axle fluid every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km).
241