2019 Ram 3500 maintenance

524 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine coolant
(OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that allows extended
maintenance intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can
be used up to ten years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) beforereplacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte -
nance period, it is important that you use the same engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) throughout
the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) that
meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.
When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
• We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT (Organic
Additive Technology) that meets the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS.90032.
• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below −34°F (−37°C)
are anticipated. Please contact an authorized dealer for
assistance. • Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (antifreeze)
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the
amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system.
NOTE:
• It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the proper level of protection against freezing according to the tempera -
tures occurring in the area where the vehicle is operated.
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop -
erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed to
be added to the system, please contact a local authorized
dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom -
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency, have
an authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as possible.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 525
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant expansion
bottle/recovery tank if so equipped.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any accu-
mulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces. Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children, do
not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in open containers or
allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean
up any ground spills immediately.
Checking Coolant Level — 6.4L Engine
The level of the coolant in the pressurized coolant bottle
should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” range on the
bottle when the engine is cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no
need to remove the cap unless checking for coolant freeze
point or replacing engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be
checked once a month. When additional engine coolant
(antifreeze) is needed to maintain the proper level, it should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over -
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over -
heated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in the
cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not
remove the pressure cap while the system is hot or
under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine damage may
result.
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526 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilometers of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front of
the engine compartment. This is normally a result of mois-
ture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the
radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat opens,
allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely
driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are required, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks. • Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
• 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 oper -
ation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the
correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in unsat -
isfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance, poor
gas mileage, and increased emissions.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 527
(Continued)
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.
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.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the designated
marks on the side of the reservoir of the brake master
cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing 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!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly
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.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Speci -
fications” for further information. Using the wrong
type of brake fluid can severely damage your 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 cylinder
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 unexpect -
edly during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a collision.
7

528 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 lubri-
cant should be used. 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.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmis -
sion. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
• 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.
WARNING! (Continued)CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufacturer’s
recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as the
chemicals can damage your transmission components.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 529
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. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
an authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage. 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 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 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, 11.5 in rear axle, and 12.0 in rear axle.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust
the fluid level accurately.
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530 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tion” for further information.
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will result in
corrosion and possible failure of differential components.
Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be encountered in
some off-highway types of service, will require draining and
refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO REQUIRE limited slip oil
additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:
Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evident while
turning a vehicle with limited slip differential on concrete or
dry pavement. These conditions should be considered
normal operation of the limited slip differential.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance
intervals.Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler plug.
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the filler plug
hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 531
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking loca-
tions. Refer to the graphics that show jacking locations.
However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be used on
any other parts of the underbody.
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following
information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,
Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire
Loading. Tire Markings
Tire Markings
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle may
result.
1 — U.S. DOT Safety
Standards Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades7