2020 Ram 3500 automatic transmission fluid

5
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 144Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 144
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ....145
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 153
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ................................................153 Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................160
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .. 163

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 172
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....172
Important Safety Precautions ...................172Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 173Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...182Child Restraints .........................................191
Transporting Pets ......................................209
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 209
Transporting Passengers ..........................209
Exhaust Gas ...............................................209Safety Checks You Should Make
Inside The Vehicle ..................................... 210 Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle ........................ 212
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GAS ENGINE .........213
Automatic Transmission............................ 213
Tip Start Feature ....................................... 213Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ................... 214
Normal Starting Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button ................................. 214 Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F
Or −30°C) .................................................. 217 After Starting .............................................. 217
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE ..... 217
Automatic Transmission............................ 217
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ................... 218
Extreme Cold Weather .............................. 220
Normal Starting Procedure —
Engine Manifold Air Temperature
Above 66° F (19° C) ................................. 220 Starting Procedure —
Engine Manifold Air Temperature 0°F To
66°F (–18°C to 19°C) ............................. 221 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............. 222 Starting Fluids ............................................ 223 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ....... 223
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 223
Engine Idling ............................................. 226
Noise .......................................................... 227
Stopping The Engine ................................. 227Idle Shutdown ............................................ 228
Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed ... 228

Operating Precautions .............................. 228
Cooling System Tips .................................. 228
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — GAS ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED) .................................................... 229
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED) ................................................... 229
Block Heater Usage ................................... 230
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GAS ENGINE ....................................................... 230
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE .................................................. 230
PARKING BRAKE .............................................. 231
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE — ENGINE
BRAKING (IF EQUIPPED) .................................. 232

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9
Windshield Wiper Blades ..........................414
Exhaust System ........................................416
Cooling System .........................................417
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler ..............421
Brake System ............................................421
Automatic Transmission ............................422
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level .................................................. 424 Transfer Case ............................................425
Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty .........................425
HOISTING ........................................................... 429
TIRES ................................................................... 429
Tire Safety Information .............................429Tires — General Information .....................435Tire Types ...................................................440
Spare Tires — If Equipped .........................441
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ....................442
Tire Chains And Traction Devices ............443
Tire Rotation Recommendations .............444 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................. 446
Treadwear .................................................. 446
Traction Grades ......................................... 446
Temperature Grades ................................. 446
STORING THE VEHICLE .....................................447
BODYWORK ........................................................ 447
Protection From Atmospheric Agents....... 447
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 447Preserving The Bodywork .......................... 448
INTERIORS ......................................................... 450
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 450
Plastic And Coated Parts ........................... 450
Leather Parts ............................................. 451
Glass Surfaces .......................................... 451
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA .......................................452Vehicle Identification Number ................. 452
BRAKE SYSTEM ................................................. 452
Hydraulic Brake Assist — If Equipped ....... 452

WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS ... 452

Torque Specifications ............................... 452 FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GAS ENGINE ............ 454
6.4L Engine ................................................ 454
Reformulated Gasoline ............................ 454Materials Added To Fuel ........................... 454
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..................... 454
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel
Vehicles ...................................................... 455 CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications .. 455MMT In Gasoline........................................ 455
Fuel System Cautions................................ 455
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..................... 456
FUEL REQUIREMENTS – DIESEL ENGINE ....... 456
Fuel Specifications ................................... 457
Biodiesel Fuel Requirements.................... 457
FLUID CAPACITIES — GAS ENGINE ................. 459
FLUID CAPACITIES — DIESEL ENGINE............. 460
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS — GAS ENGINE..... 461 Engine ....................................................... 461
Chassis ...................................................... 463

FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS — DIESEL ENGINE ...464

Engine ....................................................... 464
Chassis ....................................................... 466

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56GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Mist Feature
When a single wipe to clear off road mist or
spray from a passing vehicle is needed, push
the washer knob, located on the end of the
multifunction lever, inward to the first detent
and release. The wipers will cycle one time and
automatically shut off.
NOTE:
The mist feature does not activate the washer
pump; therefore, no washer fluid will be sprayed
on the windshield. The wash function must be
used in order to spray the windshield with
washer fluid.
RAIN SENSING WIPERS — IF EQUIPPED
This feature senses moisture on the windshield
and automatically activates the wipers for the
driver. The feature is especially useful for road
splash or overspray from the windshield
washers of the vehicle ahead. Rotate the end of
the multifunction lever to one of five settings to
activate this feature. NOTE:
This feature can be programmed on/off through
the Uconnect system. Refer to “Uconnect
Settings” in “Multimedia” for further informa
-
tion.
The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted
with the multifunction lever. Wiper delay
position 1 is the least sensitive, and wiper delay
position 5 is the most sensitive. Position 3
should be used for normal rain conditions.
Positions 1 and 2 can be used if the driver
desires less wiper sensitivity. Positions 4 and 5
can be used if the driver desires more
sensitivity. Place the wiper switch in the O (off)
position when not using the system.
NOTE:
The Rain Sensing feature will not operate
when the wiper switch is in the low or
high-speed position.
The Rain Sensing feature may not function
properly when ice, or dried salt water is
present on the windshield.
Use of Rain-X or products containing wax or
silicone may reduce Rain Sensing perfor -
mance. The Rain Sensing system has protection
features for the wiper blades and arms, and will
not operate under the following conditions:
Low Ambient Temperature
— When the igni-
tion is first placed in the ON position, the Rain
Sensing system will not operate until the
wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed is
greater than 0 mph (0 km/h), or the outside
temperature is greater than 32°F (0°C).
Transmission In NEUTRAL Position — When
the ignition is ON, and the transmission is in
the NEUTRAL position, the Rain Sensing
system will not operate until the wiper switch
is moved, vehicle speed is greater than
5 mph (8 km/h), or the gear selector is
moved out of the NEUTRAL position.
Remote Start Mode Inhibit — On vehicles
equipped with Remote Starting system, Rain
Sensing wipers are not operational when the
vehicle is in the remote start mode. Once the
operator is in the vehicle and has placed the
ignition switch in the RUN position, Rain
Sensing wiper operation can resume, if it has
been selected, and no other inhibit condi -
tions (mentioned previously) exist.

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STARTING AND OPERATING243
During cold temperatures, transmission
operation may be modified depending on
engine and transmission temperature as well
as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of
the torque converter clutch is inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm refer to the “Note”
under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section.
On Pickup models with 68RFE transmission, top
overdrive gear is also inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm, and during
extremely cold temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or
below), operation may briefly be limited to first
and direct gears only. On trucks with AISIN
(AS69RC) transmission, fifth and sixth gears
may be inhibited briefly on cold starts below
41°F (5°C), and during very cold temperatures
(-4°F [-20°C] or below), operation may briefly
be limited to third gear only. During this
condition, the ability of the vehicle to accelerate
under heavily loaded conditions may be
reduced. In all cases, normal operation will
resume once the transmission temperature has
risen to a suitable level.Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically
for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is
activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in fourth gear (for 68RFE transmission) or third
gear (for AISIN (AS69RC) transmission)
regardless of which forward gear is selected. If an
AISIN (AS69RC)-equipped truck enters Limp
Home Mode at highway speeds, it will initially
engage fifth gear, until the vehicle slows to a
speed where third gear can be engaged. PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle
to be driven to an authorized dealer for service
without damaging the transmission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition off.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds. 5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An autho -
rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized
dealer service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
allows the driver to limit the highest available
gear when the transmission is in DRIVE. For
example, if you set the transmission gear limit
to 4 (FOURTH gear), the transmission will not
shift above FOURTH gear, but will shift through
the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode
at any vehicle speed. When the gear selector is
in the DRIVE position, the transmission will
operate automatically, shifting between all
5

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244STARTING AND OPERATING
available gears. Tapping the ERS (-) switch will
activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, and set that gear as the
top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping
the ERS (-) or (+) switch will change the top
available gear.

Electronic Range Select

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the ERS
(+) switch until the gear limit display disappears
from the instrument cluster. NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply push and
hold the ERS (-) switch. The transmission will
shift to the range from which the vehicle can
best be slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an
electronically controlled Overdrive (fifth and
sixth gears). The transmission will automatically
shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
The transmission fluid has reached an
adequate temperature.
The engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature.
The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
The driver is not heavily pressing the acceler
-
ator.
1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle
could skid, causing a collision or personal
injury.
Transmis -
sion Gear
Limit
Display 1 2 3 4 5 6 D
Actual
Gear(s)
Allowed
1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-6
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while
descending steep grades, be careful not to
overspeed the engine. Apply the brakes as
needed to prevent engine overspeed.

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STARTING AND OPERATING245
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission shifting occurs, push the TOW/
HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This
will improve performance and reduce the
potential for transmission overheating or failure
due to excessive shifting. When operating in
TOW/HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are
delayed, and the transmission will
automatically downshift (for engine braking)
when the throttle is closed and/or during steady
braking maneuvers.

TOW/HAUL Switch
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/
HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing the
switch a second time restores normal
operation. Normal operation is always the
default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch must be pushed each time
the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic
transmission on your vehicle. A clutch within the
torque converter engages automatically at
calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle
speed drops or during some accelerations, the
clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage,
until the transmission fluid and engine
coolant are warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles
(2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because engine speed
is higher when the torque converter clutch is
not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis
-
sion is not shifting properly when cold. This is
normal. Using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control, when the transmission is
sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and
will not cause damage to the transmission.
The torque converter will refill within five
seconds after starting the engine.
WARNING!
Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when
driving in icy or slippery conditions. The
increased engine braking can cause the rear
wheels to slide, and the vehicle to swing
around with the possible loss of vehicle
control, which may cause an accident
possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
5

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340STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronic shift
transfer cases must be shifted into NEUTRAL
(N) for recreational towing. Automatic transmis -
sions must be shifted into PARK for recreational
towing. Refer to the following for the proper
transfer case NEUTRAL (N) shifting procedure
for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
will cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Do not disconnect the driveshaft because
fluid may leak from the transmission,
causing damage to internal parts.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing
with only one set of wheels on the ground
(front or rear) will cause severe transmis -
sion and/or transfer case damage. Tow
with all four wheels either ON the ground, or
OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
Tow only in the forward direction. Towing
this vehicle backwards can cause severe
damage to the transfer case.
Before recreational towing, the transfer
case must be in NEUTRAL. To be certain the
transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL, perform
the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into
NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission damage
will result, if the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL during towing.
The transmission must be placed in PARK
for recreational towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft
because fluid will leak from the transfer
case, causing damage to internal parts.
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on
tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face
bar will be damaged.
CAUTION! (Continued)

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385
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change
indicator 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
Conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate 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).

An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change.If a scheduled oil change is performed by
someone other than an 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
lights7

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