RAM 4500 Chassis Cab (2019 year). Manual — part 27

428 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Body Lubrication

Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as seat

tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate, tailgate,

decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated

periodically with a lithium based grease, such as Mopar

Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy operation and to

protect against rust and wear. Prior to the application of any

lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to

remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease

should be removed. Particular attention should also be given

to hood latching components to ensure proper function.

When performing other underhood services, the hood latch,

release mechanism and safety catch should be cleaned and

lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a year,

preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small amount of a

high quality lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubri-

cant directly into the lock cylinder.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the wind-

shield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a mild

nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations of salt

or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may

cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use washer

fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry

windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from the

windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with petro-

leum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:

Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending on

geographical area and frequency of use. Poor performance of

blades may be present with chattering, marks, water lines or

wet spots. If any of these conditions are present, clean the

wiper blades or replace as necessary.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

429

The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected peri-

odically, not just when wiper performance problems are

experienced. This inspection should include the following

points:
• Wear or uneven edges
• Foreign material
• Hardening or cracking
• Deformation or fatigue
If a wiper blade or wiper arm is damaged, replace the

affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not attempt

to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged.

Wiper Blade Removal/Installation

1. Lift the wiper arm to raise the wiper blade off of the glass,

until the wiper arm is in the full up position.

Windshield Wiper Arm

CAUTION!

Do not allow the wiper arm to spring back against the

glass without the wiper blade in place or the glass may

be damaged.

1 — Wiper

2 — Locking Tab

3 — Wiper Arm

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430 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

2. To disengage the wiper blade from the wiper arm, flip up

the locking tab.

Wiper Locking Assembly

3. Tilt the lower end of the wiper blade away from the arm

and use one finger push the release tab toward the wiper

arm.

Wiper Disengaging

4. Slide the wiper blade down towards the base of the wiper

arm.

1 — Wiper

2 — Locking Tab

1 — Locking Tab

2 — Wiper

3 — Release Tab

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

431

5. With the wiper blade disengaged, remove the wiper

blade from the wiper arm by holding the wiper arm with

one hand and separating the wiper blade from the wiper

arm with the other hand (move the wiper blade down

toward the base of the wiper arm and away from the J

hook in the end of the wiper arm).

Removing Wiper From Wiper Arm

6. Gently lower the wiper arm onto the glass.

Installing The Front Wipers
1. Lift the wiper arm off of the glass, until the wiper arm is

in the full up position.

2. Position the wiper blade under the hook on the tip of the

wiper arm with the wiper locking tab open.

3. Insert the receiver bracket on the wiper assembly into the

hook on the tip of the arm through the opening in the

wiper blade under the locking tab.

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

1 — Wiper

2 — Locking Tab

3 — Wiper Arm J Hook

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432 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, dete-

riorated, 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 lubrica-

tion 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 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.

WARNING!

• Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon

monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.

Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventu-

ally poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to “Safety

Tips” in “Safety” for further information.

• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over

materials that can burn. Such materials 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 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 opera-

tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could

cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible

damage to the converter and vehicle.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

433

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

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.

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434 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Engine Coolant Checks

Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every

12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where

applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 (antifreeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper

maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tions” for further information.
NOTE:
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified

Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (anti-

freeze), may result in engine damage and may decrease

corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT)

engine coolant is different and should not be mixed with

Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine

coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant

(antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is

introduced into the cooling system in an emergency, the

cooling system will need to be drained, flushed, and

refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032),

by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

435

• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant

(antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors

or antirust products, as they may not 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 (antifreeze). Use of propylene

glycolbased engine coolant (antifreeze) is not recom-

mended.

• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-

erly. 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 mainte-

nance period, it is important that you 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 (antifreeze) that

meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
• We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10

Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT (Organic

Additive Technology) that meets the requirements of FCA

Material Standard MS.90032.

• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant that

meets the requirements of FCA 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 (antifreeze)

solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the

amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling

system.

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436 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

NOTE:
• It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the proper level

of protection against freezing according to the tempera-

tures occurring in the area where the vehicle is operated.

• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-

erly. 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 (antifreeze) types is not recom-

mended and can result in cooling system damage. If

HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency, have

a 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 (anti-

freeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant expansion

bottle/recovery tank if so equipped.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any accu-

mulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.

Disposal Of Used Coolant

Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-

lated 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. If ingested by a

child or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean

up any ground spills immediately.

WARNING!

• Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add

engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-

heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-

heated 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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

437

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

(antifreeze) is needed to maintain the proper level, it should

be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember

NOTE:

When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilometers of

operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front of

the engine compartment. This is normally a result of mois-

ture 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 (antifreeze) additions are required,

the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.

• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a

minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032)

and distilled water for proper corrosion 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 oper-

ation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the

correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in unsat-

isfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance, poor

gas mileage, and increased emissions.

7

438 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

(Continued)

Brake System

In order to assure brake system performance, all brake

system components should be inspected periodically. Refer

to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper

maintenance intervals.

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 lamp 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.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tions” for further information.

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.

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Speci-

fications” 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 identified on the

original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder

reservoir.

• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-

ture, 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 unexpect-

edly during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in

sudden brake failure. This could result in a collision.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

439

Automatic Transmission

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. Refer to “Fluids

And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. 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 lubri-

cant should be used.

Special Additives

The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any

special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-

sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-

mance may be impaired by supplemental additives.

Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmis-

sion. The only exception to this policy is the use of special

dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks in six-speed transmissions.

Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely

affect seals.

• 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.

WARNING! (Continued)

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 six-speed transmissions) will require

more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids

And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for fluid

specifications.

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440 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Fluid Level Check — Eight-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 transmis-

sion 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 — Six-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 trans-

mission sump temperature in the instrument cluster screen

(refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” for further informa-

tion).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission fluid

level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-

ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required

to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-

mission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle cannot

be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below 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.

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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

441

5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear posi-

tion (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 spec-

ified fluid (see "Fluids And Lubricants" for fluid specifica-

tions). After adding any quantity of oil through the

dipstick 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 oper-

ating 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 transmission 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 oper-

ating 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 transmis-

sion service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and

adjust as required, once the transmission reaches normal

operating temperature.

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.

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442 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-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 — Six Speed Transmission

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance

intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the fluid becomes

contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is

disassembled for any reason.

Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level

For models with 9.25 in Front Axles and 11.5 in Rear Axles,

refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Servicing And Mainte-

nance” for further information. 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.
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 in ± ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the

bottom of the fill hole.
3500 Rear Axle: ¼ in ± ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the

bottom of the fill hole.
4500/5500 Front Axle: ¼ in +/- ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm)

below the bottom of the fill hole.
4500/5500 Rear Axle: 1/8 in +/- 1/8 in (3.2 mm +/- 3.2 mm)

below the bottom of the fill hole.

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.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

443

Drain And Refill

On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt to drain the

axle fluid.

4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs

Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter for the proper

maintenance intervals.

Lubricant Selection

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tions” 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 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.

1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug

2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug

7