check oil Ram 1500 2011 User Guide

Limited-Slip Differentials
This vehicle requires that 4 oz. (118 ml) MOPARLimited
Slip Additive or equivalent be added to the gear lubri-
cant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. The
MOPAR Limited Slip Additive or equivalent should be
added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is
made.
2500/3500 Model Axles DO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer ’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid.
554 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check – 42RLE/545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.
Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
556 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•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 will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.8
M A I
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 587

Caps, FillerOil (Engine) ........................ 534
Power Steering ...................... 391
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 547
Car Washes ............................ 558
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............82,447
Cargo Light ............................ 126
Cellular Phone ....................... 101,290
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 575
Center Lap Belts ......................... 48
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 174
Certification Label ....................... 453
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 407
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............223,530
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 82
Checks, Safety ........................... 82
Child Restraint ........................ 67,68
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............72,76Child Seat
............................ 68,74
Cigar Lighter ........................... 166
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 560
Climate Control ......................... 290
Clock ............................. 250,260
Cold Weather Operation ................... 310
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 290
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 419
Compass .............................. 240
Compass Calibration ..................... 241
Compass Variance ....................... 241
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 237
Connector UCI ........................... 274,280
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....274,280
Conserving Fuel ...................... 235,237
Console, Overhead ....................... 150
Contract, Service ........................ 607
616 INDEX

Oil Selection..................... 534,580
Oil Synthetic ........................ 535
Temperature Gauge ................... 210
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 63
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 444
Event Data Recorder ...................... 66
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 82,447
Exhaust System ....................... 82,541
Exterior Lighting ........................ 123
Exterior Lights .......................... 85
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 536
Engine Oil ....................... 535,582
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 535
Flashers Turn Signal .................... 85,128,210
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 509 Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range ...................... 451
Engine Oil ......................... 450
Fuel Requirements ................. 448,449
Maintenance ........................ 451
Replacement Parts .................... 451
Starting ........................... 450
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 310
Fluid Capacities ......................... 580
Fluid Leaks ............................. 86
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 556
Brake ............................. 551
Power Steering ...................... 391
Fluid, Brake ........................... 583
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 582
Fog Lights ....................... 124,225,573
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 181
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 325
10
INDEX 619

Brake Assist Warning.................. 403
Brake Warning ...................... 219
Bulb Replacement ................. 570,571
Cap Top Clearance ................... 576
Cargo ............................. 126
Center Mounted Stop .................. 575
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ...... 223
Courtesy/Reading .................... 150
Daytime Running .................... 127
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 403
Exterior ............................ 85
Fog ......................... 124,225,573
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............. 329
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 491
Headlights ......................... 123
High Beam ...................... 129,219
High Beam Indicator .................. 219
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 129
Illuminated Entry ..................... 19 Instrument Cluster
................. 206,210
Interior ......................... 125,150
Lights On Reminder .................. 127
Low Fuel .......................... 218
Oil Pressure ........................ 221
Passing ............................ 128
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 226
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 214
Service ......................... 570,571
Side Marker ........................ 579
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 214
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......221,430
Traction Control ..................... 403
Transfer Case ....................... 329
Turn Signal ................. 85,128,571,573
Warning (Instrument Cluster
Description) ..................... 206,210
Limited-Slip Differential ................365,554
Loading Vehicle ......................... 453
10
INDEX 623

Reclining Rear Seats...................... 110
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 66
Recreational Towing ...................... 478
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral(N) . . . 481,483
Shifting out of Transfer Case
Neutral (N) ...................... 482,486
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 444
Refrigerant ............................ 539
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 51
Remote Control Starting System ....................... 26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 288
Remote Starting System .................... 26
Replacement Keys ........................ 17
Replacement Parts ....................... 531
Replacement Tires ....................... 423
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 608
Resetting Oil Change Indicator ...........217,235Restraint, Head
......................... 114
Restraints, Child ....................... 67,74
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 38
Rotation, Tires .......................... 428
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 83
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 85
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 608
Safety Information, Tire ................... 406
Safety Tips ............................. 82
Safety, Exhaust Gas ....................... 82
Satellite Radio Antenna ................... 271
Schedule, Maintenance .................... 586
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 562
Seat Belt Reminder ....................... 51
Seat Belts .......................... 38,39,83
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ...... 47
And Pregnant Women .................. 52
Child Restraint ..................... 67,70
10
INDEX 627