2007 RAM CHASSIS CAB automatic transmission

CAUTION!Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
the main structural members of the vehicle—not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed. 4-Wheel- Drive Vehicles
CAUTION!To avoid damage to the transfer case while towing,
always use one of the following methods.
NOTE: The Transfer Case must be in the neutral posi-
tion, and the transmission must be in Park (Automatic
Transmission), or in gear (Manual Transmission) to tow a
4WD vehicle with one end of the vehicle raised. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 387
6

▫ Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ..............................436
▫ Transfer Case — If Equipped .............437
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......438
▫ Automatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only) . . . 438
▫ Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine Only) . 441
▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........444
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty ...........................445
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................452

Fuses (Integrated Power Module) ...........457
Vehicle Storage ........................461

Replacement Light Bulbs .................461

Bulb Replacement ......................462
▫ Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park And
TurnLights .........................462
▫ Fog Lights ..........................465
▫ Cab Top Clearance Lights — If Equipped ....466

Fluid And Capacities ....................468

Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ........469
▫ Engine .............................469
▫ Chassis ............................471 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Vehicles equipped with California emissions controls
have a sophisticated onboard diagnostic system called
OBDII. This system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and automatic transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel
economy, as well as engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible. CAUTION!Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
GASCAP message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

of the exhaust system abnormally contacts the under-
body hardware, the isolator and/or hanger should be
replaced.
Cooling System
WARNING!You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don’t open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radia-
tor is hot. Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
Extremely cold ambient temperature may require the
addition of a “winter front” for effective operation of the
cab heating/cooling system. Make certain that a percent-
age of the radiator is exposed for adequate air flow
through the charge air cooler and automatic transmission426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection for 6-Speed Manual
Transmission — If Equipped
If it becomes necessary to add fluid or change the fluid,
be sure to use the same lubricant or equivalent. 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. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4” below
the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on level
ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring the
level to the bottom of the filler hole. Automatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only)
Selection Of Lubricant
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type. It is important that the transmis-
sion fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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reference holes when the transmission reaches 180° F (21°
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.
7. 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
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed and the as
specified in the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8). Ve-
hicles having severe usage should follow Maintenance
Schedule “B” of the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8).
Severe usage consists of:
• Off-the-highway operation;
• Trailer towing;
• Snow plow operation;
• Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather.
NOTE: If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
bands adjusted (if equipped).440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition 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.
Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine Only)
Selection Of Lubricant
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type. It is important that the transmis-
sion fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid. CAUTION!Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
serious damage to the transmission. Refer to Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check – AS68RC Transmission
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 167° F (76° 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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
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