2016 Ram 1500 maintenance procedures

•Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel is a blend of
Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur and Number 1 Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuels which reduces the temperature at
which wax crystals form in fuel.
• The fuel grade should be clearly marked on the pump
at the fuel station.
• The engine requires the use of “Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel Fuel”. Use of incorrect fuel could result in
engine and exhaust system damage. Refer to “Fuel
Requirements” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.
• Commercially available fuel additives are not neces-
sary for the proper operation of your Cummins diesel
engine. However, if seasonably adjusted fuel is not
available and you are operating below 20°F (-6°C),
MOPAR Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or equiva-
lent) may be beneficial to avoid fuel gelling.Engine Oil Usage
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for the correct engine oil viscosity.
Winter Front Usage
A winter front or cold weather cover is to be used in
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C), especially dur-
ing extended idle conditions to reduce condensation
build-up within engine crankcase. If a winter front or
cold weather cover is to be used, a percentage of the total
grille opening area must be left uncovered to provide
sufficient air flow to the charge air cooler and automatic
transmission oil cooler. The percentage of opening must
be increased with the increasing ambient air temperature
and/or engine load. If the cooling fan can be heard
cycling frequently, increase the size of the opening in the
winter front. A suitable cold weather cover is available
from your MOPAR dealer.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel
fuel.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from
the fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided on both fuel filters. If you buy good
quality fuel and follow the cold weather advice above,
fuel conditioners should not be required in your vehicle.
If available in your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel
fuel may offer improved cold-starting and warm-up
performance.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filter(s) to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
Fuel Specifications
The Cummins diesel engine has been developed to take
advantage of the high energy content and generally
lower cost No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or No. 2
Ultra Low Sulfur climatized diesel fuels. Experience has
shown that it also operates on No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur
diesel fuels or other fuels within specification.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is on a truck bed. You could be burned.
Always place fuel containers on the ground while
filling.
Fuel Filler Cap
If the fuel filler cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler tube cap. A poorly fitting cap could let impuri-
ties into the fuel system.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel filler cap is removed or the
tank filled.
• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of “microbes.” These
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

microbes form “slime” that will clog the fuel filtration
system and lines. Drain condensation from the supply
tank and change the line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE:When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
If the vehicle will not start, refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a very stable
product with a long shelf life. If DEF is kept in tempera-
tures between 10° and 90°F (-12° and 32°C), it will last a
minimum of one year.
DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest temperatures. For
example, DEF may freeze at temperatures at or below
12° F (-11° C). The system has been designed to operate in
this environment.
NOTE: When working with DEF, it is important to know
that:
•
Any containers or parts that come into contact with DEF
must be DEF compatible (plastic or stainless steel). Cop-
per, brass, aluminum, iron or non-stainless steel should be
avoided as they are subject to corrosion by DEF.
• If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up completely.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 253

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models) .......269
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB
MODELS) ........................... .270
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........271
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .271
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................276
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......280
▫ Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement .....282
▫ Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement. .284 ▫
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel . .286
▫ Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow ....................... .288
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid ...................289
▫ Maintenance-Free Batteries ..............289
▫ Cooling System ..................... .290
▫ Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler .........296
▫ Brake System ....................... .296
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System ................298
▫ Transfer Case — If Equipped .............298
7

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealership or qualified
repair center.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals. The best time to check
the oil level is before starting the engine after it has been
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 271

or suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire vehicle
will help the effectiveness of the noise control systems.
Exhaust System
Inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and damaged
parts. Devices such as hangers, clamps, and U-bolts
should be tight and in good condition. Damaged compo-
nents, burned or blown out mufflers, burned or rusted
out exhaust pipes should be replaced according to the
procedures and specifications outlined in the appropriate
service manual.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly and fit.
Make certain that the air cleaner is properly positioned
and that the cover is tight. Check all hoses leading to the
air cleaner for tightness. The air filter element must also
be clean and serviced according to the instructions out-
lined in the Maintenance Schedule section of this manual.Tampering With Noise Control System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof: (1) the removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or
replacement, of any device or element of design incorpo-
rated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle
after such device or element of design has been removed
or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
AIR CLEANER
•Removal of the air cleaner.
• Removal of the air cleaner filter element from the air
cleaner housing.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Information Center, Vehicle...................25
Instrument Cluster .........................16
Intervention Regeneration Strategy ..............32
Keyless Enter-N-Go ........................65
Maintenance Procedures .....................91
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .120
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................13
Oil, Engine ...............................92
Capacity ..............................113
Change Interval .........................93
Dipstick ...............................92
Disposal ..............................94 Filter
.............................94,114
Filter Disposal ..........................94
Materials Added To ......................94
Recommendation ........................92
Viscosity ..............................93
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ...........105
Remote Starting System ......................12
Schedule, Maintenance .....................120
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..............114
Starting .................................63
Automatic Transmission ...................64
Engine Block Heater ...................66,73
Remote ...............................12
Starting Procedures .........................63
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines) .............63
328 INDEX - RAM 1500