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 60-70°F / 16-21°C for 68RFE transmis-
sion, or 68-86°F / 20-30°C for AS69RC transmission. 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
temperature.
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.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure 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 And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL ENGINE
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 automatic transmission (if
equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air filter.
•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.
334 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............114
Adding Fuel..............................92
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter). . . .104
Airbag Light.............................23
Alarm Light..............................24
Anti-Lock Warning Light.....................18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................113
Capacities............................121
Disposal..............................117
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Type............................125
Axle Fluid..............................125
Battery.................................111
Brake Fluid.............................125
Brake System............................118
Fluid Check...........................118
Master Cylinder........................118
Warning Light..........................21Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........121
Capacities, Fluid..........................121
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...........................103
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................116
Charge Air Cooler.........................118
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . . .18
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........116
Cooling System...........................112
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............114
Coolant Capacity.......................121
Coolant Level..........................112
Disposal of Used Coolant..................117
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................113
Points to Remember.....................117
Pressure Cap..........................116
Radiator Cap..........................116
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........113,122
346 INDEX - RAM 1500
Diesel Fuel...............................69
Diesel Fuel Requirements....................69
Bulk Storage of.........................95
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming...............109
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................117
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter...........105
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......30
Engine.................................100
Air Cleaner...........................104
Block Heater........................62,68
Break-In Recommendations.................14
Compartment..........................100
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................122
Identification..........................100
Idling................................65
Oil..............................102 , 122
Oil Filler Cap..........................103Filters
Air Cleaner...........................104
Engine Fuel...........................105
Engine Oil........................104 , 122
Engine Oil Disposal.....................104
Flashers
Turn Signal............................19
Fluid Capacities..........................121
Fluid Level Checks
Brake................................118
Fluid, Brake.............................125
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........122
Fog Lights...............................26
Fuel...................................69
Adding...............................92
Diesel............................69,122
Filter................................105
Requirements...........................69
Specifications...........................70
INDEX - RAM 1500 347
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............312
Adding Fuel.............................253
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter). . . .296
Air Filter...............................296
Airbag Light.............................159
Alarm Light.............................160
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................154
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................311
Capacities............................327
Disposal..............................314
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid..........................320
Fluid Level Check.......................319
Fluid Type............................330
Shifting..............................227
Axle Fluid..............................330
Battery.................................309
Blanket...........................216 , 310Emergency Starting......................282
Brake System............................316
Fluid Check...........................316
Master Cylinder........................316
Warning Light.........................157
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................227
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........327
Capacities, Fluid..........................327
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...........................294
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................313
Charge Air Cooler.........................315
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .154
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........313
Cooling System...........................310
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............312
Coolant Capacity.......................327
Coolant Level..........................310
INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 351
Engine Oil Disposal.....................296
Flashers
Turn Signal...........................155
Fluid Capacities..........................327
Fluid Level Checks
Brake................................316
Manual Transmission....................318
Transfer Case..........................317
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........328
Fog Lights..............................162
Fuel...................................248
Adding..........................253 , 256
Diesel........................248 , 256 , 328
Filter................................300
Requirements..........................248
Specifications..........................249
Tank Capacity..........................327
Fueling................................253Gauges
Speedometer..........................159
Tachometer............................154
Voltmeter.............................214
Gear Ranges.............................228
Gross Axle Weight Rating...................262
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..................262
Hitches
Trailer Towing.........................265
Idle Up Feature...........................218
Information Center, Vehicle..................166
Instrument Cluster........................152
Integrated Trailer Brake Controls..............270
Intervention Regeneration Strategy.............178
Jump Starting............................282
INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 353
Keyless Enter-N-Go........................203
Lights
Airbag...............................159
Alarm...............................160
Anti-Lock.............................154
Brake Warning.........................157
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator).........154
Fog .................................162
High Beam............................158
High Beam Indicator.....................158
Instrument Cluster......................154
Seat Belt Reminder......................159
Security Alarm.........................160
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............160
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......154
Maintenance Procedures....................291
Maintenance Schedule......................334Manual Transmission......................239
Fluid Level Check.......................318
Shift Speeds...........................241
New Vehicle Break-In Period.................149
Noise Control
Maintenance...........................323
Tampering Prohibited....................323
Noise Emission Warranty....................322
Oil Change Indicator.......................335
Oil, Engine..............................292
Capacity.............................327
Change Interval........................293
Dipstick..............................292
Disposal..............................296
Filter............................295 , 328
Filter Disposal.........................296
Identification Logo......................293
354 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500