2016 Ram 3500 fluids

spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the A/C condenser (if equipped) or the back of the
radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
The radiator drain cock is located in the lower radiator
tank. If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will begin to drain from the coolant expan-
sion bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System — Drain Flush And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 105

With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle
is also identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 111

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT(Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil Only use ACEA C3 5W-30 Synthetic Low Ash engine oil meeting FCA Material Standard
MS-11106 or Pennzoil Ultra Euro L full synthetic 5W-30 motor oil.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR Engine Oil Filters.
Fuel Filters We recommend you use MOPAR Fuel Filter. Must meet 3 micron rating. Using a fuel filter
that does not meet the manufacturers filtration and water separating requirements can
severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
114 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Fuel Selection Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in your vehicle. Federal law requiresthat you must fuel this vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15 ppm Sulfur
maximum) and prohibits the use of Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur
maximum) to avoid damage to the emissions control system.
For most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM specification D-975 Grade S15
will provide good performance. We recommend you use a blend of up to 5% biodiesel,
meeting ASTM specification D-975 with your diesel engine.This vehicle is compatible with
biodiesel blends greater than 5% but no greater than 20% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-7467 provided the shortened maintenance intervals are followed as
directed.
Diesel Exhaust
Fluid MOPAR Diesel Exhaust Fluid (API Certified) (DEF) or equivalent that has been API Certi-
fied to the ISO 22241 standard. Use of fluids not API Certified to ISO 22241 may result in
system damage.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 115

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................196
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......196
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....197
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ........197
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ..................202
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) ........202
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) .....204
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ............206▫
Starting Fluids ....................... .207
 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE . . .208
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................209
▫ Engine Idling ....................... .212
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................213
▫ Idle Shutdown ....................... .214
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed (Chassis
Cab Only) .......................... .214
▫ Operating Precautions ..................215
5

NOTE:
•Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1,000 RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbo-
charger at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
• When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of fuel or
the fuel gels at low temperatures, air is pulled into the
fuel system. If your engine has run out of fuel, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has
Run Out Of Fuel” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON
for more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start”
telltale goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the
ignition switch to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 5 of
“Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air Tempera-
ture Below 66°F (19°C).”Starting Fluids
WARNING!
Starting fluids or flammable liquids must never be
used in the Cummins diesel engine (see Warning
label). Never pour diesel fuel, flammable liquid,
starting fluids (ether) into the air cleaner canister, air
intake piping, or turbocharger inlet in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire and
explosion causing serious personal injury and engine
damage.
The engine is equipped with an automatic electric air
preheating system. If the instructions in this manual are
followed, the engine should start in all conditions.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 207

Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid
The DEF gauge (located on the instrument cluster) will
display the level of DEF remaining in the tank. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster” and “Instrument Cluster Descrip-
tions” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed, load,
etc.) will effect the amount of DEF that is used in your
vehicle.
Another factor is that outside temperature can affect DEF
consumption. In cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and
below, the DEF gauge needle can stay on a fixed position
and may not move for extended periods of time. This is
a normal function of the system.
DEF Fill Procedure
NOTE: Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the correct fluid type. 1. Remove cap from DEF tank (located on drivers side of
the vehicle or in fuel door).
DEF Filler Cap Chassis Cab Models
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........298
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......299
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty .......................... .303
 FLUID CAPACITIES ....................308 
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE
PARTS ............................. .309
▫ Engine ............................ .309
▫ Chassis ............................311
268 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE