check oil Ram 2500 2017 User Guide

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der 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 brak-
ing, 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.
• 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 “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information. 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 main-
tenance intervals.
668 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C).
This normally occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of
driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid cannot
be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can read
the transmission sump temperature in the instrument
cluster screen (refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” for
further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-
mission 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 sec- onds, 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 gear selector 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 quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking the fluid level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 671

Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning
loop for soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft
cloth until all residue is removed.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
Tri-Fold Soft Tonneau Cover Care
For cleaning and protecting the vinyl Tri-Fold Tonneau
cover, use MOPAR Whitewall & Vinyl Top Cleaner and
MOPAR Leather and Vinyl Conditioner/Protectant.
Spray-On Bedliner – If Equipped
During ownership, the shine and luster of the Spray-On
Bedliner can fade from oxidation, road dirt, heavy-duty hauling and hard water stains. Weathering and UV expo-
sure will lead to fading, dulling, and loss of gloss over
time.
To help maintain the appearance of your Spray-On Bed-
liner, the manufacturer recommends you periodically rinse
all loose dirt from your truck bed and clean your truck at
least twice per year using the MOPAR Spray-On Bedliner
Conditioner available at your local authorized dealer.
To Help Maintain The Appearance Of Your Spray-On
Bedliner, Follow The Steps Below:
1. Rinse your truck bed out with water to remove any
loose dirt and debris.
2. Mix a mild soap or detergent with water with a soft cloth or brush.
3. Rinse bedliner with water.
4. Once dry, apply a small amount of MOPAR Spray-On Bedliner Conditioner to a moist towel or sponge and
wipe over the entire surface of the truck bedliner.
678 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
Maintenance Chart
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 irregular
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.
• 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
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. XX X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
1500 Models:
Inspect the front and rear axle sur-
faces. If gear oil leakage is sus-
pected, check the fluid level. If us-
ing your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing, change axle fluid. XX X X X
2500/3500 Models:
Inspect the front and rear axle sur-
faces. If gear oil leakage is sus-
pected, check the fluid level. If us-
ing your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing, change axle fluid. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, replace
as necessary. XXX X X X X
706 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Shifting........................... .395, 405
Special Additives ........................ .670
Axle Fluid ........................... .668, 701
Axle Lubrication .......................... .668
Back-Up Camera .......................... .171
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ...................455
Battery .............................. .245, 648
Charging System Light ....................245
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................25
Belts, Seat .................................95
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................656
B-Pillar Location .......................... .513
Brake Assist System ........................ .497
Brake Control System, Electronic ................495
Brake Fluid .......................... .667, 701
Brake System ......................... .494, 667
Fluid Check ........................... .667
Master Cylinder ........................ .667
Parking .............................. .492
Warning Light .......................... .242
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................387
Bulb Replacement ...................... .688, 690Bulbs, Light
........................... .98, 688
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................694
Camera, Rear ............................ .171
Camper ................................ .220
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .697
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .642
Power Steering ......................... .492
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................664
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................95, 545
Cargo Light ............................. .146
Car Washes .............................. .673
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............693
Center

Seat Storage Compartment ...............195
Certification Label ......................... .549
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .509
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .637
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................94
Checks, Safety .............................94
Child Restraint .............................69
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................73
Child Restraints ..........................69
Child Seat Installation ...................82, 85
10
INDEX 717

Enhanced Accident Response Feature..........66, 630
Entry System, Illuminated .....................21
Ethanol ............................. .542, 545
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................95, 545
Exhaust System ........................ .95, 660
Exterior Lighting .......................... .139
Exterior Lights .............................98
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .643
Air Conditioning .....................347, 650
Engine Oil ......................... .642, 698
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .642
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .98, 146, 263
Flat Tire Stowage ...................... .596, 613
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ......................... .547
Engine Oil ............................ .546
Fuel Requirements ....................545, 546
Maintenance ........................... .547
Replacement Parts ....................... .547
Starting .............................. .547
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .384
Fluid, Brake ............................. .701Fluid Capacities
........................... .697
Fluid Leaks ...............................98
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .667
Power Steering ......................... .492
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............698
Fog Lights ........................ .142, 256, 691
Fold Flat Load Floor ....................... .202
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................580
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .414
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .621
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .668
Fuel ................................... .541
Adding .............................. .548
Additives ............................. .544
Clean

Air ............................. .542
Ethanol ........................... .542, 545
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .549
Gasoline .............................. .541
Light ................................ .254
Materials Added ........................ .544
Methanol ............................. .542
Octane Rating ....................... .541, 698
Requirements ....................... .541, 697
Tank Capacity .......................... .697
720 INDEX