Page 406 of 493

Drain And Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or subjected to severe service, follow the
recommended change intervals in Maintenance Schedule
“B” in Section 8 of this manual.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentialsin vehicles equipped with
10.5”/11.5” AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case — If Equipped
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 the
correct lubricant type.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
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” 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.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 409 of 493

It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment
and filter change should be made at the time of the oil
change.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed and the bands
adjusted (if equipped) ) as specified in the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8). Vehicles having severe usage should
follow Maintenance Schedule “B” of the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8).
Severe usage consists of:
•Off-the-highway operation;
•Trailer towing;
•Snow plow operation;
•Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather.NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
bands adjusted (if equipped).
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition 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 housing will look
slightly wet. This is normal.
•Periodic inspection for excess play is recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7
Page 444 of 493
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
•Check Filter Minder™. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the U-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.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) models
only.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4).
444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 482 of 493

Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 400
Event Data Recorder...................... 54
Exhaust Gas Caution................71,169,397
Exhaust System.................71,396,397,412
Exterior Lighting........................ 122
Fan .................................. 402
Filters
Engine Oil.....................379,382,438
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 124
Flat Tire Stowage.....................352,362
Fluid, Brake........................... 439
Fluid Capacities......................... 437
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 403
Manual Transmission................... 406
Power Steering........................ 392
Transfer Case......................... 406Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 438
Fog Lights.......................123,183,436
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 162
Four Wheel Drive....................... 273
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 350
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 366
Front Axle (Differential)................394,405
Fuel..............................314,318
Diesel.........................314,318,438
Gauge.............................. 184
Requirements......................... 314
Specifications......................... 317
Tank Capacity........................ 437
Fuses................................ 420
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 141
Gauges............................... 177
Coolant Temperature.................... 179
Fuel................................ 184
482 INDEX
Page 486 of 493

Manual, Service......................... 474
Manual Transmission..................272,406
Fluid Level Check...................... 406
Lubricant Selection..................... 439
Mirrors................................ 78
Automatic Dimming..................... 79
Electric Powered....................... 80
Outside.............................. 79
Rearview............................. 78
Trailer Towing......................81,334
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................375,473
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 124
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 69
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 411
Tampering Prohibited................... 412
Noise Emission Warranty............... 411,413Occupant Restraints....................... 30
Occupant Restraints (2500/3500/Mega Cab Only) . . 30
Odometer..........................180,184
Trip .............................180,184
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 346
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 346
Oil, Engine............................ 438
Capacity............................ 437
Change Interval....................... 380
Dipstick............................. 379
Disposal............................ 384
Filter.........................379,382,438
Pressure Gauge....................... 178
Recommendation...................... 381
Viscosity............................ 381
Oil Filter, Change........................ 382
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 375
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 141
Operating Precautions.................... 375
486 INDEX