Page 381 of 455

a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7
Page 383 of 455

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. Exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided, since they may adversely affect seals.
Front Wheel Bearings
Front wheel bearings for all Dodge Ram Trucks are
sealed-for-life. They do not require greasing or seal
replacement. In some instances, these bearings will
“purge”excess grease and the bearing will look slightly
wet. This is normal. Periodic inspection for excess play is
recommended.
Rear Wheel Bearings—Manufacturer’s Axles
These bearings are normally considered permanently
lubricated. Cleaning and repacking is required only
when axle shafts are removed or in case of extreme water
or dust contamination.
Selection of Lubricating Grease
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) has
developed a symbol (Certification Mark) to aid the
vehicle owner in the proper selection of grease for the
lubrication of wheel bearings and chassis components.
This symbol (an example is shown below) is located on
the grease container and identifies the application and
quality of the grease.
There are two groups
identified, those for wheel
bearings (Letter“G”) and
those for chassis (Letter
“L”) lubrication. Perfor-
mance categories within
these groups result in dual
letter designations for
each group. The letter des-
ignations shown in the ex-
ample are the highest
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7
Page 394 of 455
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS—Inside Bulb No.
Overhead Console Lights............... TS212-2
Dome Light............................7679
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved.
LIGHT BULBS—Outside Bulb No.
Back-Up..............................3057
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp............. 912
Fog Lamp...........................9006LL
Headlamp (Halogen)...................9007QL
Park & Turn Signal...................3157NAK
Rear License Plate Lamp................... 168
Rear Cargo Light......................... 912
Tail & Stop............................3057
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn Lights
CAUTION!
This is a halogen bulb. Avoid touching the glass
with your fingers. Reduced bulb life will result.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 395 of 455
1. Remove the expanding fastener from the headlight
welt.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
7
Page 396 of 455
2. Remove the three (3) bolts from the headlight housing.
NOTE:The lower bolt on the driver side headlight also
retains the ambient temperature sensor between the
headlight assembly and the frame.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 397 of 455
3. Pull the housing out from the fender to allow room to
disconnect the electrical connectors.4. Unlock and pull connector straight from the base of
the headlight halogen bulb.
5. Twist connector on turn signal/park light bulb
1⁄4turn
and remove connector and bulb from housing.
6. Remove housing from vehicle with headlight halogen
bulb in housing.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
7
Page 398 of 455
7. Twist collar on headlight halogen bulb1⁄4turn and
remove headlight bulb from the housing.
8. Replace headlight or turn signal bulb. Do not touch
the headlight halogen bulb.
9. Reverse procedure for installation of bulbs and hous-
ing.
10. Tighten the outboard fastener first.
Tail, Stop, Turn and Backup Lights
1. Remove the two (2) screws that pass through the bed
sheetmetal.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 400 of 455
5. Pull the appropriate bulb straight from the bulb strip.
•Top Bulb: Park/Turn/Hazard
•Center Bulb: Stop/Park/Sidemarker
•Bottom Bulb: Backup Lights
6. Reverse procedure for installation of bulbs and hous-
ing.7. While holding the taillight firmly in place, fasten the
top screw first.
Center High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo Light
1. Remove the two (2) screws holding the housing/lens
to the body as shown.
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE