2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab maintenance schedule

Consider the following items when computing the weight
on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put
in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for
your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended.
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer
is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do
not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine
and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled Servic-
ing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the proper maintenance intervals. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
(Continued)
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................357
▫ Maintenance Plan ..................... .358
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ............361
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................362
▫ 6.4L Engine ......................... .362
▫ Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........363
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................363
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................363
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .364
▫ Engine Oil — Gas Engine .................365
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .366
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................366
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............369▫
Front Driveshaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive Models Only) ............374
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............375
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .376
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................377
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .380
▫ Cooling System ....................... .382
▫ Brake System ........................ .386
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................387
▫ Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level .......................... .390
▫ Transfer Case ........................ .391
 HOISTING ........................... .391
8

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers.
Severe Duty:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominately at idle or
very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is consid-
ered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•
Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-
sion, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 357

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 service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Engine Oil — Gas Engine
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter for further
information.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Engine Oil Selection — 6.4L
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API). The manu-
facturer only recommends API Cer-
tified engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20,
0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine
oils.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 365

Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO NOT REQUIRE any lim-
ited slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE: Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evident
while turning a vehicle with limited slip differential on
concrete or dry pavement. These conditions should be
considered normal operation of the limited slip differential.
Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler plug.
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the filler
plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking locations.
However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be used on
any other parts of the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 391

Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors
including, but not limited to:
•Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can
cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire
tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread
life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
• Distance driven.
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and Summer tires typically have a reduced tread
life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle scheduled
maintenance is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with
oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressures. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent
to the originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread
Wear Indicators” in this section. Refer to the Tire and
Loading Information placard or the Vehicle Certification
Label for the size designation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the
original equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety
Information” section of this manual for more information
relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear
tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect
your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the
original wheels.
406 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Passing................................70
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .147
Security Alarm ......................... .148
Service ............................... .323
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........152, 172
Traction Control ........................ .168
Transfer Case .......................... .258
Turn Signal ....................73, 155, 234, 324
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .148, 155
Limited-Slip Differential ..................263, 391
Loading Vehicle ........................... .288
Tires................................. .398
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .145
Battery Saver On ........................ .145
Electrical Load Reduction ...................145
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................145
Locks Automatic Door ..........................39
Child Protection ..........................40
Power Door .............................36
Low Tire Pressure System .....................172
Lubrication, Body ......................... .376
Lug Nuts ............................ .341, 425Maintenance Free Battery
.....................363
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .357
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .150, 157
Manual, Service ........................... .508
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .391
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) .................41
Memory Seat ........................... .41, 47
Memory Seats And Radio .....................41
Methanol ............................... .429
Mirrors ..................................59
Electric Powered ..........................62
Heated .................................65
Memory ................................47
Outside ................................61
Rearview ........................ .59, 60, 318
Trailer Towing ...........................65
Modifications/Alterations,
Vehicle................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................172
Mopar Parts ............................. .507
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................69
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ..............284
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................242
12
INDEX 517

Rearward........................... .44, 46
Recline .................................45
Tilt ................................ .45, 46
Up ................................ .45, 46
Power Steering Fluid ....................... .435
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ................190
Programmable Electronic Features ...............140
PTO (Power Take-Off) ...................... .264
Radial Ply Tires ........................... .404
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .........382, 384
Radio Frequency General Information ................25, 31, 33, 39
Radio Operation .......................... .483
Rain Sensitive Wiper System ...................78
Rear Axle (Differential) ...................390, 391
Rear ParkSense System ...................270, 278
Rear Seat, Folding ...........................41
Reclining Rear Seats .........................43
Recreational Towing ........................ .309
Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N) .........311
Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N) .......313
Reformulated Gasoline ...................... .428
Refrigerant ........................... .369, 370
Release, Hood ..............................98 Reminder, Seat Belt
........................ .180
Remote Keyless Entry ........................21
Panic Alarm .............................22
Programming Additional Key Fobs ..........25, 32
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ...........481
Remote Starting Exit Remote Start Mode .....................30
Uconnect Customer Programmable Features .....451
Uconnect Settings ....................... .451
Replacement Keys ...........................32
Replacement Tires ......................... .406
Reporting Safety Defects .....................507
Restraint, Head .............................53
Restraints, Child .......................... .204
Rotation, Tires ............................ .414
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ...................232
Safety

Checks Outside Vehicle .................234
Safety Defects, Reporting .....................507
Safety, Exhaust Gas ........................ .231
Safety Information, Tire ..................... .392
Safety Tips .............................. .231
Schedule, Maintenance ...................... .357
Seat Belt Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ......185
12
INDEX 519