2018 Ram 1500 Transmission

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
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper tools
to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C).
This normally occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of
driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid cannot
be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can read
the transmission sump temperature in the instrument
cluster screen (refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” for
further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-
ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-
mission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle
cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
554 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both 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 And Lubricants for fluid
specifications). After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for
the oil to fully drain into the transmission before re-
checking 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. 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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 555

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 Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected.
If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information. This inspection should be made
with the vehicle in a level position.
For 1500 Model axles, the fluid level should be even with
the bottom of the fill hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge
of hole) for the FDU215 HD front axle and C235FE rear
axle.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be 1/4
in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25
in front and 3/4 in ± 1/4 in (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on 10.5 in
rear axles. The 11.5 in rear axle level should be 1/4 in ± 1/4
in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tion” for further information.
556 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – Eight-Speed Automatic Use only Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmis- sion Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid
may affect the function or performance of your transmis-
sion.
Automatic Transmission – Six-Speed Automatic with Gaso-
line Engine (For Diesel Engine see Diesel Supplement) Use only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to
use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or performance of
your transmission. We recommend Mopar ATF+4 fluid.
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 Lubri-
cant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle – 1500 Models 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).
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 607

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.
608 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Safety/Assistance
After pressing the “Safety/Assistance” button on the
touchscreen, the following settings will be available:
Setting NameSelectable Options
ParkSense — If Equipped Sound Only Sounds and Display
NOTE:
The ParkSense system will scan for objects behind the vehicle when the transmission gear selector is in REVERSE and
the vehicle speed is less than 7 mph (11 km/h). It will provide an alert (audible and/or visual) to indicate the prox-
imity to other objects. Front ParkSense Chime Volume Low
Med High
Rear ParkSense Chime
Volume — If Equipped Low
Med High
Tilt Mirrors In Reverse — If Equipped
NOTE:
When the “Tilt Mirrors In Reverse” feature is selected, the exterior side-view mirrors will tilt downward when the
ignition is in the RUN position and the transmission gear selector is in the REVERSE position. The mirrors will move
back to their previous position when the transmission is shifted out of REVERSE.
ParkView Backup Camera Active Guidelines
618 MULTIMEDIA

Setting NameSelectable Options
NOTE:
Your vehicle may be equipped with the ParkView Rear Back Up Camera Active Guidelines that allows you to see ac-
tive guidelines over the ParkView Back up camera display whenever the gear selector is put into REVERSE. The im-
age will be displayed on the radio touchscreen display along with a caution note to “check entire surroundings”
across the top of the screen. After five seconds, this note will disappear. ParkView Backup Camera Delay
NOTE:
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with camera delay turned OFF), the rear camera mode is exited and the
navigation or audio screen appears again. When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with camera delay turned
ON), the rear view image with dynamic grid lines will be displayed for up to ten seconds after shifting out of RE-
VERSE unless the forward vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (12 km/h), the transmission is shifted into PARK or the igni-
tion is switched to the OFF position.
Rain Sensing Auto Wipers — If Equipped
NOTE:
When the “Rain Sensing Auto Wipers” feature is selected, the system will automatically activate the windshield wip-
ers if it senses moisture on the windshield.
10
MULTIMEDIA 619

Safety & Driving Assistance
After pressing the “Safety & Driving Assistance” button on
the touchscreen, the following settings will be available:
Setting NameSelectable Options
ParkSense Sound Only Sound and Display
NOTE:
The Rear Park Assist system will scan for objects behind the vehicle when the transmission gear selector is in RE-
VERSE and the vehicle speed is less than 7 mph (11 km/h). Front ParkSense Chime Volume Low
Med High
Rear ParkSense Chime Volume Low
Med High
Tilt Side Mirrors In Re- verse — If Equipped
NOTE:
When the “Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse” feature is selected, the outside side-view mirrors will tilt downward when
the ignition is in the RUN position and the transmission gear selector is in the REVERSE position. The mirrors will
move back to their previous position when the transmission is shifted out of REVERSE.
10
MULTIMEDIA 637