2020 Ram 2500 check transmission fluid

336STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Off-Road Driving Tips
Care should be taken when attempting to climb
steep hills or driving diagonally across a hill or
slope. If natural obstacles force you to travel
diagonally up or down a hill, choose a mild angle
and keep as little side tilt as possible. Keep the
vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously. If you must back down a hill, back straight down
using REVERSE gear. Never back down in
NEUTRAL or diagonally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft
terrain, shift to low gear and drive steadily.
Apply the accelerator slowly to avoid spinning
the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of
driving.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to check
for damage. That way you can get any problems
taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it. Never drive
through standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
WARNING!
(Continued)
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine
can cause it to lock up and stall out, and
cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)

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380
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indi-
cator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illu -
minate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched -
uled oil change.
If a scheduled oil change is performed by
someone other than your authorized dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
NOTE:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominantly at idle, or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level
Check windshield washer fluid level
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, power steering and
automatic transmission (six-speed only) and
fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following
pages for required maintenance. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe condi
-
tions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. In some extreme conditions, additional
maintenance not specified in the maintenance
schedule may be required.

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416SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance 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.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the trans -
mission. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. 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.
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 transmission 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 immedi
-
ately to have the transmission fluid level
To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container. Keep the master cylinder reser -
voir 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 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 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.
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.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 416

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE417
checked. Operating the vehicle with an
improper fluid level can cause severe transmis -
sion damage.
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the trans -
mission 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 transmission sump temperature in
the instrument cluster screen refer to “Instru -
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Use the following procedure to check the trans -
mission fluid level properly:

1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instrument cluster display, and
operate the vehicle as required to reach the normal operating temperature. If the
transmission 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.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the
transmission to fully engage in each posi -
tion), ending with the transmission in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and rein -
sert 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 specified fluid
refer to "Fluids And Lubricants" in “Tech -
nical Specifications” for fluid specifications.
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 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. 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 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.
7

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418SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks.
Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission
below the operating 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 transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as
required, once the transmission reaches
normal operating temperature.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 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.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differ -
ential components. Operation of the vehicle in
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.
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.

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540
INDEX
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise
Control)
.......................................................... 275
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 413
Adding Fuel.......................................... 312, 313
Additives, Fuel............................................... 446AdjustDown
........................................................... 34
Forward....................................................... 34
Rearward..................................................... 34
Up................................................................ 34
Adjustable Pedals............................................ 43
Air BagAir Bag Operation
...................................... 184
Air Bag Warning Light................................ 181Enhanced Accident Response......... 189, 371
Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 371
If Deployment Occurs................................ 188Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 184
Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 189
Maintenance............................................. 189Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............182
Transporting Pets...................................... 208
Air Bag Light............................... 130, 181, 209
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter)
................................................... 398, 419
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 400
Air Conditioner Refrigerant........................... 400
Air Conditioner System................................. 400
Air Conditioning......................................... 57, 68
Air Conditioning Filter..............................70, 401
Air Conditioning System................................... 68Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 69
Air Filter........................................................ 398
Air PressureTires
......................................................... 429
AlarmPanic
........................................................... 15
Security Alarm....................................25, 131
Alterations/ModificationsVehicle
......................................................... 12Android Auto................................................. 533
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 412, 451
Capacites................................................. 451Disposal................................................... 414
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 144
Anti-Lock Warning Light................................ 136Apple CarPlay................................................ 533
Assist, Hill Start............................................. 151
Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 458
Auto Down Power Windows............................. 71
Automatic Door Locks...................................... 31
Automatic Headlights.......................................51
Automatic Tailgate Release.............................75
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............68
Automatic Transmission....................... 233, 418
Adding Fluid.............................................. 418
Fluid And Filter Change............................. 418Fluid Change............................................. 418
Fluid Level Check............................. 416, 417
Fluid Type...............................416, 454, 457
Shifting..................................................... 237
Special Additives...................................... 416
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 236
AUX Camera......................................... 304, 311
Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 153
Axle Fluid.....................................418, 454, 457Axle Lubrication............................................ 418
B
Back-Up
......................................................... 302
Back-Up Camera........................................... 302
Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System......................... 253Battery................................................. 132, 395
Blanket..................................................... 223
Charging System Light.............................. 132Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................15
Battery Saver Feature......................................53

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541
Belts, Seat
..................................................... 209
Blind Spot Monitoring.................................... 153
Body Builders Guide........................................ 12
Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 408
B-Pillar Location............................................. 426
Brake Assist System...................................... 145
Brake Control System.................................... 145Brake Fluid.......................................... 415, 454
Brake System...................................... 415, 444
Fluid Check............................................... 415Master Cylinder......................................... 415
Parking...................................................... 229
Warning Light............................................ 130
Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 232
Bulb Replacement......................................... 372Bulbs, Light.......................................... 210, 372
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights
.............................. 378
Camera.......................................................... 302
Camera, AUX........................................ 304, 311
Camera, Rear...................................... 302, 305
Camper.......................................................... 100
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 451Capacities, Fluid............................................ 451
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)
...................................... 391, 397
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 413
Car Washes................................................... 440
Carbon Monoxide Warning.................. 208, 448
Cargo Light....................................................... 52
Cellular Phone.............................................. 527
Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 377
Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 82
Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 415
Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 423
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)............................................................. 142
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 208
Checks, Safety.............................................. 208Child Restraint.............................................. 190
Child RestraintsBooster Seats
........................................... 193
Child Seat Installation..................... 201, 202
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 200Infant And Child Restraints....................... 192
Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 198
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 195
Older Children And Child Restraints......... 193Seating Positions...................................... 194
Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 446
CleaningWheels
..................................................... 434
Climate Control................................................ 57
Automatic.................................................... 61
Manual........................................................ 57
Cold Weather Operation............................... 215
Compact Spare Tire...................................... 433
Contract, Service.......................................... 537
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 413
Cooling System............................................. 411
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 413
Coolant Level................................... 412, 414
Cooling Capacity....................................... 451
Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 414
Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 412
Inspection................................................. 414Points To Remember................................ 414
Pressure Cap............................................ 413
Radiator Cap............................................. 413Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)
............... 412, 451, 452, 454
Corrosion Protection..................................... 439
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 273, 275
Cruise Light................................................... 141Cupholders.......................................................87
Customer Assistance.................................... 536
Cybersecurity................................................ 458
D
Daytime Running Lights
...................................49
Dealer Service............................................... 396
Defroster, Rear Window...................................57
Defroster, Windshield............................ 57, 209Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................55
Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 141
Diesel Exhaust Brake.................................... 230
Diesel Fuel.................................................... 448
Diesel Fuel Requirements............................. 448
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming.................... 407
11

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