2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab brake

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For models with 9.25 in Front Axles and 11.5 in Rear
Axles, refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. For
normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not re-
quired. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons, the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected.
When checking the fluid level (4500/5500 only), the
vehicle should be in a level position. The fluid level
should be 1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the
fill hole on the front axle. The fluid level should be level
with the bottom of the fill hole on the rear axle.
Drain And Refill
On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt to drain
the axle fluid.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug 430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use MOPARTouch Up Paint or equivalent on
scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer
has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
•
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly
with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
•To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use
MOPARWheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a
non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,
or metal polishes. Do not use oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel’s protective finish.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions
or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPARWheel Cleaner or
equivalent is recommended.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437

Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES
Totally Integrated Power Module
The Totally Integrated Power Module is located in the
engine compartment near the battery. This center con-
tains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A description of each
fuse and component may be stamped on the inside cover,
otherwise the cavity number of each fuse is stamped on
the inside cover that corresponds to the following chart.Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J01 40 Amp
GreenTrailer Tow
J02 30 Amp
PinkElectric Brake
Totally Integrated Power Module
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J03 30 Amp
PinkDiesel Powertrain
Control Module – If
Equipped
J04 25 Amp
NaturalDriver Door Node
J05 25 Amp
NaturalPassenger Door Node
J06 40 Amp
GreenAntilock Brakes
Pump/Stability Con-
trol System
J07 30 Amp
PinkAntilock Brakes
Valve/Stability Con-
trol System
J08 40 Amp
GreenPower Seat
J10 30 Amp
PinkSway Bar Module – If
EquippedCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J11 30 Amp
PinkTransfer Case Module
J12 30 Amp
PinkRear Defroster
J13 60 Amp
YellowMain Ignition Off
Draw (IOD) Fuse
J14 20 Amp
BlueTrailer Tow Lamps/
Park Lamps
J15 40 Amp
GreenFront Blower
J17 40 Amp
GreenStarter Motor Sole-
noid
J18 20 Amp
BluePowertrain Control
Module Transmission
Range
J19 60 Amp
YellowRad Fan Motor HI/
Rad Fan Motor Low
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M26 10 Amp
RedDriver’s Door Switch
M27 10 Amp
RedIgnition Switch
M28 15 Amp
BluePowertrain Control
Module
M29 10 Amp
RedTire Pressure Monitor
M30 15 Amp
BlueJ1962 Diag Connector
M31 20 Amp
YellowBack-Up Lamps
M32 10 Amp
RedAirbag Module
M33 10 Amp
RedPowertrain Control
ModuleCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M34 10 Amp
RedPark Assist Module/
Climate Control Sys-
tem Module/IR
Sensor/Compass
Module
M35 15 Amp
BlueLeft Front & Rear
Parklamps
M36 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet (Instru-
ment Panel or Center
Console)
M37 10 Amp
RedAntilock Brakes/
Stability Control Sys-
tem Module/
Stoplamp Switch
M38 25 Amp
NaturalAll Door Lock &Un-
lock
444 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455