2017 Ram 2500 transmission service

transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks in six-speed transmissions.
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 — Eight-Speed Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check
your transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
your authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage
may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper tools
to adjust the fluid level accurately.
670 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Exterior................................98
Fog........................... .142, 256, 691
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator .................417
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................580
Headlights ............................ .139
High Beam ............................ .147
High Beam/Low Beam Select ................147
Hill Descent Control Indicator ...............505
Illuminated Entry .........................21
Interior ..................... .143, 144, 145, 174
Low Fuel ............................. .254
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........249
Park ................................. .262
Passing ............................... .147
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .241
Security Alarm ......................... .244
Service ............................ .688, 690
Side Marker ........................... .696
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........252, 535
Traction Control ........................ .503
Transfer Case .......................... .417
Turn Signal ................98, 146, 263, 690, 692
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .244, 263
Limited-Slip Differential ..................470, 669 Loading Vehicle
........................... .549
Tires................................. .513
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .282
Battery Saver On ........................ .282
Electrical Load Reduction ...................282
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................282
Locks ....................................32
Automatic Door ..........................34
Child Protection ..........................34
Door ..................................32
Power Door .............................33
Low Tire Pressure System .....................535
Lubrication, Body ......................... .656
Lug

Nuts ............................... .581
Maintenance Free Battery .....................648
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .639
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .704
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .249, 637
Manual, Service ........................... .714
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .669
Lubricant Selection ...................... .701
10
INDEX 723

Reminder............................. .241
Untwisting Procedure ......................48
Seats ..........................118,119, 120, 125
Adjustment ......................118,119,120
Easy Entry ............................ .135
Folding Floor .......................... .202
Memory .............................. .132
Power ................................118
Rear Folding ....................... .126, 127
Reclining Rear .......................... .125
Security Alarm ......................... .19, 244
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............698
Sentry Key Key Programming .........................18
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ......................17
Sentry Key Replacement ......................18
Service Assistance ......................... .710
Service Contract .......................... .712
Service Manuals .......................... .714
Settings, Personal ......................... .275
Shifting ................................ .386
Automatic Transmission .............388, 395, 405
Transfer Case .......................... .416
Transfer Case, Shifting Into Transfer Case
Neutral (N) ............................ .574Transfer Case, Shifting Out Of Transfer Case
Neutral (N)
............................ .576
Shift Lever Override ....................... .623
Signals, Turn ....................... .98, 146, 263
Siri ................................ .369, 370
Sliding Rear Window Power ............................... .201
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ....................528
Snow Plow .............................. .568
Snow Tires .............................. .522
Spare Tire ........................ .523, 524, 525
Spark Plugs ............................. .698
Speed Control Accel/Decel ........................... .155
Cancel ............................... .155
Resume .............................. .155
Speed

Control (Cruise Control) .................154
Stabilizer/Sway Bar System ...................455
Starting .............................. .29, 381
Automatic Transmission ....................382
Cold Weather .......................... .384
Engine Fails To Start ..................... .384
Remote ................................29
Starting Procedures (Gas Engines) ...............381
10
INDEX 727