2015 Ram 1500 fuel

Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
ADDING FUEL
The fuel filler cap (gas cap) is located behind the fuel
filler door, on the left side of the vehicle. Open the fuel
door and remove the fuel cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.
NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door.
Fuel Filler Cap
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 643

CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emissions control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap.
•A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let impurities
into the fuel system.
•A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank is
being filled.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
644 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Static electricity can cause an ignition of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or trailer. To
reduce risk of serious injury or death when filling
containers:
•Always place container on the ground before fill-
ing.
•Keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container
when you are filling it.
•Use only approved containers for flammable liq-
uid.
•Do not leave container unattended while filling.
•A static electric charge could cause a spark and fire
hazard.
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/DID telltale display
area. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Driver Information Display (DID) in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 645

Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and rear axle. Weigh-
ing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the
front or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 647

When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your
vehicle in first gear (using the ERS shift control) can help
to avoid transmission overheating.
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the automatic trans-
mission fluid and filter(s) as specified for#police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.#Refer to the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
668 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could result in
damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle
or the discharged vehicle.
Connecting The Jumper Cables
1. Connect the positive(+)end of the jumper cable to the
positive(+)post of the discharged vehicle.
NOTE: Do not jump off fuses. Only jump directly off
positive post.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive(+)jumper
cable to the positive(+)post of the booster battery.
3. Connect the negative(-)end of the jumper cable to the
negative(-)post of the booster battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative(-)jumper
cable to a good engine ground (exposed metal part of
the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery
and the fuel injection system.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the negative (-)
post of the discharged battery. The resulting electri-
cal spark could cause the battery to explode and
could result in personal injury. Only use the specific
ground point, do not use any other exposed metal
parts.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then
start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
732 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
!ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L..........748
!ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L..........749
!ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L..........750
!ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) . . .751
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............751
!EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS..........................752
!REPLACEMENT PARTS..................753
!DEALER SERVICE......................754
!MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES...........754
▫Engine Oil..........................755
▫Engine Oil Filter......................758
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................759
▫Accessory Drive Belt Inspection...........762
▫Maintenance-Free Battery...............764
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............765
▫Front Driveshaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive Models Only)..........766
▫Body Lubrication.....................767
▫Windshield Wiper Blades...............767
7

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 driveability.
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/DID telltale display
area. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 751