2020 Ram 2500 oil change

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.

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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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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS449
NOTE:
If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gaso -
line on your diesel vehicle, do not start the
vehicle. If you restart your vehicle you risk
damaging the engine and fuel system. Please
call an authorized dealer for service.
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting
ASTM specification D-975 may be used with
your Cummins diesel engine. (Chassis Cab
models not configured with B20 capability.)
A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel meeting
ASTM specification D-7467 may be used with
your Cummins diesel engine. (Pickup models
and Chassis Cab models configured with
B20 Capability.)
In addition, commercially available fuel addi -
tives are not necessary for the proper opera -
tion of your Cummins diesel engine.
However, if seasonably adjusted fuel is not
available and you are operating below 20°F
(-6°C), Mopar Premium Diesel Fuel Treat -
ment (or equivalent) may be beneficial to
avoid fuel gelling.
No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only
be used where extended arctic conditions
(0°F or -18°C) exist.
Biodiesel Fuel Requirements
Pickup Models And Chassis Cab Models
Ordered With B20 Option
Your vehicle has been validated and approved
for the use of biodiesel in blends up to 20%
(B20) provided that you comply with the require -
ments outlined below. It is important that you
understand and comply with these require -
ments. Failure to comply with Oil Change
requirements for vehicles operating on
biodiesel blends up to B20 will result in prema -
ture engine wear. Such wear is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable
resources typically derived from animal fat,
rapeseed oil (Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME)
base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl Ester (SME or
SOME) base). Biodiesel fuel has inherent limita-
tions which require that you understand and
adhere to the following requirements if you use
blends of biodiesel greater then 5% but not
greater than 20% (B6-B20). There are no
unique restrictions for the use of B5. Use of
blends greater than 20% is not approved. Use of
blends greater than 20% can result in engine
damage. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fuel Quality — Must Comply With ASTM
Standards
The quality of biodiesel fuel may vary widely.
Only fuel produced by a BQ9000 supplier to the
following specifications may be blended to
meet biodiesel blend (B6–B20) fuel meeting
ASTM specification D-7467:
Pretrodiesel fuel meeting ASTM specification
D-975 and biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting
ASTM specification D-6751.
Fuel Oxidation Stability — Must Use Fuel
Within Six Months Of Manufacture
Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability which
can result in long term storage problems. Fuel
produced to approved ASTM standards, if
stored properly, provides for protection against
fuel oxidation for up to six months.
Fuel Water Separation — Must Use Mopar/
Cummins Approved Fuel Filter Elements
You must use Mopar/Cummins approved fuel
filter elements in both your engine mounted
filter and frame mounted filter.
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and
water accelerates microbial growth. Your
Mopar/Cummins filtration system is designed
to provide adequate fuel water separation capa-
bilities.
8

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450TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Bio-Diesel Fuel Properties — Low Ambient
Temperatures
Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient
temperatures, which may pose problems for
both storage and operation. Precautions can be
necessary at low ambient temperatures, such
as storing the fuel in a heated building or a
heated storage tank, or using cold temperature
additives.
Fuel In Oil Dilution — Must Adhere To
Required Oil Change Interval
Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been
observed with the use of biodiesel fuel. Fuel in
oil must not exceed 5%. To ensure this limit is
met your oil change interval must be main -
tained to the following schedule:
Ram PickUp 2500/3500 Only — 15,000 Miles*
(*unless otherwise notified with a oil service
message)
CAUTION!
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km)
pickup or 12,500 miles (20 000 km)
chassis cab if operation occurs with greater
than 5% biodiesel blends. Oil change inter -
vals should not exceed 6 months in either
case. Failure to comply with these Oil
Change requirements for vehicles operating
on biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in
premature engine wear. Such wear is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
B20 Biodiesel capable: The engine may
suffer severe damage if operated with
concentrations of Biodiesel higher than
20%.

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545
Manual Park Release
............................................. 366
Service...................................................... 539
Media Hub..................................................... 525
Memory Seat................................................... 35
Methanol....................................................... 446
Mirrors............................................................. 43Electric Powered......................................... 45
Heated........................................................ 47
Memory....................................................... 35Outside........................................................ 45
Rearview..................................... 43, 44, 338
Trailer Towing.............................................. 46
Modifications/AlterationsVehicle
........................................................ 12Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 163
Mopar Parts................................................... 538
MP3 Control.................................................. 525
Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 49
N
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS)
............... 302
New Vehicle Break-In Period.......................... 228
Noise ControlMaintenance............................................. 419
Tampering Prohibited................................ 420
Noise Emission Warranty..................... 419, 420
O
Occupant Restraints
..................................... 171
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 446
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road).......... 255, 336
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement).......... 255, 336
Oil Change Indicator..................................... 385
Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 398Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 398
Oil Pressure Light.......................................... 132
Oil Reset....................................................... 119Oil, Engine................................... 396, 452, 454
Capacity.................................................... 451
Change Interval........................................ 396
Dipstick.................................................... 394
Disposal................................................... 398Filter....................................... 398, 452, 454
Filter Disposal........................................... 398
Identification Logo........................... 396, 397
Materials Added To.................................. 398Pressure Warning Light............................ 132
Recommendation............................ 396, 451
Synthetic.................................................. 398
Viscosity.......................................... 397, 451
Onboard Diagnostic System.......................... 141
Operating Precautions.................................. 141
Operator ManualOwner's Manual
..................................12, 539
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................45
Overdrive....................................................... 242
Overdrive OFF Switch.................................... 242
Overheating, Engine...................................... 367
P
Paint Care
..................................................... 439
Panic Alarm......................................................15
Parking Brake............................................... 229
ParkSense System, Rear...................... 289, 294Passive Entry....................................................28
Pedals, Adjustable...........................................43
Perform Service Indicator, Reset.................. 385
Pets............................................................... 208
Pickup Box................................................92, 94
Pinch Protection...............................................74
Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 426
PowerDistribution Center (Fuses)
....................... 354
Door Locks...................................................27
Mirrors.........................................................45
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)..........88, 90
Seats...........................................................34
Side Steps...................................................28Sliding Rear Window....................................72
Steering.......................................................45
Sunroof........................................................72
Windows......................................................7011

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