2018 Ram 3500 oil type

CAUTION!
of the same size, type, and/or style. After-
market wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. Af-
ter using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to your authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
— Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately
3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and
remain on until fuel is added.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning
Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the
brake system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warn-
ing Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position, have the brake system in-
spected by an authorized dealer.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the ve-
hicle coolant level is low.
— Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light
— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the fuel filler
cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to
disengage the light. If the light does not turn
off, please see your authorized dealer.
SERV4WD— Service 4WD Warning Light — If
Equipped
If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it means that the 4WD system is not functioning
properly and that service is required. We recom-
mend you drive to the nearest service center and
have the vehicle serviced immediately.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light
This light indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer tow-
ing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission
into PARK and run the engine at idle or
slightly higher until the light turns off.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire.
81

Driving ConditionLoadTurbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine Shut-
down
Stop and Go EmptyCoolLess than One
Stop and Go Medium -One
Highway Speeds MediumWarmTwo
City Traffic Maximum GCWR -Three
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR -Four
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR HotFive
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — GASOLINE
ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle)
in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contrib-
utes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental
and should be avoided. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as a problem. Please check your oil level with
the engine oil indicator often during the
break in period. Add oil as required.
153

ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 3.0L DIESEL
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it underload.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
"Technical Specifications” in this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 6.7L DIESEL
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine
does not require a break-in period due to its
construction. Normal operation is allowed,
providing the following recommendations are
followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging. • Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera-
ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” of the Owner’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins
turbocharged diesel engine, engine run-in is
enhanced by loaded operating conditions
which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles
(10 000 km).STARTING AND OPERATING
154

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING —
GASOLINE ENGINE.............230
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine. .231
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ......234
SCHEDULED SERVICING —
1500 3.0L DIESEL ENGINE........234
Maintenance Plan — Diesel Fuel Up To
B5 Biodiesel (1500 Diesel) ........235
Additional Maintenance — B6 To
B20 Biodiesel (1500 Diesel) .......237
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE —
6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE .....237
Oil Change Indicator System —
Cummins Diesel...............238
Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel ..............239
Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine .....................239
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .........243
3.6L Engine.................243
5.7L Engine .................244
6.4L Engine .................245
3.0L Diesel Engine .............246
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed 68RFE
(2500/3500 Models) ............247
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed AS69RC
HD (3500/Chassis Cab Models) .....248
DEALER SERVICE — 3.0L DIESEL . . . .249
Engine Air Cleaner Filter.........249
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter . .249
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement .................250
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel ......................251
DEALER SERVICE — 6.7L DIESEL
ENGINE ................... .252
Engine Air Cleaner Filter.........252Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter . .253
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
.................254
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement .................255
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel ......................256
HOISTING ................. .257
TIRES .................... .257
Tire Safety Information..........257
Tires — General Information .......264
Tire Types ...................268
Spare Tires — If Equipped .........269
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .......271
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES . . . .272
Treadwear...................272
Traction Grades ...............273
Temperature Grades .............273
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
229

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

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Oil – 6.4L For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operat-
ing conditions, the manufacturer only recommends full synthetic engine
oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SN.
The manufacturer recommends the use of Pennzoil Ultra 0W-40 or
equivalent Mopar engine oil meeting the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating temperatures.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use Mopar brand Engine Oil Filters.
Spark Plugs We recommend you use Mopar Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane, 0-15% Ethanol.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Flex Fuel (E-85) Engine – If Equipped 87 Octane, Up To 85% Ethanol.
Fuel Selection – 5.7L/6.4L Engines 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable, 0-15% Ethanol.
CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze)
other than specified Organic Additive
Technology (OAT) engine coolant (anti-
freeze), may result in engine damage
and may decrease corrosion protection.
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant is different and should not
be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (anti-
freeze) or any “globally compatible”
coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine
CAUTION!
coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into
the cooling system in an emergency, the
cooling system will need to be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT cool-
ant (conforming to MS.90032), by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or an-
tirust products, as they may not be com-
CAUTION!
patible with the radiator engine coolant
and may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for
use with propylene glycol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze). Use of propylene
glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze)
is not recommended.
281

Accessories..................287
Mopar ...................287
Adding Fuel ..........181, 182, 186
Additives, Fuel ................182
Adjustable Pedals ...............30
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ............106
Air Bag Warning Light .........104
Enhanced Accident Response .114, 227
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ......227
If A Deployment Occurs ........113
Knee Impact Bolsters .........107
Maintaining Your Air Bag System . .114
Transporting Pets ............133
Air Bag Light ...........76, 104, 135
Air Bag Maintenance ............114
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ...........249, 252
Air Conditioning Filter ............48
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ......48
Air Conditioning System ...........47
Air Filter ...................252
Air Pressure, Tires ..............265
Air Suspension ............170, 172
Alarm, Panic ..................15 Alarm (Security Alarm)
.........18, 77
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .......18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........278
Capacities ................279
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...........81
Audio Jack ..................325
Automatic Headlights ............33
Automatic High Beams ...........33
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) . . .47
Automatic Transmission ..........156
Fluid Type .........282, 284, 286
Shifting ..............158, 160
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ....................157
Axle Fluid ............282, 284, 286
Back-Up ...................179
Back-Up Camera ..............179
Battery .....................

77
Charging System Light .........77
Belts, Seat ..................134
Body Builders Guide ..............2
B-Pillar Location ..............261
Brake Fluid ..............282, 284 Brake System
Warning Light ...............76
Brake/Transmission Interlock .......156
Bulb Replacement .............202
Bulbs, Light ..............136, 202
Camera ....................179
Camera, Rear ................179
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................279
Capacities, Fluid ...........278, 279
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ...............243
Carbon Monoxide Warning .........134
Cargo Light ...................34
Chart, Tire Sizing ..............258
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety . . . .134
Checks, Safety ................134
Child Restraint ................115
Child Restraints Booster Seats ..............118
Child Restraints .............115
Child Seat Installation .....126, 127
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat
Belt ....................125
INDEX
357