check transmission fluid Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2017 Owner's Manual

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and
backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent shift-
ing does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode
or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode, or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your vehicle
in first gear (using the ERS shift control) can help to avoid
transmission overheating. If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the transmission fluid
and filter(s) as specified for
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for
the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level be-
fore towing.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
420 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the transmis-
sion into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory in-
stalled option. These packages include components neces-
sary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current Ram
Body Builders Guide. See your authorized dealer, installer
or snowplow manufacturer for this information. There are unique electrical systems that must be connected to prop-
erly assure operator safety and prevent overloading ve-
hicle systems.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision.
Do not expect that the airbag will perform as described
earlier in this manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exterior
lamps are not properly installed.
Before Plowing
•
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
• Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tightness.
• Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½ in (6 cm to 1.2 cm)
above ground in snow plowing position.
• Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 421

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
•
Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids that
protect the performance and durability of your vehicle
and also allow extended maintenance intervals. Do not
use chemical flushes in these components as the
chemicals can damage your engine, transmission, or
air conditioning. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
because of component malfunction, use only the speci-
fied fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.
Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom
of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the
safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause oil
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 457

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.
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.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level when the engine is fully warmed up
and the transmission fluid is at normal operating tempera-
ture. Driving with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
484 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check — Procedure
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
66RFE transmission, or 158–176°F / 70–80°C for AS66RC
transmission). 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 display (refer toInstrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” 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 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 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. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
7. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
8. 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 485

NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelowthe
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 for 66RFE transmission, or 68-86°F /
20-30°C for AS66RC transmission. 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 temperature.
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.
9. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the trans-
mission 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 — Six Speed Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmis-
sion 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 geographic
locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads passable in
snow and ice, and chemicals 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, extreme hot or cold weather
and other extreme conditions will have an adverse effect on
paint, metal trim, and underbody protection.
486 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............478
Adding Fuel ............................. .406
Additives, Fuel ........................... .404
Adjust Down .............................113,114
Forward ............................112,113
Rearward ...........................112,113
Up................................113,114
Adjustable Pedals ......................... .140
Air Bag Air Bag Operation .........................58
Air Bag Warning Light .....................55
Enhanced Accident Response ..............64, 448
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................449
If A Deployment Occurs ....................63
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................59
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............65
Side Air Bags ............................59
Transporting Pets .........................91
Air Bag Light ....................... .55, 94, 201
Air Bag Maintenance .........................65
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......460
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................464
Air Conditioning .......................... .280
Air Conditioning Controls ....................280 Air Conditioning Filter
...................295, 465
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............295
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............464, 465
Air Conditioning System ...............280, 294, 464
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .382
Alarm, Panic ...............................24
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................19, 203
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................477
Capacities ............................. .507
Disposal .............................. .479
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................358
Appearance Care .......................... .486
Ashtray ................................ .177
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .360
Auto

Down Power Windows ...................39
Automatic Door Locks ........................32
Automatic Headlights ...................... .128
Automatic High Beams ..................... .130
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........294
Automatic Transmission ..................... .484
Adding Fluid .......................... .485
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................486
Fluid Level Check .....................484, 485
524 INDEX

Fluid Type......................... .484, 510
Shifting .............................. .331
Special Additives ........................ .484
Axle Fluid ........................ .482, 483, 510
Axle Lubrication ....................... .482, 483
Back-Up Camera .......................... .160
Battery .............................. .204, 463
Charging System Light ....................204
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................25
Belts, Seat .................................93
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................471
B-Pillar Location .......................... .376
Brake Assist System ........................ .359
Brake Control System, Electronic ................357
Brake Fluid .......................... .481, 510
Brake System ......................... .356, 481
Fluid Check ........................... .481
Master Cylinder ........................ .481
Parking .............................. .355
Warning Light .......................... .202
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................331
Bulb Replacement ......................... .501Bulbs, Light
........................... .96, 500
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................505
Camera, Rear ............................ .160
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........507
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .507
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .459
Power Steering ......................... .354
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................479
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................93, 405
Cargo Light ............................. .135
Car Washes .............................. .487
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............504
Center

Seat Storage Compartment ...............183
Certification Label ......................... .407
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .372
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .455
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................92
Checks, Safety .............................92
Child Restraint .............................67
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................71
Child Restraints ..........................67
Child Seat Installation ...................81, 82
10
INDEX 525

Ethanol................................. .403
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................93, 405
Exhaust System ........................ .93, 475
Exterior Lighting .......................... .128
Exterior Lights .............................96
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .460
Air Conditioning .....................295, 465
Engine Fuel ........................... .508
Engine Oil ......................... .459, 508
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .459
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .96, 135, 220
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .440
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .327
Fluid, Brake ............................. .510
Fluid Capacities ........................... .507
Fluid Leaks ...............................96
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................485
Brake ................................ .481
Power Steering ......................... .354
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............508
Fog Lights ........................... .131, 503Fold Flat Load Floor
....................... .189
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................430
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .342
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .443
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .482
Fuel ................................... .402
Adding .............................. .406
Additives ............................. .404
Clean Air ............................. .402
Ethanol .............................. .403
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .407
Filter ................................ .508
Gasoline .............................. .402
Light ................................ .214
Materials

Added ........................ .404
Methanol ............................. .403
Octane Rating .......................... .402
Requirements .......................... .402
Tank Capacity .......................... .507
Fuses .................................. .492
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............164, 171
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................407, 455
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .402
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .402
528 INDEX

Interior..................... .132, 133, 134, 164
Low Fuel ............................. .214
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........208
Park ................................. .219
Passing ............................... .136
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .201
Security Alarm ......................... .203
Service ............................ .500, 501
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........212, 395
Traction Control ........................ .366
Transfer Case .......................... .345
Turn Signal ....................96, 135, 220, 501
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .204, 220
Limited-Slip Differential ..................350, 483
Loading Vehicle ........................... .407
Tires................................. .376
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .237
Battery Saver On ........................ .237
Electrical Load Reduction ...................237
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................237
Locks ....................................31
Automatic Door ..........................32
Child Protection ..........................33 Door
..................................31
Power Door .............................32
Low Tire Pressure System .....................395
Lubrication, Body ......................... .471
Lug Nuts ......................... .431, 437, 439
Maintenance Free Battery .....................463
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .457
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .512
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .208, 455
Manual, Service ........................... .522
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .484
Memory Seat ............................. .121
Methanol ............................... .403
Mirr

ors ................................. .101
Electric Powered ........................ .108
Heated ............................... .109
Memory .............................. .121
Outside .............................. .107
Rearview .......................... .101, 106
Trailer Towing ...........................111
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................395
10
INDEX 531