transmission fluid Ram 1500 2011 Owner's Guide

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

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals. NOTE:
If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse affect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 557

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case – BW44–44 Only MOPAR BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid or equivalent.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel Drive
Models GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (MS-9763) or equivalent.
Rear Axle – 1500 Models MOPARSynthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip
Rear Axles require the addition of 118 ml (4 oz.) MOPAR Limited Slip
Additive or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle – 2500/3500
Models Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90 or equivalent. Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch
Rear Axles
Limited slip additive is not required.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 or equivalent. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 583

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
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 587

64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the ignition cables (3.7L Engine).
❏ Replace the spark plugs (3.7L and 5.7L Engines).
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 593

120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or 90 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s).
❏ Replace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S598 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 546
Adding Fuel ........................... 452
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 133
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 536
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 538
Air Conditioning ........................ 291
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............538,539
Air Conditioning System .............291,295,538
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 302
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 416,424
Airbag .............................. 53,62
Airbag Deployment ....................... 63
Airbag Light ..................... 61,65,83,224
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 64
Airbag, Side .......................... 59,62
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........56,59,62
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm Light ........................... 214 Alarm System (Security Alarm)
............... 18
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 271
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 395
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 225
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............545,580
Disposal ........................... 547
Appearance Care ........................ 557
Ashtray ............................... 166
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 94
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 30
Automatic Headlights .................... 123
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 295
Automatic Transmission ................... 313
Adding Fluid ....................... 556
614 INDEX

Fluid and Filter Changes............... 557
Fluid Level Check ..............554,555,556
Fluid Type ...................... 554,583
Gear Ranges ........................ 314
Shifting ........................... 318
Special Additives ..................... 555
Torque Converter .................... 318
Axle Fluid .......................... 553,583
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 553
B-Pillar Location ........................ 411
Back-Up Camera ........................ 147
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ................ 344
Battery ............................... 536
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 127
Belts, Seat ............................ 39,83
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 539Brake Assist System
...................... 396
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 395
Brake Fluid ......................... 551,583
Brake System ........................ 394,550
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 395
Fluid Check ........................ 551
Master Cylinder ..................... 551
Parking ........................... 392
Warning Light ....................... 219
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 313
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
Bulb Replacement ....................... 571
Bulbs, Light .......................... 85,570
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 576
Calibration, Compass ..................... 241
Camera, Rear ........................... 147
Camper ............................... 198
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 580
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INDEX 615

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
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Tires .............................. 411
Locks ................................. 29
Automatic Door ...................... 30
Child Protection ...................... 33
Door .............................. 29
Power Door ......................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 430
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 72
Lubrication, Body ....................... 539
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 536
Maintenance Procedures ................... 532
Maintenance Schedule .................... 586
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... 530
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check .................... 554
Lubricant Selection ................... 583
Manual, Service ......................... 609 Memory Seat
........................... 116
Methanol ............................. 444
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 237
Mirrors ................................ 93
Automatic Dimming ................... 94
Electric Powered ...................... 96
Heated ............................. 99
Memory ........................... 116
Outside ............................ 95
Rearview ........................... 93
Trailer Towing ....................... 100
Mode Fuel Saver ....................... 235,237
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 430
Mopar Parts ......................... 531,608
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 444
Multi-Displacement Engine System ........... 392
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 127
624 INDEX