oil temperature Ram 3500 2017 User Guide

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 cannot
be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can read
the transmission sump temperature in the instrument
cluster screen (refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” for
further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-
mission 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 sec- onds, 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, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts for fluid specifications). After adding any quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking the fluid level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 671

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew Quad Cab Models 26 Gallons98 Liters
1500 Regular Cab Longbed/Crew Quad Cab Models (Optional) 32 Gallons121 Liters
2500/3500 Shortbed Models 31 Gallons117 Liters
2500/3500 Longbed Models 32 Gallons121 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
5.7L Engines (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
6.4L Engines (We recommend you use SAE 0W-40 engine oil meeting
the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all
operating temperatures.) 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
Cooling System
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the requirements of FCA Mate-
rial Standard MS.90032.) 13.7 Quarts
13 Liters
5.7L Engine – 1500 Models (We recommend you use MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the re-
quirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.) 18.3 Quarts
17.3 Liters
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 697

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine
Oil, meeting the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS-6395 such as MOPAR, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer
to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 6.4L For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SN. The manufac-
turer recommends the use of Pennzoil Ultra 0W-40 or
equivalent MOPAR engine oil meeting the requirements of
FCA Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating
temperatures.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR brand Engine Oil Filters.
Spark Plugs We recommend you use MOPAR Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane, 0-15% Ethanol.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Flex Fuel (E-85) Engine – If Equipped 87 Octane, Up To 85% Ethanol.
Fuel Selection – 5.7L/6.4L Engines 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable, 0-15%
Ethanol.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 699

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”.1500 Models Only
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
2500 – 3500 Models Only
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
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.
704 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

SteeringPower ......................... .490, 491, 492
Wheel, Heated ......................... .151
Wheel, Tilt ............................ .150
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .................327
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . . .327
Storage Compartment, Center Seat ..............195
Storage, Vehicle ....................... .346, 688
Storing Your Vehicle ....................... .688
Sun Roof ............................... .182
Suspension, Air ....................... .438, 444
Sway Control, Trailer ....................... .504
Synthetic Engine Oil ....................... .642
System, Remote Starting ......................29
Tailgate ................................ .220
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ...........345
Tilt Down .................................119
Up ...................................119
Tilt Steering Column ....................... .150
Tip Start ................................ .382
Tire And Loading Information Placard ........513, 514
Tire Markings ............................ .508
Tires.......................... .98, 518, 523, 533Aging (Life Of Tires)
..................... .526
Air Pressure ........................ .513, 518
Chains ............................... .528
Compact Spare ......................... .523
Dual ............................. .532, 581
General Information ...................518, 523
High Speed ............................ .520
Inflation Pressures ....................... .519
Life Of Tires ........................... .526
Load Capacity ...................... .513, 515
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............535
Pressure Warning Light ....................252
Quality Grading ........................ .533
Radial ............................... .520
Replacement ........................... .527
Rotation .............................. .530
Safety ............................ .508,

518
Sizes ................................ .509
Snow Tires ............................ .522
Spare Tire ...................... .523, 524, 525
Spinning .............................. .525
Tread Wear Indicators .....................526
Tire Safety Information ...................... .508
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................559
Tonneau Cover ........................... .678
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