2018 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab brake fluid

•Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic reser-
voir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage your
(Continued)
388 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING!(Continued)
brake system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also
identified on the original factory installed hydraulic
master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It
is important to maintain the transmission fluid at the
correct level using the recommended 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 And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for fluid specifications.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 389

4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gearposition (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
belowthe
operating temperature, the fluid level should be between 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 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.
9. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
NOTE:
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmis-
sion 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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 391

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...................426
▫ Vehicle Identification Number .............426
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .426
▫ Hydraulic Brake Assist ...................427
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . .427
▫ Torque Specifications ....................427
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................429
▫ 6.4L Engine .......................... .429
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ..................430
▫ Materials Added To Fuel .................430 ▫
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ...............431
▫ Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . .431
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ......431
▫ MMT In Gasoline ...................... .432
▫ Fuel System Cautions ....................432
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...............433
 FLUID CAPACITIES ..................... .434
 FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................435
▫ Engine ............................. .435
▫ Chassis ............................ .437
9

IDENTIFICATION DATA
Vehicle Identification Number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle
frame and underbody as well as the Automobile Informa-
tion Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle,
the vehicle registration and title.
NOTE:It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example, repeated
brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still
function. However, you will experience a substantial in-
crease in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
braking capability, the remaining system will still function
with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation
of the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning
Light” (if equipped) during brake use.
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
Vehicle Identification Number
426 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Hydraulic Brake Assist
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid reaches
operating temperature.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle, the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly cali-
brated torque wrench using a high quality six sided (hex)
deep wall socket.
Torque Specifications
Lug Nut/
Bolt Torque Lug Nut/
Bolt Type **Lug Nut/
Bolt Size Lug Nut/
Bolt Socket Size
120-150 Ft- Lbs (160-
200 N·m) Cone M14 x 1.50 22 mm
130-160 Ft- Lbs (190-
220 N·m) Flanged
**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to mounting the
tire and remove any corrosion or loose particles.
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 427

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (6.4L Engine with 66RFE
Transmission) (For Diesel Engine See Diesel Supple-
ment) 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
Transmission) 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 acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4,
Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 437

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............385
Adding Fuel ............................. .289
Additives, Fuel ........................ .290, 430
Adjust Down .............................. .46, 48
Forward ............................ .46, 48
Rearward ........................... .46, 48
Up ................................ .46, 48
Adjustable Pedals ...........................59
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ....................... .200
Air Bag Warning Light .....................197
Enhanced Accident Response .............206, 355
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................355
If A Deployment Occurs ....................205
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .201
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............207
Transporting Pets ....................... .233
Air Bag Light ...................... .150, 197, 234
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .207
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......368
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................371
Air Conditioning ............................82
Air Conditioning Filter ....................97, 372
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................97Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............371, 372
Air Conditioning System ...................96, 371
Air Filter ............................... .368
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .405
Alarm, Panic ...............................22
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................33, 151
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................33
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................385
Capacities ............................. .434
Disposal .............................. .387
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................164
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................156
Ashtray ................................ .127
Assist,

Hill Start .......................... .166
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .441
Auto Down Power Windows ...................99
Automatic Door Locks ........................40
Automatic Headlights ........................72
Automatic High Beams .......................71
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............96
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid .......................... .391
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................392
Fluid Level Check .....................389, 390
512 INDEX