2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup Owner Manual Diesel - Page 371

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371 Procedure For Checking Fluid Level To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level, the following procedure must be used: 1. The vehicle must be on level ground. 2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60 seconds. 3. Fully apply parking brake. 4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position ending with the lever in N (Neutral). 5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C) which is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has been driven at least 15 miles. The fluid can not be comfortably held between the finger tips. Warm is when fluid is between 85° - 125°F (29° - 52°C). 6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Remove dipstick and note reading. a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the crosshatched area marked "OK". b. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between the two holes. If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the proper level. Fluid is added through the dipstick tube. NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is properly seated. Selection Of Lubricant Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct lubricant type. It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. 7