2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB oil dipstick

engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tem-
perature, then wait for 30 minutes (6.7L Diesel Engine),
and 15 minutes (5.7L Gas Engine) 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 damage
your engine.Never operate the engine with oil level below the ªADDº
mark or above the upper ªSAFEº mark.
Change Engine Oil (Gas Engines)
Follow the Gas Engine Maintenance Schedule for recom-
mended engine oil change intervals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

CAUTION!
Overtightening may distort the threads or damage
the filter element seal.
Install the filter as specified by the filter manufacturer.
Turn the filter 3/4 to one full turn after making contact
with the gasket.
Check the condition of the threads and sealing surface on
the oil pan and drain plug.
Install the drain plug and sealing washer and tighten to
37 ft-lbs. (50 N´m).
Use only high-quality multi-grade lubricating oil in your
engine. Choose the correct oil for your operating condi-
tions as outlined in the Selection of Engine Oil.
Fill the engine with the correct grade of new oil.Start the engine and operate it at idle for several minutes.
Check for leaks at the lubricating oil filter and oil pan
drain plug.
Run the engine until it has reached operating tempera-
ture, stop the engine. Wait approximately 15 minutes to
let the oil in the upper parts of the engine drain back to
the pan. Check the oil level again.
Add oil as necessary to bring the level to the ªSAFEº
mark on the dipstick.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Filter
Care should be taken in disposing of the used engine
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately
discarded, can present a problem to the environment.
Contact your local dealer, service station, or governmen-
tal agency for advice on recycling programs and where
used fluids and filters can be safely discarded in your
area.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 70É F (21É C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)reference holes when the transmission reaches 180É F (21É
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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447
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 160É F - 175É F (70É C
± 82É 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. Only usethe cold region on the dipstick as a rough reference when
doing initial oil level set after transmission rebuild or
transmission refill.
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
MopartA68SRCŸ Automatic Transmission Fluid as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill. Never
use any ATF other than MopartAS68RCŸ 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7

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

Radiator Cap......................... 436
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........435,476
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 132
Cup Holder............................ 154
Customer Assistance..................... 500
Data Recorder, Event...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights................... 125
Dealer Service.......................... 403
Defroster, Rear Window.................85,161
Defroster, Windshield................75,235,238
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 128
Diesel Exhaust Brake..................... 270
Diesel Fuel............................ 341
Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 341
Bulk Storage of........................ 346
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 301
Dipsticks.............................. 406Power Steering........................ 428
Disc Brakes............................ 440
Disposal.............................. 412
Engine Oil........................... 412
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 437
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 146
Downshifting.......................... 288
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 417
Drive Belts............................ 413
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 305
Dual Rear Wheels.....................336,386
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 226
Electric Rear Window Defrost.............85,161
Electrical Power Outlets................... 151
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 132
INDEX 513
10

Tampering Prohibited................... 453
Noise Emission Warranty...............451,454
Occupant Restraints....................... 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 337
Odometer..........................177,182
Trip .............................177,182
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 307
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 307
Oil Change Indicator................145,178,482
Oil, Engine............................ 476
Capacity............................ 474
Change Interval....................407,409
Dipstick............................. 406
Disposal............................ 412
Filter.........................406,410,476
Identification Logo..................408,409
Materials Added to..................... 410
Pressure Gauge....................... 176Recommendation...................408,409
Synthetic............................ 410
Viscosity..........................408,410
Oil Filter, Change........................ 410
Onboard Diagnostic System................ 402
Operating Precautions.................... 402
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 82
Overdrive..........................276,282
Overdrive OFF Switch.................276,282
Overhead Console....................135,142
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 135
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 504
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 308
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 52
Passing Light........................... 127
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 131
Personal Settings........................ 146
520 INDEX