2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL fuel

dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.Change Engine OilRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.Engine Oil SelectionFor best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. The engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your engine. For information on engine oil filler cap
location, refer to “Engine Compartment” in this section.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to “Exhaust Gas” in the “Safety Tips” section of this
manual.The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2500/3500 Shortbed Models 34 Gallons129 Liters
2500/3500 Longbed Models 35 Gallons132 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified). For trucks oper-
ating under a gross combined weight rating lessthan
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
5.7L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified). For 2500/3500
trucks operating under a gross combined weight rating
greater than 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
Cooling System
5.7L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) 18.7 Quarts
17.7 Liters
478 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
EngineComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil — 5.7L Engine (For
trucks operating under a gross com-
bined weight rating lessthan
14,000 lbs/(6,350 kg.) Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil — 5.7L Engine (For
2500/3500 trucks operating under a
gross combined weight rating
greater than 14,000 lbs/(6,350 kg.) Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter (P/N 04884899AB) or equivalent
Spark Plugs (5.7L Engine) LZFR5C–11 (Gap 0.043 in [1.09 mm])
Fuel Selection (5.7L Engine) 87 Octane Acceptable - 89 Octane Recommended
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479
7

At Each Stop for Fuel•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•
Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•
Inspect the battery, clean and tighten the terminals as
required.
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•
Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•
Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.Required Maintenance IntervalsRefer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

Adding Fuel........................... 379
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 141
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 434
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 435
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............435,436
Air Conditioning System ................237,435
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 240
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 355,360
Airbag ............................ 34,47,54
Airbag Light ....................... 58,75,189
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 54
Alarm Light ........................... 191
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 230
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........442,443,478
Disposal ............................ 445
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 333Anti-Lock Warning Light
...............196,332
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 452
Ashtray ............................... 164
Assistance Towing ....................... 101
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Interlock System ....................... 14
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... 451
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 452
Fluid Level Check ................... 449,450
Fluid Type ........................ 449,480
Shifting ............................. 255
Special Additives ...................... 452
Axle Fluid .......................... 448,480
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 448510 INDEX

Towing............................. 422
Emission Control System Maintenance ......429,482
Engine ............................... 427
Air Cleaner .......................... 434
Block Heater ......................... 254
Break-In Recommendations ................ 73
Compartment Identification ............... 427
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 479
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 74,379
Flooded, Starting ...................... 252
Fuel Requirements ..................... 478
Oil ........................... 431,478,479
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 432
Oil Selection ....................... 432,478
Oil Synthetic ......................... 433
Temperature Gauge .................... 190
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 403
Event Data Recorder ...................... 58
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............74,179,379,439Exhaust System
....................... 74,438
Exterior Lighting ........................ 134
Exterior Lights .......................... 76
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 434
Engine Oil ........................ 433,479
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 433
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... 76,136,188
Flat Tire Stowage ..................... 408,418
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 252
Fluid, Brake ........................... 480
Fluid Capacities ......................... 478
Fluid Leaks ............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 450
Brake .............................. 447
Power Steering ........................ 328514 INDEX

Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 479
Fog Lights ....................... 135,193,468
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 174
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 260
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 406
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 421
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 448
Fuel ................................. 375
Adding ............................. 379
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 381
Gauge .............................. 200
Octane Rating ...................... 375,479
Requirements ...................... 375,478
Tank Capacity ........................ 478
Fuses ................................ 458
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 153
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............381,428
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 375 Gasoline, Reformulated
................... 375
Gauges ............................... 188
Coolant Temperature ................... 190
Fuel ............................... 200
Oil Pressure .......................... 190
Speedometer ......................... 189
Tachometer .......................... 189
Voltmeter ............................ 188
Gear Ranges ........................... 255
General Information ................. 18,114,374
Glass Cleaning .......................... 456
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 172
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 384
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 384
Guide, Body Builders ...................... 6
GVWR ............................... 381
Hands-Free Phone (uconnect) ............... 86
INDEX 515
10