2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS check transmission fluid

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............362
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............363
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............364
▫Steering Linkage — Inspection............365
▫Half-Shaft Constant Velocity Joints.........365
▫Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(4X4) Models........................365
▫Body Lubrication.....................366
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................366
▫Windshield Washers...................366
▫Exhaust System......................367
▫Cooling System.......................368
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......372▫Brake System........................372
▫Clutch Hydraulic System................374
▫Clutch Linkage.......................374
▫Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level..........................374
▫Transfer Case........................375
▫Manual Transmission..................376
▫Automatic Transmission................377
▫Front Wheel Bearings..................380
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........380
▫Noise 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..............381
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4” (6.4
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle
is on level ground, enough lubricant should be added to
bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Lubricant Selection NV-3500 (5-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped)
This transmission is filled with manual transmission
fluid at the factory. This fluid does not require periodic
changing. If it is necessary to add or change fluid in this
transmission refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only
lubricant recommended for use in the NV-3500 transmis-
sion.
Lubricant Selection Getrag 238 (6-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped)
This transmission is filled with manual transmission
fluid at the factory. This fluid does not require periodic
changing. If it is necessary to add or change fluid in this
transmission refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only
lubricant recommended for use in the Getrag 238 trans-
mission.
Lubricant Selection NV-4500 (5-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped)
This transmission does not require periodic changing. If
it becomes necessary to add or change the fluid in this
transmission, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Lubricant Selection Getrag G56 (6-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped)
This transmission is filled with manual transmission
fluid at the factory. This fluid does not require periodic
changing. If it is necessary to add or change fluid in this
transmission refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only
lubricant recommended for use in the Getrag G56 trans-
mission.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce
the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the
fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check – 45RFE/545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
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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

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 Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
•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.
410 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Adding Fuel........................285,321
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 358,382
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 362
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............362,363
Air Conditioning System................ 211,362
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 215
Air Pressure, Tires....................269,277
Airbag..............................45,51
Airbag Light.........................71,166
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 51
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Alarm..............................29,169
Alignment and Balance................... 277
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............370,403
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 256
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............170,258
Anti-Theft System.....................29,169
Appearance Care........................ 385Ashtray............................... 148
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 378
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 379
Fluid Level Check...................... 377
Fluid Type........................379,406
Shift Indicator........................ 169
Shifting............................. 232
Special Additives...................... 379
Axle Fluid.......................298,374,406
Axle Lubrication.....................298,374
Ball Joints............................. 364
Battery............................... 361
Emergency Starting..................... 337
Bearings.............................. 380
Belts, Drive............................ 357
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 366
436 INDEX

Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 370
Exhaust Gas Caution..............70,158,288,368
Exhaust System....................70,367,368
Exterior Lighting........................ 117
Filters
Air Cleaner........................358,382
Engine Fuel.......................... 358
Engine Oil........................357,405
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 357
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 119
Flat Tire Stowage.....................326,336
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 291
Engine Oil........................... 290
Fuel Requirements..................289,290
Maintenance.......................... 291
Replacement Parts..................... 291Starting............................. 290
Flooded Engine Starting................... 230
Fluid, Brake........................... 406
Fluid Capacities......................... 403
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 377
Power Steering........................ 363
Fog Lights.......................... 118,402
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 152
Four Wheel Drive....................... 241
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 320
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 341
Front Axle............................. 374
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 380
Fuel................................. 282
Adding............................. 285
Filter............................... 358
Gauge.............................. 172
Octane Rating......................282,405
440 INDEX

Center Mounted Stop................... 397
Check Engine......................... 165
Courtesy/Reading..................... 129
Cruise.............................. 169
Daytime Running...................... 118
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 400
Fog ............................. 118,402
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 245
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 320
Headlights........................... 117
High Beam........................120,166
High Beam Indicator.................... 166
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 120
Instrument Cluster..................... 165
Intensity Control....................... 116
Interior........................... 115,129
Lights On Reminder.................... 118
Low Washer Fluid..................... 172
Passing............................. 120Seat Belt Reminder..................... 166
Service...........................390,391
Side Marker.......................... 401
Transfer Case......................... 245
Transmission Warning................173,304
Turn Signal.................. 119,166,391,395
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 165
Limited-Slip Differential................253,375
Loading Vehicle......................... 293
Tires ............................... 264
Locks................................. 15
Child Protection........................ 20
Door................................ 15
Ignition.............................. 13
Keys................................ 11
Power Door........................... 16
Steering Wheel......................... 13
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 60
Lubricants............................. 380
INDEX 443
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