transmission fluid Ram 1500 2013 Owner's Guide

Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the EVICdisplay, and operate the vehicle as required to reach
the normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi- tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the lever in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated. 7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use
ONLY the recommended fluid (see Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts for fluid specifications).
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.
660 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD
region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting
the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.
CAUTION!
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. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake. NOTE:
To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle 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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 661

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Spark Plugs – 4.7L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs. Up-
per Bank — (Gap 0.040 in [1 mm])
We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs.
Lower Bank — (Gap 0.051 in [1.30 mm])
Spark Plugs – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap
0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Fuel Selection – 3.6L and 4.7L Engines 87 Octane
Fuel Selection – 5.7L Engine 87 Octane Acceptable - 89 Octane Recommended
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission — Eight-Speed Automatic We recommend you use MOPAR® ZF 8&9 Speed ATF™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission — Six-Speed Automatic with
Gasoline Engine (For Diesel Engine see Diesel Supple-
ment) We recommend you use MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
692 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case – BW44–44 Only We recommend you use MOPAR® BW44–44 Transfer
Case Fluid.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel Drive Models We recommend you use MOPARGL-5 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle – 1500 Models We recommend you use MOPAR® Synthetic Gear Lu-
bricant SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Ax-
les require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR®
Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111).
Front and Rear Axle – 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90.
Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch Rear Axles Limited slip
additive is not required.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir– 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid
+4 or MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 693

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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 ser-
vice 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 thanyour authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals 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, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and transmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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S696 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By OilChange Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4)
models only).
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 697

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Replace spark plugs
(5.7L engine).** XX X X X
Replace the ignition cables
(4.7L Engine). X
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) whichever
comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s), if using your
vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. X
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S700 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. X
Inspect the transfer case fluid,
change for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. X
Change the transfer case fluid. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 701

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............649
Adding Fuel ............................ .530
Additives, Fuel .......................... .524
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .179
Airbag ..................................66
Airbag Deployment ........................80
Airbag Light .............................74
Airbag Maintenance ........................82
Airbag, Side ..............................69
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................70
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .640
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................642
Air Conditioning ......................... .315
Air Conditioning Controls ...................315
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................642
Air Conditioning System ....................315
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .494
Air Suspension .......................... .410
Alarm Light ............................ .262Alarm, Panic
.............................28
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................648
Disposal ............................. .651
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................470
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................257
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..........21
Anti-Theft System ..........................21
Appearance Care ........................ .661
Ashtray ............................... .212
Auto Down Power Windows ..................45
Automatic Door Locks ......................37
Automatic Headlights ..................... .162
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........325
Automatic Transmission ....................355
Adding Fluid ......................... .660
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................661
714 INDEX

Fluid Level Check...................... .658
Fluid Type ........................... .658
Shifting ............................. .364
Special Additives ...................... .659
Axle Fluid ............................. .656
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) .................656
Back-Up Camera ......................... .193
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ..................419
Battery ................................ .641
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........30
Belts, Seat ...............................51
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................643
B-Pillar Location ......................... .488
Brake Assist System ...................... .471
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............470
Brake Fluid ............................ .654Brake System
........................... .469
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .470
Fluid Check .......................... .654
Master Cylinder ....................... .654
Parking ............................. .467
Warning Light ........................ .259
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................354
Bulb Replacement ........................ .678
Bulbs, Light ............................ .124
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................686
Camera, Rear ........................... .193
Camper ............................... .245
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .689
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .639
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................650
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................121
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INDEX 715