check transmission fluid Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – GASOLINE ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures,
and E85 fuel usage will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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 Re-
quired” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, powersteering (2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
168

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items may result in damage to the
vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
• Check the engine oil level at least 30 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.
Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and automatic transmission (if equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed
or suspected. Retain all receipts.
Oil Change Indicator System
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. This system will
alert you when it is time to change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil
Change Due” on your Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). The oil change
reminder will remind the owner to change the engine oil every 15,000 miles or 500
hours, whichever comes first, except for the Chassis Cab models that are using B20
biodiesel, which are 12,500 miles or 400 hours, whichever comes first. Failure to
change the engine oil per the maintenance schedule can result in internal engine
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
173

Maintenance Chart – Diesel Engine
Miles:
7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000 82,500 90,000 97,500
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
12,000 24,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000 96,000 108,000 120,000 132,000 144,000 156,000
Rotate the tires. X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4). X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Replace engine fuel filter element. XXXXXX
Replace chassis mounted fuel filter element. XXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings. XXXX
Inspect and adjust parking brake. XXXX
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces. If gear oil
leakage is suspected, check the fluid level. If using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or
frequent trailer towing change the axle fluid. XXXXXX
Inspect drive belt; replace as required. XXXX
Check the transfer case fluid (4x4). XX
Change the transfer case fluid (4x4). XInspect 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.
XXXXXX
Inspect wheel bearings. XXX
Change automatic transmission fluid (AS69RC
transmission only). XXX
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
175

Miles:
7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000 82,500 90,000 97,500
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
12,000 24,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000 96,000 108,000 120,000 132,000 144,000 156,000
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter(s)
if using your vehicle for any of the following:
police, fleet, or frequent trailer towing
(68RFE transmission only). X
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: police, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. X
Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank; refill if
necessary. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Replace Crankcase Ventilation Filter (CCV). X
Flush and replace power steering fluid. X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
176

AdjustablePedals ...........24
Airbag..................14
Air Conditioning.....34,35,36,37
Air Suspension .............32
Alarm (Security Alarm) .........13
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .132
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ................13
Automatic Headlights .........27
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............36
Automatic Transmission FluidType ............162
AxleFluid...............162
Back-Up Camera ............38
Battery Charging System Light .....132
Belts, Seat ...............13
Brake Fluid ..............162
Brake System WarningLight ..........132
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .............25
BulbReplacement ..........183
Calibration,Compass .........98
CargoLight...............27
ChangeOilIndicator.........133
Charging System Light ........132
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .132
Child Restraint .............15
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ....15
Climate Control ........34,35,36
Compass Calibration ..........98
Cooling System Coolant Capacity .........162
Crankcase Emission Control System ................27
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ....28
CruiseLight...............28
Customer Assistance .........184
Customer Programmable Features . .99 Defects, Reporting
..........185
Defroster, Rear Window ......34,35
Defroster, Windshield .......34,35
DimmerControl.............27
Disarming, Theft System .......13
Driver Cockpit ..............6
Electronic Range Select (ERS). .30, 31
Electronics Your Vehicle's Sound System . . .42
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...........28
Electronic Throttle Control WarningLight ...........133
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ............98
Emergency, In Case of Overheating ............134
Engine BlockHeater ...........120
Break-In
Recommendations .....25,120
Compartment ...........157
Malfunction Indicator
(CheckEngine) ..........132
Oil Selection ...........162
Overheating ............134
Starting ...............12
Stopping ..............12
Event Data Recorder .........155
Exhaust Brake .............121
Exterior Lights .............183
FlatTireStowage...........146
Fluid Capacities ............162
Fluids .................162
FogLights................27
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .......154
Front Heated Seats ...........22
Fuel Specifications ..........162
Fuse ..................178
Fuses..................178
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). .101
INDEX
187