brake fluid Ram 3500 2015 Owner's Guide

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately
if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and an “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark because leakage may occur at the cap.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 perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 779

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.
780 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
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 can-
not be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can
read the transmission sump temperature in the EVIC/
DID screen (refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center [EVIC]” or “Driver Information Display (DID)”
for further information).Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the
EVIC/DID screen, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the
transmission 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 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 position
(allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in
each position), ending with the transmission in PARK.
784 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it untilseated.
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 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. 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. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 785

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 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 821

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
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.
• 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 825

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, replace
as necessary. XXX X X X X
Adjust parking brake as neces-
sary. XXX X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs.** X
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) whichever
comes first. XX
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 827

Auto Down Power Windows..................47
Automatic Door Locks ......................39
Automatic Headlights ..................... .166
Automatic High Beams .....................168
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........413
Automatic Transmission .................455, 786
Adding Fluid ...................... .785, 786
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................786
Fluid Change ......................... .786
Fluid Level Check ................782, 783, 784
Fluid Type ........................ .782, 820
Shifting .......................... .464, 476
Special Additives ...................... .783
Axle Fluid .......................... .780, 820
Axle Lubrication ......................... .780
Back-Up Camera ......................... .207
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ..................524
Battery ................................ .760Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)
........30
Belts, Seat ...............................115
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................763
B-Pillar Location ......................... .597
Brake Assist System ...................... .577
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............575
Brake Fluid ......................... .779, 820
Brake System ........................ .575, 778
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .576
Fluid Check .......................... .779
Master Cylinder ....................... .779
Parking ............................. .572
Warning Light ........................ .285
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................454
Bulb Replacement ..................... .804, 805
Bulbs, Light ..........................117,804
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................811
10
INDEX 843

Flooded Engine Starting....................445
Fluid, Brake ............................ .820
Fluid Capacities ......................... .815
Fluid Leaks .............................118
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .779
Power Steering ........................ .571
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........817
Fog Lights ....................... .170, 285, 808
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .244
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................679
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .487
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................730
Front Axle (Differential) .....................780
Fuel .................................. .627
Adding ............................. .636
Clean Air ............................ .629
Ethanol ............................. .629
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................638 Gasoline
............................. .627
Methanol ............................ .629
Octane Rating ..................... .627, 817
Requirements ...................... .627, 815
Tank Capacity ......................... .815
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .633
Fuses ................................. .794
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) .........211,218
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ................638, 747
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .629
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .627
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................629
Gauges Speedometer ......................... .285
Tachometer ........................... .285
Gear Ranges ........................ .465, 477
Gear Select Lever Override ..................733
General

Information ...................... .627
848 INDEX

Information Center, Vehicle...............297, 325
Inside Rearview Mirror ..................126, 133
Instrument Cluster ....................... .285
Instrument Panel and Controls ................282
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ...............791
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls ..............654
Interior Appearance Care ....................790
Interior Lights .......................... .171
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) .............177
Introduction ..............................4
Inverter Outlet (115V) ..................... .230
Jack Location ........................ .683, 703
Jump Starting ........................... .725
Key Fob Programming Additional Key Fobs ...........21
Programming Additional Transmitters .........21
Key-In Reminder ..........................18 Keyless Enter-N-Go
.....................42, 443
Keyless Enter-N-Go™ .......................42
Lock The Vehicle’s Doors ..............359, 380
Passive Entry ...........................42
Passive Entry Programming ..........42, 359, 380
Keyless Entry System .......................25
Key, Replacement ..........................20
Keys ...................................12
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ....................19
Lane Change and Turn Signals ................175
Lane Change Assist ....................... .176
Lap/Shoulder Belts .........................53
Latches ................................117
Lead Free Gasoline ....................... .627
Leaks, Fluid .............................118
Life of Tires .............................611
Light Bulbs ..........................117,804
Lights ..............................117,164
850 INDEX