check transmission fluid Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2017 Owner's Manual

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 only be checked
if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coor-
dinate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
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.
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.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied, the engine is off and the key fob is
removed from the ignition switch. Also, be certain to leave
an automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmis-
sion in REVERSE or first gear.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the parking
brake, firmly push the parking brake pedal fully. To release
the parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness.
WARNING!
Any work done to the vehicle’s electrical system or
wiring should be performed by a qualified automotive
technician. If done improperly it may cause damage to
the electrical system wiring and could result in serious
or fatal injury.
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.
414 STARTING AND OPERATING

Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO NOT REQUIRE any lim-
ited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE: Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evident
while turning a vehicle with limited slip differential on
concrete or dry pavement. These conditions should be
considered normal operation of the limited slip differential.
Transfer Case
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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.
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479

4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gearposition (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. NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween 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 tempera-
ture.
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.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 geo-
graphic 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 protec-
tion.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resis-
tance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint
and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
•
Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
•Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your vehicle
in the shade using MOPAR Car Wash, or a mild car wash
soap, and rinse the panels completely with clear water.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............473
Adding Fuel ............................. .400
Additives, Fuel ........................... .398
Adjust Down .............................115,116
Forward ............................115,116
Rearward ...........................115,116
Up................................115,116
Adjustable Pedals ......................... .142
Air Bag Air Bag Operation .........................58
Air Bag Warning Light .....................55
Enhanced Accident Response ..............68, 444
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................444
If A Deployment Occurs ....................67
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................58
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............69
Side Air Bags ......................... .58, 62
Transporting Pets .........................93
Air Bag Light ....................... .55, 96, 201
Air Bag Maintenance .........................69
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......454
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................458
Air Conditioning .......................... .277
Air Conditioning Controls ....................277 Air Conditioning Filter
...................292, 459
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............458, 459
Air Conditioning System ...............277, 291, 458
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .377
Alarm, Panic ...............................24
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................19, 203
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................472
Capacities ............................. .499
Disposal .............................. .474
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................353
Appearance Care .......................... .481
Ashtray ................................ .177
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .355
Auto
Down Power Windows ...................38
Automatic Door Locks ........................32
Automatic Headlights ...................... .130
Automatic High Beams ..................... .132
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........291
Automatic Transmission ..................... .478
Adding Fluid .......................... .480
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................481
Fluid Level Check ....................... .479
516 INDEX

Fluid Type......................... .478, 502
Shifting .............................. .327
Special Additives ........................ .479
Axle Fluid ........................ .477, 478, 502
Axle Lubrication ....................... .477, 478
Back-Up Camera .......................... .161
Battery .............................. .204, 457
Charging System Light ....................204
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................24
Belts, Seat .................................96
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................465
B-Pillar Location .......................... .371
Brake Assist System ........................ .355
Brake Control System, Electronic ................353
Brake Fluid .......................... .476, 502
Brake System ......................... .352, 475
Fluid Check ........................... .476
Master Cylinder ........................ .476
Parking .............................. .350
Warning Light .......................... .202
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................327
Bulb Replacement ......................... .494Bulbs, Light
........................... .98, 493
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................498
Camera, Rear ............................ .161
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........499
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .499
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .453
Power Steering ......................... .350
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................474
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................95, 399
Cargo Light ............................. .137
Car Washes .............................. .481
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............496
Center

Seat Storage Compartment ...............182
Certification Label ......................... .401
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .367
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .449
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................95
Checks, Safety .............................95
Child Restraint .............................70
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................74
Child Restraints ..........................70
Child Seat Installation .................83, 84, 85
10
INDEX 517

Exhaust Gas Caution.....................95, 399
Exhaust System ........................ .95, 469
Exterior Lighting .......................... .130
Exterior Lights .............................98
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .454
Air Conditioning .....................292, 459
Engine Fuel ........................... .500
Engine Oil ......................... .454, 500
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .453
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .98, 137, 220
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .435
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .323
Fluid, Brake ............................. .502
Fluid Capacities ........................... .499
Fluid Leaks ...............................98
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................479
Brake ................................ .476
Power Steering ......................... .350
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............500
Fog Lights ........................ .133, 216, 496
Fold Flat Load Floor ....................... .187Four-Way Hazard Flasher
.....................426
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .338
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .439
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .477
Fuel ................................... .396
Adding .............................. .400
Additives ............................. .398
Clean Air ............................. .396
Ethanol .............................. .397
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .400
Filter ................................ .500
Gasoline .............................. .396
Light ................................ .214
Materials
Added ........................ .398
Methanol ............................. .397
Octane Rating .......................... .396
Requirements .......................... .396
Tank Capacity .......................... .499
Fuses .................................. .486
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............165, 170
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................400, 449
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .396
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .396
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .396
520 INDEX

Low Fuel............................. .214
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........208
Park ................................. .219
Passing ............................... .138
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .201
Security Alarm ......................... .203
Service ............................ .493, 494
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........212, 389
Traction Control ........................ .360
Transfer Case .......................... .341
Turn Signal ....................98, 137, 220, 494
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .204, 220
Limited-Slip Differential ..................346, 478
Loading Vehicle ........................... .401
Tires................................. .371
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .236
Battery Saver On ........................ .236
Electrical Load Reduction ...................236
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................236
Locks ....................................30
Automatic Door ..........................32
Child Protection ..........................33
Door ..................................30
Power Door .............................32 Low Tire Pressure System
.....................389
Lubrication, Body ......................... .465
Lug Nuts ......................... .427, 433, 434
Maintenance Free Battery .....................457
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .451
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .504
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .208, 449
Manual, Service ........................... .514
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .478
Memory Seat ............................. .124
Methanol ............................... .397
Mirrors ................................. .103
Electric

Powered .........................111
Heated ................................112
Memory .............................. .124
Outside ...............................110
Rearview ....................... .103, 104, 109
Trailer Towing ...........................113
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................389
MOPAR Parts ......................... .450, 513
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .397
10
INDEX 523