2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB brake fluid

between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70É F ± 85É F (20É C ± 30É C). If
the fluid level is correctly established at room tempera-
ture, it should be between the HOT (upper) reference
holes when the transmission reaches 160É F - 175É F (70É
C ± 82É C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50É F
(10É 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 MopartAS68RCŸ 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 fluid is maintained 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 filter change should
be made at the time of the oil change.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission
(5 Speed 545RFE)MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission
(6 Speed AS68RC)MopartAS68RCŸ Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid G-56 MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P. or equivalent.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (3500) GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic or equivalent.Limited slip additive is not re-
quired.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid
(4500/5500)GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic (MS-9763) or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, transmis-
sion and transfer case (if equipped), add as needed.
²Check master cylinder reservoir fluid level for indica-
tions of brake maintenance.
²Check Filter MinderŸ. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the U-Joints ( if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate outer tie rod ends (4X4) models only.
²Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4).
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 481
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Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change rear axle fluid (3500 4X4 and 4X2)
(Diesel Engine only).XXX
Change rear axle fluid (4500/5500 4X4 and
4X2).X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Inspect fan hub. X X
Inspect damper. X X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X
Adjust valve lash clearance.X
Replace Crankcase Ventilation Filter (CCV). X
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº under ªIn-
strument Cluster Descriptionº in Section 4 of this
manual.
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 whilethe 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 reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the Manual Transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 493
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Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate Tires. 6,000 10 000 6
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. 6,000 10 000 6
Lube Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4x4 only). 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty
or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing (Gas Engine Only).18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV Joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Automatic Transmission (Gas Engine Only)..... 448
Axle Fluid..........................444,478
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 444
Ball Joints............................. 429
Battery............................425,426
Blanket..........................265,427
Emergency Starting..................... 390
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 123
Bearings.............................. 451
Belts, Drive............................ 413
Belts, Seat.............................. 35
Body Builders Guide....................... 7
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 430
B-Pillar Location........................ 318
Brake Fluid............................ 478
Brake System........................309,440
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 310Disc Brakes.......................... 440
Fluid Check.......................... 442
Hoses.............................. 440
Master Cylinder....................... 442
Parking............................. 308
Warning Light........................ 180
Bulb Replacement....................... 468
Bulbs, Light............................ 468
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 473
Calibration, Compass..................139,149
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 474
Capacities, Fluid........................ 474
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................408,410
Power Steering........................ 428
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 436
Car Washes............................ 457
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............74,340
INDEX 511
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