2015 Ram 1500 automatic transmission fluid

22. Transmission Gear Position Indicator
The Transmission Gear Position Indicator is self-
contained within the instrument cluster. It displays the
gear range of the automatic transmission.
NOTE:The highest available transmission gear is dis-
played in the lower right corner of the EVIC whenever
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) feature is active. Use
the +/- selector on the shift lever or steering wheel to
activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
23. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed. 24. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the Anti-lock Brake System reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition
has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake
and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 25

If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into PARK and run
the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.•
Air Suspension Payload Protection Telltale — If
Equipped This telltale will turn on to indicate that the
maximum payload may have been exceeded or
load leveling cannot be achieved at its current
ride height.
Protection Mode will automatically be selected in
order to “protect” the air suspension system, air
suspension adjustment is limited due to payload.
• Water In Fuel Indicator Light — Diesel Only
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the fuel
filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT start
the vehicle before you drain the water from the
fuel filters to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Separator Fil-
ters” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
44 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................75
▫ Normal Starting .......................76
▫ Automatic Transmission .................76
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go™ ...................77
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ...................78
▫ Starting Fluids ........................79
 NORMAL OPERATION ...................80
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................80
▫ Engine Idling .........................82
▫ Stopping The Engine ....................82 ▫
Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission ..........................83
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ....84
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................85
▫ Fuel Specifications .....................86
▫ Biodiesel Fuel Requirements ...............87
 DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID .................90
▫ System Overview ......................90
 ADDING FUEL — 1500 DIESEL MODELS ......91
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ............94
4

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Only use Mopar® ZF 8&9 Speed ATF™ Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or perfor-
mance of your transmission.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR® BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel
Drive Models We recommend you use MOPAR® GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle We recommend you use MOPAR® Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140
(MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Axles require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml)
MOPAR® Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111).
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be
used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is
acceptable.
126 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The highest available transmission gear is dis-
played in the lower right corner of the EVIC whenever
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) feature is active. Use
the +/- selector on the shift lever or steering wheel to
activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
23. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
24. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the Anti-lock Brake System reservoir. If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition
has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake
and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 159

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................206
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......207
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....207
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go™ — If Equipped .......207
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ..................211
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) ........212
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) .....213
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ............215▫
Starting Fluids ....................... .217
 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE . . .218
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................219
▫ Engine Idling ....................... .221
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................223
▫ Idle Shutdown ....................... .224
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) ....................224
▫ Operating Precautions ..................225
4

WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
Screen Display 1 2 3 4 5 6 D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply press and hold the
ERS (-) switch. The transmission will shift to the range
from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while descend-
ing steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the
engine. Apply the brakes as needed to prevent en-
gine overspeed.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth gears). The trans-
mission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 241

WARNING!
Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driving
in icy or slippery conditions. The increased engine
braking could cause the rear wheels to slide, and the
vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of
vehicle control, which could cause an accident possi-
bly resulting in personal injury or death.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not engage (and 68RFE-
equipped trucks will not shift to sixth gear), until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually
after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting properly when cold. This is normal. Using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmis-
sion into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid
partially draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds after starting the engine.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 243