2004 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS power steering fluid

3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering oil reaches
operating temperature.
Brake Noise
During normal operation of the brake system certain
noises may be present from time to time. Occasional
9groan9or9squeal9noises may occur during normal
operation of the brake system which may not be indica-
tive of a problem. These noises may be heard at any time
the brakes are applied but may be more noticeable during
the first few brake applications in the morning. Moisture,
hot or cold temperature, dust, and or other debris mayalso contribute to the noise condition. Repeated or con-
tinuous noises during braking may be an indication that
the brake linings are worn and in need of replacement.
Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System Ð RWAL
The Anti-lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically controls the opera-
tion of the rear brakes to prevent rear wheel lockup.
The system remains operational in the four-wheel drive
mode. The level of performance is reduced when the
front brakes are locked up. This may cause the rear
brakes to lockup through the drivetrain, which may
reduce the effectiveness of the Anti-lock Brake System.
During severe braking conditions, particularly with
changing road surfaces, such as ice to concrete, a slight
drop or minor pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 231
5

NMaintenance Free Battery................337
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............338
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............339
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............340
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............341
NHalf-Shaft Constant Velocity Joints.........341
NBody Lubrication.....................341
NWindshield Wiper Blades................342
NWindshield Washers...................342
NExhaust System......................343
NCooling System.......................344
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......347
NBrake System........................348NClutch Hydraulic System................349
NClutch Linkage.......................350
NPropeller Shaft Universal Joints...........350
NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level..........................350
NTransfer Case........................351
NManual Transmission..................351
NAutomatic Transmission................352
NFront Wheel Bearings..................355
NSelection Of Lubricating Grease...........356
NNoise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty For 3500 2-Wheel Drive And 4-Wheel
Drive Models Over 10,000 Lbs. (4 535 Kg) Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating...................356
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
²The 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 repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal
Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
7

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
4 x 2 Models
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons.
The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. However, if the seals on the ball joints are
damaged, the joints should be replaced. Serviceable
replacement ball joints are available.
Front suspension ball joints should be replaced only by a
qualified service technician using tools specially de-
signed for this purpose. Damage to the joints and/or
suspension components may result if improper replace-
ment procedures are used.
If seals are damaged the ball joints should be replaced to
prevent leakage or contamination of the grease.
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid NV 3500 MopartªManual Transmission Fluidº P/N 4874464.
Manual Transmission Fluid NV 4500 75W-85 Synthetic, API grade GL4, MopartP/N 4874459.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P.
1500 Model Front Axle (4X4) GL-5 SAE 75W-90
1500 Model Rear Axle MopartSynthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip
Rear Axles on 1500 Models Require the addition of 118 ml (4 oz.) Mopart
limited slip additive.
2500/3500 Model Front and Rear
AxleSynthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90. Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch Rear AxlesDO
NOT REQUIREa limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 100,000 102,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (160 000) (163 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only.XX
Flush and replace engine coolant.X
Flush and replace Power Steering Fluid. X
Inspect brake linings. X
394 SCHEDULE ªBº
8
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Miles 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 100,000
(Kilometers) (115000) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) 160 000
[Months] [72] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4)
models only.X X XXX
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Flush and replace Power Steering Fluid. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.X*
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid
and change main sump filter and spin-on
cooler return filter (if equipped) [45RFE/
545RFE only].X
SCHEDULE ªAº 399
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B-Pillar Location........................ 239
Brake Fluid............................ 382
Brake System........................230,348
Anti-Lock.........................231,232
Disc Brakes.......................... 348
Hoses.............................. 349
Master Cylinder....................... 348
Parking............................. 229
Warning Light........................ 147
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 67
Bulb Replacement....................... 366
Bulbs, Light............................ 366
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 374
Calibration, Compass..................... 117
Camper............................... 135
Capacities, Fluid........................ 379
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 339Car Washes............................ 361
Carbon Monoxide Warning............69,136,262
Cargo Light............................ 103
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 183
Cassette Tape Player................151,154,158
Catalytic Converter....................266,335
CD Changer...................155,166,172,173
CD Player..................164,168,171,175,177
Cellular Phone.......................... 79
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 372
Center Lap Belts......................... 42
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 129
Certification Label....................... 267
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 236
Check Engine Light...................... 143
Child Restraint........................55,56
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............59,63
Child Seat............................56,62
Cigar Lighter........................... 127
INDEX 415
10