automatic transmission fluid RAM CHASSIS CAB 2009 User Guide

Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
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. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this sec-
tion for the correct fluid type.
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 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operatingtemperature, the fluid on the end of the dipstick cannot
be held comfortably between 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 shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
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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 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)
reference holes when the transmission reaches 180°F
(21°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 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
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
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.
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.
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Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (5-Speed
545RFE) MOPAR\3
ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MOPAR\3ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (4500/
5500) GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic (MS-9763) or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPAR\3DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR\3ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
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54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front & 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 Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
\2 Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
\2 Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
\2 Inspect the transfer case fluid, add if necessary.
\2 Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 389
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120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
\2 Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
\2 Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Inspect the CV Joints.
\2 Inspect exhaust system.
\2 Inspect the transfer case fluid, change if using your vehicle for any of the following: fleet,
off-road, or frequent trailer towing.
\2 Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter(s).
\2 Replace accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
126,000 Miles (210,000 km) or
126 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
\2Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
\2 Rotate tires.
\2 Lube front drive shaft fitting (4x4 only).
\2 Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
\2 Inspect the front & 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 Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 395
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Adding Fuel........................... 285
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 131
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 340
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 342
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............342,343
Air Conditioning System ................207,342
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 210
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 267,276
Airbag .............................. 48,53
Airbag Light ......................... 75,163
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 53
Alarm Light ........................... 165
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 19
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 200
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............349,350
Capacities ........................... 377
Disposal ............................ 352 Anti-Lock Warning Light
...............170,257
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 19
Anti-Theft System ........................ 19
Appearance Care ........................ 359
Ashtray ............................... 145
Assistance Towing ....................... 100
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Automatic Transmission ................... 356
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 358
Fluid Level Check ..................... 357
Fluid Type ........................ 356,379
Shifting ............................. 224
Special Additives ...................... 359
Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine Only) .... 356
Axle Fluid .......................... 356,379
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 356
Battery ............................... 341
410 INDEX

Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel ......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) .............................. 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 343
Lug Nuts ........................... 320,322
Lumbar Support ........................ 118
Maintenance ........................... 337
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 341
Maintenance Procedures ................... 338
Maintenance Schedule .................382,384
Maintenance Schedules .................... 382
Manual, Service ......................... 405
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ..................... 356
Lubricant Selection ..................... 379
Mirrors ................................ 81
Automatic Dimming ..................... 82 Electric Powered
....................... 83
Outside .............................. 82
Rearview ............................. 81
Trailer Towing ......................... 84
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Mopar Parts ......................... 337,404
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 126
Navigation Radio ........................ 194
Navigation System ....................... 194
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 72
Occupant Restraints ....................... 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 281
Odometer .......................... 166,171
Trip ............................. 166,171
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 167
Oil, Engine ............................ 378
Capacity ............................ 377
418 INDEX

Traction.............................. 250
Traction Control ......................... 356
Trailer Towing .......................... 289
Cooling System Tips .................... 300
Hitches ............................. 292
Minimum Requirements ................. 295
Mirrors .............................. 84
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 294
Wiring .............................. 298
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 293
Trailer Weight .......................... 293
Transaxle Automatic ............................ 12
Transfer Case Electronically Shifted ................. 234,242
Fluid ............................... 379
Transmission Automatic ........................ 224,356
Fluid ............................... 379 Maintenance
......................... 356
Shifting ............................. 224
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 273
Trip Computer .......................... 136
Trip Odometer ....................... 166,171
Turn Signals ...................... 127,162,370
UConnect\3 (Hands-Free Phone) .............. 86
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 406
Variance, Compass ....................... 143
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 7
Vehicle Loading ...................... 262,287
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ......................... 369
Video Entertainment System™
(Rear Seat Video System) .................. 201
Voltmeter ............................. 162
424 INDEX