2013 Ram 1500 oil level

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Warning Lights
- Low Fuel Warning Light
- Charging System Light**
- Oil Pressure Warning Light**
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light**
- Air Bag Warning Light**
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
- Seat Belt Reminder Light
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light**
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)**
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
(See page 130 for more information.)
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
8

DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The Cummins®turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due
to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recom-
mendations are followed: • Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
• Because of the construction of the Cummins
®turbocharged diesel engine, engine
run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to
achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Engine Block Heater
• For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine block heater usage is recommended.
• For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
• The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side and can be located just behind the grille near the headlamp.
• Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 volts AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heater element.
•The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the coolant.
Water In Fuel Message
•
If a Water In Fuel message orindicator appears in the cluster and a chime
sounds five times, the fuel/water separator will need to be drained immediately to
prevent engine damage.
• Refer to “Draining Fuel Water Separator” in this guide for draining instructions or see your dealer.
DIESEL
120

- 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
168

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
173

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
174

Maintenance Chart – Diesel Engine
Miles:
7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000 82,500 90,000 97,500
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
12,000 24,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000 96,000 108,000 120,000 132,000 144,000 156,000
Rotate the tires. X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4). X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X XXXXXXXXXXXX
Replace engine fuel filter element. XXXXXX
Replace chassis mounted fuel filter element. XXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings. XXXX
Inspect and adjust parking brake. XXXX
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 the axle fluid. XXXXXX
Inspect drive belt; replace as required. XXXX
Check the transfer case fluid (4x4). XX
Change the transfer case fluid (4x4). XInspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage,
wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if
necessary.
XXXXXX
Inspect wheel bearings. XXX
Change automatic transmission fluid (AS69RC
transmission only). XXX
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
175