power steering fluid RAM CHASSIS CAB 2017 Owners Manual

WARNING! (Continued)• ONLY use the passenger ’s side floor mat on the
passenger ’s side floor area.
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into
the driver ’s side floor area when the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,
towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-
installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat. Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Setting Names Setting Names Abbreviated
(Left Submenu Layer) Sub-Menus
(Right Submenu Layer)
33 Compass Variance Compass Var 1-15 increments of 1
34 Calibrate Compass Compass Cal Cancel; Calibrate
Turn Menu OFF — If Equipped
Push and release the right arrow button to exit the main
menu.
Push and release any instrument cluster display control
button to enter the instrument cluster display main menu
again.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
• Front Seatbelts Unbuckled
• Driver Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Passenger Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Service Airbag System
• Traction Control Off
• Washer Fluid Low
• Oil Pressure Low
• Oil Change Due • Fuel Low
• Service Antilock Brake System
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Service Power Steering
• Cruise Off
• Cruise Ready
• Cruise Set To XXX MPH
• Tire Pressure Screen With Low Tire(s) “Inflate Tire To
XX”
• Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
• Service Tire Pressure System
• Parking Brake Engaged
• Brake Fluid Low
• Service Electronic Braking System230 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫ Shallow Standing Water ................. .348
 POWER STEERING ..................... .349
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check .............. .350
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .350
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .352
▫ Hydraulic Brake Assist .................. .352
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .... .353
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) ..... .353
▫ Brake System Warning Light .............. .353
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ .353
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light ............ .354
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ............... .355
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................. .355
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............ .358
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .......... .358
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) .......... .362
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped . . . .362 ▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . . .363
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ............. .365
▫ Tire Markings ........................ .365
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ........... .369
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions .......... .370
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ........... .371
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........ .376
▫ Tire Pressure ......................... .376
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................. .377
▫ T ir e Pressures For High Speed Operation .... .378
▫ Tire Maintenance And Replacement ......... .378
▫ Radial Ply Tires ....................... .378
▫ Tire Types ........................... .379
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped ............. .380
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ............... .380
▫ Tire Spinning ........................ .382
▫ Tread Wear Indicators .................. .383318 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!• Always check the depth of the standing water before
driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path that
is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, 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. POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system. 5STARTING AND OPERATING 349

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

WARNING! (Continued)• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic trans-
mission in PARK, a manual transmission in RE-
VERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated
brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still
function. However, you will experience a substantial in-
crease in braking effort to stop the vehicle. If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still function
with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation
of the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning
Light” (if equipped) during brake use.
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-boost
unit which shares fluid with the power steering system. You
may experience some clicking or hissing noises from the
hydro-boost system during hard braking conditions.
NOTE: Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
Hydraulic Brake Assist
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-boost
unit which shares fluid with the power steering system. You
may experience some clicking or hissing noises from the
hydro-boost system during hard braking conditions.
NOTE: Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.352 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L
1 — Coolant Pressure Bottle 6 — Battery
2 — Transmission Dipstick 7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Washer Solvent
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Air Cleaner Filter 7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (6.4L Engine
with 66RFE Transmission) (For Diesel
Engine See Diesel Supplement) Use only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4 fluid
may affect the function or performance of your transmission. We recom-
mend MOPAR ATF+4 fluid.
Automatic Transmission (6.4L Engine
with AS66RC Transmission) Use only MOPAR ASRC Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent. Fail-
ure to use the proper fluid may affect the function or performance of your
transmission.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR BW44-44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (4500/5500) We recommend you use GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic (MS-9763). Limited
slip additive is not required for Limited-Slip Rear Axles.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3 and SAE J1703. If DOT 3 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid. 7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 503

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 service
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 “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers.
Severe Duty:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or very low engine RPM’s.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-
sion, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights506 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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