2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS oil temperature

Engine Oil Identification (API) Symbol
There is a symbol to aid you in selecting the proper
engine oil.
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacture only recommends
API Certified engine oils that
meet the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395. Use Mopar or an
equivalent oil meeting the specifi-
cation MS-6395.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
For 3.7L/4.7L engines SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recom-
mended for all operating temperatures. For 5.7L en-
gines SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all
operating temperatures.These engine oils improve lowtemperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to
your engine oil filler cap for the recommended engine
oil viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as
either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use
such a product, useonlythose oils that are API Certified
and meet the SAE viscosity standard. Follow the service
schedule that describes your driving type.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water asdirected on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

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 (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.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F C (32°).
•Trailer towing.
•Snowplowing.
•Heavy Loading.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule “B” of theMaintenance Schedulessection of
this manual.
NOTE:If none of these apply to you, then change your
engine oil at every interval shown on scheduleAof the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 411
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Disc Brakes............................ 372
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 371
Door Ajar............................. 167
Door Locks............................. 15
Door Opener, Garage..................... 137
Drive Belts............................ 357
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 365
Dual Rear Wheels.....................281,334
E-85 Fuel............................. 289
Electric Rear Window Defrost..........81,214,218
Electrical Power Outlets................... 147
Electronic Speed Control................... 125
Emergency Brake........................ 254
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 341
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 320
Jacking............................. 327Jump Starting......................... 337
Tow Hooks.......................... 341
Towing............................. 342
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 408
Emission Related Components.............. 361
Engine............................348,349
Air Cleaner.......................... 358
Break-In Recommendations................ 68
Compartment Identification............348,349
Coolant (Antifreeze).................370,405
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 288
Flooded, Starting...................... 230
Fuel Requirements..................... 403
Oil ...........................353,403,405
Oil Filler Cap......................... 356
Oil Selection.......................355,403
Oil Synthetic......................... 356
Temperature Gauge..................... 168
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 318
INDEX 439
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Requirements......................282,403
Tank Capacity........................ 403
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling............................... 285
Fuses................................ 389
Garage Door Opener..................... 137
GasCap .............................. 286
Gasoline.............................. 282
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 283
Gauges............................... 169
Coolant Temperature.................... 168
Fuel................................ 172
Oil Pressure.......................... 167
Speedometer......................... 167
Tachometer.......................... 166
Voltmeter............................ 166
Gear Ranges........................232,238
Glass Cleaning.......................... 388GVWR............................... 293
Hands-Free Phone........................ 83
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 320
Head Restraints......................... 109
Headlights.......................... 117,391
High Beam........................... 120
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 120
Lights On Reminder.................... 118
Passing............................. 120
Switch.............................. 117
Heated Mirrors....................81,214,218
Heated Seats........................... 112
Heater............................... 211
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 120
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 299
Hoisting.............................. 337
Homelink Transmitter.................... 137
INDEX 441
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