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Selection of Lubricant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Selection of Lubricant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/2 in (12
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicleis on level ground, enough lubricant should be added to
bring the level to 1/4 in (6 mm) below the bottom of the
filler hole.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Selection of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
68RFE transmission, or 158-176°F / 70-80°C for AS69RC
transmission). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
You can read the transmission sump temperature in the
EVIC display (see Electronic Vehicle Information Center
[EVIC] for further information).
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
Page 332 of 360

Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Diesel Exhaust Fluid MOPAR Diesel Exhaust Fluid (API Certified) (DEF) or equivalent that has been API
Certified to the ISO 22241 standard. Use of fluids not API Certified to ISO 22241 may result
in system damage. You can receive assistance in locating DEF in the United States by calling
866-RAM-INFO (866-726-4636). In Canada call 1–800–465–2001 (English) or 1–800–387–9983
(French).
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped (Six-Speed 68RFE) –
Pickup models without PTOWe recommend you use MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid
or equivalent licensed ATF+4® product. Failure to use ATF+4® fluid may
affect the function or performance of your transmission.
Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped (Six-Speed AS69RC) –
Pickup models with PTO, and all
Chassis Cab modelsWe recommend you use MOPAR® ASRC Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent. Failure to use the proper fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 333 of 360
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR® BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (2500/
3500)We recommend you use Synthetic, GL-5 SAE 75W-85. Limited slip additive
is not required for Limited-Slip Rear Axles.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (4500/
5500)We recommend you use Synthetic, GL-5 SAE 75W-85. Limited slip additive
is not required for Limited-Slip Rear Axles.
Clutch Linkage We recommend you use MOPAR® Multi-Purpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2
E.P. or equivalent.
Manual Transmission (G-56) – If
EquippedWe recommend you use MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid
or equivalent licensed ATF+4® product.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331
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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
Page 342 of 360
Mileage or time passed (which-
ever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Inspect the transfer case fluid
(4x4), change for any of the fol-
lowing: police, taxi, fleet, or fre-
quent trailer towing.XXXX X
Change the transfer case fluid
(4x4).XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid (AS69RC transmission only).XXXX X
Change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and sump filter
(AS69RC transmission only).XX
340 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Page 343 of 360
Mileage or time passed (which-
ever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) if using your ve-
hicle for any of the following: po-
lice, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing (68RFE transmission only).XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s).X
Change the manual transmission
fluid if using your vehicle for any
of the following: police, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing.XX
Replace Crankcase Ventilation
Filter (CCV).XX
7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 341
Page 348 of 360

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