2018 Ram 3500 service interval

See Dealer message is displayed on the
next subsequent restart. Your engine will
not start unless your vehicle is serviced by
your authorized dealer. The message will be
accompanied by a single chime. Your Mal-
function Indicator Light will be continu-
ously illuminated. If the message appears
and you can not start the engine, we rec-
ommend you have your vehicle towed to
your nearest authorized dealer
immediately.
Diesel Messages And Warnings
— 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins diesel engine meets all diesel
emissions standards, resulting in one of the
lowest emitting diesel engines ever pro-
duced. To achieve these emissions stan-
dards, your vehicle is equipped with a state-
of-the-art engine and exhaust system. These
systems are seamlessly integrated into your
vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM). The PCM manages enginecombustion to allow the exhaust system’s
catalyst to trap and burn Particulate Matter
(PM) pollutants, with no input or interaction
on your part.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your ve-
hicle or engine. The following messages may
display in your instrument cluster display:
• Perform Service — Your vehicle will require
emissions maintenance at a set interval. To
help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the instrument cluster display will
display “Perform Service”. When the “Per-
form Service” message is displayed in the
instrument cluster display it is necessary to
have the emissions maintenance per-
formed. Emissions maintenance may in- clude replacing the Closed Crankcase Ven-
tilation (CCV) filter element. The procedure
for clearing and resetting the "Perform Ser-
vice" indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration Required
Now — "Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely
Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy" will
be displayed in the instrument cluster dis-
play if the exhaust particulate filter reaches
80% of its maximum storage capacity. Un-
der conditions of exclusive short duration
and low speed driving cycles, your Cum-
mins diesel engine and exhaust after-
treatment system may never reach the con-
ditions required to remove the trapped PM.
If this occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX% Full
Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to Rem-
edy” message will be displayed in the in-
strument cluster display. If this message is
displayed, you will hear one chime to assist
in alerting you of this condition
By simply driving your vehicle at highway
speeds for as little as 45 minutes, you can
remedy the condition in the particulate filter
system and allow your Cummins diesel en-
gine and exhaust after-treatment system to
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
70

When the DEF system needs to be serviced
the following warnings will display:
•Service DEF System See Dealer — This mes-
sage will display when the fault is initially
detected, each time the vehicle is started,
and periodically during driving. The mes-
sage will be accompanied by a single
chime. We recommend you drive to your
nearest authorized dealer and have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
• 5 MPH Max Speed in 150 mi Service DEF
System See Dealer — This message will
display if the DEF system has not been
serviced after the “Service DEF System –
See Dealer” message is displayed. This
message will continuously display until the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. The
message will continue to countdown until it
reaches zero unless the vehicle is serviced.
We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle
serviced immediately. NOTE:
Under some circumstances this mileage
counter may start with a value of less than
150 miles (241 km). For example, if recur-
ring faults are detected in a time interval of
less than 40 hours, the counter may restart
at the value where it stopped when a previ-
ous fault was temporarily remedied, or at a
minimum of 50 miles (80 km).
•
5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or
Refuel Service DEF See Dealer — This mes-
sage will continuously display when the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a maxi-
mum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of the
following conditions to occur: – If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
– If the vehicle is idled for an extendedperiod of time, approximately one hour
or greater.
– If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank has increased. •
5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will continuously
display, and will be accompanied by a pe-
riodic chime. Although the vehicle can be
started and placed in gear, the vehicle will
only operate at a maximum speed of
5 MPH. Your vehicle will require towing,
see your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
When this message is displayed, the engine
can still be started. However, the vehicle
will only operate at a maximum speed of
5 MPH.
• Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This
message will display when the fault is ini-
tially detected, each time the vehicle is
started, and periodically during driving.
The message will be accompanied by a
single chime. We recommend you drive to
your nearest authorized dealer and have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Ram Active Air system that provides en-
hanced performance, especially when towing
73

under demanding hot or high altitude condi-
tions. If the instrument cluster display dis-
plays the message “Active Airbox Service
Required See Dealer”, vehicle performance
may be reduced until service is performed by
an authorized RAM dealer.
Oil Life Reset
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The “Oil Change
Required” message will display in the instru-
ment cluster display after a single chime has
sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil
change interval. The engine oil change indi-
cator system is duty cycle based, which
means the engine oil change interval may
fluctuate, dependent upon your personal
driving style.
NOTE:
Use the steering wheel instrument cluster
display controls for the following proce-
dure(s).Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pushing the brake pedal, push
the ENGINE START/STOP button and
place the ignition to the ON/RUN position
(do not start the engine).
2. Push and release the downarrow button to
scroll downward through the main menu
to “Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release the rightarrow button to
access the ”Vehicle Info” screen, then
scroll up or down to select “Oil Life.”
4. Push and hold the rightarrow button to
select “Reset”.
5. Push and release the downarrow button to
select “Yes,” then push and release the
right arrow button to select reset of the Oil
Life to 100%.
6. Push and release the uparrow button to
exit the instrument cluster display screen. Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pushing the brake pedal, cycle
the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do
not start the engine).
2. Push and release the downarrow button to
scroll downward through the main menu
to “Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release the rightarrow button to
access the “Vehicle Info” screen then
scroll up or down to select “Oil Life.”
4. Push and hold the rightarrow button to
select “YES” by pushing the rightarrow
then push and release the rightarrow
button to select reset of the Oil Life to
100%.
5. Push and release the uparrow button to
exit the instrument cluster display screen.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when
you start the vehicle, the Oil Life indicator
system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this
procedure.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
74

• The Air Bag Warning Light does not comeon during the four to eight seconds when
the ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN
position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on inter- mittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any en-
gine related gauges are not working, the Oc-
cupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may also
be disabled. In this condition the air bags
may not be ready to inflate for your protec-
tion. Have an authorized dealer service the air
bag system immediately.WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t
have the air bag system to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as a
bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if
it comes on as you drive, have an autho-
rized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/
shoulder belts for both the driver and front
passenger. The front air bags are a supple-
ment to the seat belt restraint systems. The
driver front air bag is mounted in the center of
the steering wheel. The passenger front air
bag is mounted in the instrument panel,
above the glove compartment. The words
“SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed
on the air bag covers.
WARNING!
• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during front air bag
deployment could cause serious injury,
Front Air Bag/Knee Bolster Locations
1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air
Bags
2 — Driver And Passenger Knee Impact
Bolsters
105

SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE
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 fre-
quent 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 Op-
erating 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 pos-
sible, 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 un-
der “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
1500 Models Only
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 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.
2500 – 3500 Models Only
NOTE:
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 All Models
NOTE:
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 predomi-
nantly at idle, or only very low engine RPM’s.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe
Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first
sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs
before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir, brake master cylinder, power steering
(2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic
transmission (six-speed only) and fill as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
230

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
and performance. This could cause an
accident.
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle
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 environ-
ment or is operated predominately at idle or
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of
vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
SCHEDULED SERVICING — 1500 3.0L
DIESEL ENGINE
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 fre-
quent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions will
cause the change oil message to illuminate
more frequently. 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 un-
der “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” in your Own-
er’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
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 reser- voir, brake master cylinder, and power
steering, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
234

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Inspect the transfer case fluid, change for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. XX
Change transfer case fluid. X
WARNING!
• You can be badly injured working on or
around 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
and performance. This could cause an
accident.
Additional Maintenance — B6 To
B20 Biodiesel (1500 Diesel)
NOTE:
• Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km)
or six months, whichever comes first when
using biodiesel blends greater than 5%
(B5).
• The owner is required to monitor mileage for B6-B20 biodiesel, the automatic oil
change indicator system does not reflect
the use of biofuels.
• Fuel filter change interval is maintained at every second oil change. This is especially
important with biodiesel usage.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE — 6.7L
CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance 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.
237

Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean andtighten the terminals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir, 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.
• Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped with serviceable fittings.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4X4 mod- els only).
Inspection and service should also be per-
formed 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 indicator 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 dis-
play. 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 mod-
els and Pickup models configured with op-
tional B20 capability that are using B20 bio-
diesel, 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. 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 bio-
diesel, the oil change interval must not exceed
12,500 miles (20 000 km) under any circum-
stances. See the Fuel Requirements section
for more information regarding operation of
Chassis Cab models and Pickup models con-
figured for use with biodiesel blend (B6-B20)
fuel meeting ASTM specification D-7467.SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
238