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
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Page 382 of 455

Selection Of Lubricant
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed as specified in
the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8).
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
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Page 408 of 455
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid (G-56) MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting. Use Mopartype MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P.
Front and Rear Axle Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90. Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch Rear AxlesDO
NOT REQUIREa limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 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 MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 412 of 455

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.
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 bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate the driveshaft grease fitting and tie rod end
links.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
412 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 417 of 455
Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000) (91 000) (96 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3
months, whichever comes first.X X XXX
Lubricate Drive Shaft Fitting. X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X
Lubricate tie rod end links. X X X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid.X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid.X
Change 6-spd manual transmission (G-56) fluid. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.**X
SCHEDULE“B”417
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Page 422 of 455
Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (168 000) (173 000) (178 000) (182 000) (187 000) (192 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3
months, whichever comes first.X X XXXX
Lubricate Drive Shaft Fitting. X XXXXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Lubricate tie rod end links. X XXXXX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid.X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid. X X
Change 6-spd manual transmission (G-56)
fluid.X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary.XX
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables.X
422 SCHEDULE“B”
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Page 440 of 455

Adding Fuel........................309,335
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 361,385
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 365
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............365,366
Air Conditioning System................203,365
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 207
Air Pressure, Tires....................296,304
Airbag..............................47,53
Airbag Light.........................73,158
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 53
Airbag, Side............................ 56
Alarm..............................31,161
Alignment and Balance................... 303
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............374,406
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............162,284
Anti-Theft System.....................31,161
Appearance Care........................ 388
Ashtray............................... 140Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 380
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 382
Fluid Level Check...................... 380
Fluid Type........................382,408
Shift Indicator........................ 161
Shifting............................. 270
Special Additives...................... 383
Axle Fluid.......................320,378,408
Axle Lubrication.....................320,378
Ball Joints............................. 367
Battery............................... 364
Emergency Starting..................... 344
Bearings.............................. 383
Belts, Drive............................ 360
Belts, Seat.............................. 36
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 369
B-Pillar Location........................ 291
440 INDEX