2020 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab oil level

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE367
(Continued)
Brake System
In order to ensure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be
inspected periodically. Refer to the “Mainte -
nance Plan” in this section for the proper main -
tenance intervals.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood
service or immediately if the brake system
warning lamp indicates system failure.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the
designated marks on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the
top of the master cylinder area before removing
cap. With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected
to fall as the brake linings wear. However, an
unexpected drop in fluid level may be caused by
a leak and a system check should be
conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot
resting or riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubri
-
cants” in “Technical Specifications” 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 reser -
voir.
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)
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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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE371
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
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 opera -
tion of the limited slip differential.
Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech -
nical 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.
Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty
All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and manufactured
for sale and use in the United States are
required to comply with the Federal Govern -
ment's Exterior Noise Regulations. These vehi -
cles can be identified by the Noise Emission
Control Label located in the operator's compart -
ment.
Required Maintenance For Noise Control
Systems
The following maintenance services must be
performed every six months or 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) whichever comes first, to ensure
proper operation of the noise control systems.
In addition, inspection and service should be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire
vehicle will help the effectiveness of the noise
control systems.
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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
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506
Dipsticks Power Steering
..................................229Disabled Vehicle Towing..........................326DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................365Do Not Disturb......................................496Door Ajar.............................................111Door Ajar Light......................................111Door LocksAutomatic...........................................29Doors....................................................25Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter..........354Driver’s Seat Back Tilt...............................30DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..........................................292Dual Rear Wheels.................. 317, 391, 398
E
Electric Brake Control System...................121Anti-Lock Brake System.......................120Electronic Roll Mitigation..............124, 127Electrical Power Outlets.............................78Electronic Range Select (ERS)........... 211, 217Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...............124Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light.....110Electronically Shifted Transfer Case...219, 222Emergency Braking................................204Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................324
Hazard Warning Flasher...................... 294Jacking............................................ 314Jump Starting................................... 319Emission Control System Maintenance....... 119Engine........................................ 343, 344Air Cleaner....................................... 349Block Heater..................................... 190Break-In Recommendations................. 202Compartment.................................... 344Compartment Identification.................. 343Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 407, 410Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 180, 401Fails To Start.................................... 186Flooded, Starting............................... 186Fuel Requirements............................. 399Identifcation..................................... 344Idling.............................................. 197Jump Starting................................... 319Oil.................................. 347, 407, 410Oil Filler Cap............................. 343, 348Oil Filter........................................... 349Oil Reset............................................ 93Oil Selection..................................... 347Oil Synthetic..................................... 349Overheating...................................... 321Runaway.......................................... 267Starting........................................... 184Engine Oil Viscosity................................ 348Enhanced Accident Response
Feature....................................... 158, 328
Entry System, Illuminated.......................... 49Ethanol............................................... 400Exhaust Brake...................................... 203Exhaust Gas Cautions.................... 180, 401Exhaust System.................... 180, 362, 371Exterior Lighting...................................... 44Exterior Lights................................ 44, 182
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
....................................... 349Air Conditioning........................... 64, 352Engine Fuel.............................. 354, 407Engine Oil........................ 349, 407, 410Engine Oil Disposal............................ 349FlashersTurn Signals....................... 47, 117, 182Flash-To-Pass......................................... 46Flat Tire Stowage.................................. 318Fluid Capacities.................................... 405Fluid Leaks.......................................... 182Fluid Level ChecksBrake............................................. 367Power Steering.................................. 229Fluids And Lubricants..................... 407, 410Fog Lights..................................... 47, 303Fold Flat Load Floor................................. 76Fold-Flat Seats....................................... 30Forward Collision Warning....................... 129Four Wheel Drive.................................. 218

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