2016 Ram 2500 automatic transmission fluid

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.
66 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................97
▫ Normal Starting .......................98
▫ Automatic Transmission .................98
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go ....................99
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ..................100
▫ Starting Fluids ....................... .100
 NORMAL OPERATION ..................102
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................102
▫ Engine Idling ....................... .104
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................104 ▫
Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission ........................ .106
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .107
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................108
▫ Fuel Specifications ....................109
▫ Biodiesel Fuel Requirements ..............110
 DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID .................113
▫ System Overview ......................113
 ADDING FUEL — 1500 DIESEL MODELS .....114
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ...........117
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
performance 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.
150 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................260
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......261
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....261
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ........261
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ..................265
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) ........266
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) .....267
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ............269▫
Starting Fluids ....................... .271
 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE . . .272
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................273
▫ Engine Idling ....................... .275
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................277
▫ Idle Shutdown ....................... .278
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) ....................278
▫ Operating Precautions ..................279
5

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.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture. •
The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) when the throttle is closed and/or during steady
braking maneuvers.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
•To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing,
do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from
battery vent holes. Always wear eye protection
when working with batteries.
• Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e., do
not use a 24 Volt power source.
NOTE: Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12 Volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumper cables to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If the
indicator (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
CAUTION!
Use the jump start procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If the charge indicator (if equipped) has a
green dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
326 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........362
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......363
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty .......................... .366
 FLUID CAPACITIES ....................373 
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE
PARTS ............................. .374
▫ Engine ............................ .374
▫ Chassis ........................... .377
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL — SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models)
1 — Battery7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Battery 11 — Engine Oil Fill
6 — Aux Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner Filter7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333