transmission oil Ram 1500 2011 User Guide

Limited-Slip Differentials
This vehicle requires that 4 oz. (118 ml) MOPARLimited
Slip Additive or equivalent be added to the gear lubri-
cant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. The
MOPAR Limited Slip Additive or equivalent should be
added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is
made.
2500/3500 Model Axles DO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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 the manufacturer ’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid.
554 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check – 42RLE/545RFE
Check 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.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
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 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.
556 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy 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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 587

64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the ignition cables (3.7L Engine).
❏ Replace the spark plugs (3.7L and 5.7L Engines).
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 593

120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or 90 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏ Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s).
❏ Replace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S598 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Oil Selection..................... 534,580
Oil Synthetic ........................ 535
Temperature Gauge ................... 210
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 63
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 444
Event Data Recorder ...................... 66
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 82,447
Exhaust System ....................... 82,541
Exterior Lighting ........................ 123
Exterior Lights .......................... 85
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 536
Engine Oil ....................... 535,582
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 535
Flashers Turn Signal .................... 85,128,210
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 509 Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range ...................... 451
Engine Oil ......................... 450
Fuel Requirements ................. 448,449
Maintenance ........................ 451
Replacement Parts .................... 451
Starting ........................... 450
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 310
Fluid Capacities ......................... 580
Fluid Leaks ............................. 86
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 556
Brake ............................. 551
Power Steering ...................... 391
Fluid, Brake ........................... 583
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 582
Fog Lights ....................... 124,225,573
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 181
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 325
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INDEX 619

Sliding Rear WindowPower ............................ 181
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 425
Snow Plow ............................ 474
Snow Tires ............................ 427
Spare Tire .......................... 419,420
Spark Plugs ............................ 582
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 134
Speedometer ........................... 211
Stabilizer/Sway Bar System ................ 344
Starting ............................. 26,309
Automatic Transmission ................ 309
Cold Weather ....................... 310
Engine Fails to Start .................. 310
Remote ............................ 26
Starting Procedures (Gas Engines) ............ 309
Steering Power .......................... 390,391
Wheel, Heated ...................... 132 Wheel, Tilt
......................... 131
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .............. 288
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls .............................. 288
Storage Compartment, Center Seat ........... 174
Storage, Vehicle ...................... 301,569
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 569
Sun Roof .............................. 158
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information ........ 424
Sway Control, Trailer ..................... 405
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 535
System, Remote Starting .................... 26
Tachometer ............................ 210
Tailgate ............................... 198
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 295
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 210
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint .............72,76
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 131
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