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ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and
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 recommended 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 of 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 3.0L diesel engine break-in recommendations, refer to Diesel Engine Break-InRecommendations on pg. 145
• For 6.7L Cummins diesel engine break-in recommendations, refer to Diesel Engine Break-In Recommendations on pg. 155
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to itsconstruction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions 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.
• 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. The recommended
viscosity and quality grades are shown under “FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES”, under
“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” in this User Guide. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Normal Starting Procedure
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
4. The system will take over and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after 30 seconds.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
1500 3.0L DIESEL
145
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ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or
Genuine Part Capacities
Engine Oil with Filter 5.7L
For 2500/3500 trucks
operating with a gross
combined weight rating
greater than 14,000 lbs/
(6,350 kg) We recommend you use
API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard
MS-6395 such as
MOPAR
®, Pennzoil®,and
Shell Helix®. Refer to your
engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade. 5.7L Engine - 7 Quarts
(6.6 Liters)
Engine Oil with Filter 6.4L For best performance and
maximum protection under all types of operating con-ditions, the manufacturer
only recommends full syn-
thetic engine oils that meet the American Petroleum
Institute (API) categories of SN. The manufacturer recommends the use of
Pennzoil Ultra™ 0W-40 or
equivalent MOPAR
®engine
oil meeting the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating temperatures. 6.4L Engine - 7 Quarts
(6.6 Liters)
Engine Oil Filter
3.6L, 5.7L, 6.4L We recommend you
use MOPAR
®Engine
Oil Filters. —
Spark Plug 3.6L We recommend you use
MOPAR
®Spark Plugs
(Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]) —
Spark Plug 5.7L We recommend you use
MOPAR
®Spark Plugs
(Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]) —
Spark Plug 6.4L We recommend you use
MOPAR
®Spark Plugs
(Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]) —
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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 “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
•1500 Models Only
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months on 1500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•2500 – 3500 Models
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km)
or twelve months on 2500 – 3500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and
off road environment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
(2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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
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OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
How do I shift into different four-wheel drive selections? pg. 126
UTILITY
How do I know how much I can tow with my Ram Truck? pg. 136
How do I adjust the gain on the Integrated Trailer Brake Module? pg. 138
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
How do I change a flat tire? pg. 178
How do I Jump-Start my vehicle? pg. 190
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Where is my Fuse Block located? pg. 230
What type of oil do I use? pg. 205
How often should I change my engine’s oil?
• Gasoline Engine pg. 214
• Cummins
®Diesel Engine pg. 225
• 1500 Diesel Engine pg. 219
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
240