2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab transmission fluid

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 And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” 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. Avoid using transmission seal-
ers 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
Check the fluid level when the engine is fully warmed up
and the transmission fluid is at normal operating tempera-
ture. Driving with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check — Procedure
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is at
normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for 66RFE
transmission, or 158–176°F / 70–80°C for AS66RC transmis-
sion). 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 dis-
play (refer toInstrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” 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.
388 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
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. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
7. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
8. 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, 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 66RFE transmission, or
68-86°F / 20-30°C for AS66RC 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
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 389

9. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park-ing brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the trans-
mission 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 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 models with 9.25 in Front Axles and 11.5 in Rear Axles,
refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Servicing And Main-
tenance” for further information. For normal service, peri-
odic fluid level checks are not required. When the vehicle is
serviced for other reasons, the exterior surfaces of the axle
assembly should be inspected. When checking the fluid level (4500/5500 only), the vehicle
should be in a level position. The fluid level should be ¼ in
± ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the front
axle. The fluid level should be level with the bottom of the
fill hole on the rear axle.
Drain And Refill
On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt to drain the
axle fluid.
4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug
390 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (6.4L Engine with 66RFE Trans-
mission) (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.
Automatic Transmission (6.4L Engine with AS66RC Trans-
mission) Use only Mopar ASRC Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent. Failure to use the proper fluid may affect the
function or performance of your transmission.
Transfer Case We recommend you use Mopar BW44-44 Transfer Case
Fluid.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (4500/5500) We recommend you use GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic (MS-
9763). Limited slip additive is not required for Limited-Slip
Rear Axles.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 3 and SAE J1703. If
DOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is accept-
able.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4,
Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 435

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............383
Adding Fuel ............................. .287
Additives, Fuel ........................ .288, 428
Adjust Down .............................. .45, 46
Forward ............................ .44, 46
Rearward ........................... .44, 46
Up ................................ .45, 46
Adjustable Pedals ...........................57
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ....................... .196
Air Bag Warning Light .....................193
Enhanced Accident Response .............203, 353
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................353
If A Deployment Occurs ....................201
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .197
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............203
Transporting Pets ....................... .230
Air Bag Light ...................... .147, 193, 232
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .203
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......366
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................369
Air Conditioning ............................80
Air Conditioning Filter ....................94, 370
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................93Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............369, 370
Air Conditioning System ...................92, 369
Air Filter ............................... .366
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .403
Alarm, Panic ...............................22
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................33, 148
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................33
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................382
Capacities ............................. .432
Disposal .............................. .385
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................160
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................153
Ashtray ................................ .123
Assist,

Hill Start .......................... .162
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .439
Auto Down Power Windows ...................96
Automatic Door Locks ........................39
Automatic Headlights ........................70
Automatic High Beams .......................69
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............92
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid .......................... .389
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................390
Fluid Level Check .....................387, 388
510 INDEX

Fluid Type......................... .387, 435
Shifting .............................. .247
Special Additives ........................ .388
Axle Fluid ........................ .390, 391, 435
Axle Lubrication ....................... .390, 391
Back-Up ................................ .284
Back-Up Camera .......................... .284
Battery .............................. .149, 363
Charging System Light ....................149
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................22
Belts, Seat ............................... .232
Body Builders Guide ..........................7
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................376
B-Pillar Location .......................... .398
Brake Assist System ........................ .162
Brake Control System, Electronic ................161
Brake Fluid .......................... .386, 435
Brake System ......................... .386, 424
Fluid Check ........................... .386
Master Cylinder ........................ .386
Parking .............................. .243
Warning Light .......................... .147
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................246
Bulb Replacement ......................... .323Bulbs, Light
.......................... .234, 323
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................328
Camera ................................ .284
Camera, Rear ............................ .284
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........432
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .432
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ .362, 366
Power Steering ......................... .267
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................384
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................231, 431
Cargo Light ...............................
73
Car Washes .............................. .418
Cellular Phone ........................... .483
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............326
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............109
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .337
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .394
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .157
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............231
Checks, Safety ............................ .231
Child Restraint ........................... .204
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .209
12
INDEX 511

Exterior Lights......................... .67, 234
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .366
Air Conditioning ..................... .94, 370
Engine Fuel ........................... .433
Engine Oil ......................... .366, 433
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .366
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .73, 155, 234
Flash-To-Pass ..............................70
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .342
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .241
Fluid, Brake ............................. .435
Fluid Capacities ........................... .432
Fluid Leaks .............................. .234
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................388
Brake ................................ .386
Power Steering ......................... .267
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .433
Fog Lights ......................... .72, 154, 326
Fold Flat Load Floor ........................113
Folding Rear Seat ...........................41
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................318 Four Wheel Drive
......................... .255
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .348
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .390
Fuel ................................... .428
Adding .............................. .287
Additives .......................... .288, 428
Clean Air ............................. .428
Ethanol .............................. .429
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .288
Filter ................................ .433
Gasoline .............................. .428
Light ................................ .153
Materials Added ..................... .288, 428
Methanol ............................. .429
Octane

Rating .......................... .428
Requirements .......................... .428
Tank Capacity .......................... .432
Fuses .................................. .329
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............99, 105
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .....................288
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .428
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .428
Gear Ranges ............................. .247
Gear Select Lever Override ....................347
514 INDEX

Passing................................70
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .147
Security Alarm ......................... .148
Service ............................... .323
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........152, 172
Traction Control ........................ .168
Transfer Case .......................... .258
Turn Signal ....................73, 155, 234, 324
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .148, 155
Limited-Slip Differential ..................263, 391
Loading Vehicle ........................... .288
Tires................................. .398
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .145
Battery Saver On ........................ .145
Electrical Load Reduction ...................145
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................145
Locks Automatic Door ..........................39
Child Protection ..........................40
Power Door .............................36
Low Tire Pressure System .....................172
Lubrication, Body ......................... .376
Lug Nuts ............................ .341, 425Maintenance Free Battery
.....................363
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .357
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .150, 157
Manual, Service ........................... .508
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .391
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) .................41
Memory Seat ........................... .41, 47
Memory Seats And Radio .....................41
Methanol ............................... .429
Mirrors ..................................59
Electric Powered ..........................62
Heated .................................65
Memory ................................47
Outside ................................61
Rearview ........................ .59, 60, 318
Trailer Towing ...........................65
Modifications/Alterations,
Vehicle................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................172
Mopar Parts ............................. .507
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................69
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ..............284
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................242
12
INDEX 517