automatic transmission fluid Ram Cargo Van 2015 Owner's Manual

DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer toElectronic Range Select
(ERS) Operation in this section for further information)
to select a lower gear range. Under these conditions,
using a lower gear range will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup. During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to third gear only. Normal operation will resume
once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable
level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 451

NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), tap the shift lever to the
left (-) repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The transmission
will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature. •
The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
454 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
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
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used
in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should
be used.
600 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’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
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
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 for diagnosing fluidleaks. 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
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 601

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use Only ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid. Fail-
ure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission. We recommend
MOPAR® ATF+4® Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3. 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 627

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter if using your
vehicle for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
634 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Disposal............................. .596
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................289
Appearance Care ........................ .602
Ashtray ............................... .253
Assistance Towing ........................ .138
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .472
Auto Down Power Windows ..................47
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................118
Automatic Door Locks ......................38
Automatic Headlights ..................... .200
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........420
Automatic Transmission ....................442
Adding Fluid ......................... .601
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................602
Fluid Change ......................... .602
Fluid Level Check ...................... .601
Fluid Type ........................... .600
Gear Ranges .......................... .447
Special Additives ...................... .601Torque Converter
...................... .454
Auto Up Power Windows ....................47
Battery ................................ .586
Jump Starting ......................... .562
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........28
Saving Feature (Protection) ................204
Belts, Seat .............................. .107
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................590
B-Pillar Location ......................... .482
Brake Assist System ...................... .466
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............463
Brake Fluid ............................ .627
Brake System ........................... .462
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .462
Fluid Check .......................... .599
Parking ............................. .460
Brake/T

ransmission Interlock .................444
10
INDEX 649

Maintenance.......................... .518
Replacement Parts ...................... .518
Starting ............................. .518
Flooded Engine Starting ....................440
Floor Console ........................... .261
Fluid Capacities ......................... .624
Fluid Leaks .............................110
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................601
Brake ............................... .599
Cooling System ........................ .592
Power Steering ........................ .459
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........625
Fog Lights ............................. .289
Fog Light Service ........................ .621
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating.............174
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................566
Fuel ...................................511
Adding ............................. .519Additives
............................ .514
Clean Air ............................ .512
Conserving ........................... .314
Economy Mode ....................... .445
Ethanol ............................. .512
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................289
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ....................289
Gasoline ..............................511
Materials Added ....................... .514
Methanol ............................ .512
Octane Rating ..........................511
Requirements ..........................511
Saver Mode .......................... .314
Tank Capacity ......................... .624
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .516
Fueling ............................... .519
Fuel Optimizer .......................... .314
Fuel

Saver ............................. .314
Fuses ................................. .609
654 INDEX

Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..................471
Trailer Towing .......................... .524
Cooling System Tips .....................536
Hitches ............................. .527
Minimum Requirements ..................530
Tips................................ .535
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................529
Wiring .............................. .534
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .528
Trailer Weight ........................... .528
Transmission ........................... .600
Automatic ........................... .442
Fluid ............................... .600
Transmitter
Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry). . .28
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). . . .232
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........20
Transporting Pets ........................ .104
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .496
Trip Odometer .......................... .289Turn Signals
............................ .289
UCI Connector .......................... .355
Uconnect® Advanced Phone Connectivity ..............142
Operation ............................ .125
Phone Call Features .....................133
Phone Features ........................ .137
Things You Should Know About Your
Uconnect® Phone ...................... .143
Uconnect® 130 Operating Instructions Auxiliary Mode ........337
Operating Instructions CD Mode ............332
Operating Instructions Radio Mode ..........329
Playing MP3 Files ...................... .334
Uconnect® 130 With Satellite Radio Multimedia Satellite Radio .................350
Operating Instructions Radio Mode ..........338
Playing MP3 Files ...................... .346
10
INDEX 665