automatic transmission fluid Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ..................32
▫ Normal Starting .........................33
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................33
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............33
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ....................34
▫ Starting Fluids ..........................34
 NORMAL OPERATION ....................35
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ..................36
▫ Engine Idling ..........................38
▫ Stopping The Engine .....................38
▫ Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission . .39 
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .....40
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ....................40
▫ Fuel Specifications ......................41
▫ Biodiesel Fuel Requirements ................42
 DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID ...................44
▫ System Overview ........................44
 ADDING FUEL — 1500 DIESEL MODELS .......45
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel .............47
▫ Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ............48
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ................48
▫ Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid ...............49
4

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (3.0L Diesel,
8-Speed Transmission) Only use MOPAR ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid or equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid
may affect the function or performance of your transmis-
sion.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR BW44–44 Transfer Case
Fluid.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel Drive Models We recommend you use MOPAR GL-5 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle We recommend you use MOPAR Synthetic Gear Lubricant
SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Axles require
the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR Limited Slip Addi-
tive (MS-10111).
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid,
SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid
is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 75

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................121
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........121
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......121
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ..........122
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ...................125
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) .........126
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) ......126
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............128
▫ Starting Fluids ........................ .129
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE .....130
▫ Cold Weather Precautions .................131
▫ Engine Idling ........................ .133
▫ Stopping The Engine ....................134
▫ Idle Shutdown ........................ .135
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) ..................... .136
▫ Operating Precautions ...................136
▫
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission . .136
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .137
▫ Block Heater Usage .....................138
 DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) .138
5

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED .140
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................141
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .141
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped ........................... .141
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . . .150
▫ Shifting ............................. .151
▫ Downshifting ......................... .152
▫ Reverse Shifting ....................... .153
 AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ......153
 POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ....................154
▫ Stationary Mode ...................... .154
▫ Mobile Mode ......................... .155
ENGINE RUNAWAY .....................156
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................157
▫ Fuel Specifications ..................... .157
▫ Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements ..............158
 ADDING FUEL — 2500/3500 DIESEL MODELS . .160
 ADDING FUEL — CHASSIS CAB MODELS .....162
▫ Fuel Filler Cap ........................ .163
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ............163
▫ Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ............163
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ...............164
▫ Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid ...............164
 DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID ..................167
▫ System Overview ...................... .168
120 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
Transmission
Gear Limit
Display12 3 456D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed 1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply push and hold the
ERS (-) switch. The transmission will shift to the range
from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while descending
steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the engine.
Apply the brakes as needed to prevent engine over-
speed.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (fifth and sixth gears). The transmission
will automatically shift into Overdrive if the following
conditions are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs,
push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL
mode. This will improve performance and reduce the
potential for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode,
transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
•To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from battery
vent holes. Always wear eye protection when work-
ing with batteries.
• Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e., do
not use a 24 Volt power source.
NOTE: Replacement batteries should both be of equal size
to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12 Volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumper
cables to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmission
in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If the indicator (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.CAUTION!
Use the jump start procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is light or yel-
low. If the charge indicator (if equipped) has a green
dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
1. Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of booster battery and the other end of the same cable to
the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
NOTE: Do not connect jumper cables to the fuses. Only
use the jump post when connecting jumper cables.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this could
establish a ground connection and personal injury
could result.
170 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models) .........174
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB
MODELS) ............................ .175
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .............176
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .176
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................180
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ........184
▫ Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement ......185
▫ Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement . . .186
▫ Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel . . .188
▫ Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow ......................... .189
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid .....................190 ▫
Maintenance-Free Batteries ................190
▫ Cooling System ....................... .191
▫ Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler ...........195
▫ Brake System ........................ .195
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System .................196
▫ Transfer Case — If Equipped ..............197
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .........197
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .......197
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty ........................... .200
 FLUID CAPACITIES ..................... .204
 FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS . .205
▫ Engine ............................. .205
▫ Chassis ............................ .207
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL — SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models)
1 — Battery7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Battery 11 — Engine Oil Fill
6 — Aux Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner Filter
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL — SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB MODELS)
1 — Battery7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Battery 11 — Engine Oil Fill
6 — Aux Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner Filter
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 175

Transfer Case — If Equipped
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
Selection of Lubricant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining 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 “Main-
taining 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 vehicle is onlevel 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 recom-
mended 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, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197