CAUTION!
Do not use gasolines containing Methanol or E-85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or E-85
ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of methanol.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the vehicle’s warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•operate in a lean mode •
OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on
• poor engine performance
• poor cold start and cold drivability
• increased risk for fuel system component corrosion
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
• drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
• change the engine oil and oil filter
• disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 523
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your
vehicle in first gear (using the ERS switches) can help to
avoid transmission overheating.
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the automatic trans-
mission fluid and filter(s) as specified forpolice, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.. Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW/HAUL” feature ON when driving in
hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) switches) on more severe
grades.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
556 STARTING AND OPERATING
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
Engine Oil Viscosity
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. The engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your engine. For information on engine oil filler cap
location, refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:Vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine must use
SAE 5W-20 oil. Failure to do so may result in improper
operation of the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Re-
fer to “Multi-Displacement System” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used. NOTE:
For 2500/3500 trucks with a 5.7L engine operat-
ing under a gross combined weight rating of 14,000 lbs (6
350 kg) or greater, SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended
for all operating temperatures.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 639
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew Quad Cab Models 26 Gallons98 Liters
1500 Regular Cab Longbed/Crew Quad Cab Models (Optional) 32 Gallons 121 Liters
2500/3500 Shortbed Models 34 Gallons129 Liters
2500/3500 Longbed Models 35 Gallons132 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
4.7L Engine (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
5.7L Engine (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
5.7L Engine (We recommend you use SAE 5W-30, API Certified).
For 2500/3500 trucks operating under a gross combined weight
rating greater than 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 689
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............649
Adding Fuel ............................ .530
Additives, Fuel .......................... .524
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .179
Airbag ..................................66
Airbag Deployment ........................80
Airbag Light .............................74
Airbag Maintenance ........................82
Airbag, Side ..............................69
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................70
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .640
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................642
Air Conditioning ......................... .315
Air Conditioning Controls ...................315
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................642
Air Conditioning System ....................315
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .494
Air Suspension .......................... .410
Alarm Light ............................ .262Alarm, Panic
.............................28
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................648
Disposal ............................. .651
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................470
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................257
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..........21
Anti-Theft System ..........................21
Appearance Care ........................ .661
Ashtray ............................... .212
Auto Down Power Windows ..................45
Automatic Door Locks ......................37
Automatic Headlights ..................... .162
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........325
Automatic Transmission ....................355
Adding Fluid ......................... .660
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................661
714 INDEX
Engine................................ .631
Air Cleaner .......................... .640
Block Heater ......................... .351
Break-In Recommendations ................119
Compartment ......................... .630
Compartment Identification ................630
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................691
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................121
Flooded, Starting ...................... .345
Fuel Requirements ..................... .521
Jump Starting ......................... .612
Oil................................. .637
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .639
Oil Selection .......................... .638
Oil Synthetic ......................... .639
Overheating .......................... .571
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............76
Entry System, Illuminated ....................22
Ethanol ............................... .522Event Data Recorder
........................83
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................... .121
Exhaust System .......................... .121
Exterior Lighting ......................... .162
Exterior Lights .......................... .124
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .640
Engine Oil ........................... .640
Engine Oil Disposal .....................639
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... .124
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ .585
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .529
Engine Oil ........................... .528
Fuel Requirements ..................... .526
Maintenance .......................... .529
Replacement Parts ...................... .529
718 INDEX