transfer case fluid Ram 1500 2017 Owner's Manual

deep water unless you ingested water into the engine air
intake. If the engine stalls do not attempt to restart it.
Determine if it has ingested water first. The key to any
crossing is low and slow. You want to use first gear in 4L
(Low Range) and proceed very slowly with a constant slow
speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h] maximum) and light throttle.
Keep the vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate through
the crossing. After crossing any water higher than the
bottom of the axle differentials, you should inspect all of
the vehicle fluids for signs of water ingestion.
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer
case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive
too fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause
permanent damage to engine, driveline or other ve-
hicle components and your brakes will be less effec-
tive once wet and/or muddy.
• Before You Cross Any Type Of Water – As you ap-
proach any type of water you need to determine if you
can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get out
and walk through the water or probe it with a stick. You
need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current and
bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy waters, check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not be
intruding on any wildlife and you can recover the
vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe crossing is the
water depth, current and bottom conditions. On soft
bottoms the vehicle will sink in, effectively increasing
the water level on the vehicle. Be sure to consider this
when determining the depth and the ability to safely
cross.
• Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other
Standing Water – Puddles, pools, flooded or other
standing water areas normally contain murky or muddy
waters. These water types normally contain hidden
obstacles and make it difficult to determine an accurate
water depth, approach angle, and bottom condition.
Murky or muddy water holes are where you want to
hook up tow straps prior to entering. This makes for a
faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery. If you are able
to determine you can safely cross, than proceed using
the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effective-
ness by depositing debris onto the radiator.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 465

Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is al-
lowedONLY if the rear wheels are OFFthe ground. This
may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If
using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure
the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic trans- mission in PARK, manual transmission in gear (not in
NEUTRAL).
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
CAUTION!
•Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will
cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•
Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may
leak from the transmission, causing damage to internal
parts.
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE: Both the manual shift and electronic shift transfer
cases must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) for recreational
towing. Automatic transmissions must be shifted into
PARK for recreational towing. Manual transmissions must
be placed in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL) for recreational
towing. Refer to the following for the proper transfer case
NEUTRAL (N) shifting procedure for your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 573

CAUTION!
•DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing with
only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear)
will cause severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the
ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
transfer case.
• Before recreational towing, the transfer case must be
in NEUTRAL. To be certain the transfer case is fully
in NEUTRAL, perform the procedure outlined under
“Shifting Into NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission
damage will result, if the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL during towing.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK,
and manual transmissions must be placed in gear
(not in Neutral) for recreational towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid
will leak from the transfer case, causing damage to
internal parts.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on
your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear drive shaft
from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in PARK (or
manual transmission is in gear). The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
574 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ...........633
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L ...........634
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L ...........635
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) . . . .636
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ........................ .636
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............637
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS ..............637
 REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................639
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .639
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .............639
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .640
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .642
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................643 ▫
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............646
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................648
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............649
▫ Front Driveshaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive Models Only) ............655
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .656
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................656
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................659
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .660
▫ Cooling System ....................... .662
▫ Brake System ........................ .667
▫ Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving
Axle Fluid Level ...................... .668
▫ Transfer Case ........................ .669
▫ Automatic

Transmission ..................669
7

Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials
1500 Model rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential require that 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR Limited Slip
Additive be added to the gear lubricant. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information. The MOPAR Limited Slip
Additive should be added to the gear lubricant whenever
a fluid change is made to an axle equipped with a Limited
Slip Differential.
2500/3500 Model axles DO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE: When refilling an axle with a Limited Slip Differ-
ential, (which requires a Limited Slip Additive), the Lim-
ited Slip Additive should be added before the gear lubri-
cant is added to insure proper additive fill.
Transfer Case
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining 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 to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this section
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 669

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – Eight-Speed Automatic
Use only MOPAR ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may
affect the function or performance of your transmission.
Automatic Transmission – Six-Speed Automatic with Gaso-
line Engine (For Diesel Engine see Diesel Supplement) Use only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to
use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or performance of
your transmission. We recommend MOPAR ATF+4 fluid.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel Drive Models We recommend you use MOPAR GL-5 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle – 1500 Models We recommend you use MOPAR Synthetic Gear Lubricant
SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Axles require
the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR Limited Slip Addi-
tive (MS-10111).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 701

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
Adjust parking brake as necessary. X X XXX XX
Inspect transfer case fluid. XX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. XX X XX XX
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Replace spark plugs. ** X
Flush and replace the engine cool-
ant at 10 years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever comes
first. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only). X
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 707

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
Inspect the transfer case fluid,
change for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. XX
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.
WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle
could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause
an accident.
708 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Exterior................................98
Fog........................... .142, 256, 691
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator .................417
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................580
Headlights ............................ .139
High Beam ............................ .147
High Beam/Low Beam Select ................147
Hill Descent Control Indicator ...............505
Illuminated Entry .........................21
Interior ..................... .143, 144, 145, 174
Low Fuel ............................. .254
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........249
Park ................................. .262
Passing ............................... .147
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .241
Security Alarm ......................... .244
Service ............................ .688, 690
Side Marker ........................... .696
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........252, 535
Traction Control ........................ .503
Transfer Case .......................... .417
Turn Signal ................98, 146, 263, 690, 692
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .244, 263
Limited-Slip Differential ..................470, 669 Loading Vehicle
........................... .549
Tires................................. .513
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .282
Battery Saver On ........................ .282
Electrical Load Reduction ...................282
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................282
Locks ....................................32
Automatic Door ..........................34
Child Protection ..........................34
Door ..................................32
Power Door .............................33
Low Tire Pressure System .....................535
Lubrication, Body ......................... .656
Lug

Nuts ............................... .581
Maintenance Free Battery .....................648
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .639
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .704
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .249, 637
Manual, Service ........................... .714
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .669
Lubricant Selection ...................... .701
10
INDEX 723

ParkSense System, Rear...................156, 163
Passing Light ............................ .147
Passive Entry ..............................36
Pedals, Adjustable ......................... .152
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .349
Personal Settings .......................... .275
Pickup Box ....................... .206, 209, 223
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ........513, 514
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ..................680
Door Locks ..............................33
Mirrors ................................114
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .........184, 189
Seats .................................118
Sliding Rear Window ..................... .201
Steering ........................ .490, 491, 492
Sunroof .............................. .182
Windows ...............................39
Power Seats Down .................................119
Forward ............................119,120
Rearward ...........................119,120
Recline ................................119
Tilt...................................119
Up ...................................119 Power Steering Fluid
....................... .701
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts .................53
Pretensioners Seat Belts ...............................53
Programmable Electronic Features ...............275
Programming Key Fobs (Remote Keyless Entry) ......21
Radial Ply Tires ........................... .520
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .........662, 664
Radio Frequency General Information .............17, 19, 28, 31, 38
Radio Operation .......................... .328
Radio (Sound Systems) ..................... .326
Rain Sensitive Wiper System ...................149
Ramp Travel Index ........................ .458
Rear Axle (Differential) ..................... .668
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails ..................219
Rear ParkSense System ...................156, 163
Rear Seat, Folding ...................... .126,
127
Rear Window Features ...................... .200
Rear Window, Sliding ...................... .202
Reclining Rear Seats ........................ .125
Recreational Towing ........................ .572
Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N) .........574
Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N) .......576
10
INDEX 725