2018 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab check engine

Driving ConditionLoadTurbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.)
Before Engine Shutdown
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.
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:
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• 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.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Oper-
ating” of the Owner’s Manual at
www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owners-manual.html (U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Residents). 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).
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the vehicle.
As with all vehicles, you should never
exit a vehicle while the engine is run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle, always
come to a complete stop, then apply the
WARNING!
parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and
remove the key fob. When the ignition is
in the LOCK/OFF (key removal) position,
(or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the
ignition is in the OFF mode) the trans-
mission is locked in PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
• Never use the PARK position as a sub-
stitute for the parking brake. Always
apply the parking brake fully when exit-
ing the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or dam-
age.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before exiting the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING
128

NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 4 are requirements thatmust be met before pushing the NEUTRAL
(N) button, and must continue to be met
until the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before
pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no
longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL
(N) indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the igni-
tion is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have
not been met.Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop,
leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
• With manual shift transfer case, shiftthe transfer case lever to the desired
position.
• With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, push and hold
the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button
until the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light
turns off. After the NEUTRAL (N) indi-
cator light turns off, release the NEU-
TRAL (N) button. After the NEUTRAL
(N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position
indicated by the selector switch. • With electronic shift transfer case with
push-button selector switch, push and
hold the switch for the desired transfer
case position, until the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light turns off and the desired
position indicator light turns on.
NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL
(N), the engine should remain OFF to avoid
gear clash.
6. Shift automatic transmission into PARK.
7. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on a manual transmission).
8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Start the engine.
10. Press and hold the brake pedal.
11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on
manual transmissions), and check that
the vehicle operates normally.
STARTING AND OPERATING
150

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 bereset by referring to the steps described under
“Warning And Indicator Lights” or “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s
Manual at
www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owner-manual.html (U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Residents)
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 predomi-
nately at idle or 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 the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir, brake master cylinder, power steering
and automatic transmission, and fill as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
174

Mileage or time passed (whichever comesfirst)
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: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
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
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary. XXX 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 tow-
ing, change axle fluid. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, parking brake
function. XXX X X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs. ** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change the automatic transmission fluid
(AS66RC Transmission Only). XX X
Change the automatic transmission fluid
and sump filter (AS66RC Transmission
Only). XX
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
176

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 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. Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean and
tighten 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.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
178

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
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
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
180

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 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
Change automatic transmission fluid
(AS69RC transmission only). XX XX X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
sump filter (AS69RC transmission only). XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and fil-
ter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the fol-
lowing: police, fleet, or frequent trailer towing
(68RFE transmission only). XX
181