check transmission fluid RAM CHASSIS CAB 2022 User Guide

358SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically Úpage 329.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood service
or immediately if the Brake System Warning Light
indicates system failure.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the
designated marks on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top
of the master cylinder area before removing 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.
For further information Ú page 407.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against
using any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an
engineered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore, do
not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special
dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks in 6-speed
transmissions. Avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake
fluid Úpage 407. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
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 an 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.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contam -
inate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial or
complete brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE359
Fluid Level Check — 8-Speed Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required, therefore the transmission has no
dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit an authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
Fluid Level Check — 6-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the
transmission is at normal operating temperature
(158-176°F / 70-80°C). This normally occurs
after at least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal
operating temperature the fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. You can read
the transmission sump temperature in the
instrument cluster screen Ú page 81.Use the following procedure to check the
transmission fluid level properly:

1. Monitor the transmission temperature using
the instrument cluster display, and operate
the vehicle as required to reach the normal
operating temperature. If the transmission is
not functioning properly, or the vehicle cannot
be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder
temperatures.

2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine
running for the rest of this procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the
transmission to fully engage in each position),
ending with the transmission in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is
only valid if there is a solid coating of oil on
both sides of the dipstick. Note that the holes
in the dipstick will be full of fluid if the actual
level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal
operating temperature. If the fluid level is low,
add fluid through the dipstick tube to bring it to
the proper level.
Do not overfill. Use ONLY the
specified fluid Ú page 407. 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 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only
use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough
reference when setting the fluid level after a trans -
mission service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid
level, and adjust as required, once the trans -
mission reaches normal operating temperature.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust the fluid
level accurately.
CAUTION!
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. Run the engine at
idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.
8

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360SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 68-86°F / 20-30°C. Only
use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough
reference when setting the fluid level after a trans -
mission service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid
level, and adjust as required, once the trans -
mission reaches normal operating temperature.
Fluid And Filter Changes — 8-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes — 6-Speed
Transmission
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 329.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid
to ensure optimum transmission performance and
life. Use only the manufacturer’s specified
transmission fluid Ú page 407. It is important to
maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level
using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes
should be used in any transmission; only the
approved lubricant should be used.
REAR AXLE AND 4X4 FRONT DRIVING
A
XLE FLUID LEVEL
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are
not required. When the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly
should be inspected. If gear oil leakage is
suspected inspect the fluid level. This inspection
should be made with the vehicle in a level position.
When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should
be in a level position. The fluid level at room
temperature should be as follows:
3500 Front Axle: ¼ inch ± ¼ inch (6.4 mm ±
6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
3500 Rear Axle: ¼ inch ± ¼ inch (6.4 mm ±
6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
4500/5500 Front Axle: ¼ inch +/- ¼ inch (6.4 mm
± 6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
4500/5500 Rear Axle: 1/8 inch +/- 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm +/- 3.2 mm) below the bottom of the fill
hole.
CAUTION!
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. Run the engine at
idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
torque converter shudder, and (for 6-speed
transmissions) will require more frequent fluid
and filter changes Ú page 407.

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413
INDEX
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise
Control)
................................................ 141, 143Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 355Adding Fuel.................................................... 169Additives, Fuel............................................... 399AdjustDown........................................................... 32Forward....................................................... 32Rearward..................................................... 32Up................................................................ 32Adjustable Pedals............................................ 37Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 231Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 286Air Bag Warning Light................................ 284Enhanced Accident Response......... 290, 327Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 327If Deployment Occurs................................ 289Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 286Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 291Maintenance............................................. 291Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............285Transporting Pets...................................... 307Air Bag Light..................................95, 284, 307
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter)................................................... 342, 361Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 344Air Conditioner Refrigerant........................... 344Air Conditioner System................................. 344Air Conditioning................................................ 58Air Conditioning Filter....................................... 61Air Conditioning System................................... 60Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 60Air Filter........................................................ 342Air PressureTires......................................................... 383AlarmSecurity Alarm...................................... 23, 96Alterations/ModificationsVehicle......................................................... 10Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).......................... 355Capacities................................................. 403Disposal................................................... 356Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 259Anti-Lock Warning Light................................ 100Assist, Hill Start............................................. 264Audio Settings............................................... 219Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 190Auto Down Power Windows............................. 71Automatic Door Locks...................................... 26
Automatic Headlights.......................................48Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............60Automatic Transmission....................... 122, 360Adding Fluid.............................................. 360Fluid And Filter Change............................. 360Fluid Change............................................. 360Fluid Level Check............................. 358, 359Fluid Type........................................ 360, 407Shifting..................................................... 126Special Additives...................................... 358Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 125AutoPark....................................................... 105AUX Camera......................................... 165, 168Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 266Axle Fluid.....................................360, 361, 407Axle Lubrication................................... 360, 361
B
Back-Up......................................................... 159Back-Up Camera........................................... 159Battery................................................... 96, 340Blanket..................................................... 114Charging System Light.................................96Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................16Battery Saver Feature......................................51Belts, Seat.................................................... 307
11

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414
Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile PhoneOr Audio Device After Pairing
................227Body Builders Guide........................................ 10Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 351B-Pillar Location............................................. 380Brake Assist System...................................... 260Brake Control System.................................... 260Brake Fluid.......................................... 358, 407Brake System...................................... 358, 397Fluid Check............................................... 358Master Cylinder......................................... 358Parking...................................................... 119Warning Light.............................................. 95Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 122Bulb Replacement......................................... 371Bulbs, Light.......................................... 309, 371
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights.............................. 375Camera.......................................................... 159Camera, AUX........................................ 165, 168Camera, Rear...................................... 159, 161Camera, Trailer 360...................................... 165Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 403Capacities, Fluid............................................ 403Caps, FillerOil (Engine)................................................ 338Power Steering.......................................... 140Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 356
Car Washes................................................... 394Carbon Monoxide Warning................... 309, 310Cargo Light....................................................... 50CD................................................................. 221Cellular Phone.............................................. 252Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 375Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 62Changing A Flat Tire...................................... 315Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 357Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 377Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)............................................................. 104Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 307Checks, Safety.............................................. 307Child Restraint.............................................. 291Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 294Child Seat Installation..................... 300, 302How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 299Infant And Child Restraints....................... 293Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 298Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 295Older Children And Child Restraints......... 293Seating Positions...................................... 295Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 399CleaningWheels..................................................... 389Climate Control................................................ 54Automatic.................................................... 54Manual........................................................ 58
Cold Weather Operation................................ 108Compact Spare Tire...................................... 387Connected Services...................................... 233Connected Services FAQ............................... 247Connected Services Features....................... 236Connected Services, Getting Started............ 235Connected Services, Introduction................. 233Contract, Service........................................... 410Controls........................................................ 214Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 356Cooling System............................................. 354Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 355Coolant Level................................... 355, 357Cooling Capacity....................................... 403Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 356Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 355Inspection................................................. 357Points To Remember................................ 357Pressure Cap............................................ 356Radiator Cap............................................. 356Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 355, 404Corrosion Protection..................................... 393Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 141, 143Cruise Light................................................... 102Customer Assistance.................................... 409Cybersecurity................................................ 190

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