power steering fluid Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2017 Owner's Manual

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
96 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Turn Menu OFF — If Equipped
Push and release therightarrow button to exit the main
menu.
Push and release any instrument cluster display control
button to enter the instrument cluster display main menu
again.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
• Front Seatbelts Unbuckled
• Driver Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Passenger Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Service Airbag System
• Traction Control Off
• Washer Fluid Low
• Oil Pressure Low
• Oil Change Due
• Fuel Low
• Service Antilock Brake System
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Service Power Steering •
Cruise Off
• Cruise Ready
• Cruise Set To XXX MPH
•
Tire Pressure Screen With Low Tire(s) “Inflate Tire To XX”
• Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
• Service Tire Pressure System
• Parking Brake Engaged
• Brake Fluid Low
• Service Electronic Braking System
• Engine Temperature Hot
• Battery Voltage Low
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Lights On
• Right Turn Signal Light Out
• Left Turn Signal Light Out
• Turn Signal On
• Sound Horn With Remote Lock: Off; 1st Press; 2nd Press
• Vehicle Not In Park4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 235

▫Shallow Standing Water ..................352
 POWER STEERING ..................... .353
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............354
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .355
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .356
▫ Hydraulic Brake Assist ...................357
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....357
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) ......357
▫ Brake System Warning Light ...............358
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............358
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light .............359
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ................359
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ...................360
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) .............362
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...........363
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ...........366
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped . . . .367 ▫
Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . . .368
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ..............370
▫ Tire Markings ........................ .370
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............374
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ...........375
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ............376
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION .........381
▫ Tire Pressure ......................... .381
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ..................382
▫ T

ire Pressures For High Speed Operation .....383
▫ Tire Maintenance And Replacement ..........383
▫ Radial Ply Tires ....................... .384
▫ Tire Types ........................... .384
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped ..............385
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................386
▫ Tire Spinning ........................ .388
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ...................388
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s
braking capabilities, which increases stopping dis-
tances. Therefore, after driving through standing
water, drive slowly and lightly press on the brake
pedal several times to dry the brakes.
• Failure to follow these warnings may result in inju-
ries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.
CAUTION!
• Always check the depth of the standing water before
driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path that
is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 353

If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at
every oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still function
with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation
of the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning
Light” (if equipped) during brake use.
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
Hydraulic Brake Assist
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions. NOTE:
Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic
Brake Control system (EBC). This system includes Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). These
systems work together to enhance both vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by limiting braking
pressure to the rear axle. This is done to prevent overslip of
the rear wheels to avoid vehicle instability, and to prevent
the rear axle from entering ABS before the front axle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 357

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L
1 — Coolant Pressure Bottle6 — Battery
2 — Transmission Dipstick 7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Washer Solvent
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Air Cleaner Filter
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (6.4L Engine with 66RFE Trans-
mission) (For Diesel Engine See Diesel Supplement) Use only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to
use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or performance of
your transmission. We recommend Mopar ATF+4 fluid.
Automatic Transmission (6.4L Engine with AS66RC Trans-
mission) Use only 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.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (4500/5500) We recommend you use GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic
(MS-9763). Limited slip additive is not required for
Limited-Slip Rear Axles.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 3 and SAE J1703.
If DOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is
acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4,
Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
510 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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” for
further information.Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals 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:
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 predominately at idle or 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 the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-
sion, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
512 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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