RAM CHASSIS CAB 2012 Owners Manual

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

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
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE: If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. 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.430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MOPAR  Car Wash or equiva-
lent, or a mild car wash soap and rinse the panels
completely with clear water.
• If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MOPAR  Super Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover or equivalent to remove. • Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR 
Cleaner Wax or equivalent to remove road film, stains
and to protect your paint finish. Take care never to
scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!• Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
• Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or removal of
paint and decals.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431

Special Care
• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels and trunk be kept clear and
open.
• 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 a collision or similar
cause which destroys the paint and protective coating,
have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The
cost of such repairs is considered the responsibility 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  Touch Up Paint or equivalent 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  Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a
non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,
or metal polishes. Do not use oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel’s protective finish.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions
or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPAR  Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent is recommended.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:
• Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
• Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel. • For tough stains, apply MOPAR  Total Clean or
equivalent, 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  Multi-Purpose
Cleaner or equivalent to a clean, damp cloth and
remove stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap
residue.
• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of
protectants on Stain Repel products.
Interior Care
Use MOPAR  Total Clean or equivalent to clean fabric
upholstery and carpeting.
Use MOPAR  Total Clean or equivalent to clean vinyl
upholstery.
MOPAR  Total Clean or equivalent is specifically recom-
mended for leather upholstery.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433

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  Total Clean or equivalent. Care should be
taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery with any
liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery. Application of a leather condi-
tioner 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. Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog
lights (if equipped) that are lighter and less susceptible to
stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR  Glass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag. 2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES
Totally Integrated Power Module
The Totally Integrated Power Module is located in the
engine compartment near the battery. This center con-
tains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A description of each
fuse and component may be stamped on the inside cover,
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435

otherwise the cavity number of each fuse is stamped on
the inside cover that corresponds to the following chart. Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
J01 40 Amp
Green Trailer Tow
J02 30 Amp
Pink Electric Brake
J03 30 Amp
Pink Diesel Powertrain
Control Module – If
Equipped
J04 25 Amp
Natural Driver Door Node
J05 25 Amp
Natural Passenger Door Node
J06 40 Amp
Green Antilock Brakes
Pump/Stability
Control SystemTotally Integrated Power Module436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
J07 30 Amp
Pink Antilock Brakes
Valve/Stability Con-
trol System
J08 40 Amp
Green Power Seat
J10 30 Amp
Pink Sway Bar Module – If
Equipped
J11 30 Amp
Pink Transfer Case Module
J12 30 Amp
Pink Rear Defroster
J13 60 Amp
Yellow Main Ignition Off
Draw (IOD) Fuse
J14 20 Amp
Blue Trailer Tow Lamps/
Park Lamps
J15 40 Amp
Green Front Blower Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
J17 40 Amp
Green Starter Motor Sole-
noid
J18 20 Amp
Blue Powertrain Control
Module Transmission
Range
J19 60 Amp
Yellow Rad Fan Motor HI/
Rad Fan Motor Low
J20 30 Amp
Pink Front Wiper Ground/
Low/High
J21 20 Amp
Blue Washer Control
J22 25 Amp
Natural Sunroof Module
M1 15 Amp
Blue Stop Switch Lamp
M5 25 Amp
Natural 115V AC Inverter
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437

Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
M6 20 Amp
Yellow Power Outlet (Instru-
ment Panel or Front
Console)/Rain Snsr
M7 20 Amp
Yellow Power Outlet (Rear
Console or Center
Seat)
M8 20 Amp
Yellow Front Heated Seat &
Steering Wheel
M9 20 Amp
Yellow Rear Heated Seats
M10 15 Amp
Blue Hands Free Module/
Vanity Lamp/
Universal Garage
Door Opener Module
M11 10 Amp
Red Climate Control Sys-
tem Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
M12 30 Amp
Green Radio/Amplifier
M13 20 Amp
Yellow Main #2 Instrument
Cluster/Wireless Con-
trol Module/ITM/
Siren/Multifunction
Switch (Steering Col-
umn Module)
M14 20 Amp
Yellow Back Up Camera
(Domestic Only)
M15 20 Amp
Yellow Power Seat
Module(s)/Audio
Telematics/Daytime
Running Lights
Relay/Instrument
Cluster/Transfer Case
Module438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE