2011 Ram 3500 fuel

WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel filler cap is removed or
the tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Bulk Fuel Storage – Diesel Fuel
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of “microbes.” Thesemicrobes form “slime” that will clog fuel filters and lines.
Drain condensation from the supply tank and change the
line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE:
When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
If the vehicle will not start, refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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.
84 STARTING AND OPERATING

•DEF control module
•NOx sensors
•Temperature sensors
•SCR catalyst
The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while
maintaining outstanding fuel economy, drivability,
torque and power ratings. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
system messages and warnings.
NOTE:
The DEF pump will run for a period of time
after engine shutdown to purge the DEF system. This is
normal operation.
88 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 6.7L Diesel ......... 97
 Maintenance Procedures .................. 98
▫ Engine Oil .......................... 98
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 102
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ...... 104
▫ Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel .............................. 108
▫ Intervention Regeneration Strategy – EVIC
Message Process Flow ................. 109
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid – Chassis Cab Only . . . 112 ▫
Maintenance-Free Batteries ............. 112
▫ Cooling System ..................... 113
▫ Charge Air Cooler – Inter-Cooler ......... 119
▫ Brake System ....................... 119
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System ............... 121
▫ Transfer Case – If Equipped ............. 121
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 121
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 122
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance
& Warranty ........................ 125
6

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.
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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.
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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