2007 Ram 2500 (Diesel) Owner's Manual

The air filter housing on your Diesel Ram is equipped
with a Filter Minder™. This is an air flow restriction
gauge that will indicate when the filter element needs to
be replaced.
Do not remove the top of the air filter housing to
inspect the filter element on your diesel engine under
normal operating conditions.
NOTE:The air filter housing contains a Mass Air Flow
sensor. This sensor is critical to proper engine operation
and component longevity. Any damage or modification
to this sensor could result in major engine and/or
exhaust aftertreatment damage. This includes the use of
non-approved air filters. Use only MOPARapproved air
filters or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7

The clear plastic housing on the Filter Minder™ allows
you to view the amount of air pressure drop across the
filter element. It consists of a diaphragm and a calibrated
spring sealed inside the plastic housing. As the air
cleaner filter becomes clogged and air pressure drop
across the filter element increases, a yellow disc travels
along a graduated scale on the side of the Filter
Minder™.
The yellow disc will always show the greatest restriction
experienced by the filter element. When the disc reaches
the red zone, the filter element may need to be replaced.
There is no other time or mileage interval for changing
the air cleaner filter element.
If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of engine power
when being driven in heavy snow or rain or when
plowing snow, check the Filter Minder™•If the Filter Minder™ is showing a plugged filter, the
filter should be visually inspected for snow/ice build
up or extreme water saturation.
•If the filter is not damaged, remove all snow/ice,
reinstall filter and reset the Filter Minder™.
A visual inspection of the air cleaner filter element is
never recommended under normal circumstances. A
badly restricted element may appear clean while a soiled
element may be quite effective in filtering particles
without restricting air flow. Rely on the Filter Minder™
to determine when a filter change is necessary.
After a new filter element is inserted, press the rubber
button on the top of the Filter Minder™. This action will
reset the yellow disc to the clean position.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
When using an engine cleaner or a degreaser, be sure
to wrap and tape the Filter Minder™ to protect the
plastic housing from damage and discoloration.
CAUTION!
Many aftermarket performance air filter elements do
not adequately filter the air entering the engine. Use
of such filters can severely damage your engine.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (5.9L Diesel
Engine)
CAUTION!
Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the
engine is running.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
7

NOTE:Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately dis-
carded, can present a problem to the environment. Con-
tact your local authorized dealer, service station, or
government agency for advice on recycling programs
and for where used fluids and filters can be properly
disposed of in your area.
NOTE:The fuel filter and water separator assembly is
located on the driver’s side of the engine.
Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator
filter periodically or when the WATER IN FUEL indicator
lamp is on. Pull outward on the drain valve lever, located
on the side of the filter, and allow any accumulated water
to drain. Hold the drain valve open until all water and
contaminants have been removed. Close the drain release
valve, by returning it to the inward position, when clean
fuel is visible.NOTE:The Fuel / Water separator drain valve is
identified by its yellow handle and is located on the
inboard side of the fuel filter housing.
If more than a couple ounces of fuel has been drained,
follow the directions below for “Priming if the engine has
run out of fuel.”
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Priming if the engine has run out of fuel
1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank 5 to 10
gallons (19L to 38L).
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Crank the engine for 1 to 2 seconds. If the engine does
not start, then release the key or starter button back to the
RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF
position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to
run and purge air from the system for about 25 seconds.
After 25 seconds, attempt to start the engine again.
3. Start the engine using the Normal Starting Procedure.
4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between the
cranking intervals.
NOTE:The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage black top paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and be hazardous or explosive when mixed with
diesel fuel.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7

CAUTION!
Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or gasoline, the
use of these fuels can cause damage to the fuel
system.
NOTE:A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-6751 may be used with your
Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle.
NOTE:As sufficient testing as not been completed,
ethanol blends are not recommended or approved for use
with your Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle.
NOTE:In addition, commercially available fuel addi-
tives are not necessary for the proper operation of your
Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (6.7L Diesel
Engine)
CAUTION!
Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the
engine is running.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new
fuel filter. There is a possibility debris could be
introduced into the fuel filter during this action. It is
best to install the filter dry and allow the in-tank lift
pump to prime the fuel system.
NOTE:The fuel filter and water separator assembly is
located on the driver’s side of the engine. The best access
to the water drain valve is through the driver’s side
wheel well.
NOTE:If water is detected in the water separator while
the engine is running or while the key is in the on
position, the water in fuel light will illuminate and an
audible chime will be heard 5 times. At this point you
should stop the engine and drain the water from the
separator.If the water in fuel light comes on and a single chime is
heard while you are driving, or with the key in the ON
position, there may be a problem with your water
separator wiring or sensor. See your authorized dealer
for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from the fuel filter, the
water in fuel light will remain illuminated for approxi-
mately 10 seconds. If the water was drained while the
engine was running, the water in fuel light may remain
on for approximately 3 minutes.
NOTE:Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately dis-
carded, can present a problem to the environment. Con-
tact your local dealer, service station, or government
agency for advice on recycling programs and for where
used fluids and filters can be properly disposed of in
your area.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7

Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator
filter monthly or when the WATER IN FUEL indicator
lamp is on. Turn the drain valve, located on the bottom of
the filter, counterclockwise and allow any accumulated
water to drain into an approved container. Leave the
drain valve open until all water and contaminants have
been removed. Close the drain valve, by turning it
clockwise, when clean fuel is visible.
NOTE:The Fuel / Water separator drain valve is
located on the bottom of the fuel filter housing.
If more than a couple ounces of fuel has been drained,
follow the directions below for “Priming if the engine has
run out of fuel.”WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Priming if the engine has run out of fuel
1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank 5 to 10
gallons (19L to 38L).
2. Crank the engine for 1 to 2 seconds. If the engine does
not start, then release the key or starter button back to the
RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF
position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to
run and purge air from the system for about 25 seconds.
After 25 seconds, attempt to start the engine again.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE