2020 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab check transmission fluid

368SERVICING 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
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).
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.
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_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 368

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE369
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 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 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.
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.
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

2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 369

370SERVICING 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 Maintenance” for further infor -
mation. 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 inch ± ¼ inch
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill
hole.
3500 Rear Axle: ¼ inch ± ¼ inch
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill
hole.
4500/5500 Front Axle: ¼ inch +/- ¼ inch
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill
hole.
4500/5500 Rear Axle: 1/8 inch +/- 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm +/- 3.2 mm) below the bottom of the
fill hole.
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.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.
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug

2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 370

504
INDEX
A
Accessories..........................................413Mopar.............................................413Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise
Control)...............................................232Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............364Adding Fuel..........................................269Additives, Fuel......................................400AdjustDown................................................31Forward.............................................31Rearward...........................................31Up....................................................31Adjustable Pedals....................................39Air BagAir Bag Operation...............................153Air Bag Warning Light..........................151Enhanced Accident Response.......158, 328Event Data Recorder (EDR)...................328If Deployment Occurs..........................157Knee Impact Bolsters..........................154Maintaining Your Air Bag System............158Maintenance.....................................158Transporting Pets...............................179Air Bag Light......................... 108, 151, 181Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air
Cleaner Filter)............................... 349, 371
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................... 351Air Conditioner Refrigerant............... 351, 352Air Conditioner System............................ 351Air Conditioning................................. 52, 62Air Conditioning Filter....................... 64, 352Air Conditioning System............................ 62Air Conditioning, Operating Tips.................. 63Air Filter.............................................. 349Air PressureTires............................................... 383AlarmPanic................................................ 14Security Alarm............................. 24, 110Alterations/ModificationsVehicle.............................................. 11Android Auto........................................ 496Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 364Capacites......................................... 405Disposal.......................................... 365Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................... 120Anti-Lock Warning Light........................... 114Apple CarPlay....................................... 497Assist, Hill Start..................................... 122Audio Systems (Radio)............................ 414Auto Down Power Windows........................ 65Auto Unlock, Doors................................ 216Automatic Door Locks............................... 29
Automatic Headlights............................... 46Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).......... 62Automatic Transmission................. 213, 370Adding Fluid..................................... 370Fluid And Filter Change....................... 370Fluid Change.................................... 370Fluid Level Check.............................. 368Fluid Type........................ 368, 409, 412Shifting........................................... 207Special Additives............................... 368Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode.. 216AUX Camera................................. 261, 267Auxiliary Driving Systems........................ 129Axle Fluid.....................370, 371, 409, 412Axle Lubrication............................ 370, 371
B
Back-Up.............................................. 258Back-Up Camera................................... 258Battery....................................... 110, 346Blanket........................................... 196Charging System Light........................ 110Keyless Key Fob Replacement................ 14Battery Saver Feature.............................. 48Belts, Seat........................................... 180Body Builders Guide................................ 11Body Mechanism Lubrication................... 360

2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 504

505
B-Pillar Location
....................................379Brake Assist System...............................121Brake Control System.............................121Brake Fluid...................................367, 409Brake System............................... 367, 397Fluid Check.......................................367Master Cylinder.................................367Parking............................................204Warning Light....................................109Brake/Transmission Interlock...................206Bulb Replacement.................................300Bulbs, Light.................................. 182, 300
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights........................305Camera...............................................258Camera, AUX................................ 261, 267Camera, Rear............................... 258, 261Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).......405Capacities, Fluid....................................405Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)............................... 343, 348Power Steering..................................229Radiator (Coolant Pressure)..................365Car Washes..........................................394Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 180, 401Cargo Light.............................................47Cellular Phone......................................483Center High Mounted Stop Light................304Center Seat Storage Compartment..............73
Changing A Flat Tire............................... 314Charge Air Cooler................................... 366Chart, Tire Sizing................................... 376Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light)119Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.............. 180Checks, Safety...................................... 180Child Restraint...................................... 160Child RestraintsBooster Seats................................... 164Child Seat Installation................. 172, 174How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 171Infant And Child Restraints................... 162Locating The LATCH Anchorages............ 169Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 165Older Children And Child Restraints........ 163Seating Positions............................... 165Clean Air Gasoline................................. 399CleaningWheels............................................ 389Climate Control....................................... 51Automatic.......................................... 55Manual.............................................. 52Cold Weather Operation.......................... 187Compact Spare Tire............................... 387Contract, Service................................... 501Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 365Cooling System..................................... 363Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 364Coolant Level............................ 363, 366
Cooling Capacity................................ 405Disposal Of Used Coolant.................... 365Drain, Flush, And Refill........................ 364Inspection........................................ 366Points To Remember.......................... 366Pressure Cap.................................... 365Radiator Cap.................................... 365Selection Of Coolant(Antifreeze)................... 364, 407, 410Corrosion Protection.............................. 393Cruise Control (Speed Control)......... 230, 232Cruise Light......................................... 117Cupholders............................................ 77Customer Assistance............................. 500Cybersecurity....................................... 414
D
Daytime Running Lights............................ 45Dealer Service...................................... 347Defroster, Rear Window............................ 52Defroster, Windshield....................... 52, 181Delay (Intermittent) Wipers........................ 50Diagnostic System, Onboard.................... 118Diesel Exhaust Brake............................. 203Diesel Fuel.......................................... 402Diesel Fuel Requirements....................... 402Bulk Storage Of................................. 269Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming................ 358Differential, Limited Slip......................... 228
11

2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 505