transmission oil RAM CHASSIS CAB 2007 User Guide

Fluid Level Check – 545RFE Transmission
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 mi (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park). 5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the HOT
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill. After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
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 tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper) MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
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Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. Operate the engine at idle speed for a minimum of 60
seconds and normal operating temperature.
3. Fully apply parking brake and press the brake pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park). Make sure the
engine is running at idle speed.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 160° F - 175° F (70° C
– 82° C), Which is the normal operating temperature after
the vehicle has been driven at least 15 miles. The fluid can
not be comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is
when fluid temperature is between 70 °F–85°F(20°C–
30° C). 6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the HOT
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add
Mopar  A68SRC™ Automatic Transmission Fluid as
required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill. Never
use any ATF other than Mopar  AS68RC™ Automatic
Transmission Fluid. After adding any quantity of oil
through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of two (2)
minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmission
before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70° F – 85° F (20° C – 30° C). If442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the fluid level is correctly established at room tempera-
ture, it should be between the HOT (upper) reference
holes when the transmission reaches 160° F - 175° F (70°
C – 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. Never use any ATF
other than Mopar  AS68RC™ Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the Parking Brake.
NOTE: 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 positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center. It is important that the
transmission be adjusted periodically, the fluid main-
tained at the correct level, and that it be drained and
refilled as specified.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment
and filter change should be made at the time of the oil
change. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
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take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
• Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
• Check Filter Minder™. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
• Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
• Drain water from the fuel filter. At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect the brake hoses.
• Inspect the U-Joints ( if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
• Check the manual transmission fluid level.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate outer tie rod ends (4X4) models only.
• Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting ( 4X4).
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 475
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Maintenance Schedule
Miles 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500
(Kilometers) (12 000) (24 000) (36 000) (48 000) (60 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. X X XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X
Replace fuel filter element. X X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X
Inspect fan hub. X476 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000
(Kilometers) (72 000) (84 000) (97 000) (109 000) (121 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. X X XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not replaced at 100,000 miles (160 000 km). X
Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary. X X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X478 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 82,500 90,000 97,500 100,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (133 000) (145 000) (157 000) (161 000) (169 000)
[Months] [66] [72] [78] [84]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. X X XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not replaced at
60 mos. X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.* X X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X480 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and cor-
rect stowage. X X XXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120
months, if not replaced at 100,000 miles (161
000 km). X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.* X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X X482 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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• Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
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 bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
• Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation. At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Lubricate Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect the brake hoses.
• Inspect the CV joints/U— joints (if equipped) and
front suspension components.
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
• Check the manual transmission fluid level.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4).486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000) (95 000) (100 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter at interval
shown or 3 months, whichever comes first. X X XXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant. X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and
change main sump filter and spin-on cooler return
filter (if equipped).** X
Inspect brake linings. X X SCHEDULE “B” 491
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