2019 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab Owner's Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 439
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. The only exception to this policy is the use of special
dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks in six-speed transmissions.
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, and (for six-speed transmissions) will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for fluid
specifications.
7

440 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 Level Check — Six-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is at
normal operating temperature (158-176°F / 70-80°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 trans
-
mission sump temperature in the instrument cluster screen
(refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” for further informa -
tion).
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.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
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.
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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 441
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear posi-
tion (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 spec -
ified fluid (see "Fluids And Lubricants" for fluid specifica -
tions). 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 rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below the oper -
ating 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. Only use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting the fluid level after a trans
-
mission service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and
adjust as required, once the transmission reaches normal
operating temperature.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below the oper -
ating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two
COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at 68-86°F
/ 20-30°C. Only use the COLD region of the dipstick as a
rough reference when setting the fluid level after a transmis -
sion 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.
7

442 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance
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 Mainte-
nance” for further information. 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.
When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should be in a
level position. The fluid level at room temperature should be
as follows:
3500 Front Axle: ¼ in ± ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the
bottom of the fill hole.
3500 Rear Axle: ¼ in ± ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the
bottom of the fill hole.
4500/5500 Front Axle: ¼ in +/- ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the bottom of the fill hole.
4500/5500 Rear Axle: 1/8 in +/- 1/8 in (3.2 mm +/- 3.2 mm)
below the bottom of the fill hole.
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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 443
Drain And Refill
On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt to drain the
axle fluid.4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs
Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter for the proper
maintenance intervals. Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica
-
tions” 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.
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug7

444 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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.
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. CAUTION!

Never use a floor jack directly under the differential housing of
a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle may result.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 445
Tire Markings
Tire Markings
NOTE:
• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. designstandards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into
the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:
P215/65R15 95H.
• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed to this standard have the
tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the
section width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire size
designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires
is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT”
that are molded into the sidewall preceding the size desig -
nation. Example: LT235/85R16.
• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emer -
gency use only. Temporary high pressure compact spare
tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation. Example: T145/80D18
103M.
• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into the side -
wall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
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 Grades
7

446 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Sizing Chart EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
"....blank...." = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or
T or S = Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
• Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
• "R" means radial construction, or
• "D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
• A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry