2013 Ram 1500 Windshield

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ..........630
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.7L ..........631
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L ..........632
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) . . .633
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............633
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .634
 REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................635
 DEALER SERVICE ..................... .635
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........636▫
Engine Oil ......................... .637
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... .640
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................640
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............641
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............642
▫ Front Driveshaft Lubrication – 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive) Models (Ram Trucks
Only) ............................. .643
▫ Body Lubrication .....................643
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............644
7

tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPAR® Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy opera-
tion and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the
application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should
be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
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 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 of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.
644 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.After the engine has warmed up, operate the defroster for
a few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Windshield
washer solution used with water as directed on the
container, aids cleaning action, reduces the freezing point
to avoid line clogging, and is not harmful to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, have the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 645

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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 ser-
vice 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 thanyour authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals 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, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and transmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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S696 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Daytime Running Lights....................163
Dealer Service ........................... .635
Defroster, Rear Window .....................225
Defroster, Windshield ..................... .122
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................173
Differential, Limited-Slip ....................440
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................623
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................651
Door Locks ..............................34
Door Locks, Automatic ......................37
Driving Off-Pavement ......................... .421
Off-Road ............................ .421
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .442
Dual Rear Wheels ........................ .507E-85 Fuel
.............................. .526
Electrical Power Outlets .....................208
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................225
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .............390
Electronic Brake Control System ...............470
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................470
Brake Assist System .....................471
Traction Control System ...................471
Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................361
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........180
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............475
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......193
Emergency Brake ........................ .467
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................616
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................571
Jump Starting ......................... .612
Tow Hooks ........................... .618
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........634
10
INDEX 717

Unleaded Gasoline....................... .521
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt ................59
Utility Rails, Rear Cargo Area ................243
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) .............6
Vehicle Loading ......................... .489
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ...............7
Vehicle Storage .......................... .332
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .257
Warnings and Cautions .......................6
Warranty Information ..................... .708
Washers, Windshield ...................... .173
Washing Vehicle ......................... .662
Water Driving Through ....................... .442
Wheel and Wheel Trim .....................664
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care .................664
Wheel Cover ........................... .590Wheel Nut Torque
........................ .590
Winch ................................ .445
Accessories ........................... .449
Operation ............................ .450
Rigging Techniques ..................... .463
Usage .............................. .445
Wind Buffeting ............................47
Window Fogging ........................ .332
Windows ................................44
Power ................................44
Rear Sliding .......................... .227
Windshield Defroster ...................... .122
Windshield Washers ...................... .172
Fluid ............................... .172
Windshield Wiper Blades ....................644
Windshield Wipers ....................... .172
Wiper Blade Replacement ...................644
Wipers, Intermittent ...................... .173
Wipers, Rain Sensitive ..................... .175
730 INDEX