brake fluid Ram 2500 2018 Owner's Guide

WARNING!(Continued)
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.
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 And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It is important to maintain the transmission fluid at the
correct level using the recommended fluid. No chemical
flushes should be used in any transmission; only the
approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks in six-speed transmissions.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 553

3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60seconds, 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 And Lubricants 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 re-
checking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween 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 transmis-
sion reaches normal operating temperature.
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. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 555

IDENTIFICATION DATA
Vehicle Identification Number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle
frame and underbody as well as the Automobile Informa-
tion Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle,
the vehicle registration and title.
NOTE:It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated
brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still
function. However, you will experience a substantial in-
crease in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still function
with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation
of the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning
Light” (if equipped) during brake use.
Hydraulic Brake Assist — 2500/3500 Models Only
(Except Power Wagon)
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
Vehicle Identification Number
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 593

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Front and Rear Axle – 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use SAE 75W-85 HD Ram GL-5
Synthetic Axle Lubricant. Limited slip additive is not
required for Limited-Slip Rear Axles.
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.
608 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............548
Adding Fuel ............................. .413
Additives, Fuel ............................597
Adjust Down ...............................47, 49
Forward ............................ .47, 48
Rearward ............................47, 48
Up .................................47, 49
Adjustable Pedals ...........................62
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ........................240
Air Bag Warning Light .....................237
Enhanced Accident Response .............250, 514
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................514
If A Deployment Occurs ....................249
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .241
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............251
Transporting Pets ........................278
Air Bag Light .......................189, 237, 279
Air Bag Maintenance ........................251
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......531
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................533
Air Conditioning ............................86
Air Conditioning Filter ...................105, 534
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............104Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............533, 534
Air Conditioning System ..................104, 533
Air Filter ............................... .531
Air Pressure, Tires ..........................569
Air Suspension ........................ .344, 350
Alarm, Panic ...............................23
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................35, 191
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................35
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................547, 603
Disposal ...............................549
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................204
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................196
Ashtray .................................137
Assist, Hill

Start.......................... .206
Audio Systems (Radio) .......................611
Auto Down Power Windows ..................107
Automatic Door Locks ........................42
Automatic Headlights ........................76
Automatic High Beams .......................75
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........104
Automatic Transmission ..................299, 556
Adding Fluid ........................554, 556
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................556
Fluid Change .......................... .556
682 INDEX

Fluid Level Check.....................553, 554
Fluid Type ..........................553, 607
Shifting ............................306, 315
Special Additives ........................ .553
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ........304
Axle Fluid ............................556, 607
Axle Lubrication .......................... .556
Back-Up .................................410
Back-Up Camera .......................... .410
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ...................361
Battery ...............................191, 526
Charging System Light ....................191
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................24
Belts, Seat ............................... .279
Body Builders Guide ..........................7
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................541
B-Pillar Location .......................... .564
Brake Assist System ........................ .206
Brake Control System, Electronic ................205
Brake Fluid .......................... .552, 607
Brake System ..........................552, 593
Fluid Check ............................552
Master Cylinder ........................ .552
Parking ...............................295 Warning Light
.......................... .190
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................299
Bulb Replacement ..........................452
Bulbs, Light .......................... .281, 452
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................458
Camera .................................410
Camera, Rear ............................ .410
Camper .................................152
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .603
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..................... .523, 529, 530
Power Steering ..........................394
Radiator (Coolant

Pressure).................549
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................279, 600
Cargo Light ...............................79
Car Washes ...............................585
Cellular Phone ............................654
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............457
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............123
Changing A Flat Tire ........................468
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .560
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .201
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............278
Checks, Safety ............................ .278
12
INDEX 683

Starting...............................289
Engine Oil Viscosity .....................529, 530
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................529
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........250, 514
Entry System, Illuminated .....................83
Ethanol ............................. .598, 600
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................279, 600
Exhaust System ........................279, 545
Exterior Lighting ............................73
Exterior Lights ..........................73, 281
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .531
Air Conditioning .....................105, 534
Engine Oil ..........................530, 604
Engine Oil Disposal .......................530
Flashers Turn Signal .......................78, 198, 281
Flash-To-Pass ..............................76
Flat Tire Stowage .......................480, 497
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ..........................602
Engine Oil ............................ .601
Fuel Requirements ....................600, 601
Maintenance ............................602 Replacement Parts
........................602
Starting ...............................602
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .293
Fluid, Brake ............................. .607
Fluid Capacities ............................603
Fluid Leaks ...............................282
Fluid Level Checks Brake .................................552
Power Steering ..........................394
Fluids And Lubricants .......................604
Fog Lights ..........................78, 197, 455
Fold Flat Load Floor ........................128
Folding Rear Seat ...........................44
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................447
Four Wheel

Drive ..........................324
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .509
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .556
Fuel ................................... .596
Adding ...............................413
Additives ............................. .597
Clean Air ............................. .597
Ethanol ............................598, 600
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .414
Gasoline ...............................596
Light .................................196
686 INDEX

Ignition Key Removal........................28
Illuminated Entry ...........................83
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ......................33
Inside Rearview Mirror .................64, 65, 447
Instrument Cluster ..........................198
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ................589
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls ................426
Interior Appearance Care .....................587
Interior Lights ..............................80
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ...............84
Introduction ................................4
Inverter Outlet (115V) .......................137
Jack Location ..........................468, 485
Jack Operation ............................468
Jump Starting ............................ .502
Key Fob Panic Alarm .............................23
Programming Additional Key Fobs ..........27, 34
Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) .....24
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) ......27
Key-In Reminder ............................30
Keyless Enter-N-Go ..................... .39, 289
Lock The Vehicle’s Doors ................621, 641 Passive Entry
............................39
Passive Entry Programming ...........39, 621, 641
Key, Replacement ...........................34
Keys ....................................20
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ......................33
Lane Change And Turn Signals .................78
Lane Change Assist ..........................79
Latches ................................. .282
Hood .................................112
Lead Free Gasoline ........................ .596
Leaks, Fluid ............................. .282
Life Of Tires ............................. .572
Light Bulbs .......................... .281, 452
Lights .................................. .281
AirBag .........................189, 237, 279
Automatic Headlights ......................76
Brake Assist Warning ..................... .212
Brake Warning ......................... .190
Bulb Replacement ........................452
Cap

Top Clearance .......................458
Cargo .................................79
Center Mounted Stop ..................... .457
Courtesy/Reading ..................... .80, 82
Cruise ............................... .199
688 INDEX