2020 Ram 3500 check transmission fluid

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE423
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed
Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the
transmission 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 “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Use the following procedure to check the
transmission 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
position), ending with the transmission in
PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert 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
“Technical Specifications” for fluid specifi -
cations. 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.
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424SERVICING 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
A
XLE 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
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).
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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INDEX
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)
.............................................. 282Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 418Adding Fuel.......................................... 319, 320Additives, Fuel............................................... 454AdjustDown........................................................... 35Forward....................................................... 35Rearward..................................................... 35Up................................................................ 35Adjustable Pedals............................................ 42Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 185Air Bag Warning Light................................ 182Enhanced Accident Response......... 189, 384Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 384If Deployment Occurs................................ 188Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 185Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 190Maintenance............................................. 190Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............183Transporting Pets...................................... 209Air Bag Light............................... 130, 182, 210Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air
Cleaner Filter)...................................... 403, 425
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 405Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 405, 406Air Conditioner System................................. 405Air Conditioning......................................... 57, 67Air Conditioning Filter..............................69, 406Air Conditioning System................................... 67Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 68Air Filter........................................................ 403Air PressureTires......................................................... 436AlarmPanic........................................................... 15Security Alarm....................................25, 132Alterations/ModificationsVehicle......................................................... 12Android Auto................................................. 545Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 418, 459Capacites................................................. 460Disposal................................................... 420Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 144Anti-Lock Warning Light................................ 137Apple CarPlay................................................ 546Assist, Hill Start............................................. 151Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 467Auto Down Power Windows............................. 70Automatic Door Locks...................................... 30
Automatic Headlights.......................................50Automatic Tailgate Release.............................74Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............67Automatic Transmission....................... 235, 424Adding Fluid.............................................. 424Fluid And Filter Change............................. 424Fluid Change............................................. 424Fluid Level Check............................. 422, 423Fluid Type............................... 422, 463, 466Shifting..................................................... 239Special Additives...................................... 422Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 238AUX Camera......................................... 311, 318Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 153Axle Fluid.....................................424, 463, 466Axle Lubrication............................................ 424
B
Back-Up......................................................... 309Back-Up Camera........................................... 309Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System......................... 260Battery................................................. 132, 400Blanket..................................................... 225Charging System Light.............................. 132Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................15Battery Saver Feature......................................53

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553
Belts, Seat
..................................................... 210Blind Spot Monitoring.................................... 153Body Builders Guide........................................ 12Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 414B-Pillar Location............................................. 433Brake Assist System...................................... 145Brake Control System.................................... 145Brake Fluid.......................................... 421, 463Brake System...................................... 421, 452Fluid Check............................................... 421Master Cylinder......................................... 421Parking...................................................... 231Warning Light............................................ 131Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 235Bulb Replacement......................................... 351Bulbs, Light.......................................... 212, 351
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights.............................. 357Camera.......................................................... 309Camera, AUX........................................ 311, 318Camera, Rear...................................... 309, 312Camper............................................................ 98Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 460Capacities, Fluid.................................. 459, 460Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)...................................... 396, 402Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 419Car Washes................................................... 448Carbon Monoxide Warning.................. 209, 456
Cargo Light....................................................... 52Cellular Phone.............................................. 540Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 356Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 81Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 421Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 430Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light).............................................. 143Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 209Checks, Safety.............................................. 209Child Restraint.............................................. 191Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 194Child Seat Installation..................... 202, 204How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 201Infant And Child Restraints....................... 192Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 199Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 195Older Children And Child Restraints......... 193Seating Positions...................................... 195Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 454CleaningWheels..................................................... 442Climate Control................................................ 57Automatic.................................................... 61Manual........................................................ 57Cold Weather Operation............................... 217Compact Spare Tire...................................... 441Contract, Service.......................................... 549Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 419
Cooling System............................................. 417Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 418Coolant Level................................... 418, 420Cooling Capacity.............................. 459, 460Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 420Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 418Inspection................................................. 420Points To Remember................................ 420Pressure Cap............................................ 419Radiator Cap............................................. 419Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).... 418, 459, 461, 464Corrosion Protection..................................... 447Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 280, 282Cruise Light................................................... 141Cupholders.......................................................86Customer Assistance.................................... 548Cybersecurity................................................ 467
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................49Dealer Service............................................... 401Defroster, Rear Window...................................57Defroster, Windshield............................ 57, 210Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................55Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 142Diesel Exhaust Brake.................................... 232Diesel Fuel.................................................... 456Diesel Fuel Requirements............................. 456
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