2019 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab transmission fluid

8
DRIVING TIPS................................................................... 363
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................................... 363
Driving Through Water ............................................. 364
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............................. 366
 ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .............. 366
 BULB REPLACEMENT .................................................. 371
Replacement Bulbs ..................................................... 371
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ............................................ 373
 FUSES.................................................................................. 380
Power Distribution Center ......................................... 381
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................... 390
4500/5500 Models ....................................................... 391
Preparations For Jacking ............................................ 391
Jacking Instructions 4500 And 5500 Series............... 392
To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped .......... 396
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped .............. 397
 JUMP STARTING ............................................................ 398
Preparations For Jump Start ...................................... 399
Jump Starting Procedure ............................................ 400
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .................................. 401
 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION .............................................................. 402 
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ...............................................................403
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ......................................405
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...............................406
Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 407
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 408
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped....................408
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ...............................................................409
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)................................. 409
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ............................................410
Maintenance Plan ........................................................411
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...............................414
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .......................................... 415
6.4L Engine ..................................................................415
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........................416
Adding Washer Fluid ................................................416
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................................... 417

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DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 417
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 418
Engine Oil Filter ......................................................... 419
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ......................................... 420
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................. 421
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................ 426
Body Lubrication ....................................................... 428
Windshield Wiper Blades ......................................... 428
Exhaust System ........................................................... 431
Cooling System ........................................................... 433
Brake System ............................................................... 438
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 439
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level .......................................................................... 442
Transfer Case ............................................................... 444
 HOISTING ......................................................................... 444
 TIRES .................................................................................. 444
Tire Safety Information ............................................ 444
Tires — General Information ................................... 454
Tire Types ..................................................................... 460
Spare Tires — If Equipped ..................................... 461
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ................................. 464
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) ................................. 465
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............................... 466 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...............................................468
Treadwear .....................................................................469
Traction Grades............................................................ 469
Temperature Grades ................................................... 469
 STORING THE VEHICLE .............................................470
 BODYWORK ......................................................................470
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ....................470
Body And Underbody Maintenance .........................471
Preserving The Bodywork .......................................... 471
 INTERIORS .......................................................................472
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................................472
Plastic And Coated Parts ............................................473
Leather Parts.................................................................474
Glass Surfaces ..............................................................474
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...............................................475
Vehicle Identification Number ................................. 475
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...............................................................476
Hydraulic Brake Assist ...............................................476
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .....476
Torque Specifications ................................................477

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with
the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either
stay on or flash depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position.
The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the
vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are
pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. — Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans -
mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated
you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe
transmission damage or transmission failure.
3

STARTING AND OPERATING 251
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a stan-
dard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
Gasoline Engine Only
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille by
the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not in
use for the Winter months. During Winter months, remove
the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the c-clip.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one hour
to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri -
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom -
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 261
NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily loaded vehicle at low
speeds (such as towing a trailer up a steep grade, or in
stop-and-go traffic) during hot weather. In these conditions,
torque converter slip can impose a significant additional heat
load on the cooling system. Downshifting the transmission
to the lowest possible gear (when climbing a grade), or
shifting to NEUTRAL (when stopped in heavy traffic) can
help to reduce this excess heat generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm up
time of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum
efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch is
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the
“Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
On trucks with AS66RC transmission, fifth and sixth gears
may be inhibited briefly on cold starts below 41°F (5°C), and
during very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or below), oper -
ation may briefly be limited to third gear only. During this
condition, the ability of the vehicle to accelerate under
heavily loaded conditions may be reduced. In all cases,
normal operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level. Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains in
third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected. If an
AS66RC equipped truck enters Limp Home Mode at
highway speeds, it will initially engage fifth gear, until the
vehicle slows to a speed where third gear can be engaged.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans
-
mission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 263
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maximum deceleration
(engine braking), simply push and hold the ERS (-) switch.
The transmission will shift to the range from which the
vehicle can best be slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth gears). The transmis-
sion will automatically shift into Overdrive if the following
conditions are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.

• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate temperature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate temperature.
• Vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically at
calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some acceler
-
ations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:
• The torque converter clutch will not engage, until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually
after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because engine
speed is higher when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not shifting
properly when cold. This is normal. Using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the transmission is
sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmission
is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while descending
steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the engine.
Apply the brakes as needed to prevent engine overspeed.
5

264 STARTING AND OPERATING
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the firstfew seconds of operation after shifting the transmission
into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid
partially draining from the torque converter into the trans -
mission. This condition is normal and will not cause
damage to the transmission. The torque converter will
refill within five seconds after starting the engine.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs,
push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL
mode. This will improve performance and reduce the poten -
tial for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive
shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode, transmis -
sion upshifts are delayed, and the transmission will automat -
ically downshift (for engine braking) when the throttle is
closed and/or during steady braking maneuvers. TOW/HAUL Switch
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default at
engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch
must be pushed each time the engine is started.

354 STARTING AND OPERATING
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) as specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing." Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for
the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing
(Six-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating,
activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly areas, or
select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you
can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency. Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over
-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,
the air suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air Suspen -
sion System” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor -
mation.
NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running position
while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air suspen -
sion system.