service Ram 1500 2015 Owner's Manual

NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials
1500 Model rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential require that 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR® Limited
Slip Additive be added to the gear lubricant. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information. The MOPAR®
Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear
lubricant whenever a fluid change is made to an axle
equipped with a Limited Slip Differential.
2500/3500 Model axlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:When refilling an axle with a Limited Slip Differ-
ential, (which requires a Limited Slip Additive), the
Limited Slip Additive should be added before the gear
lubricant is added to insure proper additive fill.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 785

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check — Eight-Speed Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C).
This normally occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of
driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid can-
not be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can
read the transmission sump temperature in the EVIC/
DID screen (refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center [EVIC]” or “Driver Information Display (DID)”
for further information).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 787

NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD
region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting
the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.
CAUTION!
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. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the
parking brake.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure 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.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. How-
ever, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 789

WARNING!(Continued)
•Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition
is off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
•If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
•If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Power Distribution Center
The Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment near the battery. This center contains car-
tridge fuses, micro fuses, relays, and circuit breakers. A
description of each fuse and component may be stamped
on the inside cover, otherwise the cavity number of each
fuse is stamped on the inside cover that corresponds to
the following chart.
Power Distribution Center Location
798 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F0180 Amp BlackRad Fan Control Module – If equipped
F03 60 Amp YellowRad Fan – If Equipped
F0540 Amp GreenCompressor for Air Suspension – If Equipped
F0640 Amp GreenAntilock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control
Pump
F0740 Amp GreenStarter Solenoid
F08 20 Amp Blue (1500
LD Diesel)
30 Amp Pink
(Cummins Diesel)
Emissions Diesel – If Equipped
F0940 Amp Green
(Special Services
Vehicle & Cummins
Diesel)
30 Amp Pink (1500
LD Diesel)
Diesel Fuel Heater – If Equipped7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 799

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F2220 Amp Blue
30 Amp Pink
(Cummins Diesel)
Engine Control Module
F2330 Amp PinkBody Controller #1
F2430 Amp PinkDriver Door Module
F2530 Amp PinkFront Wiper
F2630 Amp PinkAntilock Brakes/Stability Control Module/
Valves
F2820 Amp BlueTrailer Tow Backup Lights – If Equipped
F2920 Amp BlueTrailer Tow Parking Lights – If Equipped
F3030 Amp PinkTrailer Tow Receptacle
F31 30 Amp Pink (1500
LD Diesel)
Urea Heater Control – If Equipped
F3230 Amp PinkDrive Train Control Module – If Equipped
F3320 Amp BlueSpecial Services Vehicle Only
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 801

CAUTION!
•When installing the power distribution center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is properly
positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so may
allow water to get into the power distribution
center and possibly result in an electrical system
failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If
a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates
a problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the negative cable from battery.
•Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 807

REPLACEMENT BULBS
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass-wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Overhead Console
Lamps
TS 212–9
Dome Lamp 7679
For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer for
replacement instructions.
Exterior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Base Quad Headlamp –
Low Beam
H11LL
Base Quad Headlamp –
High Beam
9005LL
Front Turn Signal Lamp
(Base Quad Headlamp)
3157NA
Premium Bi Halogen
Projector Headlamp -
Low Beam
HIR2LL
Premium Bi Halogen
Projector Headlamp -
High Beam
9005LL
Front Turn Signal Lamp
(Premium Headlamp)
LED (Serviced at
Authorized Dealer)
808 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Bulb Number
Fog Lamp (Horizontal
shape)
9145
Fog Lamp (Vertical
shape)
9006
Center High Mounted
Stop Lamp (CHMSL)
921K
Rear Cargo Lamp 921
LED Center High
Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL)/Cargo Lamp
LED (Serviced at
Authorized Dealer)
Cab Roof Marker Lamps194NA
Base Rear Tail/Turn and
Stop Lamp
3157K
Premium Rear Tail/Turn
and Stop Lamp
LED (Serviced at
Authorized Dealer)
Premium Backup Lamp7440/W21W
Bulb Number
Rear Lamp Bar ID
Marker Lamp
194
Side Marker Lamps
(Dual Rear Wheels)
194
Backup Lamp 921
Rear License Plate Lamp 194
BULB REPLACEMENT
NOTE:Lens fogging can occur under certain atmo-
spheric conditions. This will usually clear as atmospheric
conditions change to allow the condensation to change
back into a vapor. Turning the lamps on will usually
accelerate the clearing process.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 809

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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 ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent 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 Operating 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 possible, 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 under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” or “Driver Information Dis-
play (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
828 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES