2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab check oil

Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission 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 – 5.7L Engine
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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433

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 8,000 miles (13 000 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 byreferring 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.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 459

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•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.
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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S460 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid....................... 433
Fluid and Filter Changes............... 434
Fluid Level Check.................432,433
FluidType ......................432,455
Shifting ........................... 284
Special Additives..................... 432
AxleFluid .......................430,431,455
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............430,431
B-Pillar Location........................ 320
Battery............................... 414
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 25
Saving Feature (Protection).............. 152
Belts, Seat............................ 40,80
Body Builders Guide....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 417
Brake Fluid.........................428,455Brake System........................312,427
Anti-Lock (ABS)..................... 313
Fluid Check........................ 428
Master Cylinder..................... 428
Parking........................... 310
Warning Light....................... 198
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 284
Bulb Replacement....................... 447
Bulbs,Light .......................... 82,446
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 451
Calibration, Compass..................... 216
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 453
Capacities, Fluid........................ 453
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)........................ 412
Power Steering...................... 309
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............. 424
Car Washes............................ 435
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INDEX 487

Fluid Leaks............................. 82
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 433
Brake............................. 428
Power Steering...................... 309
Fluid, Brake........................... 455
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 454
Fog Lights.......................150,202,449
Four Wheel Drive....................... 294
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 380
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 396
Front Axle (Differential)................... 430
Fuel................................. 341
Adding........................... 346
Diesel............................. 454
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................. 347
Filter ............................. 454
Gauge............................ 190
Light ............................. 197Octane Rating....................... 341
Requirements....................... 341
Tank Capacity....................... 453
Fuses................................ 440
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............347,406
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 341
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 342
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 190
Fuel.............................. 190
Oil Pressure........................ 193
Speedometer........................ 191
Tachometer......................... 190
Voltmeter.......................... 198
Gear Ranges........................... 285
Gear Select Lever Override................. 398
General Information.................. 18,25,124
Glass Cleaning.......................... 439
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INDEX 491

Automatic Headlights................. 148
Brake Warning...................... 198
Bulb Replacement.................446,447
Cap Top Clearance................... 451
Cargo ............................. 152
Center Mounted Stop.................. 449
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)...... 200
Courtesy/Reading.................... 164
Daytime Running.................... 153
Exterior............................ 82
Fog .........................150,202,449
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............. 297
Hazard Warning Flasher............... 380
Headlights......................... 148
High Beam......................154,197
High Beam Indicator.................. 197
High Beam/Low Beam Select............ 154
Illuminated Entry..................... 20
Instrument Cluster................... 190Interior.........................151,164
Lights On Reminder.................. 152
Low Fuel.......................... 197
Oil Pressure........................ 200
Passing............................ 154
Seat Belt Reminder................... 203
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............ 193
Service.........................446,447
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 193
Transfer Case....................... 297
Turn Signal.................... 82,153,447
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 190
Limited-Slip Differential................304,431
Loading Vehicle......................... 347
Tires .............................. 320
Locks................................. 29
Automatic Door...................... 31
Child Protection...................... 34
Door.............................. 29
494 INDEX

Power Door......................... 30
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 69
Lubrication, Body....................... 417
Lug Nuts...........................386,388
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 414
Maintenance Procedures................... 409
Maintenance Schedule.................... 458
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 407
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check.................... 431
Lubricant Selection................... 455
Manual, Service......................... 481
Memory Seat........................... 141
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 213
Mirrors ................................ 87
Automatic Dimming................... 87
Electric Powered...................... 90Heated............................. 91
Memory........................... 141
Outside............................ 88
Rearview........................... 87
TrailerTowing ....................... 92
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................408,480
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 153
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 78
Occupant Restraints................... 39,58,61
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 58
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 341
Odometer..........................193,194
Trip ...........................193,194
Oil Change Indicator..................196,212
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............196,212
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INDEX 495