2011 Ram 3500 transmission oil

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off.
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.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 523

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 the
engine 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 – 42RLE/545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (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.
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
544 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 “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
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
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” or further information.
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 545

•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, 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 Intervals
NOTE:** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with sixteen spark plugs. One set is located on
the top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be changed every 48,000 miles
(78 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 96,000 miles
(156 000 km).
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S576 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the ignition cables (3.7L Engine).
❏Replace the spark plugs (3.7L and 5.7L Engines).
❏Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 581

120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or 90 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s).
❏Replace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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S586 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Level Check...................543,544
Fluid Type........................543,572
Gear Ranges.......................... 311
Shifting............................. 316
Special Additives...................... 546
Torque Converter...................... 316
Axle Fluid..........................541,572
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 541
Back-Up Camera........................ 147
Battery............................... 526
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 127
Belts, Seat............................40,84
Body Builders Guide....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 529
B-Pillar Location........................ 407
Brake Assist System...................... 392
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 390Brake Fluid.........................539,572
Brake System........................390,539
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 390
Fluid Check.......................... 539
Master Cylinder....................... 539
Parking............................. 387
Warning Light........................ 215
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 309
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 81
Bulb Replacement....................... 559
Bulbs, Light..........................86,559
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 565
Calibration, Compass..................... 237
Camera, Rear........................... 147
Camper............................... 193
Capacities, Fluid........................ 569
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine).......................... 524
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INDEX 603

Exhaust Gas Caution...................83,440
Exhaust System.......................83,531
Exterior Lighting........................ 123
Exterior Lights.......................... 86
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 526
Engine Oil........................525,571
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 525
Flashers
Turn Signal......................86,128,206
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 500
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 443
Engine Oil........................... 443
Fuel Requirements..................440,442
Maintenance......................... 444
Replacement Parts..................... 443
Starting............................. 443Flooded Engine Starting................... 306
Fluid, Brake........................... 572
Fluid Capacities......................... 569
Fluid Leaks............................. 86
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 544
Brake.............................. 539
Power Steering........................ 386
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 571
Fog Lights.......................124,221,562
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 177
Four Wheel Drive....................... 323
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 482
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 505
Front Axle (Differential)................... 541
Fuel................................. 435
Adding............................. 444
Conserving........................231,233
Ethanol............................. 437
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INDEX 607