fluids Ram 3500 2016 Diesel Supplement

flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of
the A/C condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the A/C condenser (if equipped) or the back of the
radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
The radiator drain cock is located in the lower radiator
tank. If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant(antifreeze) will begin to drain from the coolant expan-
sion bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain Flush And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291

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.
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)
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 accident.
• 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)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297

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 an accident.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection of Lubricant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications.
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.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Selection of Lubricant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/2 in
(12 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole while the
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

vehicle is on level ground, enough lubricant should be
added to bring the level to 1/4 in (6 mm) below the
bottom of the filler hole.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
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 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 manufac-
turer ’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, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299

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 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil In ambient temperatures above 0°F (-18°C), we recommend you use 15W-40 engine oil such
as MOPAR, Shell Rotella and Shell Rimula that meets FCA Material Standard MS-10902 and
the API CJ-4 engine oil category is required. Products meeting Cummins CES 20081 may
also be used. The identification of these engine oils is typically located on the back of the
oil container.
In ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), we recommend you use 5W-40 synthetic
engine oil such as MOPAR, Shell Rotella and Shell Rimula that meets FCA Material
Standard MS-10902 and the API CJ-4 engine oil category is required.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR Engine Oil Filters.
Fuel Filters We recommend you use MOPAR Fuel Filter. Must meet 3 micron rating. Using a fuel filter
that does not meet the manufacturers filtration and water separating requirements can
severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
MOPAR Diesel Exhaust Fluid (API Certified) (DEF) or equivalent that has been API Certified to
the ISO 22241 standard. Use of fluids not API Certified to ISO 22241 may result in system
damage. You can receive assistance in locating DEF in the United States by calling 866-RAM-
INFO (866-726-4636). In Canada call 1–800–465–2001 (English) or 1–800–387–9983 (French).
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped (Six-Speed
68RFE) – Pickup models without PTO Only use ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure
to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or perfor-
mance of your transmission. We recommend MOPAR
ATF+4 fluid.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped (Six-Speed
AS69RC) – Pickup models with PTO, and all Chassis
Cab models Only use MOPAR ASRC Automatic Transmission Fluid
or equivalent. Failure to use the proper fluid may affect
the function or performance of your transmission.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR BW44–44 Transfer
Case Fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311

Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming...............101
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................108
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ............97
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......25
Engine ..................................90
Air Cleaner ............................94
Block Heater ........................66,73
Break-In Recommendations .................13
Compartment ...........................90
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................114
Identification ...........................90
Idling ................................70
Oil...............................92,114
Oil Filler Cap ...........................93
Filters Air Cleaner ............................94
Engine Fuel ............................97 Engine Oil
.........................94,114
Engine Oil Disposal ......................94
Fluid Capacities ..........................113
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................110
Fluid, Brake .............................118
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........114
Fuel ...................................73
Adding ...............................80
Diesel ............................73,114
Filter .................................97
Requirements ...........................73
Specifications ...........................74
Tank Capacity ..........................113
Fueling .................................80
Gauges Voltmeter ..............................68
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 327

Fluid Level ChecksBrake ............................... .296
Manual Transmission ....................298
Transfer Case ......................... .298
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........309
Fuel .................................. .243
Adding ......................... .248 , 251
Diesel ....................... .243 , 251 , 309
Filter ............................... .280
Requirements ......................... .243
Specifications ......................... .244
Tank Capacity ......................... .308
Fueling ............................... .248
Gauges Voltmeter ............................ .208
Gear Ranges ............................ .223
Idle Up Feature .......................... .212Information Center, Vehicle
..................159
Instrument Cluster ....................... .150
Intervention Regeneration Strategy .............164
Jump Starting ........................... .262
Keyless Enter-N-Go ....................... .197
Maintenance Procedures ....................271
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .314
Manual Transmission ..................... .234
Fluid Level Check ...................... .298
Shift Speeds .......................... .236
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................141
Noise Control Maintenance .......................... .303
Tampering Prohibited ....................304
332 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500