2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab check engine

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.
Fluid Level Check – Chassis Cab Only
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature, the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To properly check the transmission fluid, 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 the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the shift lever in 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 160°F to 175°F (70°C
to 82°C). This is the normal operating temperature after
the vehicle has been driven at least 15 miles (25 km). The
fluid cannot be comfortably held between the fingertips.
Only use the cold region of the dipstick as a rough
reference when doing initial oil level set after transmis-
sion rebuild or transmission refill.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
126 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
Once A Month
•Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
138 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

7,500 Miles (12,000 km) or 6 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be
changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles
(12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and
engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 141

15,000 Miles (24,000 km) or 12 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be
changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles
(12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and
engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ 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.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
142 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

22,500 Miles (36,000 km) or 18 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be
changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles
(12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and
engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Inspect drive belt, replace if necessary.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ Inspect brake linings.
❏ Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 143

30,000 Miles (48,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator
System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ Inspect the wheel bearings.
❏ 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.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Check the transfer case fluid (4x4).
❏ Change automatic transmission fluid (Chassis Cab Only).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
144 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

37,500 Miles (60,000 km) or 30 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be
changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles
(12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and
engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 145

45,000 Miles (72,000 km) or 36 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator
System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or six months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, refill if necessary (Chassis Cab Only).
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary.
❏ Replace fuel filter element.
❏ Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
❏ Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
❏ 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.
❏ Inspect brake linings.
❏ Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front (4x4) and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
146 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES