2018 Ram ProMaster check oil

— Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine
condition. If the engine coolant temperature
is too high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to nor-
mal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Over-
heats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
— Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition is first placed in the ON/
RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, if the driver’s
seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound
and the light will turn on. When driving, if the
driver or front passenger seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will
flash or remain on continuously and a chime
will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints
Systems” in “Safety” for further information.
— Transmission Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate (together with a
message in the instrument cluster display
and a buzzer) to indicate a transmission
fault. Contact your authorized dealer if the
message remains after restarting the engine.
For vehicles with a diesel engine, see "Instru-
ment Cluster Messages" in "Automated
Manual Transmission" for additional informa-
tion.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light — If Equipped
This light indicates high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with strenuous
usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or slightly faster, with the transmission in
PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to
drive normally.
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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
36

WARNING!
• If you are required to drive with thetrunk/liftgate/rear doors open, make sure
that all windows are closed and the cli-
mate control BLOWER switch is set at
high speed. DO NOT use the recircula-
tion mode.
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle
with the engine running, adjust your
heating or cooling controls to force out-
side air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body ar-
eas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make
Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immedi-
ately. Do not disassemble or modify the sys-
tem.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have
been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding
seat belt or retractor condition, replace the
seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning lightwill turn on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check when
the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN.
If the light is either not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
system inspected at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. After the bulb check, this
light will illuminate with a single chime when
a fault with the Air Bag System has been
detected. It will stay on until the fault is
cleared. If the light comes on intermittently
or remains on while driving, have your autho-
rized dealer service the vehicle immediately.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost
mode and place the blower control on high
speed. You should be able to feel the air
directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster
is inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. Only use a floor mat that does not
interfere with the operation of the accelera-
tor, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor
mat that is securely attached using the floor
SAFETY
70

Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones,
nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the
tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks, and bulges. Check the wheel bolts for
tightness. Check the tires (including spare)
for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and lock-
ing.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or
if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The
cause should be located and corrected imme-
diately.
SAFETY
72

CAUTION!
If the “Generic Warning Light” remains on
and a “Service Fuel Filter” message dis-
plays, DO NOT START engine before you
drain the water from the fuel filter housing
to avoid engine damage. Please see your
authorized dealer for draining the fuel
filter/water separator and fuel filter re-
placement.
Normal Starting Procedure
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL
(N) position, and the brake pedal must be
pressed, to allow engine cranking. Place the
gear selector in NEUTRAL (N) and apply the
brake pedal BEFORE turning the key to the
START/AVV position; otherwise, the engine
will not crank and the key must be cycled
OFF, then back on, before cranking is al-
lowed.
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights
when starting the engine.NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or press-
ing the accelerator pedal.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Place the gear selector into the NEUTRAL
(N) position while keeping the brake pedal
depressed.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN/ MAR position and watch the instrument
panel cluster lights.CAUTION!
If the “Generic Warning Light” remains on
and a “Service Fuel Filter” message dis-
plays, DO NOT START engine before you
drain the water from the fuel filter housing
to avoid engine damage. Please see your
authorized dealer for draining the fuel
filter/water separator and fuel filter re-
placement.
4. After the Glow Plug light turns off, turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START)
position to start the engine. Do not press
the accelerator during starting. 5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the
engine prior to the engine starting, release
the ignition key so that it turns back to the
ON/RUN position.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
To start the engine if the transmission is
faulty, the “Delayed startup” procedure may
be required.
NOTE:
Not all Transmission Failures requires the
“Delayed startup” Procedure, it depends on
the type of failure.(refer to "Instrument Clus-
ter Messages" under "Automated Manual
Transmission" in this section for further infor-
mation):
• Begin with the key in the OFF position.
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Turn the key to the START/AVV position and hold it there for at least seven seconds with
the brake depressed. The engine will start,
and the transmission will operate in recov-
ery mode (maximum gear permitted = 3rd,
75

Driving
Condition LoadTurbo-
charger
Tempera- ture Idle Time
(min.)
Before
Engine
Shutdown
Stop and Go Empty Cool Less than
One
Stop and Go Medium
One
Highway Speeds Medium Warm Two
City Traf- fic Maximum
GCWR Three
Highway Speeds Maximum
GCWR Four
Uphill Grade Maximum
GCWR Hot Five
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
– DIESEL ENGINE
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 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.
77

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 in
the instrument cluster. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating
conditions such as frequent short-trips,
trailer tow, and extremely hot or cold ambient
temperatures will influence when the “Oil
Change Required” message is displayed. Se-
vere 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 pos-
sible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched-
uled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is
performed by someone other than your autho-
rized dealer, the message can be reset byreferring to the steps described under “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s
Manual on
www.ramtrucks.com/en/owners/
manuals for further information.
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.
Severe Duty All Models
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 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 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
124

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 — 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 in
the instrument cluster. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating
conditions such as frequent short-trips,
trailer tow, and extremely hot or cold ambient
temperatures will influence when the “Oil
Change Required” message is displayed. Se-
vere Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as pos-
sible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 18,500 miles (29,773 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
Maintenance Plan — Diesel Fuel
Up To B5 Biodiesel
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the
following page for the required maintenance
intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By The Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before your
next scheduled service.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten ter- minals as required.
• Inspect brake pads, rotors, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
128

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
Additional Inspections
Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid
tank. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends,
boot seals, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake pads, replace as neces-
sary. XXX X X X X
Check Transmission Actuation System Oil
and Hydraulic Clutch Operating Oil XX X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace fuel filter and drain water from
fuel. XX X X X
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace cabin/air conditioning filter. X X X X X X X
Replace Brake Fluid every two years. * X X X X X X X
Replace Hydraulic Clutch Oil every two
years or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) which
ever comes first. XXX X X X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
129