2018 Ram 1500 maintenance

Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle will require emissions mainte-
nance at a set interval. To help remind you
when this maintenance is due, the instru-ment cluster will display “Perform Service”.
When the “Perform Service” message is dis-
played on the instrument cluster it is neces-
sary to have the emissions maintenance per-
formed. Emissions maintenance may include
replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventilation(CCV) filter element. The procedure for clear-
ing and resetting the “Perform Service” indi-
cator message is located in the appropriate
Service Information.
Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel Engine
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
Change engine oil every 15,000 miles
(24 000 km) or six months or 500 Hours or
sooner if prompted by the oil change indica-
tor 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 XXXXXXXXXX X XX
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4). X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXX X XX
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If
equipped with serviceable fittings. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Inspect engine air filter, replace if necessary.
**** XX XX X X XX X X
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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
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 X X XX X X
Inspect the brake linings. XXX XX X
Inspect and adjust parking brake. XXX XX X
Inspect drive belt; replace as necessary. XXX XX X
Inspect wheel bearings. XX XX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. XXX XX X
Replace engine fuel filter element. X X X X X X X X X X
Replace chassis mounted fuel filter element. X X X X X X X X 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. XX XX X
Change the transfer case fluid (4x4). XX
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
240

** 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, mainte-
nance, 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 oraround 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 com-
petent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain
your vehicle could result in a component
malfunction and effect vehicle handling
WARNING!
and performance. This could cause an
accident.
CAUTION!
***The manufacturer highly recommends
that all cooling system service, mainte-
nance, and repairs be performed by your
local authorized dealer.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
242

5.7L Engine
1 — Air Cleaner Filter6— Battery
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (6-Speed Trans Only) 7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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3.0L Diesel Engine
1 — Air Cleaner Filter6 — Power Distribution Center (PDC)
2 — Engine Oil Fill 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
4 — Aux Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Battery
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
246

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.
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