automatic transmission fluid Ram 2500 2011 User Guide

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.
CAUTION!
•Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission
as the chemicals can damage your transmission
components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than the manufacturer’s recommended fluid
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 543

Fluid Level Check
If equipped with a dipstick, use the following procedure.
If your vehicle has a capped dipstick tube, it is sealed and
should not be tampered with. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level is set
properly. The fluid level should be checked when the
engine is fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmis-
sion is at normal operating temperature. Operation of the
transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
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
544 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 transmissionbelow
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.CAUTION!
Be aware that 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.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain 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.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” or further information.
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 545

It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
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 highlycorrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse affect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
•Stone and gravel impact.
•Insects, tree sap and tar.
546 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4product.
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4product.
Transfer Case – NVG 246 Only MOPARNVG 246 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel Drive
ModelsGL-5 SAE 75W-90 (MS-9763) or equivalent.
Rear Axle – 1500 Models MOPARSynthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip
Rear Axles require the addition of 118 ml (4 oz.) MOPARLimited Slip
Additive or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle – 2500/3500
ModelsSynthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90 or equivalent. Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch
Rear AxlesLimited slip additive is not required.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 or equivalent. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4, MOPARATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4product.
572 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 Chrysler Dealer
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 581

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 Chrysler Dealer
8
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S586 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 535
Adding Fuel........................... 444
Adjustable Pedals....................... 133
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 526
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 528
Air Conditioning........................ 286
Air Conditioning Controls................. 286
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 297
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............528,529
Air Conditioning System.............286,290,528
Air Pressure, Tires....................412,418
Airbag..............................54,63
Airbag Deployment....................... 64
Airbag Light.....................62,67,84,220
Airbag Maintenance....................... 66
Airbag, Side..........................61,63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........57,61,63
Alarm Light........................... 210
Alarm, Panic............................ 24Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 267
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............535,569
Disposal............................ 537
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 390
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 221
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System........................ 18
Appearance Care........................ 546
Ashtray............................... 163
Auto Down Power Windows................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 94
Automatic Headlights.................... 123
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 290
Automatic Transmission................... 311
Adding Fluid......................... 544
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 545
602 INDEX

Exhaust Gas Caution...................83,440
Exhaust System.......................83,531
Exterior Lighting........................ 123
Exterior Lights.......................... 86
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 526
Engine Oil........................525,571
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 525
Flashers
Turn Signal......................86,128,206
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 500
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 443
Engine Oil........................... 443
Fuel Requirements..................440,442
Maintenance......................... 444
Replacement Parts..................... 443
Starting............................. 443Flooded Engine Starting................... 306
Fluid, Brake........................... 572
Fluid Capacities......................... 569
Fluid Leaks............................. 86
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 544
Brake.............................. 539
Power Steering........................ 386
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 571
Fog Lights.......................124,221,562
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 177
Four Wheel Drive....................... 323
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 482
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 505
Front Axle (Differential)................... 541
Fuel................................. 435
Adding............................. 444
Conserving........................231,233
Ethanol............................. 437
10
INDEX 607

Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 73
Lubrication, Body....................... 529
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 526
Maintenance Procedures................... 522
Maintenance Schedule.................... 574
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 520
Manual, Service......................... 597
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check..................... 543
Lubricant Selection..................... 572
Memory Seat........................... 116
Methanol............................. 437
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 233
Mirrors................................ 93
Automatic Dimming..................... 94
Electric Powered....................... 96
Heated.............................. 97Memory............................. 116
Outside.............................. 94
Rearview............................. 93
Trailer Towing......................... 99
Mode
Fuel Saver........................231,233
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 424
Mopar Parts.........................521,596
MTBE/ETBE........................... 437
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 387
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 127
Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps).......... 147
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 81
Occupant Restraints...................38,61,64
Occupant Restraints (Sedan).............57,61,63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 435
612 INDEX