check oil RAM CHASSIS CAB 2012 User Guide

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 prolonged 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 contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For models with 9.25 in Front Axles and 11.5 in Rear
Axles, refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. For
normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not re-
quired. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons,
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected.
When checking the fluid level (4500/5500 only), the
vehicle should be in a level position. The fluid level
should be 1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in 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 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 oil fill 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 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.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429

NOTE:
• The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
• 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 six months, which-
ever 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 by referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 455

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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S 456 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid ....................... 429
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 430
Fluid Level Check ................. 427,428
Fluid Type ...................... 427,451
Shifting ........................... 278
Special Additives ..................... 428
Axle Fluid ....................... 425,426,451
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............ 425,426
B-Pillar Location ........................ 314
Battery ............................... 409
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 25
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 152
Belts, Seat ............................ 39,79
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 412
Brake Fluid ......................... 423,451 Brake System ........................ 306,423
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 307
Fluid Check ........................ 423
Master Cylinder ..................... 423
Parking ........................... 304
Warning Light ....................... 197
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 278
Bulb Replacement ....................... 443
Bulbs, Light .......................... 81,442
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 447
Calibration, Compass ..................... 215
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 449
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 449
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine) ........................ 407
Power Steering ...................... 303
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 419
Car Washes ............................ 431
10 INDEX 483

Fluid Leaks ............................. 81
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................ 428
Brake ............................. 423
Power Steering ...................... 303
Fluid, Brake ........................... 451
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 450
Fog Lights ....................... 150,200,445
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 288
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 376
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 392
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 425
Fuel ................................. 335
Adding ........................... 340
Diesel ............................. 450
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 341
Filter ............................. 450
Gauge ............................ 189
Light ............................. 196 Octane Rating ....................... 335
Requirements ....................... 335
Tank Capacity ....................... 449
Fuses ................................ 435
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............... 341,402
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 335
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 336
Gauges
Coolant Temperature .................. 189
Fuel .............................. 189
Oil Pressure ........................ 192
Speedometer ........................ 190
Tachometer ......................... 189
Voltmeter .......................... 196
Gear Ranges ........................... 279
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 394
General Information .................. 18,26,123
Glass Cleaning .......................... 435
10 INDEX 487

Automatic Headlights ................. 148
Brake Warning ...................... 197
Bulb Replacement ................. 442,443
Cap Top Clearance ................... 447
Cargo ............................. 152
Center Mounted Stop .................. 445
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ...... 199
Courtesy/Reading .................... 164
Daytime Running .................... 153
Exterior ............................ 81
Fog ......................... 150,200,445
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............. 291
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 376
Headlights ......................... 148
High Beam ...................... 154,196
High Beam Indicator .................. 196
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 154
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
Instrument Cluster ................... 189 Interior ......................... 150,164
Lights On Reminder .................. 152
Low Fuel .......................... 196
Oil Pressure ........................ 198
Passing ............................ 154
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 202
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 192
Service ......................... 442,443
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 192
Transfer Case ....................... 291
Turn Signal .................... 81,153,443
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 189
Limited-Slip Differential ................ 298,426
Loading Vehicle ......................... 342
Tires .............................. 314
Locks ................................. 30
Automatic Door ...................... 32
Child Protection ...................... 32
Door .............................. 30490 INDEX

Power Door ......................... 31
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ....................... 68
Lubrication, Body ....................... 412
Lug Nuts ........................... 382,384
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 409
Maintenance Procedures ................... 405
Maintenance Schedule .................... 454
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... 403
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check .................... 427
Lubricant Selection ................... 451
Manual, Service ......................... 477
Memory Seat ........................... 140
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 212
Mirrors ................................ 87
Automatic Dimming ................... 87
Electric Powered ...................... 90 Heated ............................. 91
Memory ........................... 140
Outside ............................ 88
Rearview ........................... 87
Trailer Towing ....................... 92
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Mopar Parts ......................... 404,476
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 153
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 77
Occupant Restraints ................... 38,57,60
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 57
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 335
Odometer ............................. 192
Trip .............................. 192
Oil Change Indicator .................. 194,210
Oil Change Indicator, Reset .............. 194,210
10 INDEX 491