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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ..........636
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.7L ..........637
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L ..........638
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) . . .639
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............639
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .640
REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................641
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .641
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........642▫
Engine Oil ......................... .643
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... .646
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................646
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............647
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............648
▫ Front Driveshaft Lubrication – 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive) Models (Ram Trucks
Only) ............................. .649
▫ Body Lubrication .....................649
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............650
7
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 639
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“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this test over.
3. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part
of a normal bulb check.
640 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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 recom-
mended 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 645
Page 698 of 743
3. Turn the socket ¼ turn counterclockwise and removefrom assembly to access the bulb. 4. Pull the bulb straight out from socket.
5. Reverse the procedure for installation of the bulbs and
housing.
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
696 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Engine................................ .637
Air Cleaner .......................... .646
Block Heater ......................... .351
Break-In Recommendations ................115
Compartment ......................... .636
Compartment Identification ................636
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................698
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................117
Flooded, Starting ...................... .345
Fuel Requirements ..................... .526
Jump Starting ......................... .617
Oil................................. .643
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .645
Oil Selection .......................... .644
Oil Synthetic ......................... .645
Overheating .......................... .577
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............74
Entry System, Illuminated ....................22
Ethanol ............................... .527Event Data Recorder
........................81
Exhaust Gas Caution .......................117
Exhaust System ...........................117
Exterior Lighting ......................... .158
Exterior Lights .......................... .120
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .646
Engine Oil ........................... .646
Engine Oil Disposal .....................645
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... .120
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ .591
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .533
Engine Oil ........................... .533
Fuel Requirements ..................... .530
Maintenance .......................... .534
Replacement Parts ...................... .533
726 INDEX
Page 729 of 743

Starting............................. .533
Flooded Engine Starting ....................345
Fluid, Brake ............................ .700
Fluid Capacities ......................... .696
Fluid Leaks ............................ .120
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .661
Power Steering ........................ .467
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........698
Fog Lights ............................. .162
Fold Flat Load Floor ...................... .223
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................577
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .388
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................621
Front Axle (Differential) .....................663
Fuel .................................. .526
Adding ............................. .534
Additives ............................ .529
Clean Air ............................ .527Ethanol
............................. .527
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................536
Gasoline ............................. .526
Materials Added ....................... .529
Methanol ............................ .527
Octane Rating ......................... .526
Requirements ......................... .526
Tank Capacity ......................... .696
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .530
Fuel System Caution ...................... .535
Fuses ................................. .675
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................536
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .527
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .526
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................527
Gauges Speedometer ......................... .260
T
achometer ........................... .255
10
INDEX 727