Page 787 of 865

6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it untilseated.
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. 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. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 785
Page 788 of 865

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 — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. How-
ever, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
786 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 822 of 865
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – Eight-Speed Automatic Use only MOPAR® ZF 8&9 Speed ATF™ Automatic Transmission Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use the
correct fluid may affect the function or performance of
your transmission.
Automatic Transmission – Six-Speed Automatic with
Gasoline Engine (For Diesel Engine see Diesel Supple-
ment) Use only ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid. Fail-
ure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission. We recommend
MOPAR® ATF+4® fluid.
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.
820 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 823 of 865
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Rear Axle – 1500 Models We recommend you use MOPAR® Synthetic Gear Lu-
bricant SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Ax-
les require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR®
Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111).
Front and Rear Axle – 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90.
Limited slip additive is not required for Limited-Slip
Rear Axles.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir – 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid
+4 or MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 821
Page 827 of 865

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
damage. 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)
and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
•
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4)
models only). 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 825
Page 830 of 865
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
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only). X
Inspect the transfer case fluid,
change for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. XX
Change the transfer case fluid. X
828 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 845 of 865

Auto Down Power Windows..................47
Automatic Door Locks ......................39
Automatic Headlights ..................... .166
Automatic High Beams .....................168
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........413
Automatic Transmission .................455, 786
Adding Fluid ...................... .785, 786
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................786
Fluid Change ......................... .786
Fluid Level Check ................782, 783, 784
Fluid Type ........................ .782, 820
Shifting .......................... .464, 476
Special Additives ...................... .783
Axle Fluid .......................... .780, 820
Axle Lubrication ......................... .780
Back-Up Camera ......................... .207
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ..................524
Battery ................................ .760Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)
........30
Belts, Seat ...............................115
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................763
B-Pillar Location ......................... .597
Brake Assist System ...................... .577
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............575
Brake Fluid ......................... .779, 820
Brake System ........................ .575, 778
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .576
Fluid Check .......................... .779
Master Cylinder ....................... .779
Parking ............................. .572
Warning Light ........................ .285
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................454
Bulb Replacement ..................... .804, 805
Bulbs, Light ..........................117,804
Cab Top Clearance Lights ...................811
10
INDEX 843
Page 854 of 865

Limited-Slip Differential.................545, 781
Loading Vehicle ......................... .639
Tires ............................... .597
Locks ..................................37
Automatic Door .........................39
Child Protection .........................40
Door .................................37
Power Door ............................39
Low Tire Pressure System ...................619
Lubrication, Body ........................ .763
Lug Nuts .............................. .680
Maintenance Free Battery ....................760
Maintenance Procedures ....................750
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .824
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......748
Manual, Service ......................... .837
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ...................... .782Lubricant Selection
..................... .820
Memory Seat ........................... .158
Methanol .............................. .629
Mirrors ............................... .126
Electric Powered ....................... .138
Heated .............................. .139
Memory ............................. .158
Outside ............................. .134
Rearview ......................... .126, 133
Trailer Towing ........................ .140
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................619
MOPAR® Parts ...................... .749, 836
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .629
Multi-Function Control Lever .................175
Navigation System (Uconnect® gps) ............207
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................113
852 INDEX