2013 Ram 1500 oil change

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmissionand axle) in your vehicle.
• Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
• While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers)
of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication to an engine problem or malfunction.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
For diesel engine break-in recommendations, refer to Diesel Engine Break-In Recom-
mendations on pg.
120
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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•Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as
the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is
32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance
beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for service if
your vehicle overheats.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
131

- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
•
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
• For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
•If an “oil change” message (shown as "Change Oil Soon" and "Oil Change Needed")
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
• This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
133

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – GASOLINE ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures,
and E85 fuel usage will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Re-
quired” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, powersteering (2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
169

Maintenance Chart – Gasoline EngineMileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary.
XX X X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces.
If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the
fluid level. If using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing,
change axle fluid. XX X X X X XInspect the brake linings, parking brake function.
XX X X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine).** X
Replace the top row (intake side) of spark
plugs (4.7L Engine).** XX X X X
Replace the side row (exhaust side) of spark
plugs (4.7L Engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (5.7L engine).** X X X X X
Replace the ignition cables (4.7L Engine). X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
170

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items may result in damage to the
vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
• Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD
or MIN mark.
Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and automatic transmission (if equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed
or suspected. Retain all receipts.
Oil Change Indicator System
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. This system will
alert you when it is time to change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil
Change Due” on your Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). The oil change
reminder will remind the owner to change the engine oil every 15,000 miles or 500
hours, whichever comes first, except for the Chassis Cab models that are using B20
biodiesel, which are 12,500 miles or 400 hours, whichever comes first. Failure to
change the engine oil per the maintenance schedule can result in internal engine
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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For information on resetting the Oil Change Indicator message, refer to “Oil Change
Due” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/EVIC Warning Lights” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months, or
sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator system. Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.
NOTE:
•
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or
six months or 500 Hours, whichever comes first.
•Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 12,500 miles (20 000 km) when running
B20 fuel (Chassis Cab Only).
If Chassis Cab models are operated with greater than 5% levels of Biodiesel, the oil
change interval must not exceed 12,500 miles (20 000 km) under any circum-
stances. See the Fuel Requirements section for more information regarding opera-
tion of Chassis Cab models configured for use with Biodiesel blend (B6-B20) fuel
meeting ASTM specification D-7467.
Perform Service Indicator
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 Service” message is displayed on the
EVIC it is necessary to have the emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance may include replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter
element. The procedure for clearing and resetting the “Perform Service” indicator
message is located in the appropriate Service Information.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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