
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 theEVIC/DID screen (refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center [EVIC]” or “Driver Information Display
[DID]” for further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the
EVIC/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.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!(Continued)
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.
Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty
All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. (4 535 kg) Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and manufactured for sale and use in the
United States are required to comply with the Federal
Government’s Exterior Noise Regulations. These vehicles
can be identified by the Noise Emission Control Label
located in the operator’s compartment.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
380 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............140
Adding Fuel .............................114
Air Bag Light .............................25
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .128
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................28
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................139
Capacities ........................... .146
Disposal ............................. .142
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .150
Axle Fluid ............................. .150
Battery .................................30
Charging System Light ....................30
Brake Fluid ............................ .150
Brake System ........................... .144
Fluid Check .......................... .144
Master Cylinder ....................... .144Warning Light
..........................26
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........146
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .146
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .127
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................142
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .144
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........142
Cooling System .......................... .138
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............140
Coolant Capacity ...................... .146
Coolant Level ......................... .138
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................142
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................139
Points To Remember .....................143
Pressure Cap ......................... .142
Radiator Cap ......................... .142
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........139 , 147
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 391

Cruise Light..............................58
Diesel Fuel ............................. .108
Diesel Fuel Requirements ....................108
Bulk Storage Of ........................117
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming ...............135
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................142
Door Ajar ...............................35
Door Ajar Light ...........................35
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ...........131
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........32
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......63
Engine ................................ .124
Air Cleaner .......................... .128
Block Heater ...................... .100 , 107
Break-In Recommendations .................13
Compartment ......................... .124Coolant (Antifreeze)
.....................147
Identification ......................... .124
Idling .............................. .104
Oil............................. .126 , 147
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .127
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .128
Engine Fuel .......................... .131
Engine Oil ....................... .128 , 147
Engine Oil Disposal .....................128
Flashers Turn Signal ............................57
Fluid Capacities ......................... .146
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .144
Fluid, Brake ............................ .150
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........147
Fog Lights ...............................46
392 INDEX - RAM 1500

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............356
Adding Fuel ............................ .312
Air Bag Light ........................... .191
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .340
Air Filter .............................. .340
Alarm (Security Alarm) .....................194
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................355
Capacities ........................... .373
Disposal ............................. .358
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... .365
Fluid Level Check ...................... .364
Fluid Type ........................... .377
Shifting ............................. .286
Axle Fluid ............................. .377
Battery ................................ .196
Blanket .......................... .274 , 354Charging System Light
...................196
Emergency Starting ..................... .326
Brake System ........................... .360
Fluid Check .......................... .360
Master Cylinder ....................... .360
Warning Light ........................ .192
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................286
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........373
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .373
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .338
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................358
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .360
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........358
Cooling System .......................... .354
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............356
Coolant Capacity ...................... .373
Coolant Level ......................... .354
396 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500

Exhaust Brake........................... .281
Exhaust System .......................... .367
Filters Engine Fuel .......................... .344
Engine Oil ....................... .340 , 374
Engine Oil Disposal .....................340
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... .222
Fluid Capacities ......................... .373
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .360
Manual Transmission ....................362
Transfer Case ......................... .362
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........374
Fog Lights ..............................211
Fuel .................................. .307
Adding ......................... .312 , 315
Diesel ....................... .307 , 315 , 374Filter
............................... .344
Light ............................... .209
Requirements ......................... .307
Specifications ......................... .308
Tank Capacity ......................... .373
Fueling ............................... .312
Gauges Voltmeter ............................ .272
Gear Ranges ............................ .287
Idle Up Feature .......................... .276
Information Center, Vehicle ..................228
Instrument Cluster ....................... .183
Intervention Regeneration Strategy .............233
Jump Starting ........................... .326
Keyless Enter-N-Go ....................... .261
398 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500

LightsAirBag ............................. .191
Brake Warning ........................ .192
Cruise .......................... .223 , 225
Engine Temperature Warning ...............195
Fog .................................211
Low Fuel ............................ .209
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) .........202
Park ............................ .221 , 223
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .190
Security Alarm ........................ .194
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............206
Turn Signal .......................... .222
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . .195 , 222
Maintenance Procedures ....................335
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .380
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......202
Manual Transmission ..................... .298Fluid Level Check
...................... .362
Shift Speeds .......................... .300
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................173
Noise Control Maintenance .......................... .367
Tampering Prohibited ....................368
Noise Emission Warranty ....................366
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .381
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .197
Oil, Engine ............................. .336
Capacity ............................ .373
Change Interval ....................... .337
Dipstick ............................. .336
Disposal ............................. .340
Filter ........................... .340 , 374
Filter Disposal ........................ .340
Identification Logo ..................... .337
8
INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 399