Dodge Ram 1500 (2011 year). Instruction — part 34

The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and an “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark because leakage may occur at the 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.

Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

WARNING!

• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake

fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. 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 labeled on the origi-
nal factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.

(Continued)

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 a 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-

nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.

Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

541

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 for the manufacturer’s C205F HD front
axles. The fluid level should be 5/8 in (16 mm) below the
fill hole on 9 1/4 in manufacturer’s rear axles.

For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be
1/4” ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on
the 9.25 in front and 3/4 in ± 1/4 in (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on
10.5 in rear axles. The 11.5 in rear axle level should be
1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.

Drain and Refill
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.

Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

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
This vehicle requires that 4 oz. (118 ml) MOPAR

威 Limited

Slip Additive or equivalent be added to the gear lubri-
cant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. The
MOPAR

威 Limited Slip Additive or equivalent should be

added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid change is
made.

2500/3500 Model Axles DO NOT REQUIRE any limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).

Transfer Case

Drain and Refill
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

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.

Automatic Transmission

Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid.

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.

• Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-

facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than the manufacturer’s recommended fluid
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

543

Fluid Level Check
If equipped with a dipstick, use the following procedure.
If your vehicle has a capped dipstick tube, it is sealed and
should not be tampered with. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level is set
properly. The fluid level should be checked when the
engine is fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmis-
sion is at normal operating temperature. Operation of the
transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.

Fluid Level Check – 42RLE/545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.

To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:

1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.

2. The vehicle must be on level ground.

3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.

4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.

5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.

6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill. After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.

NOTE:

If it is necessary to check the transmission below

the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.

CAUTION!

Be aware that 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.

7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.

To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.

Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” or further information.

NOTE:

If the transmission is disassembled for any

reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

545

It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.

Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.

Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion

Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly

corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse affect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.

The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.

What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.

The most common causes are:

• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.

Washing

• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-

hicle in the shade using MOPAR

威 Car Wash or equiva-

lent, or a mild car wash soap and rinse the panels
completely with clear water.

• If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-

lated on your vehicle, use MOPAR

威 Super Kleen Bug

and Tar Remover or equivalent to remove.

• Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR威

Cleaner Wax or equivalent to remove road film, stains
and to protect your paint finish. Take care never to
scratch the paint.

• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing

that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.

CAUTION!

• Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials

such as steel wool or scouring powder which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.

• Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi

(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or removal of
paint and decals.

Special Care

• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive

near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

547

• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges

of the doors, rocker panels and trunk be kept clear and
open.

• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,

touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.

• If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or similar

cause which destroys the paint and protective coating,
have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The
cost of such repairs is considered the responsibility of
the owner.

• If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,

de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.

• If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider

mud or stone shields behind each wheel.

• Use MOPAR威 Touch Up Paint or equivalent on

scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer
has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle.

Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR

威

Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a nonabrasive,
non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool,
a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Only MOPAR

威 or

equivalent is recommended. Do not use oven cleaner.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective
finish.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:

• Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting

with a clean, dry towel.

• Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
• For tough stains, apply MOPAR威 Total Clean or

equivalent, or a mild soap solution to a clean, damp
cloth and remove stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to
remove soap residue.

• For grease stains, apply MOPAR威 Multi-Purpose

Cleaner or equivalent to a clean, damp cloth and
remove stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap
residue.

• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of

protectants on Stain Repel products.

Interior Care
Use MOPAR

威 Total Clean or equivalent to clean fabric

upholstery and carpeting.

Use MOPAR

威 Total Clean or equivalent to clean vinyl

upholstery.

MOPAR

威 Total Clean or equivalent is specifically recom-

mended for leather upholstery.

Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPAR

威 Total Clean or equivalent. Care should be

taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery with any
liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery. Application of a leather condi-
tioner is not required to maintain the original condition.

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

549

WARNING!

Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.

Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog
lights (if equipped) that are lighter and less susceptible to
stone breakage than glass headlights.

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.

To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.

Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR

威 Glass Cleaner or any commercial

household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.

2. Dry with a soft tissue.

Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.

If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.

Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.

Dry with a soft tissue.

Spray-On Bedliner – If Equipped
During ownership, the shine and luster of the Spray-On
Bedliner can fade from oxidation, road dirt, heavy-duty
hauling and hard water stains. Weathering and UV
exposure will lead to fading, dulling, and loss of gloss
over time.

To help maintain the appearance of your Spray-On
Bedliner, the manufacturer recommends you periodically
rinse all loose dirt from your truck bed and clean your
truck at least twice per year using the MOPAR

威

Spray-On Bedliner Conditioner available at your local
authorized dealer.

To help maintain the appearance of your Spray-On
Bedliner, follow the steps below:

1. Rinse your truck bed out with water to remove any
loose dirt and debris.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

551

2. Mix a mild soap or detergent with water with a soft
cloth or brush.

3. Rinse bedliner with water.

4. Once dry, apply a small amount of MOPAR

威

Spray-On Bedliner Conditioner to a moist towel or
sponge and wipe over the entire surface of the truck
bedliner.

WARNING!

Do not use silicon-based protection products to clean
your bedliner. Silicon-based products can become
slippery and may result in personal injury.

Spray-On Bedliners are chemically-resistant to many
different types of chemicals (including gasoline, oil,
hydraulic fluids) for short periods of time. If a spill
occurs on your Spray-On Bedliner, rinse the truck out as
soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.

Repairing the Spray-On Bedliner
While extremely tough, it is possible to damage a
Spray-On Bedliner. One common condition is when
loading a heavy pallet and dragging that pallet across the
floor of the bed. If a nail or sharp point is exposed under
the weight of the pallet a scratch or tear is possible. While
not covered by your new vehicle warranty, a cosmetic fix
to cover the metal exposed by the scratch is required. To
repair a tear or gouge, follow the directions provided in
the MOPAR

威 Quick Repair Kit.

FUSES

Totally Integrated Power Module
The totally integrated power module (TIPM) is located in
the engine compartment near the battery. This center
contains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A description of
each fuse and component may be stamped on the inside

552

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

cover, otherwise the cavity number of each fuse is
stamped on the inside cover that corresponds to the
following chart.

Cavity Cartridge

Fuse

Mini

Fuse

Description

J01

40 Amp
Green

Trailer Tow

J02

30 Amp
Pink

Electric Brake

J03

30 Amp
Pink

Diesel Powertrain
Control Module – If
Equipped

J04

25 Amp
Natural

Driver Door Node

J05

25 Amp
Natural

Passenger Door Node

J06

40 Amp
Green

Antilock Brakes
Pump/Stability Con-
trol System

J07

30 Amp
Pink

Antilock Brakes
Valve/Stability Con-
trol System

Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

553

Cavity Cartridge

Fuse

Mini

Fuse

Description

J08

40 Amp
Green

Power Seat

J11

30 Amp
Pink

Drivetrain Control
Module

J13

60 Amp
Yellow

Streaming Video
Module/Video Sys-
tem 3 Module/Video
System 2 Module/
DISP/DVD

J14

20 Amp
Blue

Trailer Tow Lamps/
Park Lamps

J15

30 Amp
Pink

IGN RUN Rear De-
froster

J17

40 Amp
Green

Starter Motor Sole-
noid

Cavity Cartridge

Fuse

Mini

Fuse

Description

J18

20 Amp
Blue

Powertrain Control
Module Transmission
Range

J19

60 Amp
Yellow

Rad Fan Motor HI/
Rad Fan Motor Low

J20

30 Amp
Pink

Front Wiper Ground/
Low/High

J21

20 Amp
Blue

Front Washer Control

J22

25 Amp
Natural

PWR Batt – Sunroof
Module

M1

15 Amp
Blue

Sw Stop Switch Lamp

M5

25 Amp
Natural

115V AC Inverter

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge

Fuse

Mini

Fuse

Description

M6

20 Amp
Yellow

Power Outlet #1 (Ci-
gar Lighter)/Rain
Snsr

M7

20 Amp
Yellow

Power Outlet #2

M8

20 Amp
Yellow

Front Heated Seat &
Steering Wheel

M9

20 Amp
Yellow

Rear Heated Seats

M10

20 Amp
Yellow

Hands Free Module/
Vanity Lamp/
Universal Garage
Door Opener Module

M11

10 Amp
Red

Climate Control Sys-
tem

M12

30 Amp
Green

Radio/Amplifier

Cavity Cartridge

Fuse

Mini

Fuse

Description

M13

20 Amp
Yellow

Main #2 Instrument
Cluster/Wireless Con-
trol Module/ITM/
Siren/Multifunction
Switch (Steering Col-
umn Module)

M14

20 Amp
Yellow

Back Up Camera (Do-
mestic Only)

M15

20 Amp
Yellow

Power Seat
Module(s)/Audio
Telematics/Daytime
Running Lights
Relay/Instrument
Cluster/Transfer Case
Module

M16

10 Amp
Red

Airbag Module

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555