2007 RAM CHASSIS CAB checking oil

WARNING!Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
• Important: All maintenance other than that listed in
this manual, as well as some procedures listed here,
MUST be performed by your local Dodge Truck
Dealer. Your authorized Dodge Dealer has been
trained and has the necessary parts to maintain your
engine. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals. The best time to check
the oil level is before starting the engine after it has been
parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tem-
perature, then wait at least 15 minutes after engine
shutdown to check the oil.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine. Never operate the engine with oil level below the “ADD”
mark or above the upper “SAFE” mark. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7

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.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
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When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should be in a
level position. The fluid level should be 1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4
mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25” Front Axle.
The fluid level should be 3/4” ± 1/4” (19 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the fill hole on 11.5” Rear Axles.
Drain And Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or subjected to severe service, follow the
recommended change intervals in Maintenance Schedule
“B” in Section 8 of this manual.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
NOTE: The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials in vehicles equipped with
11.5” Axles DO NOT REQUIRE any limited slip oil
additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
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Fluid Level Check – 545RFE Transmission
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 mi (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
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 parking brake.
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 a 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 dipstick 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 transmission below
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 tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper) MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7

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. Operate the engine at idle speed for a minimum of 60
seconds and normal operating temperature.
3. Fully apply parking brake and press the brake pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park). Make sure the
engine is running at idle speed.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 160° F - 175° F (70° C
– 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. Cold is
when fluid temperature is between 70 °F–85°F(20°C–
30° C). 6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. 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 a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add
Mopar  A68SRC™ Automatic Transmission Fluid as
required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill. Never
use any ATF other than Mopar  AS68RC™ Automatic
Transmission Fluid. After adding any quantity of oil
through the dipstick 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 transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70° F – 85° F (20° C – 30° C). If442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the fluid level is correctly established at room tempera-
ture, it should be between the HOT (upper) reference
holes when the transmission reaches 160° F - 175° F (70°
C – 82° C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
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. Never use any ATF
other than Mopar  AS68RC™ Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the Parking Brake.
NOTE: 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 positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
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.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment
and filter change should be made at the time of the oil
change. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed in bold
type in this section (Section 8) must be done at the times
or mileages specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES — 6.7L TURBO
DIESEL
CAUTION!Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
• Check the engine oil level about 15 minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,474 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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