maintenance Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2012 Owner's Guide

Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining 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 REQUIREany
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evi-
dent 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
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431

NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance 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.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 those 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 affect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance 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 ve-
hicle in the shade using MOPARCar Wash or equiva-
lent, or a mild car wash soap and rinse the panels
completely with clear water.
•If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MOPARSuper Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover or equivalent to remove.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435

Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES
Totally Integrated Power Module
The Totally Integrated Power Module is located in the
engine compartment near the battery. This center con-
tains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A description of each
fuse and component may be stamped on the inside cover,
otherwise the cavity number of each fuse is stamped on
the inside cover that corresponds to the following chart.Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J01 40 Amp
GreenTrailer Tow
J02 30 Amp
PinkElectric Brake
Totally Integrated Power Module
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
Maintenance Schedule.................. 458
▫5.7L Gas Engine..................... 458
▫Required Maintenance Intervals.......... 460
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
5.7L Gas Engine
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Due” will be displayed
in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that
an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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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 8,000 miles (13 000 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 byreferring 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.
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Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•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.
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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8,000 Miles (13,000 km) or
6 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
8,000 miles (13 000 km).
❏Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4
only).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
16,000 Miles (26,000 km) or 12 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
16,000 miles (26 000 km).
❏If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
❏Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏Inspect exhaust system. Perform the first inspection at 16,000 miles (26 000 km) or
12 months.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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24,000 Miles (39,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
24,000 miles (39 000 km).
❏Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4
only).
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front and rear axle fluid,
change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
32,000 Miles (52,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
32,000 miles (52 000 km).
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the spark plugs.
❏Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Inspect the transfer case fluid.
❏Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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