check engine Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2011 Owner's Guide

room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that 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.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain 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.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
NOTE: If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse located in
the Integrated Power Module, located in the engine
compartment. The IOD cavity includes a snap-in re-
tainer that allows the fuse to be disconnected without
removing it from the fuse block.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cables from both batteries.
•Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.NOTE:
•When reinstalling the IOD fuse push firmly until fully
seated; the gauges in the instrument cluster will do a
full sweep when the ignition switch is turned to the
RUN position. This is a normal condition.
•When the vehicle is shipped from the factory, the IOD
fuse is in the up or extracted position. If the radio,
interior lamps, keyless entry or other features do not
work with the key OFF, check the position of the fuse
(or check to see if the fuse is blown) to ensure that it is
fully seated. When the IOD fuse is extracted, the
instrument cluster in the odometer window will dis-
play
NO FUSE.”
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
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 “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Due” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or under “Instrument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odometer” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 431

•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S432 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Level Check................ 405,406,407
Fluid Type ........................ 405,428
Shifting ............................. 270
Special Additives ...................... 408
Axle Fluid ....................... 404,405,428
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............404,405
Battery ............................... 389
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 143
Belts, Seat ............................ 38,74
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 392
B-Pillar Location ........................ 303
Brake Fluid ......................... 402,428
Brake System ........................ 295,401
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 295
Fluid Check .......................... 402
Master Cylinder ....................... 402 Parking
............................. 292
Warning Light ........................ 188
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 269
Bulb Replacement ....................... 420
Bulbs, Light .......................... 75,420
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 424
Calibration, Compass ..................... 204
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 426
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 426
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 387
Power Steering ........................ 292
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 399
Car Washes ............................ 409
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............74,325
Cargo Light ............................ 142
Cellular Phone .......................... 87
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 423
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INDEX 459

Center Lap Belts......................... 47
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 166
Certification Label ....................... 328
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 299
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............190,383
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 73
Checks, Safety ........................... 73
Child Restraint ........................ 61,62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............64,68
Child Seat ............................ 62,66
Cigar Lighter ........................... 159
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 411
Climate Control ......................... 248
Clock ........................ 21 1,212,216,225
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 247
Compass .............................. 202
Compass Calibration ..................... 204 Compass Variance
....................... 204
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 201
Connector UCI ................................ 236
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 236
Console, Overhead ....................... 154
Contract, Service ........................ 451
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 399
Cooling System ......................... 396
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 398
Coolant Capacity ...................... 426
Coolant Level ...................... 396,400
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 400
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 397
Inspection ........................... 400
Points to Remember .................... 400
Pressure Cap ......................... 399
Radiator Cap ......................... 399
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........397,427
460 INDEX

Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Compartment Identification ............... 381
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 427
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 74,325
Flooded, Starting ...................... 266
Jump Starting ......................... 370
Oil .............................. 386,427
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 387
Oil Selection .......................... 387
Oil Synthetic ......................... 388
Temperature Gauge .................... 180
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 56
Exhaust Gas Caution ................74,325,394
Exhaust System ....................... 74,394
Exterior Lighting ........................ 139
Exterior Lights .......................... 75
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 388 Engine Fuel
.......................... 427
Engine Oil ........................ 388,427
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 388
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... 75,144,180
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 369
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 266
Fluid, Brake ........................... 428
Fluid Capacities ......................... 426
Fluid Leaks ............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 407
Brake .............................. 402
Power Steering ........................ 292
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 427
Fog Lights ....................... 140,191,422
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 277
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 358
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 374
462 INDEX

Jack Location........................... 358
Jump Starting .......................... 370
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Key-In Reminder ......................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
Keys ................................. 12
Knee Bolster ............................ 51
Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 144
Lane Change Assist ...................... 144
Lap Belts .............................. 47
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 38
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren) .............................. 64
Latches ................................ 75
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 76 Life of Tires
............................ 314
Light Bulbs ............................. 75
Lights .............................. 75,138
Airbag ...................... 51,55,59,75,191
Alarm .............................. 183
Anti-Lock ........................... 191
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... 296
Automatic Headlights ................... 139
Brake Warning ........................ 188
Bulb Replacement ...................... 420
Cap Top Clearance ..................... 424
Cargo .............................. 142
Center Mounted Stop ................... 423
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ........ 190
Courtesy/Reading ..................... 154
Daytime Running ...................... 143
Exterior .............................. 75
Fog .......................... 140,191,422
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 280
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INDEX 465

Hazard Warning Flasher................. 358
Headlights ........................... 139
High Beam ........................ 145,187
High Beam Indicator .................... 187
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 145
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster ..................... 180
Interior .......................... 141,154
Lights On Reminder .................... 143
Low Fuel ............................ 187
Oil Pressure .......................... 189
Passing ............................. 144
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 193
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 183
Service ............................. 420
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 183
Transfer Case ......................... 280
Turn Signal ...................... 75,144,420
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 180Limited-Slip Differential
................287,405
Loading Vehicle ......................... 328
Tires ............................... 303
Locks ................................. 28
Child Protection ........................ 32
Door ................................ 28
Power Door ........................... 29
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 392
Lug Nuts ........................... 364,366
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 389
Maintenance Procedures ................... 385
Maintenance Schedule .................430,432
Maintenance Schedules .................... 430
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... 383
Manual, Service ......................... 453
466 INDEX

Manual TransmissionFluid Level Check ..................... 405
Lubricant Selection ..................... 428
Memory Seat ........................... 132
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 201
Mirrors ................................ 81
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82
Electric Powered ....................... 84
Heated .............................. 85
Memory ............................ 132
Outside .............................. 82
Rearview ............................. 81
Trailer Towing ......................... 86
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Mopar Parts ......................... 384,452
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 143
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 72Occupant Restraints
................... 37,54,56
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 54
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 321
Odometer ............................. 183
Trip ................................ 183
Oil Change Indicator .................. 185,199
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............185,199
Oil, Engine ......................... 386,427
Capacity ............................ 426
Change Interval ....................... 386
Dipstick ............................. 386
Disposal ............................ 388
Filter ............................ 388,427
Filter Disposal ........................ 388
Identification Logo ..................... 387
Materials Added to ..................... 388
Pressure Gauge ....................... 183
Recommendation ...................... 387
Synthetic ............................ 388
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INDEX 467