2018 Ram 3500 service

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
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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

6. Remove the used filter cartridge from thehousing and dispose of according to your
local regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean
engine oil.
9. Remove new filter cartridge from plastic bag and install into housing.
NOTE:
Do not remove cartridge from bag until
you reach this step in order to keep car-
tridge clean.
10. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated. Do not pre-fill the filter
housing with fuel.
11. Install lid onto housing and tighten to 22.5 ft lbs (30.5 N.m). Do not over-
tighten the lid.
12. Prime the engine using the procedure in “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel.” Then start the engine and confirm
there are no leaks.Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
NOTE:
• Using a fuel filter that does not meet themanufacturer's filtration and water separat-
ing requirements can severely impact fuel
system life and reliability.
• The underbody mounted filter housing will cause the engine not to run if:
1. No filter is installed.
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. Ensure engine is turned off. 2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain
hose.
3. Open the water drain valve 1 full turn counterclockwise 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.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your
local regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean
engine oil.
NOTE:
WIF sensor is re-usable. Service kit comes
with new o-ring for filter canister and WIF
sensor.
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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.
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of
the following information: Tire Markings, Tire
Identification Numbers, Tire Terminology and
Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire Loading.
Tire MarkingsNOTE:
• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is basedon U.S. design standards. P-Metric tires
have the letter “P” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation. Example:
P215/65R15 95H.
• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed
to this standard have the tire size molded
into the sidewall beginning with the section
width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/
65R15 96H.
• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. The size
designation for LT-Metric tires is the same
as for P-Metric tires except for the letters
“LT” that are molded into the sidewall pre-
ceding the size designation. Example:
LT235/85R16.
• Temporary spare tires are designed for tem- porary emergency use only. Temporary high
pressure compact spare tires have the letter
“T” or “S” molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: T145/
80D18 103M.
Tire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT
Safety Stan-
dards Code
(TIN) 4 — Maximum
Load
2 — Size Desig-
nation 5 — Maximum
Pressure
3 — Service
Description 6 — Treadwear,
Traction and
Temperature
Grades
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• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S.design standards and it begins with the tire
diameter molded into the sidewall. Ex-
ample: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
"....blank...." = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or
TorS= Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
• Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
• "R" means radial construction, or
• "D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
• A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
258

Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types
of tires on your vehicle will cause your
vehicle to handle poorly. The instability
could cause a collision. Always use radial
ply tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be
repaired if it meets the following criteria:
• The tire has not been driven on when flat.
• The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall damage is not repair-
able).
• The puncture is no greater thana¼ofan inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire re-
pairs and additional information. Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that
have experienced a loss of pressure should be
replaced immediately with another Run Flat
tire of identical size and service description
(Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive
50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after
a rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid
loss of inflation is referred to as the Run Flat
mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire
inflation pressure is of/or below 14 psi
(96 kPa). Once a Run Flat tire reaches the
run flat mode it has limited driving capabili-
ties and needs to be replaced immediately. A
Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle
loaded at full capacity or to tow a trailer while
a tire is in the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for
more information.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice con-
ditions, do not spin your vehicle's wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In
Case Of Emergency” for further information.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forces generated by excessive wheel
speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A
tire could explode and injure someone. Do
not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) for more than 30 sec-
onds continuously when you are stuck,
and do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
266

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original
equipment tires to help you in determining
when your tires should be replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. They will appear as
bands when the tread depth becomes a
1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire
should be replaced. Refer to “Replacement
Tires” in this section for further information.
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 inflationpressures can cause uneven wear patterns
to develop across the tire tread. These ab-
normal wear patterns will reduce tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
• 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 mainte-
nance 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 bal-
ance of many characteristics. They should be
inspected regularly for wear and correct cold
tire inflation pressures. The manufacturer
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 Indi-
cators” 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.
Tire Tread
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
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Summer tires do not contain the all season
designation or mountain/snowflake symbol
on the tire sidewall. Use Summer tires only in
sets of four; failure to do so may adversely
affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice con-
ditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of
snow tires during the Winter. Snow tires can
be identified by a “mountain/snowflake”
symbol on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires,
select tires equivalent
in size and type to the
original equipment
tires. Use snow tires
only in sets of four; fail-ure to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at sus-
tained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). For
speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pres-
sures.
While studded tires improve performance on
ice, skid and traction capability on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded tires. Some states prohibit studded
tires; therefore, local laws should be checked
before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit
instead of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire
Service Kit” in “In Case Of Emergency” in the
Owner’s Manual for further information.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an auto-
matic car wash with a compact or limited
use temporary spare installed. Damage to
the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare
tire and wheel equivalent in look and function
to the original equipment tire and wheel
found on the front or rear axle of your vehicle.
This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation
for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this op-
tion, refer to an authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emer-
gency use only. You can identify if your ve-
hicle is equipped with a compact spare by
looking at the spare tire description on the
Tire and Loading Information Placard located
on the driver’s side door opening or on the
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