2016 Ram 2500 engine

Engine Oil
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer recom-
mends engine oils that meet the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-11106, and that are approved to
ACEA C3.
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
parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the
engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tem-
perature, then wait for five minutes after engine shut-
down to check the oil.
1 — MAX Mark
2 — MIN Mark
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add oil
only when the level on the dipstick is below the “MIN”
Engine Oil Dipstick
126 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

mark. The total capacity from the MIN mark to the MAX
mark is 1.3 qts (1.2 L).
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
NOTE: It is possible for your oil level to be slightly
higher than a previous check. This would be due to diesel
fuel that may temporarily be in the crankcase due to
operation of the diesel particulate filter regeneration
strategy. This fuel will evaporate out under normal
operation.
Never operate the engine with oil level below the “MIN”
mark or above the upper “MAX” mark.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
CAUTION!
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced technol-
ogy Diesel Engine and an emission device designed
to limit Diesel Particulate Emissions from being
released into the atmosphere. The durability of your
engine and life expectancy of this diesel particulate
filter emission device is highly dependent on the use
of the correct engine oil.
5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 127

Only use ACEA C3 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Low Ash engine
oil meeting FCA Material Standard MS-11106 or Pennzoil
Ultra Euro L full synthetic 5W-30 motor oil, which is
recommended for all operating temperatures. This en-
gine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle
fuel economy.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Engine Oil Filter
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. The
engine oil filter should be changed at every engine oil
change.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be filtered.
The abrasive particles in unfiltered air will cause
rapid wear to engine components.
128 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.)
provides a measure of protection. Do not remove the
air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless
such removal is necessary for repair or maintenance.
Make sure that no one is near the engine compart-
ment before starting the vehicle with the air induc-
tion system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed. Failure
to do so can result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION!
Many aftermarket performance air filter elements do
not adequately filter the air entering the engine. Use
of such filters can severely damage your engine.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are recom-
mended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and
Replacement
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or debris, if
you find evidence of either dirt or debris you should
change your air cleaner filter.5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 129

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal
1. Release the spring clips from the air cleaner cover.2. Lift the air cleaner cover to access the air cleaner filter.
3.0 Diesel Air Cleaner Filter Cover
1 — Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2 — Spring Clips
Open Air Cleaner Filter Assembly
1 — Air Cleaner Cover
2 — Air Cleaner Filter
130 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Remove the air cleaner filter element from the housingassembly. Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:
Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is
present before replacing the air filter element.
1. Install the air cleaner filter element into the housing assembly with the air cleaner filter inspection surface
facing downward.
2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the housing assembly locating tabs.
3. Latch the spring clips and lock the air cleaner cover to the housing assembly.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter
The fuel filter/water separator filter housing is located
above the rear axle next to the fuel tank. The best access
to this water drain valve is from under the vehicle.Air Cleaner Filter
1 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Air Cleaner Filter Inspection Surface
5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 131

CAUTION!
•Do not drain the fuel/water separator filters when
the engine is running.
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filters into an appropriate container.
If water is detected in the water separator while the
engine is running, or while the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will
illuminate and an audible chime will be heard. At this
point you should stop the engine and drain the water
from the filter housing.
1 — Water in Fuel Drain
2 — Fuel Filter Access
Fuel Filter Assembly
132 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain water from
the fuel filters to avoid engine damage.
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes on and a
single chime is heard while you are driving, or with the
ignition in the ON position, there may be a problem with
your water separator wiring or sensor. See your autho-
rized dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from the fuel filter, the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will remain illuminated
for approximately 10 seconds. If the water was drained
while the engine was running, the “Water In Fuel Indi-
cator Light” may remain on for approximately three
minutes. NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately dis-
carded, can present a problem to the environment. Con-
tact an authorized dealer, service station, or government
agency for advice on recycling programs and for where
used fluids and filters can be properly disposed of in
your area.
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within 10 minutes of vehicle
shutdown, turn the filter drain valve (located on the
bottom of the filter housing) counterclockwise to drain
fuel/water, then turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, and allow any accumulated water to drain.
Leave the drain valve open until all water and contami-
nants have been removed. When clean fuel is visible,
close the drain valve by turning it clockwise, and turn the
ignition switch to OFF.
5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 133