2023 RAM 1500 transmission

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE349
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can
result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifications,
should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:

Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is
in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
 Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
 Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and
refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C
condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation
of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water
from a garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C
condenser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN
THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant
is needed to be added to the system please contact
an authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 334.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective -
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
 Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator.
If you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has had
time to cool. Never open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
 Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from
the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The
fan starts automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
 When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon -
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the OFF
mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can
start at any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
8

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 349

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE353
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. 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. Avoid using transmission sealers as they
may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
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 immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
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.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer recommended transmission fluid
Úpage 397. 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.
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
Úpage 397. This inspection should be made with
the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the fill
hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of hole) for the front
axle and rear axle.

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.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.
WARNING!
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.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder
Úpage 397.
8

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 353

354SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Drain And Refill
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 334.
Lubricant Selection
For further information Úpage 397.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will result in
corrosion and possible failure of differential 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
Rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip Differential
require that 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar® Limited Slip Additive
be added to the gear lubricant
Úpage 397. The Mopar®
Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear lubricant
whenever a fluid change is made to an axle equipped with
a Limited Slip Differential.
NOTE:When refilling a limited slip differential axle which requires
a friction modification additive, the additive should be
added before the gear lubricant to ensure proper
additive fill.
TRANSFER CASE
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 (or within 1/8 inch of the bottom) with the
vehicle in a level position.
Drain And Refill
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 334.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer recommended fluid Úpage 397.
FUSES
General Information
WARNING!
 When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro -
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. The use of a fuse with a
rating other than indicated may result in a dangerous
electrical system overload. If a properly rated fuse
continues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected. Never replace a blown fuse
with metal wires or any other material. Do not place
a fuse inside a circuit breaker cavity or vice versa.
Failure to use proper fuses may result in serious
personal injury, fire and/or property damage.
 Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition
is off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
 If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an
authorized dealer.
 If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, transmission system) or steering
system blows, contact an authorized dealer.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 354

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS397
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only Mopar® ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or equivalent.
Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or performance of your
transmission.
Transfer Case – 48-11 Active On-Demand 2–speed Transfer Case (With 4WD AUTO) We recommend using Mobil Fluid LT.
Transfer Case – 48-12 Part Time 2–Speed Transfer Case (Without 4WD AUTO) We recommend using Shell Spirax S2 ATF A389.
Front Axle We recommend using Mopar® GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle (3.21/3.55) We recommend using Mopar® Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-90 (MS-A0160).
Limited-Slip Rear Axles require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar® Limited Slip
Additive (MS-10111).
Rear Axle (3.92) We recommend using Mopar® Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985).
Limited-Slip Rear Axles require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar® Limited Slip
Additive (MS-10111).
Max Tow Rear Axle (3.92) We recommend using Dana SAE 80W90 Axle Lubricant.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend using Mopar® DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1709.
9

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403
INDEX
AAccessory Drive Belt Inspection .................................. 346
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control) ................................................... 143
, 145
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............................ 350
Adding Fuel................................................................... 171
Additives, Fuel .............................................................. 393
Adjust Down...........................................................................32
Forward ...................................................................... 32
Rearward ....................................................................32
Up................................................................................ 32
Adjustable Pedals ...........................................................38
Advance Phone Connectivity ....................................... 235
Air Bag Air Bag Operation.................................................... 290
Air Bag Warning Light .................................... 288
, 291
Enhanced Accident Response ...................... 297, 332
Event Data Recorder (EDR).................................... 332 Front Air Bag ........................................................... 291
If Deployment Occurs ............................................. 297
Knee Impact Bolsters ............................................. 294
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .......................... 298
Maintenance ........................................................... 298
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light ......................... 289
Transporting Pets.................................................... 311
Air Bag Light ...............................................108
, 288, 311
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ........... 342
Air Conditioner Maintenance ...................................... 344
Air Conditioner Refrigerant .......................................... 344
Air Conditioner System ................................................ 344 Air Conditioning........................................................ 54
, 56
Air Conditioning Filter ............................................59, 344
Air Conditioning System ................................................. 59
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .................................... 59
Air Filter ............................................................... 342
, 344
Air Pressure Tires.......................................................................... 377
Air Suspension .................................................... 134
, 137
Alarm Panic........................................................................... 17
Security Alarm...................................................23
, 110
Alterations/Modifications Vehicle........................................................................ 11
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............................... 350
, 395
Disposal ...................................................................351
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 262
Anti-Lock Warning Light................................................ 110
Assist, Hill Start ............................................................. 266
Audio Settings ............................................................... 224
Audio Systems (Radio) ................................................. 191
Auto Down Power Windows............................................ 70
Automatic Door Locks .................................................... 27 Automatic Headlights ..................................................... 48Automatic High Beams ................................................... 47
Automatic Tailgate Release ........................................... 75
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) .......................... 59
Automatic Transmission ..................................... 125
, 353
Adding Fluid ............................................................. 353
Fluid And Filter Change ...........................................353
Fluid Change ............................................................353 Fluid Level Check ....................................................353 Fluid Type .......................................................353
, 397
Special Additives ..................................................... 353
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ............... 128
AutoPark ....................................................................... 119
AUX Camera .................................................................. 168
Auxiliary Driving Systems ............................................. 269
Axle Fluid.............................................................. 353
, 397
Axle Locker System ...................................................... 140
Axle Lubrication ............................................................ 353
BBack-Up Camera........................................................... 163
Battery..................................................................108, 340
Charging System Light ............................................ 108
Keyless Key Fob Replacement................................. 17
Battery Saver Feature .................................................... 50
Bed Divider ..................................................................... 84 Bed Extender .................................................................. 84
Bed Step ......................................................................... 78
Bedliner......................................................................... 389
Belts, Seat..................................................................... 311
Blind Spot Monitoring .................................................. 269
Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing ................................. 231
Body Builders Guide..........................................................9
Body Mechanism Lubrication ...................................... 347
Bodywork ...................................................................... 388
B-Pillar Location ........................................................... 374
Brake Assist System..................................................... 263
Brake Control System .................................................. 263
11

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404
Brake Fluid .......................................................... 352, 397
Brake System ...................................................... 352, 392
Fluid Check.............................................................. 352
Master Cylinder ....................................................... 352
Parking .................................................................... 122
Warning Light .......................................................... 108
Brake/Transmission Interlock..................................... 125
Bulb Replacement ....................................................... 365
Bulbs, Light.......................................................... 313
, 365
CCamera ......................................................................... 163
Camera, AUX................................................................. 168
Camera, Rear ............................................................... 163
Camera, Surround View ............................................... 165
Camera, Trailer 360..................................................... 168
Capacities, Fuel............................................................ 395
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .............................................................. 337
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................................... 350
Car Washes .................................................................. 388
Carbon Monoxide Warning .......................................... 313
Care And Maintenance ................................................ 388
Cargo Light ...................................................................... 49
CD.................................................................................. 226
Cellular Phone .............................................................. 252
Center High Mounted Stop Light................................. 369
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............................60
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................................................... 371
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ...... 117
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............................... 311
Checks, Safety.............................................................. 311
Child Restraint.............................................................. 298 Child Restraints
Booster Seats .......................................................... 301
Child Seat Installation ................................... 306
, 308
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt .................305 Infant And Child Restraints ..................................... 300
Locating The LATCH Anchorages............................ 304
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children............... 302
Older Children And Child Restraints....................... 300
Seating Positions ..................................................... 301
Clean Air Gasoline ........................................................ 393
Cleaning Wheels .....................................................................383
Climate Control ............................................................... 54 Automatic ................................................................... 54
Manual ....................................................................... 56
Compact Spare Tire ...................................................... 381
Connected Services ................ 236
, 237, 238, 239, 248
Contract, Service .......................................................... 400
Controls ......................................................................... 218
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ..........................350
Cooling System ............................................................. 349 Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ....................................350
Coolant Level ................................................. 349
, 351
Cooling Capacity ...................................................... 395
Disposal Of Used Coolant ....................................... 351 Drain, Flush, And Refill............................................349
Inspection ................................................................ 351
Points To Remember............................................... 352
Pressure Cap ...........................................................350
Radiator Cap ............................................................350Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........ 350
, 395, 396
Corrosion Protection ..................................................... 388
Cruise Control Accel/Decel.............................................................. 144 Cancel ...................................................................... 145
Resume.................................................................... 144
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ........................... 143
, 145
Cruise Light ..........................................................115, 116
Customer Assistance ................................................... 398
Cybersecurity ................................................................ 191
DDaytime Running Lights ................................................. 47 Dealer Service .............................................................. 341
Defroster, Windshield .................................... 54
, 56, 311
Deleting A Phone .......................................................... 231
Diagnostic System, Onboard ....................................... 116
Differential, Limited Slip .............................................. 140
Dimmer Control Switch .................................................. 51
Disable Vehicle Towing ................................................ 330
Disc Drive ...................................................................... 226
Disconnecting ............................................................... 231
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................................... 351
Disturb........................................................................... 234
Door Ajar .............................................................. 108
, 110
Door Ajar Light ..................................................... 108, 110
Door Locks Automatic .................................................................. 27
Doors ............................................................................... 24
Driver Memory Presets ................................................ 224
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................................................... 30
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water .................................................. 189
Driving Tips ................................................................... 189
Dual Rear Wheels......................................................... 392

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407
Lights ............................................................................ 3134WD ......................................................................... 114
Air Bag ...................................................108
, 288, 311
Air Suspension Fault............................................... 110
Brake Assist Warning ............................................. 265
Brake Warning ........................................................ 108 Bulb Replacement .................................................. 365Cargo ................................................................ 49
, 113
Center Mounted Stop ............................................. 369
Courtesy/Reading...................................................... 50
Cruise.............................................................. 115
, 116
Daytime Running ....................................................... 47
ECO Mode................................................................ 114 Electric Power Steering .......................................... 109Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator .......... 109
Exterior ............................................................. 46
, 313
Fog .................................................................. 114, 368
Hazard Warning Flasher ......................................... 314
Headlights ...........................................................46
, 48
High Beam........................................................ 47, 116
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...................................47
Hill Descent Control Indicator ................................ 115
Hood Open .............................................................. 109
Illuminated Entry........................................................52
Interior ........................................................................50
LaneSense .............................................................. 115
Lights On Reminder ...................................................48
NEUTRAL ................................................................. 114 Oil Temperature ....................................................... 110
Park .......................................................................... 115
Passing....................................................................... 48
Rear Axle Lock ............................................... 112
, 114
Rear Tail Lamps....................................................... 368
Seat Belt Reminder ................................................. 110
Security Alarm.......................................................... 110
Service .....................................................................365
Service Forward Collision........................................ 112
Service LaneSense..................................................111
Service Stop Start....................................................112 Stop Start Active ...................................................... 115
Traction Control ....................................................... 265
Trailer Brake Disconnected ....................................110
Transmission Temperature..................................... 110
Turn Signals ............................................................. 366
Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions.... 107
, 109
Limited-Slip Differential...................................... 140, 354
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................................106
Load Shed Battery Saver On ........................................ 106
Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction ......................... 106
Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor..........................106
Loading Vehicle............................................................. 172 Tires.......................................................................... 374
Locks Automatic Door.......................................................... 27
Child Protection ......................................................... 27
Power Door ................................................................ 25
Low Tire Pressure System ............................................277
Lubrication, Body .......................................................... 347
Lug Nuts ........................................................................ 392
Lug Nuts/Bolts .............................................................. 392
MMaintenance................................................................... 73
Maintenance Free Battery ........................................... 340
Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 333
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ............... 111
Manage My Account..................................................... 248
Manual Service ..................................................................... 401
Media Hub ...................................................................... 65 Media Mode .................................................................. 226
Memory Seat .................................................................. 29
Memory Settings ............................................................ 29
Methanol ....................................................................... 394
Midline Instrument Cluster — Gasoline

b
.................. 93
Mirrors ............................................................................. 38 Automatic Dimming .................................................. 38
Digital ......................................................................... 39
Electric Powered ....................................................... 41
Heated ....................................................................... 42
Manual Dimming....................................................... 38
Memory ...................................................................... 29
Outside....................................................................... 40
Power Folding ............................................................ 41
Rearview ........................................................... 38
, 314
Trailer Towing ............................................................ 42
Vanity ......................................................................... 39
Mobile App .................................................................... 238
Modifications/Alterations Vehicle ....................................................................... 11
Monitor, Tire Pressure System .................................... 277
Mopar Parts .................................................................. 400
MP3 Control .................................................................... 65
Multi-Function Control Lever ......................................... 47 Multifunction Tailgate .................................................... 75
11

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410
Shifting.......................................................................... 124Automatic Transmission......................................... 125
Transfer Case, Shifting Into Transfer CaseNeutral (N) ......................................................... 187
Transfer Case, Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N) ......................................................... 188
Shoulder Belts .............................................................. 283
Side Steps, Power ...........................................................25
Signals, Turn................................................. 49
, 115, 313
Sirius Satellite Radio ................................................... 220 Favorites.................................................................. 223
Replay ...................................................................... 222
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Browse in SXM ........................................................ 223Favorites.................................................................. 223
Replay ...................................................................... 222
Sliding Rear Window, Power...........................................71 Smart Watch................................................................. 248
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)........................................... 384
Snow Plow .................................................................... 184
Snow Tires .................................................................... 381
SOS Call ............................................................... 239
, 248
Spare Tires .......................................................... 381, 382
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ................................... 145
Starting ......................................................................... 118 Automatic Transmission......................................... 118
Button .........................................................................20
Engine Fails To Start............................................... 121
Starting And Operating ................................................ 118
Starting Procedures ..................................................... 118 Steering
Power ....................................................................... 141
Tilt Column ................................................................. 28
Wheel, Heated ........................................................... 28
Wheel, Tilt .................................................................. 28
Wheel, Voice Recognition ......................................... 36
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ....................................218
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System .................... 218
Steps, Power Side ........................................................... 25
Stolen Vehicle Assistance .................................. 246
, 250
Stop/Start .....................................................................141
Storage ............................................................................ 60 Below Seat ................................................................. 64
Door ............................................................................ 60
Front Bench Seat....................................................... 63
Glove Compartment .................................................. 60
In Floor ....................................................................... 64
Rear Console ............................................................. 63
Storage Compartment, Center Seat .............................. 60
Storage, Vehicle .....................................................59
, 387
Store Radio Presets ...................................................... 224
Storing Your Vehicle ..................................................... 387
Sun Roof ................................................................... 72
, 73
Sunglasses Storage ........................................................ 62
Sunshade Operation....................................................... 73
Surround View Camera ................................................ 165
Suspension Air ................................................................... 134
, 137
Sway Control, Trailer..................................................... 268
Symbol Glossary ............................................................. 11
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................................................... 342
TTailgate ........................................................................... 74
Tailgate Removal ............................................................ 76
Tailgate, Electronic Lowering ......................................... 75 Tailgate, Multifunction ................................................... 75
Telescoping Steering Column ........................................ 28
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ......................... 59
Tilt Down .......................................................................... 32
Up ............................................................................... 32
Tilt Steering Column ....................................................... 28 Tip Start......................................................................... 118
Tire And Loading Information Placard ........................ 374
Tire Identification Number (TIN) .................................. 372
Tire Markings ................................................................ 370
Tire Safety Information ................................................ 370
Tire Terminology And Definitions................................. 373
Tires ................................................... 312
, 377, 381, 386
Aging (Life Of Tires) ................................................. 379 Air Pressure ............................................................. 377
Chains ...................................................................... 384Compact Spare........................................................ 381Dual.......................................................................... 392
General Information.......................................377
, 381
High Speed .............................................................. 378 Inflation Pressure .................................................... 377
Life Of Tires ............................................................. 379
Load Capacity .......................................................... 374
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............ 112
, 277
Quality Grading........................................................ 386 Radial ....................................................................... 378

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