98DRQC12V

My owners manual provided no details on how to properly check the transmission fluid level. This is for my 2012 Ram 6.7 CTD with auto transmission. I checked today using the procedure for my old 5.9 - that is to have the engine running with transmission in neutral after switching back and forth between all the forward gears and reverse. When I used this procedure on the 2012, the dip stick came up dry. So, I shut the engine down, did some other work and came back about 30 minute later to check level with engine off. Fluid level was on the dipstick right at the "cold" location. I am hoping someone can let me know the proper procedure for this 4th gen truck.

1-2-3

According to the manual:

The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission 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.
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 between
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 position
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 operating
temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
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 temperature).
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.

I don't' actually see where it says for the engine to be running or not. I can tell you that I have never heard of any auto transmission being checked without the engine running. I have checked mine in my 12 with it running and the level was right on.

JustEJ

Hey guys, I've got a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.7 Cummins. On the dipstick it's got the "cold" level with the upper and lower holes in it, then about an inch or so up the dipstick it has the "hot" level with the 2 holes in it. Do I need to bring the level of my tranny fluid up to be within that "hot" level?

RD TRCTR

Yes, with the trans at operating temp, the fluid should be between the "hot" level indicating holes.