check oil Ram 2500 2011 User Guide

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 541

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 545

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
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 Required” in“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 575

•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE:** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with sixteen spark plugs. One set is located on
the top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be changed every 48,000 miles
(78 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 96,000 miles
(156 000 km).
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S576 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Level Check...................543,544
Fluid Type........................543,572
Gear Ranges.......................... 311
Shifting............................. 316
Special Additives...................... 546
Torque Converter...................... 316
Axle Fluid..........................541,572
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 541
Back-Up Camera........................ 147
Battery............................... 526
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 127
Belts, Seat............................40,84
Body Builders Guide....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 529
B-Pillar Location........................ 407
Brake Assist System...................... 392
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 390Brake Fluid.........................539,572
Brake System........................390,539
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 390
Fluid Check.......................... 539
Master Cylinder....................... 539
Parking............................. 387
Warning Light........................ 215
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 309
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 81
Bulb Replacement....................... 559
Bulbs, Light..........................86,559
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 565
Calibration, Compass..................... 237
Camera, Rear........................... 147
Camper............................... 193
Capacities, Fluid........................ 569
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 524
10
INDEX 603

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

Center Mounted Stop................... 564
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 219
Courtesy/Reading..................... 149
Daytime Running...................... 127
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 399
Exterior.............................. 86
Fog ..........................124,221,562
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 327
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 482
Headlights........................... 123
High Beam........................129,215
High Beam Indicator.................... 215
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 129
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................202,206
Interior..........................125,149
Lights On Reminder.................... 127
Low Fuel............................ 214
Oil Pressure.......................... 217Passing............................. 128
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 222
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 210
Service............................. 559
Side Marker.......................... 568
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 210
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........217,424
Traction Control....................... 399
Transfer Case......................... 327
Turn Signal...................86,128,559,562
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . 202,206
Limited-Slip Differential................360,542
Loading Vehicle......................... 446
Tires ............................... 407
Locks................................. 29
Child Protection........................ 33
Door................................ 29
Power Door........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 424
10
INDEX 611

Reformulated Gasoline.................... 436
Refrigerant............................ 529
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 51
Remote Control
Starting System........................ 25
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 283
Remote Starting System.................... 25
Replacement Keys........................ 17
Replacement Parts....................... 521
Replacement Tires....................... 417
Reporting Safety Defects................... 596
Resetting Oil Change Indicator...........213,231
Restraint, Head......................... 113
Restraints, Child.......................68,75
Restraints, Occupant...................... 38
Rotation, Tires.......................... 421
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 84Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 86
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 596
Safety, Exhaust Gas....................... 83
Safety Information, Tire................... 401
Safety Tips............................. 82
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 267
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 574
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 551
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 51
Seat Belts..........................38,40,84
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 48
And Pregnant Women................... 53
Child Restraint.......................68,71
Extender............................. 53
Front Seat............................ 40
Inspection............................ 84
Pretensioners.......................... 51
Reminder............................ 222
Untwisting Procedure.................... 47
10
INDEX 615