2011 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab check oil

To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur while a resettable function is being
displayed. Press and release the ODOMETER/TRIP
ODOMETER button once to clear the resettable function
being displayed.
Vehicle Info (Customer Information Features)
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Vehicle
Info” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
Press the UP and DOWN button to scroll through the
available information displays, then press SELECT to
display anyone of the following choices.
•Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
•Oil Temperature
Displays the actual oil temperature.
•Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
•Trans Temperature
Displays the actual transmission temperature.
•Engine Hours
Displays the hours of engine operation.
Units
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Units”
displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button. The
EVIC, odometer, and navigation system (if equipped) can
be changed between English and Metric units of mea-
sure. To make your selection, scroll up or down until the
preferred setting is highlighted, then press and release
the SELECT button until a check-mark appears next to
the setting, showing that setting has been selected.
Compass / Temperature Display
The compass readings indicate the direction the vehicle is
facing. The EVIC will display one of eight compass
readings and the outside temperature.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO NOT REQUIRE any
limited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE: Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evi-
dent while turning a vehicle with limited slip differential
on concrete or dry pavement. These conditions should be
considered normal operation of the limited slip
differential.
Transfer Case
Drain and Refill
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for proper maintenance
intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
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 the manufacturer ’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405

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
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
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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Due” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” or under “Instrument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odometer” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
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 and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 431

•Check the fluid levels of 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.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S432 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Level Check................ 405,406,407
Fluid Type ........................ 405,428
Shifting ............................. 270
Special Additives ...................... 408
Axle Fluid ....................... 404,405,428
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............404,405
Battery ............................... 389
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 143
Belts, Seat ............................ 38,74
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 392
B-Pillar Location ........................ 303
Brake Fluid ......................... 402,428
Brake System ........................ 295,401
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 295
Fluid Check .......................... 402
Master Cylinder ....................... 402 Parking
............................. 292
Warning Light ........................ 188
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 269
Bulb Replacement ....................... 420
Bulbs, Light .......................... 75,420
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 424
Calibration, Compass ..................... 204
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 426
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 426
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... 387
Power Steering ........................ 292
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 399
Car Washes ............................ 409
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............74,325
Cargo Light ............................ 142
Cellular Phone .......................... 87
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 423
10
INDEX 459

Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Compartment Identification ............... 381
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 427
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 74,325
Flooded, Starting ...................... 266
Jump Starting ......................... 370
Oil .............................. 386,427
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 387
Oil Selection .......................... 387
Oil Synthetic ......................... 388
Temperature Gauge .................... 180
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 56
Exhaust Gas Caution ................74,325,394
Exhaust System ....................... 74,394
Exterior Lighting ........................ 139
Exterior Lights .......................... 75
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 388 Engine Fuel
.......................... 427
Engine Oil ........................ 388,427
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 388
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... 75,144,180
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 369
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 266
Fluid, Brake ........................... 428
Fluid Capacities ......................... 426
Fluid Leaks ............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 407
Brake .............................. 402
Power Steering ........................ 292
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 427
Fog Lights ....................... 140,191,422
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 277
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 358
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 374
462 INDEX