SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
399
44 Inch Dipstick
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 transmission service or fluid change. Recheck the
fluid level, and adjust as required, once the transmission
reaches normal operating temperature.
8. Reinsert the dipstick until fully seated and lock it
down. The bending of the blade will orient the cap in
the correct position. Do not force or rotate the cap
into another position. Check for leaks. Release the
parking brake.
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
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
page 448. 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.
R
EAR
A
XLE
A
ND
4
X
4 F
RONT
D
RIVING
A
XLE
F
LUID
L
EVEL
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
page 448. This inspection should be made with
the vehicle in a level position.
To check the axle fluid, park the vehicle on a level surface.
Take a piece of wire (or zip tie) and make a 90 degree
bend two inches from the end of the wire. Insert the wire
into the fill plug hole and use it like a dipstick. Remove the
wire and measure from the 90 degree bend to the oil level.
For the 2500 (Non-Power Wagon) axles, the fluid level
should be 4/5 in ± 1/4 in (20.3 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the
fill hole for the rear axle and it should be 1/4 in ± 1/4 in
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the front axle.
For the 2500 Power Wagon and all 3500 model axles, the
fluid level should be 1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the fill hole on the 9.25 in front, 11.5 in rear axle,
and 12.0 in rear axle.
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 will require more frequent fluid
8
23_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 399
