2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL transmission

3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion 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 “HOT”
(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 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 tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°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 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
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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 ChangeRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.Special AdditivesAutomatic 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.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from CorrosionVehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse affect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
1 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet Console
2 20 Amp
YellowCabin Compartment
Node (CCN) Door
Locks
3——
4 15 Amp
BlueAisin Transmission
Controls (Diesel Only)
5 20 Amp
YellowPower Sunroof
6 10 Amp
RedVistronic Fan/
Wastegate Solenoid
7——
8 10 Amp
RedHeated Mirrors
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
9 30 Amp Pink Off Road Module
Power
10 5 Amp
OrangeTrx-Off Rd Pkg Sen
(Gas Engine Only)
NOTE: Insert 5 amp
fuse in this cavity to
enable the TRX capa-
bility (If Equipped).
11 20 Amp
Yellow Ignition Off Draw
(IOD)-Cabin Com-
partment Node
(CCN)/Radio/Under
Hood Lamp/Wireless
Control Module
(WCM)/Satellite Digi-
tal Audio Receiver
(SDARS)/Hands Free
Module (HFM)/EOM
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459
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ChassisComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
NVG 246 Automatic Transfer Case
Only MOPAR
PN 05179014AA, NVG 246 Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent
2500/3500 Model Front and Rear
Axle Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90 or equivalent. Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch
Rear Axles
Limited slip additive is not required.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the 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.
•
Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•
Inspect the battery, clean and tighten the terminals as
required.
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•
Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•
Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.Required Maintenance IntervalsRefer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500
(4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the front & rear axle fluid.
Change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the transfer case fluid.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 489
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120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (5.7L engine).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) only).
❏ Inspect the CV Joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter(s).
❏ Inspect the transfer case fluid, change fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, delivery
service (commercial service), off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above
90°F (32°C.
❏ Replace accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 495
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Adding Fuel........................... 379
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 141
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 434
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 435
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............435,436
Air Conditioning System ................237,435
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 240
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 355,360
Airbag ............................ 34,47,54
Airbag Light ....................... 58,75,189
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 54
Alarm Light ........................... 191
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 230
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........442,443,478
Disposal ............................ 445
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 333Anti-Lock Warning Light
...............196,332
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 452
Ashtray ............................... 164
Assistance Towing ....................... 101
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Interlock System ....................... 14
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... 451
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 452
Fluid Level Check ................... 449,450
Fluid Type ........................ 449,480
Shifting ............................. 255
Special Additives ...................... 452
Axle Fluid .......................... 448,480
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 448510 INDEX