automatic transmission DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Owner's Guide

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.
2500/3500 Model Axles DO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).Transfer Case
Drain And RefillRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.Lubricant SelectionRefer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level CheckThis 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
Selection Of LubricantIt is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer ’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant may be used.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
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CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this sec-
tion for correct fluid type.Fluid Level CheckIf your vehicle is equipped with a dipstick, use the
following procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dip-
stick tube, it is sealed and should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly. The fluid level should be
checked when the engine is fully warmed up and thefluid in the transmission is at normal operating tempera-
ture. Operation of the transmission 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 – 545RFECheck the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter ChangeRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.Special AdditivesAutomatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from CorrosionVehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those 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,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse affect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ChassisComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
NVG 246 Automatic Transfer Case
Only MOPAR
PN 05179014AA, NVG 246 Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent
2500/3500 Model Front and Rear
Axle Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90 or equivalent. Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch
Rear Axles
Limited slip additive is not required.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500
(4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the front & rear axle fluid.
Change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the transfer case fluid.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 489
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120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) only).
❏ Inspect the CV Joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter(s).
❏ Inspect the transfer case fluid, change fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, delivery
service (commercial service), off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above
90°F (32°C.
❏ Replace accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 495
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Adding Fuel........................... 379
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 141
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 434
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 435
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............435,436
Air Conditioning System ................237,435
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 240
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 355,360
Airbag ............................ 34,47,54
Airbag Light ....................... 58,75,189
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 54
Alarm Light ........................... 191
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 230
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........442,443,478
Disposal ............................ 445
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 333Anti-Lock Warning Light
...............196,332
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 452
Ashtray ............................... 164
Assistance Towing ....................... 101
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Interlock System ....................... 14
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... 451
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 452
Fluid Level Check ................... 449,450
Fluid Type ........................ 449,480
Shifting ............................. 255
Special Additives ...................... 452
Axle Fluid .......................... 448,480
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 448510 INDEX

Dealer Service.......................... 430
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 172
Defroster, Windshield ................76,235,238
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 138
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 304
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 450
Power Steering ........................ 328
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 445
Door Locks ............................. 27
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 153
Driving Off-Pavement ......................... 284
Off-Road ............................ 284
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water .............................. 305
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... 365,416
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 231Electric Rear Window Defrost
............... 172
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 162
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 333
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 333
Brake Assist System .................... 335
Electronic Roll Mitigation ................ 339
Electronic Stability Program ............... 340
Traction Control System ................. 334
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 339
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 142
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) .........197,340
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........264,272
Emergency Brake ........................ 329
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 421
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 406
Jacking ............................. 409
Jump Starting ......................... 419
Tow Hooks .......................... 422
INDEX 513
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Towing............................. 422
Emission Control System Maintenance ......429,482
Engine ............................... 427
Air Cleaner .......................... 434
Block Heater ......................... 254
Break-In Recommendations ................ 73
Compartment Identification ............... 427
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 479
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 74,379
Flooded, Starting ...................... 252
Fuel Requirements ..................... 478
Oil ........................... 431,478,479
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 432
Oil Selection ....................... 432,478
Oil Synthetic ......................... 433
Temperature Gauge .................... 190
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 403
Event Data Recorder ...................... 58
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............74,179,379,439Exhaust System
....................... 74,438
Exterior Lighting ........................ 134
Exterior Lights .......................... 76
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 434
Engine Oil ........................ 433,479
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 433
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... 76,136,188
Flat Tire Stowage ..................... 408,418
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 252
Fluid, Brake ........................... 480
Fluid Capacities ......................... 478
Fluid Leaks ............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 450
Brake .............................. 447
Power Steering ........................ 328514 INDEX

Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel ......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 437
Lug Nuts ............................. 414
Lumbar Support ........................ 123
Maintenance ........................... 431
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 434
Maintenance Procedures ................... 431
Maintenance Schedule .................... 483
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 194,429
Manual, Service ......................... 505
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ..................... 449
Lubricant Selection ..................... 480
Mirrors ................................ 82
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82 Electric Powered
....................... 84
Outside .............................. 83
Rearview ............................. 82
Trailer Towing ......................... 85
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 366
Mopar Parts ......................... 430,504
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 136
Navigation Radio (uconnect gps)............ 224
Navigation System (uconnect gps)........... 224
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 73
Occupant Restraints ....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 375
Odometer .......................... 192,199
Trip ............................. 192,199
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ..........284,307
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ..........284,307
INDEX 519
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