2017 Ram 2500 brake fluid

NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween 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 transmis-
sion reaches normal operating temperature.
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 park- ing 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 — 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. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contami-
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disas-
sembled for any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmis-
sion 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,
672 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Front and Rear Axle – 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use SAE 75W-85 HD Ram GL-5
Synthetic Axle Lubricant. 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.
702 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
Maintenance Chart
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 irregular
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 705

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
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. XX X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
1500 Models:
Inspect the front and rear axle sur-
faces. If gear oil leakage is sus-
pected, check the fluid level. If us-
ing your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing, change axle fluid. XX X X X
2500/3500 Models:
Inspect the front and rear axle sur-
faces. If gear oil leakage is sus-
pected, check the fluid level. If us-
ing your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing, change axle fluid. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, replace
as necessary. XXX X X X X
706 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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
Adjust parking brake as necessary. X X XXX XX
Inspect transfer case fluid. XX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. XX X XX XX
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Replace spark plugs. ** X
Flush and replace the engine cool-
ant at 10 years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever comes
first. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only). X
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 707

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............663
Adding Fuel ............................. .548
Additives, Fuel ........................... .544
Adjust Down .................................119
Forward ............................119,120
Rearward ...........................119,120
Up ...................................119
Adjustable Pedals ......................... .152
Air Bag Air Bag Operation .........................60
Enhanced Accident Response ..............66, 630
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................630
If A Deployment Occurs ....................65
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................60
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............67
Side Air Bags ............................61
Air Bag Light .......................... .96, 241
Air Bag Maintenance .........................67
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......643
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................649
Air Conditioning .......................... .330
Air Conditioning Controls ....................330
Air Conditioning Filter ...................347, 650
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............346, 348Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............649, 650
Air Conditioning System ...............330, 345, 649
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .519
Air Suspension ........................ .438, 444
Alarm, Panic ...............................24
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................19, 244
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................662, 697
Disposal .............................. .664
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................495
Appearance Care .......................... .672
Ashtray ................................ .189
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .498
Auto Down Power Windows ...................40
Automatic Door Locks ........................
34
Automatic Headlights ...................... .139
Automatic High Beams ..................... .141
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........345
Automatic Transmission ..................388, 672
Adding Fluid ....................... .671, 672
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................672
Fluid Change .......................... .672
Fluid Level Check .................669, 670, 671
Fluid Type ......................... .669, 701
716 INDEX

Shifting........................... .395, 405
Special Additives ........................ .670
Axle Fluid ........................... .668, 701
Axle Lubrication .......................... .668
Back-Up Camera .......................... .171
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System ...................455
Battery .............................. .245, 648
Charging System Light ....................245
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................25
Belts, Seat .................................95
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................656
B-Pillar Location .......................... .513
Brake Assist System ........................ .497
Brake Control System, Electronic ................495
Brake Fluid .......................... .667, 701
Brake System ......................... .494, 667
Fluid Check ........................... .667
Master Cylinder ........................ .667
Parking .............................. .492
Warning Light .......................... .242
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................387
Bulb Replacement ...................... .688, 690Bulbs, Light
........................... .98, 688
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................694
Camera, Rear ............................ .171
Camper ................................ .220
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .697
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .642
Power Steering ......................... .492
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................664
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................95, 545
Cargo Light ............................. .146
Car Washes .............................. .673
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............693
Center

Seat Storage Compartment ...............195
Certification Label ......................... .549
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .509
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .637
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................94
Checks, Safety .............................94
Child Restraint .............................69
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................73
Child Restraints ..........................69
Child Seat Installation ...................82, 85
10
INDEX 717

Enhanced Accident Response Feature..........66, 630
Entry System, Illuminated .....................21
Ethanol ............................. .542, 545
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................95, 545
Exhaust System ........................ .95, 660
Exterior Lighting .......................... .139
Exterior Lights .............................98
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .643
Air Conditioning .....................347, 650
Engine Oil ......................... .642, 698
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .642
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .98, 146, 263
Flat Tire Stowage ...................... .596, 613
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ......................... .547
Engine Oil ............................ .546
Fuel Requirements ....................545, 546
Maintenance ........................... .547
Replacement Parts ....................... .547
Starting .............................. .547
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .384
Fluid, Brake ............................. .701Fluid Capacities
........................... .697
Fluid Leaks ...............................98
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .667
Power Steering ......................... .492
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............698
Fog Lights ........................ .142, 256, 691
Fold Flat Load Floor ....................... .202
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................580
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .414
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .621
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .668
Fuel ................................... .541
Adding .............................. .548
Additives ............................. .544
Clean

Air ............................. .542
Ethanol ........................... .542, 545
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .549
Gasoline .............................. .541
Light ................................ .254
Materials Added ........................ .544
Methanol ............................. .542
Octane Rating ....................... .541, 698
Requirements ....................... .541, 697
Tank Capacity .......................... .697
720 INDEX