check transmission fluid RAM CHASSIS CAB 2017 Owners Manual

CAUTION!Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at
every oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. WARNING!Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied, the engine is off and the key fob is
removed from the ignition switch. Also, be certain to leave
an automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmis-
sion in REVERSE or first gear.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the parking
brake, firmly push the parking brake pedal fully. To release
the parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.350 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and
backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent shift-
ing does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode
or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE: Using TOW/HAUL mode, or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your vehicle
in first gear (using the ERS shift control) can help to avoid
transmission overheating. If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the transmission fluid
and filter(s) as specified for  police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing.  Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for
the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level be-
fore towing.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency. 5STARTING AND OPERATING 415

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the transmis-
sion into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory in-
stalled option. These packages include components neces-
sary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE: Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current Ram
Body Builders Guide. See your authorized dealer, installer
or snowplow manufacturer for this information. There are unique electrical systems that must be connected to prop-
erly assure operator safety and prevent overloading ve-
hicle systems.
WARNING!Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision.
Do not expect that the airbag will perform as described
earlier in this manual.
CAUTION!The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exterior
lamps are not properly installed.
Before Plowing
• Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid level.
• Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tightness.
• Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½ in (6 cm to 1.2 cm)
above ground in snow plowing position.
• Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.416 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately (Continued) CAUTION! (Continued)have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a
flush is needed because of component malfunction,
use only the specified fluid for the flushing proce-
dure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off. 7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

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 — If Equipped
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, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this section
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and CAUTION! (Continued)filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genu-
ine Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for fluid speci-
fications.
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. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.
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.478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level when the engine is fully warmed up
and the transmission fluid is at normal operating tempera-
ture. Driving with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check — Procedure
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
66RFE transmission, or 158–176°F / 70–80°C for AS66RC
transmission). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
You can read the transmission sump temperature in the
instrument cluster display (refer to  Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-
ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-
mission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60
seconds, 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. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt
from entering the transmission.
7. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
8. 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 7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479

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, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts  for fluid specifications). After adding any quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking 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 for 66RFE transmission, or
68-86°F / 20-30°C for AS66RC transmission. 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. 9. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park-
ing brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the trans-
mission 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 — Six Speed Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
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 chemicals 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, road480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 23456789101112131415
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. XXXXX
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends,
and replace if necessary. XXXXXXX
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces.
If gear oil leakage is suspected, check
the fluid level. If using your vehicle for
police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing, change axle fluid. XXXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings, parking brake
function. XXXXXXX
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. XXXXX
Replace spark plugs. ** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change the automatic transmission fluid
(AS66RC Transmission Only). XXX508 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............ .472
Adding Fuel ............................. .400
Additives, Fuel ........................... .399
Adjust
Down ..............................111,112
Forward ............................110,111
Rearward ...........................110,111
Up................................111,112
Adjustable Pedals ......................... .137
Air Bag
Air Bag Operation .........................58
Air Bag Warning Light .....................55
Enhanced Accident Response ............. .64, 444
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ................ .444
If A Deployment Occurs ....................63
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................59
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............65
Side Air Bags ............................59
Transporting Pets .........................89
Air Bag Light ....................... .55, 92, 197
Air Bag Maintenance .........................65
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ..... .454
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................. .459
Air Conditioning .......................... .277
Air Conditioning Controls ................... .277 Air Conditioning Filter .................. .291, 460
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............. .291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............. .459, 460
Air Conditioning System .............. .277, 290, 459
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .377
Alarm, Panic ...............................25
Alarm (Security Alarm) ................... .20, 199
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................20
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................. .472
Capacities ............................. .500
Disposal .............................. .474
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................ .353
Appearance Care .......................... .480
Ashtray ................................ .173
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .355
Auto Down Power Windows ...................39
Automatic Door Locks ........................33
Automatic Headlights ...................... .125
Automatic High Beams ..................... .126
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) .......... .290
Automatic Transmission ..................... .478
Adding Fluid .......................... .479
Fluid And Filter Changes .................. .480
Fluid Level Check ....................... .479518 INDEX

Fluid Type ......................... .478, 503
Shifting .............................. .327
Special Additives ........................ .478
Axle Fluid ........................ .476, 477, 503
Axle Lubrication ....................... .476, 477
Back-Up Camera .......................... .156
Battery .............................. .200, 458
Charging System Light ................... .200
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................26
Belts, Seat .................................92
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................. .466
B-Pillar Location .......................... .371
Brake Assist System ........................ .355
Brake Control System, Electronic ............... .353
Brake Fluid .......................... .475, 503
Brake System ......................... .352, 475
Fluid Check ........................... .475
Master Cylinder ........................ .475
Parking .............................. .350
Warning Light .......................... .198
Brake/Transmission Interlock ................. .327
Bulb Replacement ......................... .495 Bulbs, Light ........................... .94, 494
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................... .498
Camera, Rear ............................ .156
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .......... .500
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .500
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine) ........................... .453
Power Steering ......................... .350
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................ .473
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................ .91, 400
Cargo Light ............................. .131
Car Washes .............................. .481
Center High Mounted Stop Light .............. .497
Center Seat Storage Compartment .............. .178
Certification Label ......................... .401
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .367
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .449
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................91
Checks, Safety .............................91
Child Restraint .............................66
Child Restraints
Booster Seats ............................71
Child Restraints ..........................66 10 INDEX 519