2018 Ram 1500 User Guide

6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed 68RFE (2500/3500 Models)
1 — Battery7 — Aux Power Distribution Center
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Power Distribution Center
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 — Engine Oil Dipstick 11 — Air Cleaner Filter
6 — Brake Fluid Reservoir
247

6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed AS69RC HD (3500/Chassis Cab Models)
1 — Battery
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick
6 — Brake Fluid Reservoir7 — Aux Power Distribution Center
8 — Power Distribution Center
9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
10 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
11 — Air Cleaner Filter
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
248

DEALER SERVICE — 3.0L DIESEL
Your authorized dealer has the qualified ser-
vice personnel, special tools, and equipment
to perform all service operations in an expert
manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your
vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals be-
fore attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could
result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Only do service
work for which you have the knowledge
and the proper equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a ser-
vice job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) can provide a measure of pro-
tection in the case of engine backfire. 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.
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be
filtered. The abrasive particles in unfil-
tered air will cause rapid wear to engine
components.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
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.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator
Filter
The fuel filter/water separator filter housing is
located above the rear axle next to the fuel
tank. The best access to this water drain valve
is from under the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the engine is running.
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
If water is detected in the water separator
while the engine is running, or while the
ignition switch is in the ON position, the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illumi-
249

nate and an audible chime will be heard. At
this point, you should stop the engine and
drain the water from the filter housing.
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START the engine be-
fore you drain water from the fuel filter to
avoid engine damage.
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes
on and a single chime is heard while you are
driving, or with the ignition in the ON posi-
tion, there may be a problem with your water
separator wiring or sensor. See your autho-
rized dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from the
fuel filter, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light”
will remain illuminated for approximately
10 seconds. If the water was drained while
the engine was running, the “Water In Fuel
Indicator Light” may remain on for approxi-
mately three minutes. NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indis-
criminately discarded, can present a problem
to the environment. Contact an authorized
dealer, service station, or government agency
for advice on recycling programs and for
where used fluids and filters can be properly
disposed of in your area.
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within
10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn the
filter drain valve (located on the bottom of the
filter housing) counterclockwise to drain fuel/
water, then turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, and allow any accumulated water to
drain. Leave the drain valve open until all
water and contaminants have been removed.
When clean fuel is visible, close the drain
valve by turning it clockwise, and turn the
ignition switch to OFF.
If more than two ounces or 60 milliliters of
fuel have been drained, follow the directions
for “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel.”
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer's filtration and water separat-
ing requirements can severely impact fuel
system life and reliability.
CAUTION!
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
• Do not prefill the fuel filter when install-
ing a new fuel filter. There is a possibility
debris could be introduced into the fuel
filter during this action. It is best to
install the filter dry and allow the in-tank
lift pump to prime the fuel system.
1. Turn engine off.
2. Place a drain pan under the fuel filter assembly.
3. Open the water drain valve, and let any accumulated water drain.
4. Close the water drain valve.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
250

5. Remove bottom cover using a strapwrench. Rotate counterclockwise for re-
moval. Remove the used o-ring and dis-
card it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of it according to
your local regulations.
7. Wipe the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing clean.
8. Install a new o-ring into the ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean
engine oil.
NOTE:
WIF (Water In Fuel) sensor is re-usable. Ser-
vice kit comes with new o-ring for filter can-
ister and WIF sensor.
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out
Of Fuel
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system
with the engine running. Engine operation
causes high fuel pressure. High pressure
WARNING!
fuel spray can cause serious injury or
death.
1. Add a substantial amount of fuel to the tank, approximately 2 to 5 gal (8L to
19L).
2. Press ignition switch twice without your foot on brake to put vehicle in Run posi-
tion. This will activate the in tank fuel
pump for approximately 30 seconds. Re-
peat this process twice.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Start- ing” procedure. Refer to “Starting The
Engine” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
CAUTION!
The starter motor will engage for approxi-
mately 30 seconds at a time. Allow two
minutes between cranking intervals.
NOTE:
The engine may run rough until the air is
forced from all the fuel lines.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable un-
der certain conditions and be hazardous or
explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
CAUTION!
Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or
gasoline, the use of these fuels can cause
damage to the fuel system.
NOTE:
• Use of biodiesel mixture in excess of 20% can negatively impact the fuel filter's abil-
ity to separate water from the fuel, resulting
in high pressure fuel system corrosion or
damage.
• In addition, commercially available fuel ad- ditives are not necessary for the proper
operation of your diesel engine.
• For extreme cold conditions, "Mopar Pre- mium Diesel Fuel Treatment" is recom-
mended to assist with cold starting.
251

DEALER SERVICE — 6.7L DIESEL
ENGINE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified ser-
vice personnel, special tools, and equipment
to perform all service operations in an expert
manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your
vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals be-
fore attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could
result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Only do service
work for which you have the knowledge
and the proper equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a ser-
vice job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be
filtered. The abrasive particles in unfil-
tered air will cause rapid wear to engine
components.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) provides a measure of protec-
tion. Do not remove the air induction sys-
tem (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such
removal is necessary for repair or mainte-
nance. 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 moni-
tored by the Engine Control Module. The
“SERVICE AIR FILTER” message will display
in the instrument cluster when service is required. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Dis-
play” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
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” mes-
sage 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 FILTER” message is displayed.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
252

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” message is dis-
played 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 rein-
stall 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 nocircumstances should the air cleaner filter ele-
ment 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.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator
Filter
There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is
located on the driver's side of the engine. The
best access to this water drain valve is from
under the hood. The second one is on the
under body, located in front of the rear axle
above the drive shaft on pick-up models. The
Chassis Cab models second filter location is
on the frame behind the front axle. The best
access to this water drain valve is from under
the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Do not drain the fuel/water separator
filter when the engine is running.
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
If water is detected in the water separator
while the engine is running, or while the
ignition switch is in the ON position, the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illumi-
nate and an audible chime will be heard five
times. At this point you should stop the
engine and drain the water from both of the
filters.
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START the engine be-
fore you drain water from the fuel filters to
avoid engine damage.
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes
on and a single chime is heard while you are
driving, or with the ignition switch in the ON
253

position, there may be a problem with your
water separator wiring or sensor. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from both
fuel filters, the “Water In Fuel Indicator
Light” will remain illuminated for approxi-
mately 10 seconds. If the water was drained
while the engine was running, the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” may remain on for ap-
proximately three minutes.
NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indis-
criminately discarded, can present a problem
to the environment. Contact an authorized
dealer, service station, or government agency
for advice on recycling programs and for
where used fluids and filters can be properly
disposed of in your area.
Drain the fuel/water separator filters when
the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” is ON.
Within 10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn
the engine mounted filter drain valve (located
on the side of the filter assembly) counter-
clockwise 1/4 turn, and turn the under body
mounted filter drain valve (located on thebottom of the filter assembly) counterclock
wise 1 full turn. Then turn the ignition switch
to the ON position, and allow any accumu-
lated water to drain. Leave the drain valve
open until all water and contaminants have
been removed. When clean fuel is visible,
close the drain valves by turning them fully
clockwise, and turn the ignition switch to
OFF.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of
fuel have been drained, follow the directions
for “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel.”
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
NOTE:
• Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer's filtration and water separat-
ing requirements can severely impact fuel
system life and reliability.
• The engine mounted filter housing is equipped with a No-Filter-No-Run (NFNR)
feature. Engine will not run if:
1. No filter is installed. 2. Inferior/Non-approved filter is used.
Use of OEM filter is required to ensure
vehicle will run.
CAUTION!
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop pavingsurfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
• Do not prefill the fuel filter when install-
ing a new fuel filter. There is a possibility
debris could be introduced into the fuel
filter during this action. It is best to
install the filter dry and allow the in-tank
lift pump to prime the fuel system.
1. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve 1/4 turn coun- terclockwise and completely drain fuel
and water into the approved container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for re-
moval. Remove used o-ring and discard it.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
254