2016 Ram 2500 transmission fluid

Transmission Temperature Indicator Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Transmission Temperature Indicator Light
This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature is running hot. This may occur with
severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and stop them ve-
hicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL 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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 45

4. EVIC White Telltales
•Electronic Speed Control Ready
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON. For further information,
refer to “Electronic Speed Control” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle.”
• Electronic Speed Control SET
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is SET. For further information,
refer to “Electronic Speed Control” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle.”
• ERS Gear Limit
The highest available transmission gear is displayed in
the lower right corner of the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (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 “Auto-
matic Transmission” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. 5. EVIC Amber Telltales
•
Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
• Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
• Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
• Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 65

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
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MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealership or qualified
repair center.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 125

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

Transmission Temperature Indicator Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Transmission Temperature Indicator Light
This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature is running hot. This may occur with
severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and stop them ve-
hicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL 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.
210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
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