
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 proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed as specified in
the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8).
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. Exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detectingfluid 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
ªpurgeº excess grease and the bearing will look slightly
wet. This is normal. Periodic inspection for excess play is
recommended.
Rear Wheel Bearings Ð Manufacturer's Axles
These bearings are normally considered permanently
lubricated. Cleaning and repacking is required only
when axle shafts are removed or in case of extreme water
or dust contamination.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
7

Selection of Lubricating Grease
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) has
developed a symbol (Certification Mark) to aid the
vehicle owner in the proper selection of grease for the
lubrication of wheel bearings and chassis components.
This symbol (an example is shown below) is located on
the grease container and identifies the application and
quality of the grease.
There are two groups
identified, those for wheel
bearings (Letter ªGº) and
those for chassis (Letter
ªLº) lubrication. Perfor-
mance categories within
these groups result in dual
letter designations for
each group. The letter des-
ignations shown in the ex-
ample are the highestquality level available and when combined as shown can
be used for both wheel bearing and chassis lubrication.
Use only those greases that have the NLGI symbol on the
container along with the proper quality level for your
application.
Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty
All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs (4 535 kg) Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and manufactured for sale and use in the
United States are required to comply with the Federal
Government's Exterior Noise Regulations. These vehicles
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
²
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
²It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels and trunk be kept clear and
open.
²If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
²If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.
²If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
²If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
²Use Moparttouch up paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to match the
color of your vehicle.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

heavy soil, use MopartWheel Cleaner or select a non-
abrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads,
steel wool, a bristle brush or metal polishes. Only Mo-
partcleaners are recommended. Do not use oven cleaner.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels' protective
finish.
YES EssentialstFabric Cleaning Procedure ± If
equipped
YES Essentialstseats may be cleaned in the following
manner:
²Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
²Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
²For tough stains, apply MopartTotal Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
²For grease stains, apply MopartMulti-purpose
cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a
fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
²Do not use any solvents or protectants on Yes Essen-
tials products.
Interior Care
Use MopartTotal Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use MopartTotal Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
MopartTotal Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MopartTotal Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7

on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Thegrade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
472 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 152
Certification Label....................... 341
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 315
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 177
Child Restraint........................58,59
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............62,66
Child Seat............................59,65
Cigar Lighter........................... 150
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 422
Climate Control......................... 227
Clock.....................181,185,193,206,219
Clutch............................... 410
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 410
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 226
Compact Spare Tire...................... 327
Compass.............................. 136
Compass Calibration..................... 136
Compass Variance....................... 137Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 132
Console, Overhead....................... 131
Contract, Service........................ 468
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 406
Cooling System......................... 403
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 405
Coolant Capacity...................... 441
Coolant Level......................403,407
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 406
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 404
Inspection........................... 407
Points to Remember.................... 407
Pressure Cap......................... 406
Radiator Cap......................... 406
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......404,441,442
Temperature Gauge..................... 175
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 128
Cup Holder............................ 151
Customer Assistance..................... 466
476 INDEX

Block Heater......................... 249
Break-In Recommendations................ 70
Compartment Identification............... 384
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 442
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 339
Flooded, Starting...................... 246
Fuel Requirements..................... 441
Oil ...........................389,441,442
Oil Filler Cap......................... 391
Oil Selection.......................391,441
Oil Synthetic......................... 392
Temperature Gauge..................... 175
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 363
Event Data Recorder...................... 56
Exhaust Gas Caution................163,339,403
Exhaust System...................163,402,403
Exterior Lighting........................ 120
Fabric Care............................ 423Filters
Air Cleaner........................393,417
Engine Fuel.......................... 394
Engine Oil........................392,442
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 392
Flashers
Turn Signal.......................... 123
Flat Tire Stowage.....................368,374
Flooded Engine Starting................... 246
Fluid, Brake........................... 443
Fluid Capacities......................... 441
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 413
Power Steering........................ 398
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 442
Fog Lights.......................122,179,440
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 155
Four Wheel Drive....................... 258
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 366
478 INDEX

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 378
Front Axle (Differential)................... 411
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 415
Fuel................................. 335
Adding............................. 339
Filter............................... 394
Gauge.............................. 180
Octane Rating......................335,442
Requirements......................335,441
Tank Capacity........................ 441
Fuses................................ 425
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 139
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............341,385
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 335
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 335
Gauges............................... 173
Coolant Temperature.................... 175
Fuel................................ 180Oil Pressure.......................... 174
Speedometer......................... 174
Tachometer.......................... 173
Voltmeter............................ 173
Gear Ranges........................250,257
Gear Ratios............................. 78
General Information...................... 18
Glass Cleaning.......................... 424
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 346
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 345
GVWR............................... 342
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ).............. 87
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 366
Head Restraints......................... 112
Headlights............................ 431
High Beam........................... 124
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 124
Lights On Reminder.................... 122
INDEX 479
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