2017 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab transmission oil

Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold. When
starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to operating
speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to stabilize as the
engine warms up.
NOTE:High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine can
result in excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor-
mance. No-load engine speeds should be kept under 1,200
RPM during the warm-up period, especially in cold ambi-
ent temperature conditions.
Your vehicle is equipped with a turbo speed limiter, this
feature limits the engine speed to 1,200 RPM when engine
coolant temperatures are below 70°F (21°C). This feature is
designed to protect the turbocharger from damage and will
only operate in PARK or NEUTRAL.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine at
moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are
applied.
NOTE: If ambient temperatures are low and the coolant
temperature is below 180°F (82°C), the engine idle speed
will slowly increase to 1,000 RPM after two minutes of idle,
if the following conditions are met:
• Foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal. •
Automatic transmission is in PARK.
• Vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
• Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle.
• Operating the exhaust brake at idle will greatly improve
warm up rate and will help keep the engine close to
operating temperature during extended idle.
Engine Idling
Avoid prolonged idling, long periods of idling may be
harmful to your engine because combustion chamber tem-
peratures can drop so low that the fuel may not burn
completely. Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves, and injector
nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is driven on low
engine speed drive cycles for more than 2 hours, the
system will automatically enter an emissions operating
mode that will increase the engine idle speed to 900 RPM
(1050 RPM for Chassis Cab). While in this mode, which is
designed to help maintain the diesel particulate filter, the
engine idle speed will return to normal when the brake
pedal is applied. A small change in engine tone or a slight
change in engine performance while accelerating may also5
STARTING AND OPERATING 133

be noticeable at speeds below 20 mph (32 kmh). This
operating mode may last for up to an hour of idle time, or
around 20 minutes of driving time.
Your truck may have been ordered with an optional
voltage monitoring idle up feature. If a load is placed on
the electrical system while the truck is in park, this feature
will attempt to maintain normal system voltage by auto-
matically increasing engine idle speed. You may notice
several consecutive increases in idle speed, up to a maxi-
mum of 1450 RPM, as the system will attempt to utilize the
smallest increase in idle speed necessary to maintain
normal system voltage. The idle speed will return to
normal when either the electrical load is removed, or when
the brake pedal is applied.
NOTE:For instrument cluster display messages related to
the vehicle’s exhaust system, refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Idle-Up Feature — Automatic Transmission Only
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature will help
increase cylinder temperatures and provide additional cab
heat, however, excessive idling may still cause the exhaust
aftertreatment system to not properly regenerate. Extended
periods of idle time should be avoided. The Idle-Up feature uses the speed control switches to
increase engine idle speed and quickly warm the vehicle’s
interior.
1. With the transmission in PARK, the parking brake
applied, and the engine running, push the speed control
switch to the ON position, then push the SET switch.
2. The engine RPM will go up to 1100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the ACCEL/RESUME switch and
the idle speed will increase to approximately 1500 RPM.
To decrease the RPM, push and hold the DECEL switch
and the idle speed will decrease to approximately
1100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF switch, or press the brake
pedal.
Stopping The Engine
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine shutdown.
After full load operation, idle the engine three to five
minutes before shutting it down. This idle period will
allow the lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat
away from the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is especially important
for turbocharged, charge air-cooled engines.
134 STARTING AND OPERATING

Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed (Chassis
Cab Only)
This feature allows the owner to set a maximum vehicle
speed for the vehicle. The 3500 Series maximum vehicle
speed can be set between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 87 mph
(140 km/h). The 4500/5500 Series maximum vehicle speed
can be set between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 85 mph
(136 km/h). See your local authorized dealer to enable this
feature.
NOTE:DO NOT set the maximum vehicle speed to a value
greater than what the vehicle tires are rated for.
Operating Precautions
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the engine coolant (antifreeze) (a
mixture of 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% water) must not
exceed the normal range of the temperature gauge 240°F
(116°C) with a 21 psi (145 kPa) coolant pressure cap.
Usually the engine coolant (antifreeze) temperature indi-
cated during operation will be to the left of center in the
normal range of the gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature below the normal range on the gauge 140°F
(60°C) can be harmful to the engine. Low engine coolant
(antifreeze) temperature can cause incomplete combustion
which allows carbon and varnish to form on piston rings
and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the
crankcase, diluting the lubricating oil and causing rapid
wear to the engine.
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing in high ambient temperature conditions, take the
following actions:
• City Driving —
When stopped, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
increase engine idle speed.
• Highway Driving —
Reduce your speed.
• Up Steep Hills —
Select a lower transmission gear.
• Air Conditioning —
Turn it off temporarily.
136 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models) .........174
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB
MODELS) ............................ .175
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .............176
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .176
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................180
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ........184
▫ Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement ......185
▫ Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement . . .186
▫ Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel . . .188
▫ Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow ......................... .189
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid .....................190 ▫
Maintenance-Free Batteries ................190
▫ Cooling System ....................... .191
▫ Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler ...........195
▫ Brake System ........................ .195
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System .................196
▫ Transfer Case — If Equipped ..............197
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .........197
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .......197
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty ........................... .200
 FLUID CAPACITIES ..................... .204
 FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS . .205
▫ Engine ............................. .205
▫ Chassis ............................ .207
7

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 Filter
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL — SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB 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 Filter
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 175

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 perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized 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.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals. The best time to check the
oil level is before starting the engine after it has been
parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the
engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tempera-
ture, then wait for 30 minutes after engine shutdown to
check the oil.
176 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level onboth sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to
bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use ONLY
the specified fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for fluid specifications). After adding any quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking the fluid level.
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 for 68RFE transmission, or
68-86°F / 20-30°C for AS69RC transmission. 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 transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.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
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199