
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using theEVIC/DID screen, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the
transmission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle
cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5.
Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear position
(allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in
each position), ending with the transmission in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both 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 specified fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants, 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.
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 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. Reinsert the dipstick. 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 309

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.
322 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............116
Adding Fuel ..............................91
Air bag Light .............................17
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .104
Alarm Light ..............................17
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................115
Capacities ........................... .122
Disposal ..............................118
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .126
Axle Fluid ............................. .126
Battery .................................113
Brake Fluid ............................ .126
Brake System ........................... .120
Fluid Check .......................... .120
Master Cylinder ....................... .120
Warning Light .......................17,33 Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
..........122
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .122
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .103
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................118
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .120
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . . .17
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........118
Cooling System ...........................114
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............116
Coolant Capacity ...................... .122
Coolant Level ..........................114
Disposal of Used Coolant ..................118
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................115
Points to Remember .....................119
Pressure Cap ..........................118
Radiator Cap ..........................118
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........115,123
334 INDEX - RAM 1500

Diesel Fuel...............................85
Diesel Fuel Requirements ....................85
Bulk Storage of .........................94
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming ...............111
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................118
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ...........107
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......41
Engine ................................ .100
Air Cleaner .......................... .104
Block Heater ........................78,84
Break-In Recommendations .................13
Compartment ......................... .100
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................123
Identification ......................... .100
Idling ................................82
Oil............................. .102 , 123
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .103Filters
Air Cleaner .......................... .104
Engine Fuel .......................... .107
Engine Oil ....................... .104 , 123
Engine Oil Disposal .....................104
Flashers Turn Signal .........................17,32
Fluid Capacities ......................... .122
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .120
Fluid, Brake ............................ .126
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........123
Fog Lights ...............................17
Fuel ...................................85
Adding ...............................91
Diesel ............................85,123
Filter ............................... .107
Requirements ...........................85
Specifications ...........................86
INDEX - RAM 1500 335

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............300
Adding Fuel ............................ .257
Air bag Light ........................... .158
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .284
Air Filter .............................. .284
Alarm Light ............................ .159
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................151
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................299
Capacities ........................... .315
Disposal ............................. .302
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... .308
Fluid Level Check ...................... .307
Fluid Type ........................... .318
Shifting ............................. .232
Axle Fluid ............................. .318
Battery ................................ .297
Blanket .......................... .220 , 298Emergency Starting
..................... .270
Brake System ........................... .304
Fluid Check .......................... .304
Master Cylinder ....................... .304
Warning Light ..................... .159 , 167
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................232
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........315
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .315
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .282
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................301
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .303
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .151
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........301
Cooling System .......................... .298
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............300
Coolant Capacity ...................... .315
Coolant Level ......................... .298
338 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500

FiltersEngine Fuel .......................... .288
Engine Oil ....................... .283 , 316
Engine Oil Disposal .....................284
Flashers Turn Signal ....................... .153 , 165
Fluid Capacities ......................... .315
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .304
Manual Transmission ....................306
Transfer Case ......................... .305
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........316
Fog Lights ............................. .154
Fuel .................................. .252
Adding ......................... .257 , 260
Diesel ....................... .252 , 260 , 316
Filter ............................... .288
Requirements ......................... .252
Specifications ......................... .253Tank Capacity
......................... .315
Fueling ............................... .257
Gauges Speedometer ...................... .157 , 169
Tachometer ....................... .151 , 164
Voltmeter ............................ .218
Gear Ranges ............................ .233
Idle Up Feature .......................... .222
Information Center, Vehicle ..................174
Instrument Cluster ....................... .163
Intervention Regeneration Strategy .............179
Jump Starting ........................... .270
Keyless Enter-N-Go ....................... .207
Lights Airbag .......................... .158 , 169
340 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500

Alarm.......................... .159 , 170
Anti-Lock ........................ .151 , 164
Brake Warning .....................159 , 167
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .....151 , 164
Fog ............................ .154 , 172
High Beam ....................... .153 , 168
High Beam Indicator .................153 , 168
Instrument Cluster ..................... .164
Seat Belt Reminder ..................161 , 168
Security Alarm ..................... .159, 170
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........154 , 170
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......164
Maintenance Procedures ....................279
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .322
Manual Transmission ..................... .244
Fluid Level Check ...................... .306
Shift Speeds .......................... .245New Vehicle Break-In Period
.................147
Noise Control Maintenance ...........................311
Tampering Prohibited ....................311
Noise Emission Warranty ....................310
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .323
Oil, Engine ............................. .280
Capacity ............................ .315
Change Interval ....................... .281
Dipstick ............................. .280
Disposal ............................. .284
Filter ........................... .283 , 316
Filter Disposal ........................ .284
Identification Logo ..................... .281
Materials Added to ..................... .283
Recommendation ...................... .281
Synthetic ............................ .283
Viscosity ............................ .282
INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 341