oil dipstick DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Owners Manual

ENGINE COMPARTMENT— 5.7L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Battery 11 — Coolant Pressure Cap
6 — Integrated Power Module MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3357

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
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. The best time to check
the oil level is before starting the engine after it has been
parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tem-
perature, then wait for 15 minutes after engine shutdown
to check the oil.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Never operate the engine with oil level below the “ADD”
mark or above the upper “SAFE” mark.
338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

CleaningWheels ............................. 361
Climate Control ......................... 204
Clock ........................ 172,175,189,195
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 203
Compass ........................... 140,141
Compass Calibration ..................... 141
Compass Variance ....................... 143
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 136
Contract, Service ........................ 403
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 351
Cooling System ......................... 348
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 350
Coolant Capacity ...................... 377
Coolant Level ...................... 348,352
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 352
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 349
Inspection ........................... 352
Points to Remember .................... 352 Pressure Cap
......................... 351
Radiator Cap ......................... 351
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........349,378
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 133
Cupholders ............................ 146
Customer Assistance ..................... 401
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights ................... 126
Dealer Service .......................... 337
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 153
Defroster, Windshield ................74,205,208
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 129
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 249
Dipsticks .............................. 338
Power Steering ........................ 253
Disposal .............................. 340
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 352
Engine Oil ........................... 340
412 INDEX