2011 Ram 3500 engine

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.
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 Engine Control
Module to determine when a filter change is necessary.
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
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 from under the hood.
CAUTION!
•Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when
the engine is running.
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
If water is detected in the water separator while the
engine is running, or while the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will
illuminate and an audible chime will be heard five times.
At this point you should stop the engine and drain the
water from the separator.
104 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain water from
the fuel filter to avoid engine damage.
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes on and a
single chime is heard while you are driving, or with the
ignition switch 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 Indicator Light” will remain illuminated
for approximately 10 seconds. If the water was drained
while the engine was running, the “Water In Fuel Indi-
cator Light” may remain on for approximately three
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 an 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.
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within 10 minutes of vehicle
shutdown, turn the drain valve (located on the side of the
filter) counterclockwise 1/4 turn, turn the ignition switch
to the ON position, and allow any accumulated water to
drain. Leave the drain valve open until all water and
contaminants have been removed. When clean fuel is
visible, close the drain valve by turning it clockwise, and
turn the ignition switch to OFF.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 105

NOTE:The fuel/water separator drain valve is located
on the bottom of the fuel filter housing.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of fuel have been
drained, follow the directions for “Priming If The Engine
Has Run Out Of Fuel.”
Fuel Filter Replacement
NOTE: Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer’s filtration and water separating require-
ments can severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
CAUTION!
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
(Continued)
1 — Drain Valve
106 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•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.
1. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise
and completely drain fuel and water into the approved
container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate
counterclockwise for removal. Remove used o-ring and
discard it. 6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and
dispose of according to your local regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter
housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
9. Remove new filter cartridge from plastic bag and
install into housing.
NOTE:
Do not remove cartridge from bag until you
reach this step in order to keep cartridge clean.
10. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly
seated. Do not pre-fill the filter housing with fuel.
11. Install lid onto housing and tighten to 22.5 ft lbs
(30.5 N.m). Do not overtighten the lid.
12. Prime the engine using the procedure in “Priming If
The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel.” Then start the engine
and confirm there are no leaks.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 107

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.
1. Add a substantial amount of fuel to the tank, approxi-
mately 5 to 10 gal (19L to 38L).
2. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position, wait for
four seconds, then turn the ignition switch back to the
OFF position. Repeat this step four times.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting” proce-
dure. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15 sec-
onds 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.
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.
108 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 Cum-
mins diesel engine. Use of biodiesel mixture in excess
of 5% can negatively impact the fuel filter’s ability to
separate water from the fuel, resulting in high pressure
fuel system corrosion or damage.
•Ethanol blends are not recommended or approved for
use with your Cummins diesel engine.
•In addition, commercially available fuel additives are
not necessary for the proper operation of your Cum-
minsdiesel engine.
Intervention Regeneration Strategy – EVIC
Message Process Flow
The Cummins diesel engine meets all EPA Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in the low-
est emitting diesel engine ever produced.
To achieve these emissions standards, your vehicle is
equipped with a state-of-the-art engine and exhaust
system. The engine and exhaust after-treatment system
work together to achieve the EPA Heavy Duty Diesel
Engine Emissions Standards. These systems are seam-
lessly integrated into your vehicle and managed by the
Cummins Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM
manages engine combustion to allow the exhaust sys-
tem’s catalyst to trap and burn Particulate Matter (PM)
pollutants, with no input or interaction on your part.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your truck or engine.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 109

Refer to the following messages that may be displayed on
your Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC):
WARNING!
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 vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
Perform Service
Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set
interval. To help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
will display “Perform Service”. When the “Perform Ser-
vice” message is displayed on the EVIC it is necessary to
have the emissions maintenance performed. Emissionsmaintenance may include replacing the Closed Crank-
case Ventilation (CCV) filter element, and cleaning of the
EGR Cooler. The procedure for clearing and resetting the
Perform Service
indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
Exhaust System – Regeneration Required Now
“Exhaust System — Regeneration Required Now” will be
displayed on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) if the exhaust particulate filter reaches 80% of its
maximum storage capacity. Under conditions of exclu-
sive short duration and low speed driving cycles, your
Cummins diesel engine and exhaust after-treatment
system may never reach the conditions required to re-
move the trapped PM. If this occurs, the “Exhaust System
— Regeneration Required Now” message will be dis-
played in the EVIC. If this message is displayed, you will
hear one chime to assist in alerting you of this condition.
110 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

By simply driving your vehicle at highway speeds for as
little as 45 minutes, you can remedy the condition in the
particulate filter system and allow your Cumminsdiesel
engine and exhaust after-treatment system to remove the
trapped PM and restore the system to normal operating
condition.
Exhaust Filter XX% Full
Indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is ap-
proaching full.
Exhaust System – Regeneration in Process
Indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is self-
cleaning. Maintain your current driving condition until
regeneration is completed.
Exhaust System – Regeneration Completed
Indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) self-
cleaning is completed. If this message is displayed, you
will hear one chime to assist in alerting you of this
condition.
Service Required – See Dealer Now
Regeneration has been disabled due to a system malfunc-
tion. At this point the engine PCM will register a fault
code, the instrument panel will display a MIL light.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to the exhaust
system could occur soon with continued operation.
Exhaust Filter Full – Power Reduced See Dealer
The PCM derates the engine in order to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the after-treatment sys-
tem. If this condition is not corrected and a dealer service
is not performed, extensive exhaust after-treatment dam-
age can occur. In order to correct this condition it will be
necessary to have your vehicle serviced by your local
authorized dealer.6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 111