2006 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL automatic transmission fluid

JUMP-STARTING
WARNING!
To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from battery
vent holes. Always wear eye protection when work-
ing with batteries.
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 volt system, i.e. do
not use a 24 volt power source.
NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicles charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12–volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery, with jumper
cables, to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be followed:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If indica-
tor (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 363
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▫Front Axle Universal Drive Joints And Pivot
Bearings............................394
▫Body Lubrication.....................394
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................395
▫Windshield Washers...................395
▫Exhaust System......................396
▫Cooling System.......................397
▫Fan ...............................402
▫Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler)..........402
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......402
▫Brake System........................403
▫Clutch Linkage.......................405
▫Clutch Hydraulic System................405▫Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level..............................405
▫Transfer Case — If Equipped.............406
▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped.......406
▫Automatic Transmission................407
▫Front Wheel Bearings..................409
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........410
▫Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty...........................411
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................416

Integrated Power Module.................420

Vehicle Storage........................423

Replacement Light Bulbs.................424
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Extremely cold ambient temperature may require the
addition of a “winter front” for effective operation of the
cab heating/cooling system. Make certain that a percent-
age of the radiator is exposed for adequate air flow
through the charge air cooler and automatic transmission
oil cooler. The percentage of opening must be increased
with the increasing ambient air temperature and/or
engine load. If the cooling fan can be heard cycling
frequently, increase the size of the opening in the winter
front.
Coolant bottle level check
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method of determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine idling, and warmed to the normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant on the
coolant bottle should be between the fluid level marks.
Check the coolant level whenever the hood is raised.The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no longer a need to remove the coolant pressure cap
except for checking coolant freeze point or replacement
with new antifreeze coolant.
WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine! The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
Drain, Flush And Refill
At intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Refer to
your dealer or consult a service manual for proper
procedures.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Lubricant Selection for 6-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped
If it becomes necessary to add fluid or change the fluid,
be sure to use the same lubricant or equivalent. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct
lubricant type.
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.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position
ending with the lever in N (Neutral).
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C) which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles. The fluid can not be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Warm is when
fluid is between 85° - 125°F (29° - 52°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “OK”.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
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b. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between
the two holes. If the fluid level indicates low, add
sufficient fluid to bring to the proper level.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly seated.
Selection Of Lubricant
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type. It is important that the transmis-
sion 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
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 the
transmission be adjusted periodically, the fluid main-
tained at the correct level, and that it be drained and
refilled as specified.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid 2500/3500
ModelsGL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent. 2500/3500 axels do not require
limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7

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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Miles 22,500 26,250 30,000 33,750 37,500
(Kilometers) (36 000) (42 000) (48 000) (54 000) (60 000)
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Re-
place filter and adjust bands (48RE only).X
448 SCHEDULE “B”
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