brake fluid Ram 1500 2015 Owner's Guide

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. This inspection should be made with the vehicle in
a level position.
For 1500 Model axles, the fluid level should be even with
the bottom of the fill hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge
of hole) for the FDU215 HD front axle and C235FE rear
axle.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be
1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on
the 9.25 in front and 3/4 in ± 1/4 in (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on
10.5 in rear axles. The 11.5 in rear axle level should be
1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.
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.
784 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the
EVIC/DID screen, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the
transmission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle
cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
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 position
(allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in
each position), ending with the transmission 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 specified fluid (see#Fluids, Lubricants, 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.
788 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
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. Reinsert the dipstick. 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 — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. How-
ever, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 789

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Rear Axle – 1500 ModelsWe 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 ModelsWe recommend you use Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90.
Limited slip additive is not required for Limited-Slip
Rear Axles.
Brake Master CylinderWe recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir – 2500/3500 ModelsWe recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid
+4 or MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 825

NOTE: 1500 Models Only
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months on
1500 trucks, whichever comes first.
2500 – 3500 Models
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or twelve months on
2500 – 3500 trucks, whichever comes first.
Severe Duty All Models
•Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only)
and fill as needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 829

Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change 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.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•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).
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
830 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,000110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,00048,00064,00080,00096,000112,000128,000144,000160,000176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Inspect the brake linings, replaceas necessary.XXX X X X X
Adjust parking brake as necessary.XXX X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid.XXX
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter.XXXXX
Replace spark plugs(3.6L engine).**X
Replace spark plugs(5.7L engine).**X
Replace spark plugs(6.4L engine).**X
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
832 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Ashtray................................232
Auto Down Power Windows..................47
Automatic Door Locks......................40
Automatic Headlights......................167
Automatic High Beams.....................169
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........418
Automatic Transmission....................461
Adding Fluid..........................788
Fluid and Filter Changes..................789
Fluid Change..........................789
Fluid Level Check.......................786
Fluid Type............................786
Shifting..............................470
Special Additives.......................786
Axle Fluid..............................784
Axle Lubrication..........................784
Back-Up Camera..........................210
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System..................531
Battery.................................764
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........30
Belts, Seat...............................116
Body Builders Guide........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................767
B-Pillar Location..........................603
Brake Assist System.......................583
Brake Control System, Electronic..............581
Brake Fluid.............................782
Brake System............................581
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................581
Fluid Check...........................782
Master Cylinder........................782
Parking..............................578
Warning Light.........................291
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................461
Bulb Replacement.........................808
Bulbs, Light.............................118
10
INDEX 849

Flooded Engine Starting....................451
Fluid, Brake.............................824
Fluid Capacities..........................819
Fluid Leaks.............................118
Fluid Level Checks
Brake................................782
Power Steering.........................577
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........821
Fog Lights..............................171
Fold Flat Load Floor.......................247
Four-Way Hazard Flasher...................685
Four Wheel Drive.........................494
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................734
Front Axle (Differential).....................784
Fuel...................................634
Adding..............................643
Additives.............................637
Clean Air.............................635
Ethanol..............................636
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................645
Gasoline..............................634
Materials Added........................637
Methanol.............................636
Octane Rating..........................634
Requirements..........................634
Tank Capacity..........................819
Fuel, Flexible............................639
Fuel System Caution.......................644
Fuses..................................797
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)............214
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...................645
Gasoline, Clean Air........................635
Gasoline (Fuel)...........................634
Gasoline, Reformulated.....................635
Gauges
Speedometer..........................294
Tachometer............................289
854 INDEX

Lead Free Gasoline........................634
Leaks, Fluid.............................118
Life of Tires.............................618
Light Bulbs..............................118
Lights.................................118
Airbag................................79
Alarm...............................294
Anti-Lock.............................289
Anti-Lock Warning......................583
Automatic Headlights....................167
Brake Assist Warning....................591
Brake Warning.........................291
Bulb Replacement.......................809
Cap Top Clearance......................816
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..176
Center Mounted Stop....................814
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator).........289
Courtesy/Reading......................174
Daytime Running.......................168
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator.....591
Exterior..............................118
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..171
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator................497
Hazard Warning Flasher..................685
Headlights............................166
High Beam............................178
High Beam Indicator.....................293
High Beam/Low Beam Select...............178
Hill Descent Control Indicator..............593
Illuminated Entry........................23
Instrument Cluster......................289
Interior..............................172
Oil Pressure...........................294
Passing..............................177
Seat Belt Reminder......................293
Security Alarm.........................294
Service...............................808
SideMarker...........................81810
INDEX 857