ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Fuel Selection Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in your vehicle. Federal law requires that 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.
If climatized or diesel Number 1 ULSD fuel is not available, and you are operating below
(20°F/-6°C), in sustained arctic conditions, Mopar Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or equiva-
lent) is recommended to avoid gelling.
This vehicle is fully compatible with biodiesel blends up to 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-975.Pickup models, and Chassis Cab models configured with optional B20
capability, are additionally compatible with 20% biodiesel meeting ASTM specification D-7467.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid MOPAR Diesel Exhaust Fluid (API Certified) (DEF) or equivalent that has been API Certified to the ISO 22241 standard. Use of fluids not API Certified to ISO 22241 may result in system
damage. You can receive assistance in locating DEF in the United States by calling 866-RAM-
INFO (866-726-4636). In Canada call 1–800–465–2001 (English) or 1–800–387–9983 (French).
206 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 15,000 miles (24
000 km) or six months, or sooner if prompted by the oil
change indicator system. Under no circumstances should
oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six
months, whichever comes first.
NOTE:
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or six months or
500 Hours, whichever comes first.
• Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 12,500 miles
(20 000 km) when running B20 fuel (Chassis Cab Only).
If Chassis Cab models and Pickup models configured with
optional B20 capability are operated with greater than 5%
levels of biodiesel, the oil change interval must not exceed
12,500 miles (20 000 km) under any circumstances. See the
Fuel Requirements section for more information regarding
operation of Chassis Cab models and Pickup models
configured for use with biodiesel blend (B6-B20) fuel
meeting ASTM specification D-7467.Perform Service Indicator — Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set
interval. To help remind you when this maintenance is due,
the instrument cluster will display “Perform Service”.
When the “Perform Service” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster it is necessary to have the emissions
maintenance performed. Emissions maintenance may in-
clude replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV)
filter element. The procedure for clearing and resetting the
“Perform Service” indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 211
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
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod
ends and boot seals for cracks or
leaks and all parts for damage,
wear, improper looseness or end
play; replace if necessary. XX XX XX XX X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X X X X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake. XXXXX X
Inspect drive belt; replace as
necessary. XXXXXX
Inspect wheel bearings. XXXX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. XXXXX X
Replace engine fuel filter element. X X X X X X X X X X
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 213
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
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
Starting..................................32
Automatic Transmission ....................33
Engine Block Heater ....................34,40
Remote ................................10
Starting Procedures ..........................32
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines) ..............32
Tip Start ..................................33
Transfer Case Fluid ..................................75
Transmission
Viscosity, Engine Oil .........................56
Voltmeter .................................35
Water Separator, Diesel Fuel ....................60
220 INDEX - RAM 1500