Page 481 of 568

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 “HOT”
(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 asrequired 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 “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481
7
Page 482 of 568

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
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 detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided, since they may adversely affect seals.
Front and rear Wheel Bearings
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
482 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 551 of 568

Ball Joints............................. 464
Battery............................... 461
Emergency Starting..................... 438
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 166
Bearings.............................. 482
Belts, Drive............................ 458
Belts, Seat............................34,73
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 466
B-Pillar Location........................ 362
Brake Assist System...................... 346
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 344
Brake Fluid.........................476,515
Brake System........................340,475
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................341,344
Disc Brakes.......................... 475
Fluid Check.......................... 476
Hoses.............................. 475
Master Cylinder....................... 476
Parking............................. 338Warning Light........................ 232
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 112
Bulb Replacement....................... 499
Bulbs, Light............................ 498
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 507
Calibration, Compass..................... 184
Camper............................... 215
Capacities, Fluid........................ 512
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 456
Power Steering........................ 464
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 471
Car Washes............................ 488
Carbon Monoxide Warning...........217,218,383
Cargo Light............................ 168
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 281
Catalytic Converter...................... 459
CD (Compact Disc) Player............238,246,260
INDEX 551
10
Page 560 of 568

Odometer..........................230,235
Trip .............................230,235
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 337
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 337
Oil, Engine.........................454,514
Capacity............................ 512
Change Interval....................... 455
Dipstick............................. 454
Disposal............................ 457
Filter............................457,514
Filter Disposal........................ 457
Identification Logo..................... 456
Materials Added to..................... 457
Pressure Gauge....................... 228
Recommendation...................456,512
Synthetic............................ 457
Viscosity..........................456,512
Onboard Diagnostic System..............450,451
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 186Operating Precautions.................... 450
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 122
Overdrive............................. 309
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 309
Overhead Console....................179,180
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 180
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 546
Parking Brake.......................... 338
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch...........54,92
Passing Light........................... 170
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 174
Phone, Cellular......................... 126
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............ 126
Pickup Box............................ 213
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 362
Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 461
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 492
560 INDEX