2014 Ram 3500 oil change

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The diesel engine does not require a break-in period due
to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, provid-
ing the following recommendations 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 indica-
tors.
•Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing 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, Lubricants and Genuine Parts”,
under “Maintaining Your Vehicle” in this manual. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

chime. Your Malfunction Indicator Light will be con-
tinuously illuminated. If the message appears and you
can not start the engine, we recommend you have your
vehicle towed to your nearest authorized dealer im-
mediately.
Oil Life Reset
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10
seconds after a single chime has sounded, to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate, dependent
upon your personal driving style.
NOTE:Use the steering wheel EVIC controls for the
following procedure(s)Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE
START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Press and release theDOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
3. Press and release theRIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Oil Life” screen.
4. Press and release theDOWNarrow button to select
“Reset”, then press and release theRightarrow button
to select reset of the Oil Life to 100%.
5. Press and release theUparrow button to exit the EVIC
screen.
46 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE
START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Press and release theDOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
3. Press and release theRIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Oil Life” screen.
4. Press and release theDOWNarrow button to select
“Reset”, then press and release theRightarrow button
to select reset of the Oil Life to 100%.
5. Press and release theUparrow button to exit the EVIC
screen.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays — 7” Display
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 47

Service DEF System See Dealer message is displayed
on the next subsequent restart. Your engine will not
start unless you vehicle is serviced by your authorized
dealer. The message will be accompanied by a single
chime. Your Malfunction Indicator Light will be con-
tinuously illuminated. If the message appears and you
can not start the engine, we recommend you have your
vehicle towed to your nearest authorized dealer im-
mediately.
Oil Life Reset
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10
seconds after a single chime has sounded, to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate, dependent
upon your personal driving style.NOTE:Use the steering wheel EVIC controls for the
following procedure(s)
Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE
START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Press and release theDOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
3. Press and release theRIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Oil Life” screen.
4. Press and hold theRIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the ”Oil Life Reset” screen.
5. Press and release theDOWNarrow button to select
“Yes”, then press and release the Right arrow button to
select reset of the Oil Life.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 55

6. Press and release theUparrow button to exit the EVIC
screen.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, cycle the ignition to
the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Press and release theDOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
3. Press and release theRIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Oil Life” screen.4. Press and hold theRIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the ”Oil Life Reset” screen.
5. Press and release theDOWNarrow button to select
“Yes”, then press and release the Right arrow button to
select reset of the Oil Life.
6. Press and release theUparrow button to exit the EVIC
screen.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
56 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
•engine misfiring or vibrating severely
•sudden loss of power
•unusual engine noises
•fuel, oil or coolant leaks
•sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature
•excessive smoke
•oil pressure drop
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.
Its use is recommended for environments that routinely
fall below -10°F (-23°C). It should be used when the
vehicle has not been running for long periods of time and
should be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its use is
required for cold starts with temperatures under -20°F
(-28°C).
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
68 STARTING AND OPERATING

Biodiesel Fuel Requirements
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM speci-
fication D975 is recommended for use with your diesel
engine. If frequent operation with Biodiesel blends that
are between 6% and 20% (B6–B20) is desired, the main-
tenance schedule is subject to shorter intervals.
The oil and filter change along with fuel filter replace-
ment is subject to shorter intervals when operating your
engine on biodiesel greater than 5%. Do not use biodiesel
greater than 20%.
For regular use of biodiesel blends between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20) it is important that you understand and comply
with these requirements. Refer to the “Maintenance
Chart” in the “Maintenance Schedules” section for fur-
ther direction.
CAUTION!
Failure to comply with Oil Change requirements for
vehicles operating on biodiesel blends between 6%
and 20% (B6–B20) will result in premature engine
wear. Such wear is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable resources
typically derived from animal fat, rapeseed oil (Rapeseed
Methyl Ester (RME) base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl
Ester (SME or SOME) base).
Biodiesel fuel has inherent limitations which require that
you understand and adhere to the following requirements
if you use blends of Biodiesel between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20). There are no unique restrictions for the use of B5.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 71

Fuel Water Separation — Must Use Mopar
Approved Fuel Filter Elements
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and water
accelerates microbial growth. Your Mopar filtration sys-
tem is designed to provide adequate fuel water separa-
tion capabilities.
Fuel In Oil Dilution — Must Adhere To Required
Oil Change Interval
Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been observed with
the use of Biodiesel fuel. Fuel in oil must not exceed 5%.
To ensure this limit is met your oil change interval must
be maintained with in the suggested schedule. The
regular use of biodiesel between 6% and 20% requires
intervals shorter than the outlined 10,000 miles and must
not exceed the suggested schedule. When routinely op-
erating on biodiesel between 6% and 20%, oil and filter
replacement intervals must not exceed 8,000 Miles or 6
months, which ever comes first.
Biodiesel Fuel Filter Change Intervals
The use of biodiese requires intervals shorter than the
outlined 30,000 miles (48 280 km) and must not exceed
the suggested schedule. When operating on biodiesel
between 6% and 20%, fuel filter replacement intervals
must not exceed 20,000 Miles (40 233 km).
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 8,000 miles (12 875 km) or 6 months, if
regular operation occurs with 6% - 20% biodiesel blends.
Under no circumstances should fuel filter intervals ex-
ceed 20,000 miles (40 233 km), if regular operation occurs
with 6% - 20% biodiesel blends. Failure to comply with
these Oil Change and fuel filter requirements for vehicles
operating on biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in
premature engine wear. Such wear is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The engine may suffer
severe damage if operated with concentrations of bio-
diesel higher than 20%.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 73