oil level Ram 2500 2018 User Guide

3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to
bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use ONLY
the specified fluid (see Fluids And Lubricants for fluid
specifications). After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for
the oil to fully drain into the transmission before re-
checking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween 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 transmis-
sion reaches normal operating temperature.
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 park- ing brake.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 555

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. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contami-
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disas-
sembled for any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected.
If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information. This inspection should be made
with the vehicle in a level position.
For 1500 Model axles, the fluid level should be even with
the bottom of the fill hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge
of hole) for the FDU215 HD front axle and C235FE rear
axle.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be 1/4
in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25
in front and 3/4 in ± 1/4 in (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on 10.5 in
rear axles. The 11.5 in rear axle level should be 1/4 in ± 1/4
in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tion” for further information.
556 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specification” 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 axles DO 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 Lim-
ited Slip Additive should be added before the gear lubri-
cant is added to insure proper additive fill.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” 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.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 557

Fluid Level Check.....................553, 554
Fluid Type ..........................553, 607
Shifting ............................306, 315
Special Additives ........................ .553
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ........304
Axle Fluid ............................556, 607
Axle Lubrication .......................... .556
Back-Up .................................410
Back-Up Camera .......................... .410
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ...................361
Battery ...............................191, 526
Charging System Light ....................191
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................24
Belts, Seat ............................... .279
Body Builders Guide ..........................7
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................541
B-Pillar Location .......................... .564
Brake Assist System ........................ .206
Brake Control System, Electronic ................205
Brake Fluid .......................... .552, 607
Brake System ..........................552, 593
Fluid Check ............................552
Master Cylinder ........................ .552
Parking ...............................295 Warning Light
.......................... .190
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................299
Bulb Replacement ..........................452
Bulbs, Light .......................... .281, 452
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................458
Camera .................................410
Camera, Rear ............................ .410
Camper .................................152
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .603
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..................... .523, 529, 530
Power Steering ..........................394
Radiator (Coolant

Pressure).................549
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................279, 600
Cargo Light ...............................79
Car Washes ...............................585
Cellular Phone ............................654
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............457
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............123
Changing A Flat Tire ........................468
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .560
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .201
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............278
Checks, Safety ............................ .278
12
INDEX 683

Starting...............................289
Engine Oil Viscosity .....................529, 530
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................529
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........250, 514
Entry System, Illuminated .....................83
Ethanol ............................. .598, 600
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................279, 600
Exhaust System ........................279, 545
Exterior Lighting ............................73
Exterior Lights ..........................73, 281
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .531
Air Conditioning .....................105, 534
Engine Oil ..........................530, 604
Engine Oil Disposal .......................530
Flashers Turn Signal .......................78, 198, 281
Flash-To-Pass ..............................76
Flat Tire Stowage .......................480, 497
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ..........................602
Engine Oil ............................ .601
Fuel Requirements ....................600, 601
Maintenance ............................602 Replacement Parts
........................602
Starting ...............................602
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .293
Fluid, Brake ............................. .607
Fluid Capacities ............................603
Fluid Leaks ...............................282
Fluid Level Checks Brake .................................552
Power Steering ..........................394
Fluids And Lubricants .......................604
Fog Lights ..........................78, 197, 455
Fold Flat Load Floor ........................128
Folding Rear Seat ...........................44
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................447
Four Wheel

Drive ..........................324
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .509
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .556
Fuel ................................... .596
Adding ...............................413
Additives ............................. .597
Clean Air ............................. .597
Ethanol ............................598, 600
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .414
Gasoline ...............................596
Light .................................196
686 INDEX