oil RAM CHASSIS CAB 2009 Owner's Manual

Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
Do not add supplemental materials, other than leak
detection dyes, to your engine oil. Engine oil is an
engineered product and its performance may be im-
paired by supplemental additives.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be changed ateveryengine
oil change.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct part number.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Filter
Care should be taken in disposing of the used engine
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately
discarded, can present a problem to the environment.
Contact an authorized dealer, service station, or govern-
mental agency for advice on recycling programs and
where used fluids and filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repair person.
NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease such as
MOPAR\3 Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy opera-
tion and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the
application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should
be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR\3
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
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Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should
be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not ra-
diator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reser-
voir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe clean the wiper blades; this will help
blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon/liter of
fluid when the “Low Washer Fluid Light” illuminates.
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR \3All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system. Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace parts as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
7

The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and an “MIN” mark (4500/5500 vehicles
only). The fluid level must be kept within these two
marks. Do not add fluid above the full mark because
leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.WARNING!
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed or
sealed container to avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage and loss of brake
performance may result.
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
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 REQUIRE any
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 — If Equipped
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
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.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use MOPAR\3Touch Up Paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your authorized dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR \3
Wheel Cleaner (05066247AB) or equivalent or, select a
nonabrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring
pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Only
MOPAR\3 or equivalent is recommended. Do not use
oven cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic
solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’
protective finish.
YES Essentials\3 Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
equipped
YES Essentials\3 seats may be cleaned in the following
manner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
7

•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•For tough stains, apply MOPAR\3Total Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•For grease stains, apply MOPAR\3 Multi-Purpose
Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use
a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•Do not use any solvents or protectants on YES Essen-
tials\3 products.
Interior Care
Use MOPAR\3 Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use MOPAR\3 Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
MOPAR\3 Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery. Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPAR\3
Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID AND CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
Standard Rear Tank 52 Gallons197 Liters
Optional Midship Tank 22 Gallons83 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) (For vehicles
operating under a gross combined weight rating less
than 14,000 lbs.) 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) (For vehicles
operating under a gross combined weight rating
greater than 14,000 lbs.) 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
Cooling System
5.7L Engine (MOPAR\3 Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent. 18.7 Quarts
17.7 Liters
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
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