Fluid Level Check ± 545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82ÉC (180ÉF). 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).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 ªHOTº
(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 ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
7
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
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid (G-56) MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting. Use Moparttype MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P.
Front and Rear Axle Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90. Limited-Slip 10.5 inch Rear AxleDOES NOT
REQUIREa limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check 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.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting and tie rod
end links.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the UÐjoints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting.
448 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Adding Fuel........................... 339
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 393,417
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 397
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............397,398
Air Conditioning System................230,397
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 233
Air Pressure, Tires....................323,332
Airbag..............................45,51
Airbag Light........................164,174
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 51
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,176
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 331
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 223
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........404,405,441
Disposal............................ 406
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............178,310Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System.....................18,176
Appearance Care........................ 420
Ashtray............................... 150
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Transaxle...................... 13
Interlock System........................ 16
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 413
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 415
Fluid Level Check...................412,413
Fluid Type........................414,443
Shift Indicator........................ 176
Shifting............................. 250
Special Additives...................... 415
Axle Fluid.......................... 411,443
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 411
Ball Joints............................. 399
474 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
Turn Signal..................123,173,431,434
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 173
Limited-Slip Differential................262,411
Loading Vehicle......................... 341
Tires ............................... 318
Locks................................. 26
Child Protection........................ 29
Door................................ 26
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 26
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 62
Lubricants............................. 416
Lubrication, Body....................... 401
Lug Nuts............................. 372
Lumbar Support........................ 113
Maintenance........................... 388
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 396Maintenance Procedures................... 388
Maintenance Schedule.................... 446
Schedule ªAº......................... 460
Schedule ªBº......................... 449
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 386
Manual, Service......................... 470
Manual Transmission..................255,412
Fluid Level Check...................... 412
Lubricant Selection..................412,443
Shift Speeds.......................... 257
Mirrors................................ 83
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 85
Outside.............................. 84
Rearview............................. 83
Trailer Towing......................86,358
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................387,469
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 313
482 INDEX
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 350
Wiring.............................. 355
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 350
Trailer Weight.......................... 350
Transaxle
Automatic............................ 13
Manual.............................. 14
Transfer Case........................... 412
Fluid............................... 443
Transmission
Automatic........................250,412
Fluid............................... 443
Maintenance.......................... 412
Manual........................245,255,412
Shifting............................. 249
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) . . 139
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 329
Trip Computer.......................... 132
Trip Odometer.......................176,180Turn Signals...................123,173,431,434
UConnectŸ (Hands-Free Phone).............. 87
Underhood Fuses........................ 425
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 471
Universal Transmitter..................... 139
Variance, Compass....................... 137
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................319,341
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 430
Voltmeter............................. 173
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 173
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 469
Washers, Windshield..................126,401
Washing Vehicle......................... 421
INDEX 489
10