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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
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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
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soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MopartGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Donot use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rear view mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 442 of 492
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel
5.7L, 89 Octane
2500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
2500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
Engine Oil (with filter)
5.7L Engine V-8 (SAE 5W-20, API Certified). For trucks
operating under a gross combined weight ratingless
than 14,000 lbs.7.0 qts. 6.6L
5.7L Engine V-8 (SAE 5W-30, API Certified). For trucks
operating under a gross combined weight rating
greaterthan 14,000 lbs.7.0 qts. 6.6L
Cooling System
5.7L (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula)18.7 qts. 17.7L
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) P/N 5011764AB or equivalent.
Engine Oil (For trucks operating
under a gross combined weight
ratinglessthan 14,000 lbs.)Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
5.7L Engine Oil (For trucks operat-
ing under a gross combined
weight ratinggreaterthan 14,000
lbs.)Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter MopartEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (5.7L) 89 Octane Mid-Grade, (R+M)/2 Method Preferred (87 Octane Acceptable)
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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²Heavy Loading.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule ªBº of the9Maintenance Schedules9section of
this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 447
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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
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Schedule ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F C (32É).
²Trailer towing.
²Snowplowing.
²Heavy Loading.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule ªBº of the9Maintenance Schedules9section of
this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
SCHEDULE ªBº 449
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