2006 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS check transmission fluid

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL OD/OFF” feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
380 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance .............440
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check ............441
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............441
▫ Steering Linkage — Inspection ............442
▫ Half-Shaft Constant Velocity Joints .........442
▫ Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(4X4) Models ........................443
▫ Body Lubrication .....................443
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................444
▫ Windshield Washers ...................444
▫ Exhaust System ......................445
▫ Cooling System .......................446
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......449 ▫
Brake System ........................450
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System ................451
▫ Clutch Linkage .......................452
▫ Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ..............................452
▫ Transfer Case ........................453
▫ Manual Transmission ..................453
▫ Automatic Transmission ................454
▫ Front Wheel Bearings ..................457
▫ Selection Of Lubricating Grease ...........457
▫ 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. ..................458
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Limited-Slip Differentialsin 1500 Model vehicles re-
quire that 4 oz. (118 ml) Mopar limited slip additive be
added to the gear lubricant. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. The Mopar 
limited slip additive should be added to the gear lubri-
cant whenever a fluid change is made.
Ram 2500/3500 Model Axles DO NOT REQUIREany
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the fill 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 G238 (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 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only lubricant
recommended for use in the Getrag 238 transmission.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453
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Lubricant Selection 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 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only lubricant
recommended for use in the Getrag G56 transmission.
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/42RLE
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).
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 transmission below
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 455
7

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. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
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/U— joints (if equipped) and
front suspension components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4).
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000) (95 000) (100 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter at interval
shown or 3 months, whichever comes first. X X XXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500,
4X4). X X XXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only. XXX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, or
102,000 miles (170 000 km) whichever comes first. X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Change 6-spd manual transmission fluid 2500/3500
models only. X
SCHEDULE “B” 495
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Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (175 000) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter at in-
terval shown or 3 months, whichever comes
first. X X XXXX
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/
3500, 4X4). X X XXXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and cor-
rect stowage. XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4)
models only. XXX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Change 6-spd manual transmission fluid
2500/3500 models only. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
500 SCHEDULE “B”
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