2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB check transmission fluid

5
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE .................................................... 128
PARKING BRAKE ................................................ 128

DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) .. 129
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.............................. 130 Ignition Park Interlock ................................... 131Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System .......................................................... 131
8-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................... 132
6-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................... 135
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ............. 139
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 140
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(8-Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ....... 140Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(6-Speed Transmission) —
If Equipped..................................................... 143
Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped..................................................... 145
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ............................ 147
POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 147
HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING .........................148
Power Steering Fluid Check .......................... 148

CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED .... 148

Cruise Control ............................................... 149
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ...................... 150 PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ....................................................... 159
ParkSense Sensors ....................................... 159
ParkSense Warning Display ......................... 159
ParkSense Display ........................................ 159Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .............. 162
Service The ParkSense Park Assist System ...162

Cleaning The ParkSense System ................. 162
ParkSense System Usage Precautions........ 162
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ............................. 163
LaneSense Operation ................................... 163Turning LaneSense On Or Off ....................... 164
LaneSense Warning Message ...................... 164Changing LaneSense Status ........................ 166
Turn Signal Activated Blind Spot Assist —
If Equipped..................................................... 166
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA............... 166
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 168
TRAILER CAMERAS — IF EQUIPPED ................. 173 Trailer Surround View Camera System —
If Equipped..................................................... 173AUX Camera — If Equipped ........................... 176
ENGINE RUNAWAY ............................................. 176
REFUELING THE VEHICLE—
GASOLINE ENGINE ............................................. 177
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................... 177
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE... 177
Diesel Exhaust Fluid...................................... 178 VEHICLE LOADING .............................................. 180
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......... 180
Payload .......................................................... 180Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)................ 180Tire Size ......................................................... 181
Rim Size ......................................................... 181
Inflation Pressure .......................................... 181Curb Weight ................................................... 181
Loading .......................................................... 181
TRAILER TOWING ................................................ 181
Common Towing Definitions......................... 181
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ............................................................ 185
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Traile
r Weight Ratings) .......................................... 186Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................... 186
Towing Requirements .................................. 186Towing Tips ................................................... 192
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED.............................. 192
Before Plowing .............................................. 192

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability....193

Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached......................................................... 193
Operating Tips ............................................... 193General Maintenance ................................... 193

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 5

7
SAFETY TIPS ........................................................ 321 Transporting Passengers .............................. 321Transporting Pets ......................................... 322
Connected Vehicles....................................... 322
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ........................................................... 322Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................... 323Exhaust Gas ................................................... 324Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................... 324
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ........................ 325
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ...... 326
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING.......................... 329 4500/5500 Models ...................................... 329Preparations For Jacking .............................. 329Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ................................................... 330To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped ... 332
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers —If Equipped ........ 332
JUMP STARTING .................................................. 333
Preparations For Jump Start......................... 333Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 334
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ........................... 335
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE .............................. 336 6–Speed Transmission — If Equipped ........ 336 MANUAL PARK RELEASE ................................... 337
8–Speed Transmission — If Equipped ......... 337
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................. 338
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ......................... 339
Two-Wheel Drive Models .............................. 340Four-Wheel Drive Models ............................. 340
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped .......... 341
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .................................................................. 341
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ........................ 341
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................... 342
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine ......... 344Maintenance Plan — Diesel Engine ............ 346
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 350
6.4L Gasoline Engine ................................... 3506.7L Diesel Engine ........................................ 351Checking Oil Level ......................................... 352
Adding Washer Fluid .................................... 352
Maintenance-Free Battery ............................ 352
Pressure Washing ......................................... 353 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................... 353
Engine Oil ...................................................... 353
Engine Oil Filter ............................................. 354Engine Air Cleaner Filter .............................. 355
Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................... 357
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................... 359Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......... 360
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement ... 361Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ................................................. 362

Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel ...363

Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow ................................ 364Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ........................... 364
Body Lubrication ........................................... 364
Windshield Wiper Blades.............................. 365
Exhaust System ............................................ 367
Cooling System ............................................. 368Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler ................. 370
Brake System ............................................... 371Automatic Transmission ............................... 372
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level ..................................................... 374
Transfer Case ............................................... 374Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty ............................ 374
Fuses.............................................................. 377
Bulb Replacement ........................................ 384

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 7

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL105
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Úpage 148.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
Trailer Brake has been disconnected
Úpage 181.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid temperature.
This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK or
NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door
is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single
chime.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the ACC system.
Contact a local authorized dealer for
service Ú page 150.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard
Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. This warning light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas
cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if
the light stays on through several typical driving
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and will not require towing.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.
3

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 105

124STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE IDLING

Avoid prolonged idling. Long periods of idling may be
harmful to your engine because combustion
chamber temperatures can drop so low that the fuel
may not burn completely. Incomplete combustion
allows carbon and varnish to form on piston rings,
engine valves, and injector nozzles. Also, the
unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting the
oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.

If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is driven
on low engine speed drive cycles for more than two
hours, the system will automatically enter an
emissions operating mode that will increase the
engine idle speed to 900 RPM (1,050 RPM for
Chassis Cab). While in this mode, which is
designed to help maintain the Diesel Particulate
Filter, the engine idle speed will return to normal
when the brake pedal is applied. A small change in
engine tone or a slight change in engine
performance while accelerating may also be
noticeable at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h).
This operating mode may last for up to an hour of
idle time, or around 20 minutes of driving time.

Your truck may have been ordered with an optional
voltage monitoring idle up feature. If a load is placed
on the electrical system while the truck is in PARK,
this feature will attempt to maintain normal system
voltage by automatically increasing engine idle
speed. You may notice several consecutive increases
in idle speed, up to a maximum of 1,450 RPM, as the system will attempt to utilize the smallest increase in
idle speed necessary to maintain normal system
voltage. The idle speed will return to normal when
either the electrical load is removed, or when the
brake pedal is applied.

NOTE:For instrument cluster display messages related to
the vehicle's exhaust system Ú
page 89.
Idle-Up Feature
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature will
help increase cylinder temperatures and provide
additional cab heat, however, excessive idling may
still cause the exhaust after-treatment system to
not properly regenerate. Extended periods of idle
time should be avoided.
The Idle-Up feature uses the Cruise Control buttons
to increase engine idle speed and quickly warm the
vehicle's interior.

1. With the transmission in PARK, the parking
brake applied, and the engine running, turn
on the Cruise Control, then push the SET (-)
button.

2. The engine RPM will go up to 1,100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the RES (+)
button and the idle speed will increase to
approximately 1,500 RPM. To decrease the
RPM, push and hold the SET (-) button and the
idle speed will decrease to approximately
1,100 RPM. 3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the
CANCEL button, push the ON/OFF button, or
press the brake pedal.
NOISE
Diesel engines can create noises that may seem
as a concern. The nature of a diesel engine is
compression ignition where compressed air and
fuel are mixed and ignited. Weather, barometric
pressure, altitude and temperature will affect how
fuel is ignited in the engine. Engines will sound
different from day to day or previous model years.
Clicking, ticking, or light knocking is normal and will
change from day to day, as the engine breaks in,
and can vary with changes in ambient
temperature; this is normal. Diesel equipped
vehicles also have an exhaust after treatment
system to reduce emissions utilizing a Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) and a Selective Reduction
Catalyst (SCR). The SCR reduces Nox using the
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. DEF is injected
directly into the SCR through an dosing module.
This process will create a clicking sound and at
times, will make noise even with the vehicle shut
off. This is normal as the DEF dosing module is
purging DEF. If at any time the check engine light is
on, please visit an authorized dealer.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 124

192STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select
TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower gear range (using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control).

NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear
range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding
your vehicle in FIRST gear (using the ERS shift
control) can help to avoid transmission
overheating.

If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter(s) as specified for "police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing."
Ú
page 344.

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include
components necessary to equip your vehicle with a
snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom -
mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current
Body Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manufacturer for this infor
-
mation. There are unique electrical systems that
must be connected to properly ensure operator
safety and prevent overloading vehicle systems.
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper
fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for exces -
sive wear. The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½
inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in snow
plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected and
functioning properly.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could
adversely affect performance of the airbag
system in a collision. Do not expect that the
airbag will perform as described earlier in this
manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 192

198STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following
Warnings and Cautions before doing so.WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden
pulling of the rear wheels. You could lose control
of the vehicle and possibly have a collision.
Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there
is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud,
loose sand, etc.).
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm
run-off). Flowing water can wear away the road
or path's surface and cause your vehicle to sink
into deeper water. Furthermore, flowing and/or
rising water can carry your vehicle away swiftly.
Failure to follow this warning may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which increases
stopping distances. Therefore, after driving
through standing water, drive slowly and
lightly press on the brake pedal several times
to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom
of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize
wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky
or foamy in appearance) after driving through
standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated,
as this may result in further damage. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause
serious internal damage to the engine. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 198

348SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Inspect the front and rear axle
surfaces. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid level. If
using your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing change the axle fluid. X
XXXXX
Inspect the transfer case fluid
(4x4), change for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. X
XXX X
Change the transfer case fluid
(4x4). X
X
Change automatic transmission
fluid (AS69RC transmission only). X
XXX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and sump filter (AS69RC
transmission only). X
X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s). X
Mileage Or Time Passed
(Whichever Comes First):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 348

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.

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