check transmission fluid DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Owners Manual

engine is running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an elevated/
rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require
towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check.
If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
22. SERV 4WD IndicatorThe 4WD indicator will be illuminated when-
ever the 4WD mode is engaged for either the
manual or electric shift 4WD systems. The
SERV 4WD indicator monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on
during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not
functioning properly and that service is required. 23. Transmission Temperature Indicator (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.
24. 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.
25. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
4

Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
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 wa-
ter.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission/transaxle, axle, etc.) for signs of con-
tamination (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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL OD/OFF” feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips — 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.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary 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
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
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.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO NOT REQUIRE any
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE: Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evi-
dent while turning a vehicle with limited slip differential
on concrete or dry pavement. These conditions should be
considered normal operation of the limited slip
differential.
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
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
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check – 545RFE Transmission
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operatingtemperature, the fluid on the end of the dipstick cannot
be held comfortably between the fingertips.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
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.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7

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 a 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 dipstick tube, wait
a minimum of two 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 tempera-
ture). 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
(21°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 the parking brake.
NOTE: 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 positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under “In-
strument Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this.
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.
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 reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 383
8
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Adding Fuel........................... 285
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 131
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 340
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 342
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............342,343
Air Conditioning System ................207,342
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 210
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 267,276
Airbag .............................. 48,53
Airbag Light ......................... 75,163
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 53
Alarm Light ........................... 165
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 19
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 200
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............349,350
Capacities ........................... 377
Disposal ............................ 352 Anti-Lock Warning Light
...............170,257
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 19
Anti-Theft System ........................ 19
Appearance Care ........................ 359
Ashtray ............................... 145
Assistance Towing ....................... 100
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Automatic Transmission ................... 356
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 358
Fluid Level Check ..................... 357
Fluid Type ........................ 356,379
Shifting ............................. 224
Special Additives ...................... 359
Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine Only) .... 356
Axle Fluid .......................... 356,379
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 356
Battery ............................... 341
410 INDEX

Fabric Care............................ 361
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 340
Engine Fuel .......................... 378
Engine Oil ..................... 338,340,378
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... 127
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 326
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 222
Fluid, Brake ........................... 379
Fluid Capacities ......................... 377
Fluid Level Checks Brake .............................. 353
Manual Transmission ................... 356
Power Steering ........................ 253
Transfer Case ......................... 356
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 378
Fog Lights ....................... 126,167,374
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 154 Four Wheel Drive
....................... 230
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 314
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 330
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 355
Fuel ................................. 281
Adding ............................. 285
Diesel .............................. 378
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 286
Filter ............................... 378
Gauge .............................. 171
Light ............................... 172
Octane Rating ........................ 281
Requirements ......................... 281
Tank Capacity ........................ 377
Fuses ................................ 364
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............286,336
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 281
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 281
414 INDEX

Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel ......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 343
Lug Nuts ........................... 320,322
Lumbar Support ........................ 118
Maintenance ........................... 337
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 341
Maintenance Procedures ................... 338
Maintenance Schedule .................382,384
Maintenance Schedules .................... 382
Manual, Service ......................... 405
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ..................... 356
Lubricant Selection ..................... 379
Mirrors ................................ 81
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82 Electric Powered
....................... 83
Outside .............................. 82
Rearview ............................. 81
Trailer Towing ......................... 84
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Mopar Parts ......................... 337,404
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 126
Navigation Radio ........................ 194
Navigation System ....................... 194
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 72
Occupant Restraints ....................... 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 281
Odometer .......................... 166,171
Trip ............................. 166,171
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 167
Oil, Engine ............................ 378
Capacity ............................ 377
418 INDEX