2014 Ram 2500 check oil

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 685

underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR®
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should
be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not ra-
diator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reser-
voir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe the wiper blades clean. This will help
blade performance.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 693

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
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 normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. This inspection should be made with the vehicle in
a level position.
706 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level onboth sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use
ONLY the recommended fluid (see Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts for fluid specifications).
After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick
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 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD
region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting
the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.
CAUTION!
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. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 711

Severe Duty All Models
•Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environ-
ment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe
Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level •
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or dam-
age. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if
it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 751

Maintenance Chart
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X XX X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle
surfaces. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid level.
If using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing, change axle fluid. XXX X X X X
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 753

Shifting............................. .406
Special Additives ...................... .709
Axle Fluid ............................. .706
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) .................706
Back-Up Camera ......................... .202
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ..................464
Battery ................................ .689
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........29
Belts, Seat ...............................53
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................692
B-Pillar Location ......................... .535
Brake Assist System ...................... .518
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............517
Brake Fluid ............................ .705
Brake System ........................... .515
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .515
Fluid Check .......................... .705
Master Cylinder ....................... .705Parking
............................. .512
Warning Light ........................ .280
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................396
Bulb Replacement ........................ .730
Bulbs, Light .............................119
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................738
Camera, Rear ........................... .202
Camper ............................... .257
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .742
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .687
Power Steering .........................511
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................700
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................116
Cargo Light ............................ .171
Car Washes ............................ .713
Cellular Phone .......................... .356
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............736
Center

Seat Storage Compartment .............231
10
INDEX 771

Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......682
Manual, Service ......................... .766
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ...................... .708
Lubricant Selection ..................... .746
Memory Seat ........................... .156
Methanol .............................. .569
Mirrors ............................... .128
Electric Powered ....................... .137
Heated .............................. .139
Memory ............................. .156
Outside ............................. .135
Rearview ............................ .128
Trailer Towing ........................ .141
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................557
Mopar Parts ............................ .683
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .569
Multi-Function Control Lever .................172Navigation System (Uconnect® gps)
............202
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................114
Occupant Restraints ........................49
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................70
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................568
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ..............466
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ..............466
Oil, Engine ............................. .685
Capacity ............................ .742
Change Interval ....................... .686
Dipstick ............................. .685
Disposal ............................. .688
Filter ............................... .688
Filter Disposal ........................ .688
Identification Logo ..................... .686
Recommendation ...................... .686
Synthetic ............................ .688
V

iscosity ............................ .687
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .688
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INDEX 779