2017 Ram 3500 instrument cluster

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be filtered. The
abrasive particles in unfiltered air will cause rapid
wear to engine components.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) pro-
vides 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 compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result
in serious personal injury.
The condition of the air cleaner filter is monitored by the
Engine Control Module. The “SERVICE AIR FILTER”
message will display in the instrument cluster when ser-
vice is required. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. The “SERVICE AIR FILTER” message could be displayed
periodically. This is because engine air flow requirements
change based on driving conditions. As the filter becomes
more restrictive and air flow requirements increase the
“SERVICE AIR FILTER” message will be displayed. The
message may not be displayed in subsequent drive cycles
if the same conditions are not met. The air filter element
should be replaced within 250 miles (402 km) from the first
time this message is displayed to ensure proper engine
operation during all driving conditions.
CAUTION!
Driving with a restricted air filter can cause engine
damage. Driving in dusty environments for extended
periods will lead to rapid air filter plugging. Action
should be taken as soon as the “SERVICE AIR FIL-
TER” message is displayed.
180 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of engine power
while being driven in heavy snow or rain, or when
plowing snow, and/or the “SERVICE AIR FILTER” mes-
sage is displayed on the instrument cluster along with a
chime that repeats every 60 seconds, visually inspect the air
filter for snow/ice build up or extreme water saturation. If
the air filter is not damaged, remove all snow/ice and
reinstall air filter. If the air filter is damaged, replace filter
element.
NOTE:The air filter housing contains a Mass Air Flow
sensor. This sensor is critical to proper engine operation
and component longevity. Any damage or modification to
this sensor could result in major engine and/or exhaust
aftertreatment damage. We recommend you use MOPAR
brand parts.
Even though your vehicle is equipped with an Air Filter
Monitor, a visual inspection of the air cleaner filter element is recommended every 15,000 miles (24,000km) or 12 months –
whichever occurs first.
Under no circumstances should the
air cleaner filter element exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or
24 months, whichever comes first.
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 recommended.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 181

•A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel, meeting ASTM
specification D-7467 may be used with your Cummins
diesel engine. (Pickup models and Chassis Cab models
configured with B20 capability.)
• Use of biodiesel mixture in excess of 20% can negatively
impact the fuel filter’s ability to separate water from the
fuel, resulting in high pressure fuel system corrosion or
damage.
• Ethanol blends are not recommended or approved for
use with your Cummins diesel engine.
• In addition, commercially available fuel additives are
not necessary for the proper operation of your Cummins
diesel engine.
Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow
The Cummins diesel engine meets all EPA Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in one of the
lowest emitting diesel engines ever produced.
To achieve these emissions standards, your vehicle is
equipped with a state-of-the-art engine and exhaust sys-
tem. The engine and exhaust after-treatment system work
together to achieve the EPA Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Emissions Standards. These systems are seamlessly inte-
grated into your vehicle and managed by the Cummins
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM manages
engine combustion to allow the exhaust system’s catalyst
to trap and burn Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with
no input or interaction on your part.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is driven on low
engine speed drive cycles for more than 2 hours, the
system will automatically enter an emissions operating
mode that will increase the engine idle speed to 900 RPM
(1050 RPM for Chassis Cab). While in this mode, which is
designed to help maintain the diesel particulate filter, the
engine idle speed will return to normal when the brake
pedal is applied. A small change in engine tone or a slight
change in engine performance while accelerating may also
be noticeable at speeds below 20 mph (32 kmh). This
operating mode may last for up to an hour of idle time, or
around 20 minutes of driving time.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your truck or engine.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using transmission seal-
ers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
68RFE transmission, or 158-176°F / 70-80°C for AS69RC
transmission). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
You can read the transmission sump temperature in theinstrument cluster display (refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-
ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-
mission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle
cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
198 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

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

Electronic Range Select (ERS)..................147
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ..........96
Emergency, In Case Of Jump Starting .......................... .170
Engine ................................. .174
Air Cleaner ............................ .180
Block Heater ....................... .125 , 137
Break-In Recommendations ..................94
Compartment ...................... .174 , 175
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .205
Identification ....................... .174 , 175
Idling ................................ .133
Jump Starting .......................... .170
Oil .............................. .176 , 205
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .178
Oil Synthetic ........................... .179
Runaway ............................. .156
Exhaust Brake ............................ .138
Exhaust System ........................... .200
Filters Engine Fuel ........................... .184
Engine Oil ........................ .179 , 205
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .179
Fluid Capacities ........................... .204Fluid Level Checks
Brake ................................ .195
Manual Transmission ..................... .197
Transfer Case .......................... .197
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............205
Fuel ................................... .157
Adding ........................... .160 , 162
Diesel ........................ .157 , 162 , 205
Filter ................................ .184
Requirements .......................... .157
Specifications .......................... .157
Tank Capacity .......................... .204
Fueling ................................. .160
Gauges V

oltmeter ............................. .130
Gear Ranges ............................. .142
Idle Up Feature ........................... .134
Instrument Cluster ......................... .102
Intervention Regeneration Strategy ..............113
Jump Starting ............................ .170
222 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500