2020 Ram 1500 Transmission maintenance

10
Brake System ............................................................... 512
Automatic Transmission ........................................... 513
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ............................................................................. 515
Transfer Case ............................................................... 515
 HOISTING ......................................................................... 516
 TIRES................................................................................... 516
Tire Safety Information............................................... 516
Tires — General Information .................................... 525
Tire Types ..................................................................... 531
Spare Tires — If Equipped ......................................... 532
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .................................... 535
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .................................. 536
Tire Rotation Recommendations .............................. 537
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ............................................... 538
Treadwear..................................................................... 538
Traction Grades ........................................................... 538
Temperature Grades ................................................... 538
 STORING THE VEHICLE................................................ 539
 BODYWORK...................................................................... 539
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ...................... 539
Body And Underbody Maintenance......................... 540
Preserving The Bodywork.......................................... 540 
INTERIORS .......................................................................543
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................................543
Plastic And Coated Parts ............................................544
Leather Parts.................................................................545
Glass Surfaces ..............................................................545
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...............................................546
Vehicle Identification Number ................................. 546
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...............................................................546
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS ....... 546
Torque Specifications ..................................................547
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................548
3.6L Engine ..................................................................548
5.7L Engine ...................................................................549
Reformulated Gasoline ...............................................549
Materials Added To Fuel ............................................550
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ......................................550
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ............551
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ................ 551
MMT In Gasoline .........................................................551
Fuel System Cautions ..................................................551
Carbon Monoxide Warnings......................................552
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 10

414 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled
Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” for the proper maintenance intervals.
When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR
ratings.• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that
is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that
may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of
control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis
structure or tires. CAUTION!
(Continued)
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case
is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
• GVWR
• GTW
• GAWR
• Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 414

506 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can
result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and
abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should
be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in
gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition components disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic testing,
or for prolonged periods during very rough idle or
malfunctioning operating conditions.Cooling System
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if yourvehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In the
event of engine malfunction, particularly involving
engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance,
have your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible
damage to the converter and vehicle. CAUTION!
(Continued)
WARNING!
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
• Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The fan
starts automatically and may start at any time, whether
the engine is running or not.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 506

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 513
(Continued)
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.
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.
• 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 thebrake fluid. Brake seal components could be damaged,
causing partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
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 And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for fluid specifications.
WARNING! (Continued)
7
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 513

514 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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.
Fluid Level Check
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
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.
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.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 514

667
Extender................................................................................ 242
Front Seat.............................................................. 236, 237, 239
Inspection ............................................................................. 286
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation ........................................... 239
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ......................................... 241Lap/Shoulder Belts............................................................. 237
Operating Instructions ....................................................... 239
Pregnant Women................................................................. 243
Pretensioners........................................................................ 243
Rear Seat ............................................................................... 237Reminder .............................................................................. 236
Seat Belt Extender ............................................................... 242Seat Belt Pretensioner ......................................................... 243
Seat Belt Reminder .............................................................. 236Untwisting Procedure ........................................................ 241
Seat Belts Maintenance........................................................... 544
Seats ................................................................................ 42, 45, 46 Adjustment....................................................................... 42, 46Easy Entry .............................................................................. 50
Head Restraints ..................................................................... 54
Memory .................................................................................. 47
Power ...................................................................................... 46
Rear Folding........................................................................... 42
Reclining Rear........................................................................ 45
Tilting ...................................................................................... 42
Security Alarm .................................................................. 33, 180 Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........................................554
Sentry Key
Key Programming .................................................................31
Sentry Key (Immobilizer).........................................................31
Sentry Key Replacement ..........................................................32
Service Assistance ...................................................................652
Service Contract.......................................................................654
Service Manuals ......................................................................656
Shifting...................................................................................... 302 Automatic Transmission ....................................................304
Transfer Case, Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral
(N) ..........................................................................................424
Transfer Case, Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral
(N) ..........................................................................................426
Shoulder Belts ..........................................................................237
Side Steps, Power ......................................................................37
Signals, Turn ..............................................................71, 193, 289
Siri..............................................................................................645
Sliding Rear Window, Power ..................................................97
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ....................................................536
Snow Plow ...............................................................................421
Snow Tires ................................................................................532
Spare Tires ................................................................532, 533, 534
Spark Plugs ..............................................................................554
Speed Control Accel/Decel..........................................................................340
11
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 667

669
Inflation Pressure ................................................................ 526
Life Of Tires ......................................................................... 529
Load Capacity .............................................................. 521, 522
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ....................... 185, 227
Quality Grading .................................................................. 538
Radial .................................................................................... 527Replacement......................................................................... 530
Rotation ................................................................................ 537
Safety............................................................................. 516, 525
Sizes....................................................................................... 517Snow Tires ............................................................................ 532
Spare Tires ............................................................ 532, 533, 534
Spinning................................................................................ 528
Trailer Towing ..................................................................... 415
Tread Wear Indicators ........................................................ 529
Wheel Nut Torque .............................................................. 546
To Open Hood ......................................................................... 105
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ............................................ 413
Tonneau Cover ................................................................ 150, 540
Tonneau Cover Cleaning ....................................................... 540
Towing.............................................................................. 407, 478 Disabled Vehicle.................................................................. 478
Guide..................................................................................... 413
Recreational.......................................................................... 422
Weight................................................................................... 413
Towing Behind A Motorhome .............................................. 422 Traction .....................................................................................427
Traction Control ......................................................................210
Traction Control Switch .........................................................210
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................................................... 210
Trailer Towing .........................................................................407 Cooling System Tips ........................................................... 421Hitches ..................................................................................411
Minimum Requirements ....................................................413
Mirrors ....................................................................................64
Tips ........................................................................................420Trailer And Tongue Weight...............................................413
Wiring ...................................................................................419
Trailer Towing Guide .............................................................413
Trailer Weight ..........................................................................413
Transfer Case ...........................................................................515 Electronically Shifted ..................................................311, 314
Fluid ...................................................................................... 556
Transmission ............................................................................304 Automatic .....................................................................304, 513
Fluid ...................................................................................... 556
Maintenance .........................................................................513
Shifting ..................................................................................302
Transporting Pets .................................................................... 285
Tread Wear Indicators ............................................................ 529
Turn Signals ....................................................... 71, 193, 438, 441
11
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 669