2016 Ram 3500 coolant

engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle. •
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned below the radiator and
the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger, where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50° to 100°F
(10° to 38°C). This cooling process enables more efficient
burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions. To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates
system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2500/3500 Standard Cab Longbed Models 28 Gallons106 Liters
2500/3500 Crew/Mega Cab Shortbed Models 31 Gallons129 Liters
2500/3500 Crew Cab Longbed Models 32 Gallons132 Liters
Standard Rear Tank – Chassis Cab Only 52 Gallons197 Liters
Optional Midship Tank – Chassis Cab Only 22 Gallons83 Liters
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank (Approximate) – 2500/3500 Models5.5 Gallons 21 Liters
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank (Approximate) – Chassis Cab 9 Gallons34 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine 12 Quarts11.4 Liters
Cooling System
6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine (MOPAR Engine Coolant/
Antifreeze 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula) 5.7 Gallons
21.4 Liters
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, 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 In ambient temperatures above 0°F (-18°C), we recommend you use 15W-40 engine oil such
as MOPAR, Shell Rotella and Shell Rimula that meets FCA Material Standard MS-10902 and
the API CJ-4 engine oil category is required. Products meeting Cummins CES 20081 may
also be used. The identification of these engine oils is typically located on the back of the
oil container.
In ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), we recommend you use 5W-40 synthetic
engine oil such as MOPAR, Shell Rotella and Shell Rimula that meets FCA Material
Standard MS-10902 and the API CJ-4 engine oil category is required.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy
of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at
or below the ADD or MIN mark.
Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required. •
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and automatic transmission (if
equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air filter.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. This system will alert you when it is
time to change your engine oil by displaying the words
314 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000 112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Flush and replace power steering
fluid. X
Flush and replace engine
coolant. *** X
Adjust valve lash clearance. X
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
* Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces every 20,000
miles (32,000 km). If gear oil leakage is suspected, checkthe fluid level. If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing change the axle fluid
every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
** Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months or 500
Hours, whichever comes first.
322 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............106
Adding Fuel ..............................80
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) .....94
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................105
Capacities .............................113
Disposal ............................. .108
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ............................118
Axle Fluid ..............................118
Battery ................................ .103
Brake Fluid ..............................118
Brake System ............................110
Fluid Check ...........................110
Master Cylinder ........................110
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........113
Capacities, Fluid ..........................113 Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine) ............................93
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................108
Charge Air Cooler .........................110
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........108
Cooling System .......................... .104
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............106
Coolant Capacity .......................113
Coolant Level ......................... .104
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................108
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................105
Points To Remember .....................109
Pressure Cap ......................... .108
Radiator Cap ......................... .108
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........105 , 114
Diesel Fuel ...............................73
Diesel Fuel Requirements ....................73
Bulk Storage Of .........................83
326 INDEX - RAM 1500

Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming...............101
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................108
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ............97
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......25
Engine ..................................90
Air Cleaner ............................94
Block Heater ........................66,73
Break-In Recommendations .................13
Compartment ...........................90
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................114
Identification ...........................90
Idling ................................70
Oil...............................92,114
Oil Filler Cap ...........................93
Filters Air Cleaner ............................94
Engine Fuel ............................97 Engine Oil
.........................94,114
Engine Oil Disposal ......................94
Fluid Capacities ..........................113
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................110
Fluid, Brake .............................118
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........114
Fuel ...................................73
Adding ...............................80
Diesel ............................73,114
Filter .................................97
Requirements ...........................73
Specifications ...........................74
Tank Capacity ..........................113
Fueling .................................80
Gauges Voltmeter ..............................68
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 327