2014 Ram 1500 Maintaining your vehicle

throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure and
ease the vehicle up and over the object.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to loose control of
your vehicle.
Using A Spotter
There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle
or determine the correct path. Determining the correct
path can be extremely difficult when you are confronting
many obstacles. In these cases have someone guide you
over, through, or around the obstacle. Have the person
stand a safe distance in front of you where they can see
the obstacle, watch your tires and undercarriage, and
guide you through.
Crossing Large Rocks
When approaching large rocks, choose a path which
ensures you drive over the largest with your tires. This
will lift your undercarriage over the obstacle. The tread of
the tire is tougher and thicker than the side wall and is
designed to take the abuse. Always look ahead and make
every effort to cross the large rocks with your tires.
CAUTION!
•Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large
enough to strike your axles or undercarriage.
• Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large
enough to contact the door sills.
Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut
When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large
rut, the angled approach is the key to maintaining your
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STARTING AND OPERATING 479

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L/6.4L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE: This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, pull the parking brake release
handle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 521

Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to your authorized tire dealer or original
equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe operat-
ing speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious collision. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause a collision. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never
combine them with other types of tires.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ..........690
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L ..........691
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L ..........692
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) . . .693
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............693
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .694
 REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................695
 DEALER SERVICE ..................... .695
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........696
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .697
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... .700
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................701
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............701
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............702
▫ Front Driveshaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive Models Only) ..........704
▫ Body Lubrication .....................704
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............705
7

▫Adding Washer Fluid ..................705
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .706
▫ Cooling System ..................... .709
▫ Brake System ....................... .717
▫ Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level ........................ .719
▫ Transfer Case ....................... .720
▫ Automatic Transmission ................721
▫ Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion ..................... .725
 FUSES ............................. .733
▫ Power Distribution Center ...............734
 VEHICLE STORAGE ....................743 
REPLACEMENT BULBS .................743
 BULB REPLACEMENT ..................745
▫ Base Quad / Premium Bi-Halogen: Low Beam
Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp, Front Park
And Turn — If Equipped ...............745
▫ Fog Lamps — If Equipped ..............748
▫ Rear Tail/Stop, Turn Signal And
Backup Lamps ...................... .748
▫ Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) With
Cargo Lamp ........................ .750
▫ Cab Top Clearance Lamps — If Equipped . . . .752
▫ Rear Lamp Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheels) —
If Equipped ......................... .753
▫ Side Marker Lamps (Dual Rear Wheels) — If
Equipped .......................... .754
688 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID CAPACITIES ....................755

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS . .758
▫ Engine ............................ .758
▫ Chassis ........................... .760
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 689

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter5 — Battery
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill 7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
690 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (6-Speed Trans Only) 8 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
3 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (2500/3500 Models Only)
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 10 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
6 — Battery7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 691