brake fluid Ram 2500 2013 Owner's Guide

With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
662 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 pro-
longed 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 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 663

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 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 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 667

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 – Six-Speed
Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission 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
668 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 701

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• 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). 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 705

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 brake linings, parking
brake function. XXX X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Replace spark plugs (3.6L en-
gine).** X
Replace the top row (intake side)
of spark plugs (4.7L Engine).** XX X X X
Replace the side row (exhaust
side) of spark plugs (4.7L En-
gine).** X
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 707

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............656
Adding Fuel ............................ .534
Additives, Fuel .......................... .529
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .175
Airbag ..................................64
Airbag Deployment ........................78
Airbag Light .............................72
Airbag Maintenance ........................80
Airbag, Side ..............................67
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................68
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .646
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................648
Air Conditioning ......................... .314
Air Conditioning Controls ...................314
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................648
Air Conditioning System ....................314
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .499
Air Suspension .......................... .410
Alarm Light ............................ .260Alarm, Panic
.............................27
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................655
Disposal ............................. .658
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................473
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................255
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..........21
Anti-Theft System ..........................21
Appearance Care ........................ .668
Ashtray ............................... .209
Auto Down Power Windows ..................44
Automatic Door Locks ......................36
Automatic Headlights ..................... .158
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........324
Automatic Transmission ....................355
Adding Fluid ......................... .667
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................668
722 INDEX

Fluid Level Check...................... .665
Fluid Type ........................... .665
Shifting ............................. .364
Special Additives ...................... .666
Axle Fluid ............................. .663
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) .................663
Back-Up Camera ......................... .189
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ..................420
Battery ................................ .647
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........29
Belts, Seat ...............................50
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................649
B-Pillar Location ......................... .493
Brake Assist System ...................... .474
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............473
Brake Fluid ............................ .661
Brake System ........................... .470Anti-Lock (ABS)
....................... .471
Fluid Check .......................... .661
Master Cylinder ....................... .661
Parking ............................. .468
Warning Light ........................ .257
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................354
Bulb Replacement ........................ .686
Bulbs, Light ............................ .120
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................693
Camera, Rear ........................... .189
Camper ............................... .242
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .696
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .645
Power Steering ........................ .467
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................657
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................117
Cargo Light ............................ .166
10
INDEX 723

Starting............................. .533
Flooded Engine Starting ....................345
Fluid, Brake ............................ .700
Fluid Capacities ......................... .696
Fluid Leaks ............................ .120
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .661
Power Steering ........................ .467
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........698
Fog Lights ............................. .162
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .223
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................577
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .388
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................621
Front Axle (Differential) .....................663
Fuel .................................. .526
Adding ............................. .534
Additives ............................ .529
Clean Air ............................ .527Ethanol
............................. .527
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................536
Gasoline ............................. .526
Materials Added ....................... .529
Methanol ............................ .527
Octane Rating ......................... .526
Requirements ......................... .526
Tank Capacity ......................... .696
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .530
Fuel System Caution ...................... .535
Fuses ................................. .675
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................536
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .527
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .526
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................527
Gauges Speedometer ......................... .260
T
achometer ........................... .255
10
INDEX 727