transmission fluid Ram 3500 2019 Owner's Manual

9
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............................. 440
 ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .............. 441
 BULB REPLACEMENT ................................................... 446
Replacement Bulbs ..................................................... 446
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ............................................ 447
 FUSES.................................................................................. 457
Power Distribution Center ......................................... 458
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................... 469
Jack Location ................................................................ 470
Removal Of Jack And Tools ....................................... 470
Removing The Spare Tire ........................................... 473
Preparations For Jacking ............................................ 476
Jacking Instructions ..................................................... 477
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ...................................... 483
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............................... 485
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped .............. 487
 JUMP STARTING ............................................................ 488
Preparations For Jump Start ...................................... 489
Jump Starting Procedure ............................................ 490
 MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ............................................................... 492 
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ..................................493
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ......................................494
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...............................495
Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 497
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 497
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped....................498
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ...............................................................498
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)................................. 498
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ............................................499
Maintenance Plan ........................................................500
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...............................503
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .......................................... 504
6.4L Engine ..................................................................504
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........................505
Adding Washer Fluid ................................................505
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................................... 506

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DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 506
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 507
Engine Oil Filter ......................................................... 509
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ......................................... 509
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................. 511
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................ 516
Body Lubrication ....................................................... 517
Windshield Wiper Blades ......................................... 517
Exhaust System ........................................................... 520
Cooling System ........................................................... 522
Brake System ............................................................... 527
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 528
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level .......................................................................... 529
Transfer Case ............................................................... 530
 HOISTING ......................................................................... 531 
TIRES ..................................................................................531
Tire Safety Information ............................................531
Tires — General Information ...................................541
Tire Types .....................................................................547
Spare Tires — If Equipped .....................................548
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................................551
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) ................................. 552
Tire Rotation Recommendations ..............................553
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...............................................555
Treadwear .....................................................................556
Traction Grades............................................................ 556
Temperature Grades ................................................... 556
 STORING THE VEHICLE .............................................557
 BODYWORK ......................................................................557
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ....................557
Body And Underbody Maintenance .........................558
Preserving The Bodywork .......................................... 558
 INTERIORS .......................................................................561
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................................561
Plastic And Coated Parts ............................................562
Leather Parts.................................................................563
Glass Surfaces ..............................................................563

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
— Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there's a fault with the
EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Refer to “Power
Steering” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans -
mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally. — Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and
not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single chime.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.
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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe
transmission damage or transmission failure.
3

STARTING AND OPERATING 297
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a stan-
dard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille by
the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not in
use for the winter months. During winter months, remove
the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the c-clip.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one hour
to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
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 contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri
-
mental 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 consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom -
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.

NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thou -
sand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be considered
a normal 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.

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 331
the brakes are required to control vehicle speed, apply
them lightly and avoid locking or skidding the tires.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided if possible and only be
attempted when necessary, in a safe responsible manner.
You should only drive through areas which are designated
and approved. You should tread lightly and avoid damage
to the environment. You should know your vehicle's abilities
and be able to recover it if something goes wrong. You
should never stop or shut a vehicle off when crossing deep
water unless you ingested water into the engine air intake. If
the engine stalls do not attempt to restart it. Determine if it
has ingested water first. The key to any crossing is low andslow. You want to use first gear in 4L (Low Range) and
proceed very slowly with a constant slow speed (3-5 mph
[5–8 km/h] maximum) and light throttle. Keep the vehicle
moving; do not try to accelerate through the crossing. After
crossing any water higher than the bottom of the axle differ
-
entials, you should inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs
of water ingestion.
• Before You Cross Any Type Of Water – As you approach
any type of water you need to determine if you can cross it
safely and responsibly. If necessary, get out and walk
through the water or probe it with a stick. You need to be
sure of its depth, approach angle, current and bottom
condition. Be careful of murky or muddy waters, check for
hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not be intruding on
any wildlife and you can recover the vehicle if necessary.
The key to a safe crossing is the water depth, current and
bottom conditions. On soft bottoms the vehicle will sink in,
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt to turn
around. To do so may result in tipping and rolling the
vehicle, which may result in severe injury. Always back
carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE. Never back
down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the vehicle brakes.
Never drive diagonally across a hill, always drive
straight up or down.
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer
case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive too
fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause
permanent damage to engine, driveline or other vehicle
components and your brakes will be less effective once
wet and/or muddy.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 431
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 allowed
ONLY if 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 vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic trans -
mission in PARK. 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, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause severe transmission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may leak from the transmission, causing damage to internal
parts.
5

432 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
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. Auto-
matic transmissions must be shifted into PARK for recre -
ational towing. Refer to the following for the proper transfer
case NEUTRAL (N) shifting 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 damage.
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.
• Before recreational towing, the transfer case 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.
• The transmission must be placed in PARK for recre -
ational towing.• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require -
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited 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. CAUTION!
(Continued)

438 STARTING AND OPERATING
Off-Road Driving Tips
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills or
driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural obstacles
force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill, choose a
mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible. Keep the
vehicle moving and make turns slowly and cautiously.
If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diago-
nally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift to
low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly to
avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage to
your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always inspect
your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle,
etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky
or foamy in appearance) after driving through standing
water. Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any
fluid appears contaminated, as this may result in
further damage. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. CAUTION!
(Continued)

528 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to ensure
optimum transmission performance and life. Use only the
manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It is
important to maintain the transmission fluid at the correct
level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes
should be used in any transmission; only the approved lubri-
cant should be used. Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis
-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor -
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmis -
sion. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be damaged,
causing partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
WARNING! (Continued)CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufacturer’s
recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as the
chemicals can damage your transmission components.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 529
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. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
an authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage. 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 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 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, 11.5 in rear axle, and 12.0 in rear axle.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust
the fluid level accurately.
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