2011 Ram 2500 fuel system

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 519

the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
520 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
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 Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 523

NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For 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.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:Vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine must use
SAE 5W-20 oil. Failure to do so may result in improper
operation of the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Re-
fer to “Multi-Displacement System” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
524 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
•A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
532 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 535
Adding Fuel........................... 444
Adjustable Pedals....................... 133
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 526
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 528
Air Conditioning........................ 286
Air Conditioning Controls................. 286
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 297
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............528,529
Air Conditioning System.............286,290,528
Air Pressure, Tires....................412,418
Airbag..............................54,63
Airbag Deployment....................... 64
Airbag Light.....................62,67,84,220
Airbag Maintenance....................... 66
Airbag, Side..........................61,63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........57,61,63
Alarm Light........................... 210
Alarm, Panic............................ 24Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 267
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............535,569
Disposal............................ 537
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 390
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 221
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System........................ 18
Appearance Care........................ 546
Ashtray............................... 163
Auto Down Power Windows................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 94
Automatic Headlights.................... 123
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 290
Automatic Transmission................... 311
Adding Fluid......................... 544
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 545
602 INDEX

Power Steering........................ 386
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 536
Car Washes............................ 547
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............83,440
Cargo Light............................ 126
Cellular Phone.......................100,285
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 564
Center Lap Belts......................... 48
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 171
Certification Label....................... 446
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 403
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............219,520
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 82
Checks, Safety........................... 82
Child Restraint........................68,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............73,76
Child Seat............................69,75
Cigar Lighter........................... 163Cleaning
Wheels............................. 548
Climate Control......................... 285
Clock.............................246,256
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 285
Compass.............................. 236
Compass Calibration..................... 237
Compass Variance....................... 237
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 233
Connector
UCI .............................270,276
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......270,276
Conserving Fuel......................231,233
Console, Overhead....................... 149
Contract, Service........................ 595
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 536
Cooling System......................... 534
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 535
Coolant Capacity...................... 569
604 INDEX

Coolant Level......................534,537
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 537
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 534
Inspection........................... 537
Points to Remember.................... 538
Pressure Cap......................... 536
Radiator Cap......................... 536
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......535,569,571
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 135
Cupholders............................ 166
Customer Assistance..................... 593
Data Recorder, Event...................... 67
Daytime Running Lights................... 127
Dealer Service.......................... 522
Defroster, Rear Window................... 176
Defroster, Windshield................84,288,294
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 130
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 360Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 544
Power Steering........................ 386
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 508
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 537
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 151
Driving
Off-Pavement......................... 343
Off-Road............................ 343
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 362
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy.... 231
Dual Rear Wheels.....................423,498
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 282
E-85 Fuel............................. 440
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 176
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INDEX 605