2008 DODGE RAM 3500 GAS transmission fluid

CAUTION!
²Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
²Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
the internal parts.
Recreational Towing Procedure Ð Electronic Shift
Transfer Case Ð If Equipped
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing, to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to NEUTRAL or depress
clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.
STARTING AND OPERATING 409
5

WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't
lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the
clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or
on skin, flush contaminated area immediately with
large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from
the vent holes.
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12-volt system, i.e., do
not use a 24-volt power source.
1. Remove all metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets which might make an unintended electrical
contact.2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles, place the automatic transmission in PARK
or the manual transmission in NEUTRAL, and turn the
ignition OFF.
3. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 435
6

NMaintenance-Free Battery................457
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............459
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............460
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............460
NSteering Linkage Ð Inspection............461
NHalf-Shaft Constant Velocity Joints.........461
NFront Prop Shaft Lubrication Ð
2500/3500 (4X4) Models................462
NBody Lubrication.....................462
NWindshield Wiper Blades................463
NWindshield Washers...................463
NExhaust System......................464NCooling System.......................465
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......470
NFuel System Connections................471
NBrake System........................471
NClutch Hydraulic System................474
NClutch Linkage.......................474
NRear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level..........................474
NTransfer Case........................475
NManual Transmission..................476
NAutomatic Transmission................476
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........479
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection G238 (6-Speed Manual
Transmission Ð If Equipped)
This transmission is filled with manual transmission
fluid at the factory. This fluid does not require periodic
changing. If it is necessary to add or change fluid in this
transmission refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. This is the only lubricant
recommended for use in the Getrag 238 transmission.
Lubricant Selection G56 (6-Speed Manual
Transmission Ð If Equipped)
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
transmission fluid change intervals. If it is necessary to
add or change fluid in this transmission refer to ªFluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Partsº for correct fluid type. This
is the only lubricant recommended for use in the G56
transmission.
Fluid Level Check ± All Manual Transmissions
This fluid level can be checked by removing the fill plug.
If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4 in(6.4 mm)
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
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer 's recommended transmis-
sion fluid; refer to ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Partsº in this section for correct fluid type. It is important
that the transmission fluid be maintained at the pre-
scribed level using the recommended fluid.
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer's recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this sec-
tion for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
If equipped with a dipstick, use the following procedure.
If your vehicle has a capped dipstick tube, it is sealed and
should not be tampered with. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level is set
properly. The fluid level should be checked when theengine is fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmis-
sion is at normal operating temperature. Operation of the
transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check ± 545RFE/42RLE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82ÉC (180ÉF). 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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477
7

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 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 ªHOTº
(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 as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two 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 ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF (82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended
transmission fluid and filter change intervals.
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. For the correct Fluid type, refer to ªFluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this Section.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
Front and Rear Wheel Bearings
Front Wheel Bearings
Front wheel bearings for all vehicles are sealed-for-life.
They do not require greasing or seal replacement. In
some instances, these bearings will ªpurgeº excess grease
and the bearing will look slightly wet. This is normal.
Periodic inspection for excess play is recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479
7

Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Oil Filter (4.7L & 5.7L En-
gine)MopartEngine Oil Filter, P/N 4884899AB or equivalent.
Spark Plugs (5.7L Engine) REC14MCC4 (Gap 0.043 in [1.09 mm])
Spark Plugs (4.7L Engine) Upper Bank Ð FR8TE2 (Gap 0.039 in [.99 mm]) Lower Bank Ð FR8T1332
(Gap 0.051 in [1.30 mm])
Spark Plugs (3.7L Engine) ZFR6F-11G (Gap 0.043 in [1.09 mm])
Fuel Selection (3.7L/4.7L Engine) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (5.7L Engine) 87 Octane Acceptable - 89 Octane Recommended
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
NVG 246 Automatic Transfer Case
OnlyMopartPN 05179014AA, NVG 246 Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid (G238) MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid (G-56) MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 511
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