2008 DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS CAB parking brake

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.
Fluid Level Check ± 545RFE Transmission
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180É F (82É 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).
446 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
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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

Miles 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500
(Kilometers) (12 000) (24 000) (36 000) (48 000) (60 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X
Inspect fan hub.X
Inspect damper.X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary. X
484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000
(Kilometers) (72 000) (84 000) (97 000) (109 000) (121 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not replaced at 100,000 miles (160 000 km).X
Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary. X X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Replace Crankcase Ventilation Filter (CCV). X
486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 82,500 90,000 97,500 100,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (133 000) (145 000) (157 000) (160 000) (169 000)
[Months] [66] [72] [78] [84]
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Replace fuel filter element. X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X
488 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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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