I've only had my 1997 Ram 1500 4X4 a couple of days, so I figured first thing was change all the fluids and filters.

There's no fluid spec on the PS reservoir, the service manual doesn't have the spec and I didn't get an owners manual. SO, searching through the forum, looks like many use ATF+4 fluid for the power steering, so I used that to top it up.

Then I ran across this TSB. It says to use MS5931 on 1994 - 2002 Rams. It specifically says not to add ATF+4 to these systems.

So, questions:

1) Did I screw it up topping off with ATF+4?
2) Should I flush the system? If so, replace it with MS5931 or ATF+4?
The section in the TSB is not that clear on this:
Any wisdom is appreciated...
-------------------

EDITED: Post #17 in this thread answers these questions. In short, never use ATF+4 in a 2nd gen Ram unless your manual says so.

===============
TSB 19-005-03
Date: Aug. 29, 2003
Models: 1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup, 2002 - 2004 (DR) Ram Pickup
1993 - 2003 (AB) Ram Van
1994 - 2004 (AN) Dakota
1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup
2004 (CS) Pacifica
1998 - 2004 (DN) Durango
2002 - 2004 (DR) Ram Pickup
1996 - 2000 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (nternational Markets)
1995 - 2000 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
2001 - 2004 (JR) Sebring Sedan, Stratus Sedan, Sebring Convertible
1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible
2002 - 2004 (KJ) Liberty
2002 - 2004 (KJ) Cherokee (International Markets)
1993 - 2004 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker/300M
1996 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Voyager/Caravan
2002 (PG) Chrysler PT Cruiser (International Markets)
1995 - 2004 (PL) Neon
1997 - 2003 (PR) Prowler
2002 - 2004 (PT) Chrysler PT Cruiser
2001 - 2004 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)
2001 - 2004 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1993 - 2002 (SR) Viper/Viper Coupe
2001 - 2004 (ST) Sebring Coupe/Stratus Coupe
1997 - 2004 (TJ) Wrangler
2003 - 2004 (VA) Sprinter
1999 - 2004 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
1999 - 2004 (WJ) Grand Cherokee
2003 - 2004 (ZB) Viper
2004 (ZH) Crossfire

Discussion:
The factory fill power steering fluid for most 2004 model year Chrysler Group vehicles is ATF+4 (MS9602) and it provides superior performance at both low and high temperatures. WJ/WG and ZH vehicles use unique power steering fluids. Refer to the table to identify factory fill and the approved service power steering fluid by year and model. Note that MS9602 is Red in color and MS5931 and MS9933 are Amber/Yellow in color. All three fluids will darken in color with usage and fluid color is no longer an indication of fluid condition.
The part numbers for MS9602 are 05013457AA (quart) and 05013458AA (gallon). The part number for MS5931 is 04883077 (quart). The part number for MB345 is 05127381AA.
MS9602 should not be mixed or used as a “topping off” fluid on systems requiring MS5931. On some past models, MS9602 should be used as the replacement fluid. On these models, if a power steering system is being serviced that results in a large fluid loss, such as a pump, hose or gear/rack replacement, the complete system should be drained and filled with MS9602.
NOTE: This bulletin supersedes owner’s and service manuals for the vehicles listed above that may state to use MS9933 in the power steering system, and that may state not to use automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system.

_BODY_|_____YEAR____|_FACTORY FILL_|_APPROVED SERVICE FLUID_|
BR/BE | 1994 - 2002 |___ MS5931 ___|______ MS5931 __________|

Full TSB is here with specific fluid specs by model: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-005-03.htm

 

if it says don't use it, then don't use it.

 

It doesn't say don't use it! It says don't top off with it like you did. According to that TSB, I guess you should flush it, then you can use ATF+4.

 

When I flushed mine I used regular Valvoline Maxlife PS fluid.

 

Purpl, do you own stock in Valvoline?

 

Nope, why? I just use it because its cheap, and I can get it almost anywhere.

 

power steering fluid and tranny fluid are pretty much the same thing. but as Zman said, dont top it off. id flush it, and do the whole thing with ATF4

 

+1... always flush and then fill never know what they used in it before you..... trans fluid and oil are the only 2 things i would top off with out a flush

 

i just use...power steering fluid...lol. hell, i dont know what kind or who makes it or what the part # is.

maybe im crazy...but never had any problems.

 

Oh, just like your girlfriend!

just joshing you a bit.