brake fluid Ram 3500 2016 Owner's Guide

WARNING!(Continued)
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 performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
826 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 827

with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 831

8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release theparking 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 — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. How-
ever, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
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
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 833

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Rear Axle – 1500 Models We recommend you use MOPAR Synthetic Gear Lubri-
cant SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Axles
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 871

Severe Duty All Models Only
NOTE:Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environment
or is operated predominantly at idle or only very low
engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered
Severe Duty.
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
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 875

Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By OilChange 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.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•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).
876 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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
878 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Disposal............................. .822
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................620
Appearance Care ........................ .833
Ashtray ............................... .235
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .623
Auto Down Power Windows ..................49
Automatic Door Locks ......................41
Automatic Headlights ..................... .171
Automatic High Beams .....................174
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........439
Automatic Transmission .................490, 833
Adding Fluid ...................... .831, 833
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................833
Fluid Change ......................... .833
Fluid Level Check ................829, 830, 831
Fluid Type ........................ .829, 870
Shifting .......................... .499, 511
Special Additives ...................... .830
Axle Fluid .......................... .827, 870Axle Lubrication
......................... .827
Back-Up Camera ......................... .212
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ..................568
Battery ............................ .301, 808
Charging System Light ...................301
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........31
Belts, Seat .............................. .120
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................811
B-Pillar Location ......................... .643
Brake Assist System ...................... .622
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............619
Brake Fluid ......................... .826, 870
Brake System ........................ .619, 825
Fluid Check .......................... .826
Master Cylinder ....................... .826
Parking ............................. .616
W

arning Light ........................ .298
10
INDEX 897

Brake/Transmission Interlock.................489
Bulb Replacement ..................... .852, 854
Bulbs, Light ......................... .122, 852
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................860
Camera, Rear ........................... .212
Camper ............................... .271
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .864
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .801
Power Steering ........................ .615
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................821
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............119,680
Cargo Light ............................ .180
Car Washes ............................ .834
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............858
Center Seat Storage Compartment .............242
Certification Label ........................ .687
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .638Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .795
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety
..............118
Checks, Safety ............................118
Child Restraint ............................85
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................90
Child Restraints .........................85
Child Seat Installation .................104, 106
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .......102
Infants And Child Restraints ................88
Install A LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint . . . .101
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ................................ .103
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ............98
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......93
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........89
Seating Positions ........................92
Cigar Lighter ........................... .235
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .677
898 INDEX