2017 Ram 1500 check oil

7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level onboth sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to
bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use ONLY
the specified fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for fluid specifications). After adding any quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C for 68RFE transmission, or
68-86°F / 20-30°C for AS69RC transmission. Only use the
COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference when
setting the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may not
register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the
fluid.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal
for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully
seated position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199

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 terminals
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 receipts.
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indi-
cator system. This system will alert you when it is time to
change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil
Change Due” in your instrument cluster display. The oil
change reminder will remind the owner to change the
engine oil every 15,000 miles or 500 hours, whichever
comes first, except for the Chassis Cab models and Pickup
models configured with optional B20 capability that are
using B20 biodiesel, which are 12,500 miles or 400 hours,
whichever comes first. Failure to change the engine oil per
the maintenance schedule can result in internal engine
damage.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
210 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Maintenance Chart — Cummins Diesel Engine
Mileage or time passed (which-ever 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
Change engine oil every 15,000
miles (24 000 km) or six months or
500 Hours or sooner if prompted by
the oil change indicator system,
whichever comes first. ** XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Additional Inspections
Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) tank, refill if necessary. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Rotate the tires. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting
(4x4). XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect engine air filter, replace if
necessary. **** XX XX XX XX X X
212 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Mileage or time passed (which-ever 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
Replace chassis mounted fuel filter
element. XX XX XX XX X X
Inspect the front and rear axle
surfaces. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid level. If
using your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing change the axle fluid. *
Inspect the transfer case fluid (4x4),
change for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. XXXX X
Change the transfer case fluid (4x4).XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid (AS69RC transmission only). XXXX X
Change the automatic transmission
fluid and sump filter (AS69RC
transmission only). XX
214 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a
malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
* Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km). If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the 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.
*** The manufacturer highly recommends that all cooling
system service, maintenance, and repairs be performed by
your local authorized dealer.
**** Under no circumstances should the air cleaner filter
element exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months,
whichever comes first.WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle
could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause
an accident.
CAUTION!
***The manufacturer highly recommends that all
cooling system service, maintenance, and repairs be
performed by your local authorized dealer.
216 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)..............66
Adding Fuel ...............................45
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......57
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ....................65
Capacities ..............................71
Disposal ................................68
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ..............................75
Axle Fluid ................................75
Battery ...................................64
Brake Fluid................................75
Brake System ..............................69
Fluid Check .............................69
Master Cylinder ..........................69
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............71
Capacities, Fluid ............................71
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .............................56
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ..................67
Charge Air Cooler ...........................69
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............67
Cooling System .............................65
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................66 Coolant Capacity
.........................71
Coolant Level ............................65
Disposal Of Used Coolant ...................68
Drain, Flush, And Refill .....................65
Points To Remember .......................68
Pressure Cap ............................67
Radiator Cap ............................67
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........65,72
Diesel Fuel ................................40
Diesel Fuel Requirements ......................40
Bulk Storage Of ..........................48
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming .................62
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................68
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .............60
Engine ...................................54
Air Cleaner .............................57
Block Heater ..........................34,40
Break-In Recommendations ..................11
Compartment ............................54
Coolant (Antifreeze) .......................72
Identification ............................54
Idling .................................38
218 INDEX - RAM 1500

Oil.................................55,72
Oil Filler Cap............................56
Filters Air Cleaner .............................57
Engine Fuel .............................60
Engine Oil ...........................57,72
Engine Oil Disposal .......................57
Fluid Capacities ............................71
Fluid Level Checks Brake ..................................69
Fluid, Brake...............................75
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts .............72
Fuel .....................................40
Adding ................................45
Diesel ..............................40,72
Filter ..................................60
Requirements ............................40
Specifications ............................41
Tank Capacity ............................71
Fueling ..................................45
Gauges Voltmeter ...............................35
Instrument Cluster ..........................14 Intervention Regeneration Strategy
...............25
Keyless Enter-N-Go ..........................33
Maintenance Procedures ......................55
Maintenance Schedule ........................78
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................11
Oil, Engine ................................55
Capacity ...............................71
Change Interval ..........................56
Dipstick ................................55
Disposal ................................57
Filter ...............................57,72
Filter Disposal ...........................57
Materials Added To ........................57
Recommendation .........................55
Viscosity ...............................56
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .............65
Remote Starting System .......................10
Schedule, Maintenance .......................78
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ................72
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 219

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............192
Adding Fuel ............................. .160
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......180
Air Filter ............................... .180
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................192
Capacities ............................. .204
Disposal .............................. .194
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid .......................... .199
Fluid Level Check ....................... .198
Fluid Type ............................ .207
Shifting .............................. .141
Axle Fluid .............................. .207
Battery ................................. .190
Blanket ........................... .132 , 191
Emergency Starting ...................... .170
Brake System ............................ .195
Fluid Check ........................... .195
Master Cylinder ........................ .195
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................141
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........204
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .204Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine) ........................... .178
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................193
Charge Air Cooler ......................... .195
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............193
Cooling System ........................... .191
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................192
Coolant Capacity ........................ .204
Coolant Level .......................... .191
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................194
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................192
Points To Remember ..................... .194
Pressure Cap ........................... .193
Radiator Cap .......................... .193
Selection
Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........192 , 205
Diesel Exhaust Brake ....................... .138
Diesel Fuel .............................. .157
Diesel Fuel Requirements .....................157
Bulk Storage Of ......................... .163
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming .................188
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................194
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .............184
8
INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 221