2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab transmission fluid

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: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 the “Maintenance Schedule” 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 proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (5.7L En-
gine Only)MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4product.
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4product.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (4500/
5500)GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic (MS-9763) or equivalent.
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 MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4, MOPARATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4product.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455

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

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 spark plugs.
❏Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4x4 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, snow plowing, 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 Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 465

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 (4x4 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 Service Center
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S470 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