2014 Ram 3500 maintenance

A MESSAGE FROM FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC and Cummins® welcome you as a Cum-
mins® turbocharged diesel-powered truck owner. Your
diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate differ-
ently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is important that
you read and understand this manual.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States and Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel
economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-
mits pulling heavy loads. Cummins® engines power well
over half of these trucks. Now this same technology and
proven performance is yours in your truck equipped
with the Cummins® turbocharged diesel engine.You may find that some of the starting, operating, and
maintenance procedures are different. However, they are
simple to follow and careful adherence to them will
ensure that you take full advantage of the features of this
engine.
NOTE:
•Some aftermarket products may cause severe engine/
transmission and/or exhaust system damage. Your
vehicle’s Powertrain Control Systems can detect and
store information about vehicle modifications that
increase horsepower and torque output such as
whether or not performance-enhancing powertrain
components, commonly referred to as downloaders,
power boxes, or performance chips have been used.
142 INTRODUCTION

reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement oralternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 161

filters to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filters” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Wait To Start Light
The “Wait To Start Light” will illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66°F (19°C). Wait
until the “Wait To Start Light” turns OFF, then start the
vehicle. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
NOTE:The “Wait To Start Light” may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup— This
message will display during start up when the ambi-
ent temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F
(-23° C).
•
Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds) During
Warmup— This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between -10° F (-23° C)
and -25 F (-32° C).
•Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup
— This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is -25° F (-32° C)
and below.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177

•Coolant Low— This telltale will turn on to indicate
the vehicle coolant level is low. See “Adding Coolant”
under the section “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for more
information.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins® diesel engine meets all EPA Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in one of
the lowest emitting diesel engines ever produced. To
achieve these emissions standards, your vehicle is
equipped with a state-of-the-art engine and exhaust
system. These systems are seamlessly integrated into
your vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM manages engine combustion to
allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to trap and burn
Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input or
interaction on your part.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to additional
maintenance required on your vehicle or engine. Refer to
the following messages that may be displayed on your
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC):
•Perform Service— Your vehicle will require emissions
maintenance at a set interval. To help remind you
when this maintenance is due, the Electronic Vehicle
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Information Center (EVIC) will display “Perform Ser-
vice”. When the “Perform Service” message is dis-
played on the EVIC it is necessary to have the emis-
sions maintenance performed. Emissions maintenance
may include replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventila-
tion (CCV) filter element. The procedure for clearing
and resetting thePerform Serviceindicator message
is located in the appropriate Service Information.
•Exhaust System — Regeneration Required Now—
Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at Highway
Speeds to Remedywill be displayed on the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) if the exhaust par-
ticulate filter reaches 80% of its maximum storage
capacity. Under conditions of exclusive short duration
and low speed driving cycles, your Cummins® diesel
engine and exhaust after-treatment system may never
reach the conditions required to remove the trapped
PM. If this occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely
Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy” message will bedisplayed in the EVIC. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting you of this
condition
•By simply driving your vehicle at highway speeds for
as little as 45 minutes, you can remedy the condition in
the particulate filter system and allow your Cum-
mins® diesel engine and exhaust after-treatment sys-
tem to remove the trapped PM and restore the system
to normal operating condition.
•Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process Exhaust
Filter XX% Full— Indicates that the Diesel Particulate
Filter (DPF) is self-cleaning. Maintain your current
driving condition until regeneration is completed.
•Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed— This
message indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter
(DPF) self-cleaning is completed. If this message is
displayed, you will hear one chime to assist in alerting
you of this condition.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179

•The vehicle will only be capable of a maximum speed
of 5 MPH upon the first of the following conditions to
occur:
•If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
•If the vehicle is idled for an extended period of time,
approximately one hour or greater.
•If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank
has increased.
•5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See Dealer—
This message will continuously display, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. Although the ve-
hicle can be started and placed in gear, the vehicle will
only operate at a maximum speed of 5 MPH. Your
vehicle will require towing, see your authorized dealer
for service.
NOTE:When this message is displayed, the engine can
still be started. However, the vehicle will only operate at
a maximum speed of 5 MPH.RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Ram Active
Air system that provides enhanced performance, espe-
cially when towing under demanding hot or high alti-
tude conditions. If the EVIC displays the message “Ac-
tive Airbox Service Required See Dealer”, vehicle
performance may be reduced until service is performed
by an authorized RAM dealer.
Fuel Filter Life Reset
The cluster will display the “Service Fuel Filter” message
when the fuel filter maintenance life is less than 5%. To
check the remaining fuel filter life, go to the “Fuel Filter
Life” screen in the “Vehicle Info” menu. When this
message appears, dealers should replace both frame
mounted and engine mounted fuel filters.
NOTE:Use the steering wheel EVIC controls for the
following procedure(s)
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183

and then returns to the previous screen. An example of this
message type is “Automatic High Beams On”.
EVIC Amber Telltales
This area will show reconfigurable amber caution tell-
tales. These telltales include:
Water In Fuel Indicator Light
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illumi-
nate when there is water detected in the fuel
filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT start the
vehicle before you drain the water from the fuel
filters to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filters” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Wait To Start Light
The “Wait To Start” telltale will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the ignition is
turned to the RUN position. It’s duration may be longer
based on colder operating conditions. Vehicle will not
initiate start until telltale is out. Refer to “Starting Proce-
dures” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE:The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is low.
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to additional
maintenance required on your vehicle or engine. Refer to
the following messages that may be displayed on your
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC):
•Perform Service—
Your vehicle will require emissions
maintenance at a set interval. To help remind you when
this maintenance is due, the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) will display “Perform Service”. When
the “Perform Service” message is displayed on the EVICit is necessary to have the emissions maintenance per-
formed. Emissions maintenance may include replacing
the Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter element.
The procedure for clearing and resetting thePerform
Serviceindicator message is located in the appropriate
Service Information.
•Exhaust System — Regeneration Required Now—
Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at Highway
Speeds to Remedywill be displayed on the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) if the exhaust par-
ticulate filter reaches 80% of its maximum storage ca-
pacity. Under conditions of exclusive short duration and
low speed driving cycles, your Cummins® diesel engine
and exhaust after-treatment system may never reach the
conditions required to remove the trapped PM. If this
occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at
Highway Speeds to Remedy” message will be displayed
in the EVIC. If this message is displayed, you will hear
one chime to assist in alerting you of this condition
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL