2012 RAM CHASSIS CAB adding oil

indicator system is duty-cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON position. To
turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
BACK button. To reset the oil change indicator system
(after performing the scheduled maintenance), perform
the following steps.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. (Do not
start the engine)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the engine, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat these steps. Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. DTE cannot be reset.
NOTE: Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 10 miles (16 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display of  LOW FUEL.  This display will
continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a
significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the
 LOW FUEL  text and a new DTE value will display.
4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTS  Engine Compartment — 5.7L ............. 401
 Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) ....... 402
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 402
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 403
 Replacement Parts ..................... 404
 Dealer Service ........................ 405
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 405
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 406 ▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 408
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 408
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 409
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 411
▫ Front Prop Shaft Lubrication – Four-Wheel
Drive Models ....................... 412
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 412
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 413
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 413
7

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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR 
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc. NOTE: Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any condition is
present please proceed to clean wiper blades with humid
cloth removing any debris that may be affecting its
function.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should
be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not ra-
diator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reser-
voir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe the wiper blades clean. This will help
blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413

2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill. After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level. NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429

Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid ....................... 429
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 430
Fluid Level Check ................. 427,428
Fluid Type ...................... 427,451
Shifting ........................... 278
Special Additives ..................... 428
Axle Fluid ....................... 425,426,451
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............ 425,426
B-Pillar Location ........................ 314
Battery ............................... 409
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 25
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 152
Belts, Seat ............................ 39,79
Body Builders Guide ....................... 6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 412
Brake Fluid ......................... 423,451 Brake System ........................ 306,423
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 307
Fluid Check ........................ 423
Master Cylinder ..................... 423
Parking ........................... 304
Warning Light ....................... 197
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 278
Bulb Replacement ....................... 443
Bulbs, Light .......................... 81,442
Cab Top Clearance Lights .................. 447
Calibration, Compass ..................... 215
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 449
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 449
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine) ........................ 407
Power Steering ...................... 303
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 419
Car Washes ............................ 431
10 INDEX 483

Fluid Leaks ............................. 81
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................ 428
Brake ............................. 423
Power Steering ...................... 303
Fluid, Brake ........................... 451
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 450
Fog Lights ....................... 150,200,445
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 288
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 376
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 392
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 425
Fuel ................................. 335
Adding ........................... 340
Diesel ............................. 450
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 341
Filter ............................. 450
Gauge ............................ 189
Light ............................. 196 Octane Rating ....................... 335
Requirements ....................... 335
Tank Capacity ....................... 449
Fuses ................................ 435
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............... 341,402
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 335
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 336
Gauges
Coolant Temperature .................. 189
Fuel .............................. 189
Oil Pressure ........................ 192
Speedometer ........................ 190
Tachometer ......................... 189
Voltmeter .......................... 196
Gear Ranges ........................... 279
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 394
General Information .................. 18,26,123
Glass Cleaning .......................... 435
10 INDEX 487