2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB Owners Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE367
(Continued)
4. Slide the wiper blade up into the hook on the
wiper arm until it is latched (engagement will
be accompanied by an audible click). Fold
down the latch release tab and snap it into its
locked position.
5. Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust
system; or if the exhaust fumes can be detected
inside the vehicle; or when the underside or rear of
the vehicle is damaged; have an authorized
technician inspect the complete exhaust system
and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, have the exhaust system inspected each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. However, it
is important to keep the engine properly tuned to
ensure 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.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon
-
scious and can eventually poison you
Ú page 324.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such mate -
rials might be grass or leaves coming into
contact with your exhaust system. Do not park
or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness 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 opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction
could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter
and vehicle.
CAUTION!
8

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368SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmis
-
sion 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 compo -
nents disconnected or removed, such as when
diagnostic testing, or for prolonged periods
during very rough idle or malfunctioning oper -
ating 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 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 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 Organic Additive
Technology (OAT) coolant (conforming to
MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 344.
Selection Of Coolant
For further information Ú page 419.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant, may result in engine damage
and may decrease corrosion protection. OAT
engine coolant is different and should not be
mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology
(HOAT) engine coolant or any “globally compat -
ible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is
introduced into the cooling system in an emer -
gency, the cooling system will need to be
drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an autho -
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant products. Do not use additional rust
inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they may not
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 radi -
ator 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,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni -
tion to the OFF position. The fan is tempera -
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition is in the ON position.
WARNING!

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 368

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE369
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant
and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant. Use of
propylene glycol-based engine coolant is not
recommended.
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.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved
engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS.90032) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be
used up to ten years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent
reducing this extended maintenance period, it is
important to use the same engine coolant (OAT
coolant conforming to MS.90032) throughout the
life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant
that meets the requirements of the manufacturer
Material Standard MS.90032. When adding
engine coolant:
We recommend using Mopar® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032.
Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
−34°F (−37°C) are anticipated. Please contact
an authorized dealer for assistance.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/engine
coolant solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection
in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in the
area where the vehicle is operated.
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 a local authorized
dealer.
Mixing engine coolant types is not recom -
mended and can result in cooling system
damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in
an emergency, have an authorized dealer drain,
flush, and refill with OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) as soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that
engine coolant will return to the radiator from the
coolant expansion bottle/recovery tank
(if equipped).
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the
sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
Do not open a hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine.
Heat causes pressure to build up in the
cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
8

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370SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal.
Check with your local authorities to determine the
disposal rules for your community. To prevent
ingestion by animals or children, do not store
ethylene glycol-based coolant in open containers
or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground,
clean up any ground spills immediately. If ingested
by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance
immediately.
Checking Coolant Level — 6.4L Engine
The level of the coolant in the pressurized coolant
bottle should be between the “MIN” and “MAX”
range on the bottle when the engine is cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so
there is no need to remove the cap unless
checking for coolant freeze point or replacing
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service
attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle
need only be checked once a month. When
additional engine coolant is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant
bottle. Do not overfill.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo -
meters of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment.
This is normally a result of moisture from rain,
snow, or high humidity accumulating on the
radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the
vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon
dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of the coolant expansion bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro -
sion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep
the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
CHARGE AIR COOLER — INTER-COOLER
The charge air cooler is positioned below the
radiator and the air conditioner condenser. Air
enters the engine through the air cleaner and
passes through the turbocharger, where it is
pressurized. This pressurized air rapidly reaches
high temperature. The air is then directed through
a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine.
The air entering the engine has been cooled by
about 50° to 100°F (10° to 38°C). This cooling
process enables more efficient burning of fuel
resulting in fewer emissions.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE371
(Continued)
To guarantee optimum performance of the system,
keep the surfaces of the charge air cooler,
condenser and radiator clean and free of debris.
Periodically check the hoses leading to and from
the charge air cooler for cracks or loose clamps
resulting in loss of pressure and reduced engine
performance.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically Ú
page 344.
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 Light
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.
For further information Ú page 421.
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 Úpage 421. 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 reservoir.
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 reservoir cap secured at
all times. Brake fluid in an 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 contam -
inate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial or
complete brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
WARNING!
8

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372SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special
dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks in 6-speed
transmissions. Avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check — 8-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
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
Fluid Level Check — 6-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 Ú page 89.
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 following Note and Caution
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 Ú page 421. After adding any
quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a
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.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 372

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE373
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 trans -
mission service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid
level, and adjust as required, once the trans -
mission 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 trans -
mission service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid
level, and adjust as required, once the trans -
mission reaches normal operating temperature.
Fluid And Filter Changes — 8-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 — 6-Speed
Transmission
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 344.
In addition, change the fluid and filters 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’s specified
transmission fluid Ú page 421. 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.
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.
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 6-speed
transmissions) will require more frequent fluid
and filter changes Ú page 421.
8

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374SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 with the vehicle
in a level position.
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

For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 344.
Lubricant Selection
For further information Ú page 421.
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 operation of the
limited slip differential.
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 with the vehicle in a level
position.
Drain And Refill
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 344.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid
Úpage 421.
NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM REQUIRED
M
AINTENANCE & WARRANTY
All vehicles built over 10,000 lb (4,535 kg) Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating and manufactured for sale
and use in the United States are required to
comply with the Federal Government's Exterior
Noise Regulations. These vehicles can be
identified by the Noise Emission Control Label
located in the operator's compartment.
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug

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