2016 Ram 1500 differential fluid

WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle, which may result in
severe injury. Always back carefully straight down a
hill in REVERSE. Never back down a hill in NEU-
TRAL using only the vehicle brakes. Never drive
diagonally across a hill, always drive straight up or
down.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided if possible and only
be attempted when necessary, in a safe responsible
manner. You should only drive through areas which are
designated and approved. You should tread lightly andavoid damage to the environment. You should know
your vehicle’s abilities and be able to recover it if
something goes wrong. You should never stop or shut a
vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested
water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls do not
attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested water
first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. You want
to use first gear in 4L (Low Range) and proceed very
slowly with a constant slow speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h]
maximum) and light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving;
do not try to accelerate through the crossing. After
crossing any water higher than the bottom of the axle
differentials, you should inspect all of the vehicle fluids
for signs of water ingestion.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 579

Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. This inspection should be made with the vehicle in
a level position.
For 1500 Model axles, the fluid level should be even with
the bottom of the fill hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge
of hole) for the FDU215 HD front axle and C235FE rear
axle.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be
1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on
the 9.25 in front and 3/4 in ± 1/4 in (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on
10.5 in rear axles. The 11.5 in rear axle level should be 1/4
in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials
1500 Model rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential require that 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR Limited
Slip Additive be added to the gear lubricant. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 825

Your Vehicle” for further information. The MOPAR Lim-
ited Slip Additive should be added to the gear lubricant
whenever a fluid change is made to an axle equipped
with a Limited Slip Differential.
2500/3500 Model axlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:When refilling an axle with a Limited Slip Differ-
ential, (which requires a Limited Slip Additive), the
Limited Slip Additive should be added before the gear
lubricant is added to insure proper additive fill.
Transfer Case
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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.
Automatic Transmission
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
826 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Flashers
Turn Signal.....................121, 183, 329
Flat Tire Stowage......................743, 764
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range.........................682
Engine Oil............................681
Fuel Requirements...................680, 681
Maintenance...........................683
Replacement Parts.......................682
Starting..............................682
Flooded Engine Starting....................480
Fluid, Brake.............................867
Fluid Capacities..........................861
Fluid Leaks.............................121
Fluid Level Checks
Brake................................823
Power Steering.........................615
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts...........863
Fog Lights........................178, 320, 853Fold Flat Load Floor.......................251
Four-Way Hazard Flasher...................725
Four Wheel Drive.........................522
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................775
Front Axle (Differential).....................825
Fuel...................................674
Adding..............................683
Additives.............................678
Clean Air.............................676
Ethanol...........................676, 680
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................685
Gasoline..............................674
Light................................317
Materials Added........................678
Methanol.............................676
Octane Rating......................674, 863
Requirements......................
.674, 861
Tank Capacity..........................861
Fuel, Flexible............................680
898 INDEX

Seat Belt Reminder......................298
Security Alarm.........................302
Service...........................849, 850
Side Marker...........................860
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).........314, 665
Traction Control........................630
Transfer Case..........................526
Turn Signal..............121, 183, 329, 851, 853
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .303, 329
Limited-Slip Differential.................587, 825
Loading Vehicle..........................686
Tires ................................642
Locks..................................38
Automatic Door.........................41
Child Protection.........................42
Door.................................38
Power Door............................40
Low Tire Pressure System...................665
Lubrication, Body.........................807Lug Nuts...............................726
Maintenance Free Battery....................804
Maintenance Procedures....................794
Maintenance Schedule......................870
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . .310, 792
Manual, Service..........................886
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check.......................826
Lubricant Selection......................867
Memory Seat............................165
Methanol...............................676
Mirrors................................130
Electric Powered........................143
Heated...............................144
Memory..............................165
Outside..............................138
Rearview......................130, 131, 138
Trailer Towing.........................144
902 INDEX