transmission oil DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2006 3.G Owners Manual

24. Low Washer Fluid Light
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
25. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g. snow plowing, off- road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off. 26. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
27. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
28. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to 1/16 tank, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
(See page 178 for more information.)
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an overhead
console module (CMTC), it is possible for DTE to display
“LO FUEL” before the low fuel warning light turns on in
the instrument cluster. This could occur because the low
fuel warning is set to a specified fuel tank volume and
DTE is an estimated distance calculation based on vehicle
fuel economy and remaining fuel tank volume.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
NOTE: On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling. Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
286 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Limited-Slip Differentialsin 1500 Model vehicles re-
quire that 4 oz. (118 ml) Mopar limited slip additive be
added to the gear lubricant. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. The Mopar 
limited slip additive should be added to the gear lubri-
cant whenever a fluid change is made.
Ram 2500/3500 Model Axles DO NOT REQUIREany
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case
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.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the fill plug.
If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4” (6.4 mm)
below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on
level ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring
the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Lubricant Selection G238 (6-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped)
This transmission is filled with manual transmission
fluid at the factory. This fluid does not require periodic
changing. If it is necessary to add or change fluid in this
transmission refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only lubricant
recommended for use in the Getrag 238 transmission.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453
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5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that 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.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints/U— joints (if equipped) and
front suspension components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4).
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000) (95 000) (100 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter at interval
shown or 3 months, whichever comes first. X X XXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500,
4X4). X X XXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only. XXX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, or
102,000 miles (170 000 km) whichever comes first. X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Change 6-spd manual transmission fluid 2500/3500
models only. X
SCHEDULE “B” 495
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Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (175 000) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter at in-
terval shown or 3 months, whichever comes
first. X X XXXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/
3500, 4X4). X X XXXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and cor-
rect stowage. XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4)
models only. XXX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Change 6-spd manual transmission fluid
2500/3500 models only. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
500 SCHEDULE “B”
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Oil Selection....................... 433,483
Oil Synthetic ......................... 434
Temperature Gauge ..................... 221
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 395
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze ................. 448
Event Data Recorder .................... 54,91
Exhaust Gas Caution .............108,211,360,445
Exhaust System ...................... 108,445
Exterior Lighting ........................ 164
Filters Air Cleaner ........................ 436,459
Engine Fuel .......................... 436
Engine Oil ........................ 435,485
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 435
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... 166
Flat Tire Stowage ..................... 404,415 Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range ........................ 365
Engine Oil ........................... 364
Fuel Requirements ..................... 363
Maintenance .......................... 365
Replacement Parts ..................... 365
Starting ............................. 364
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 297
Fluid, Brake ........................... 486
Fluid Capacities ......................... 483
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 454
Power Steering ........................ 441
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 485
Fog Lights ....................... 165,225,482
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 204
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 308
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 398
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 419
522 INDEX

Manual Transmission................... 296
Steering Column Controls ...................... 166
Column Lock .......................... 14
Linkage ............................. 442
Power ........................... 333,441
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 169
Storage, Behind the Seat ................... 199
Storage Compartment, Center Seat .........199,200
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 469
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 469
Sun Roof .............................. 189
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information ........ 352
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 434
Tachometer ............................ 219
Tailgate ............................... 209
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ........60,63,97,101
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 169 Tire and Loading Information Placard
......339,352
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 338
Tire Markings .......................... 335
Tire Safety Information .................... 335
Tires ........................... 109,343,515
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 350
Air Pressure .......................... 343
Alignment ........................... 351
Chains .............................. 352
Changing ............................ 403
Compact Spare ........................ 347
Dual ............................ 355,412
General Information .................... 343
High Speed .......................... 346
Inflation Pressures ..................... 344
Jacking ............................. 405
Life of Tires .......................... 350
Load Capacity ..................... 339,340
Quality Grading ....................... 515
INDEX 531
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