2018 Ram 1500 Transmission Service

WARNING!(Continued)
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead
to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the
engine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL
for at least one minute after every five rocking-
motion cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of clutch or transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis-
sion shifting occurring).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service. If the transmis-
sion and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may
also be towed as described under “Recreational Towing” in
the “Starting And Operating” section.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with air suspension must be
placed in Transport mode, before tying them down (from
the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck. Refer to Air
Suspension inStarting And Operating for more informa-
tion. If the vehicle cannot be placed in Transport mode (for
example, engine will not run), tie-downs must be fastened
to the axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these
instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause
loss of proper tie-down tension.
510 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................517
▫ Maintenance Plan ..................... .518
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ............522
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................523
▫ 3.6L Engine ..........................523
▫ 5.7L Engine ..........................524
▫ 6.4L Engine ..........................525
▫ Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........526
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................526
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................526
 DEALER SERVICE .......................527
▫ Engine Oil — Gas Engine .................528
▫ Engine Oil Filter .......................530
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................531 ▫
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............533
▫ Front Driveshaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive Models Only) ............539
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............540
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .541
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................542
▫ Exhaust System ........................545
▫ Cooling System ........................546
▫ Brake System ........................ .552
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................553
▫ Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ...............................556
▫ Transfer Case ........................ .557
 HOISTING ............................558
 TIRES ............................... .558
8

Mileage or time passed (which-ever 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
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) (six-speed auto-
matic only). X
Inspect the transfer case fluid,
change for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. XX
Change the transfer case fluid. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
WARNING!
•
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
(Continued)
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 521

CAUTION!(Continued)
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and
abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in
gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in
546 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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

Daytime Running.........................74
Engine Temperature Warning ................191
Exterior ...............................281
Fog ............................78, 197, 455
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator .................327
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................447
Headlights ..............................73
High Beam ..............................74
High Beam/Low Beam Select .................74
Hill Descent Control Indicator ...............214
Illuminated Entry .........................83
Interior ............................. .80, 82
Low Fuel ............................. .196
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........192
Park ................................. .198
Passing ................................76
Seat Belt Reminder .......................189
Security Alarm ..........................191
Service ............................... .452
Side Marker ............................460
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........194, 216
Traction Control ........................ .212
Transfer Case .......................... .327
Turn Signal ................78, 198, 281, 454, 456
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .191, 198 Limited-Slip Differential
..................375, 557
Loading Vehicle ............................414
Tires................................. .564
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode .......................187
Battery Saver On ........................ .187
Electrical Load Reduction ...................187
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................187
Locks Automatic Door ..........................42
Child Protection ..........................43
Power Door .............................38
Low Tire Pressure System .....................216
Lubrication, Body ..........................541
Lug Nuts ............................... .594
Maintenance Fr

ee Battery.....................526
Maintenance Schedule .......................517
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .192, 201
Manual, Service ............................680
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ........................557
Lubricant Selection .......................607
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) .................44
Memory Seat ............................44, 49
12
INDEX 689