2020 Ram 1500 check oil

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 483
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 reservoir, brake master cylinder, and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following pages for
required maintenance.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door hinge roller pivot joints twice a year to prevent premature wear. At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change the oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect the battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
• Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
• Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
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484 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,00050,00060,00070,000
80,00090,000
100,000
110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000 48,000
64,00080,00096,000
112,000
128,000144,000160,000
176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. X X X
XX XX
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 axle fluid. X
X XXX
Inspect the brake linings,
replace as necessary. X X X
XX XX
Inspect transfer case fluid. X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. X X X XX XX
Replace engine air filter. XX XXX
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 484

490 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check the
oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best
time to check the engine oil level is about five minutes after
a fully warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always main-
tain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.
Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom of
the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the safe
zone on these engines.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent only (not radiator anti -
freeze). When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe the
wiper blades clean. This will help blade performance. To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in
cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or freezing
the fluid on the cold windshield. Windshield washer solu-
tion used with water as directed on the container, aids
cleaning action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clog
-
ging, and is not harmful to paint or trim.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or loss
of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents are
flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must
be exercised when filling or working around the washer
solution.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 490

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 515
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected. If
gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information. This inspection should be made with
the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the fill hole
(within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of hole) for the front axle and
rear axle.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tion” for further information.
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will result in
corrosion and possible failure of differential components.
Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be encountered in
some off-highway types of service, will require draining and
refilling the axle to avoid damage. Limited-Slip Differentials
Rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip Differential require
that 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar Limited Slip Additive be added to
the gear lubricant. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specification” for further information. The
Mopar Limited Slip Additive should be added to the gear
lubricant whenever a fluid change is made to an axle
equipped with a Limited Slip Differential.
NOTE:
When refilling a limited slip differential axle which requires
a friction modification additive, the additive should be
added before the gear lubricant to ensure proper additive
fill.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information.
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544 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
• For grease stains, apply Mopar Multi-Purpose Cleaner to aclean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a fresh, damp
towel to remove soap residue.
• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of protectants on Stain Repel products.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun
damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or luke -
warm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning loop for
soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft cloth until
all residue is removed.
Plastic And Coated Parts
Use Mopar Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
CAUTION!
• Direct contact of air fresheners, insect repellents, suntan lotions, or hand sanitizers to the plastic,
painted, or decorated surfaces of the interior may cause
permanent damage. Wipe away immediately.
• Damage caused by these type of products may not be covered by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 544

658
Audio Systems (Radio) .......................................................... 557
Auto Down Power Windows .................................................. 95Auto Unlock, Doors ................................................................ 308
Automatic Door Locks ............................................................. 41
Automatic Headlights .............................................................. 70
Automatic High Beams ............................................................ 68
Automatic Tailgate Release ................................................... 107
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ................................ 91
Automatic Transmission ................................................ 304, 514 Adding Fluid ....................................................................... 514Fluid And Filter Change .................................................... 514
Fluid Change........................................................................ 514
Fluid Level Check ....................................................... 513, 514
Fluid Type .................................................................... 513, 556
Special Additives................................................................. 514
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ...................... 308
Auxiliary Driving Systems .................................................... 211
Axle Fluid......................................................................... 515, 556
Axle Lubrication...................................................................... 515 B
Back-Up .................................................................................... 396
Back-Up Camera ..................................................................... 396
Battery............................................................................... 181, 491 Charging System Light....................................................... 181
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ............................................ 21
Battery Saver Feature ............................................................... 73 Belts, Seat ..................................................................................286
Blind Spot Monitoring ............................................................ 211
Body Builders Guide ................................................................14
Body Mechanism Lubrication ...............................................502
B-Pillar Location ......................................................................521
Brake Assist System ................................................................200
Brake Control System .............................................................199
Brake Fluid .......................................................................512, 556
Brake System....................................................................512, 546 Fluid Check ..........................................................................512
Master Cylinder ...................................................................512Parking ..................................................................................297
Warning Light......................................................................179
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..............................................304
Bulb Replacement ...................................................................436
Bulbs, Light ......................................................................289, 436 C
Camera...................................................................................... 396
Camera, Rear....................................................................396, 398
Camper .....................................................................................146
Capacities, Fuel........................................................................553
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..................................................................487, 493
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...............................................509
Car Washes ..............................................................................540
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...........................................286, 552
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661
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart .................................................... 493
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ......................... 262, 481
Entry System, Illuminated ....................................................... 75
Ethanol...................................................................................... 550
Exhaust Gas Cautions .................................................... 286, 552
Exhaust System ............................................................... 286, 505
Exterior Lighting ....................................................................... 66 Exterior Lights ................................................................... 66, 289 F
Filters Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 494Air Conditioning ........................................................... 93, 497
Engine Oil..................................................................... 494, 554
Engine Oil Disposal ............................................................ 494
Flashers Turn Signals ........................................................... 71, 193, 289
Flash-To-Pass ............................................................................. 69
Flat Tire Stowage .................................................................... 468
Fluid Capacities ....................................................................... 553
Fluid Leaks ............................................................................... 289
Fluid Level Checks Brake ..................................................................................... 512
Fluid, Brake .............................................................................. 556
Fluids And Lubricants ........................................................... 554
Fog Lights........................................................................... 71, 441
Fold-Flat Seats ........................................................................... 42 Forward Collision Warning................................................... 222
Four Wheel Drive .................................................................... 310
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................................................431
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .........................................................477
Front Axle (Differential) .........................................................515
Fuel ............................................................................................548 Adding ..................................................................................403
Additives ..............................................................................550
Clean Air...............................................................................549
Ethanol ..................................................................................550
Gasoline ................................................................................548Light ...................................................................................... 185
Materials Added ..................................................................550
Methanol...............................................................................550
Octane Rating.......................................................548, 549, 554Requirements ...............................................................548, 553Tank Capacity ......................................................................553
Fuses..........................................................................................444 G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........................................109
Gasoline, Clean Air .................................................................549
Gasoline, Reformulated..........................................................549
General Information ...............................................................233
Glass Cleaning .........................................................................545
Grocery Bag Retainer ................................................................54
Gross Axle Weight Rating .....................................................408
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664
Traction Control .................................................................. 204
Turn Signals ........................................... 71, 193, 289, 438, 441
Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions .............. 181, 193
Limited-Slip Differential ................................................ 332, 515
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode............................................. 176
Load Shed Battery Saver On ................................................. 176
Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction .................................. 176
Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor ................................... 176
Loading Vehicle ...................................................................... 405 Tires....................................................................................... 521
Locks Automatic Door..................................................................... 41
Child Protection .................................................................... 42
Power Door ............................................................................ 36
Low Tire Pressure System ..................................................... 227
Lubrication, Body ................................................................... 502
Lug Nuts................................................................................... 547
Lug Nuts/Bolts ....................................................................... 546 M
Maintenance..................................................................... 100, 105
Maintenance Free Battery ...................................................... 491
Maintenance Schedule ........................................................... 482
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ...................... 183
Manual Service ................................................................................... 656
Media Hub ............................................................................... 623 Memory Seat ..............................................................................47
Methanol...................................................................................550
Mirrors ........................................................................................59
Electric Powered ....................................................................61
Heated .....................................................................................65
Memory...................................................................................47
Outside....................................................................................61
Rearview ................................................................... 59, 60, 431 Trailer Towing .......................................................................64
Modifications/Alterations Vehicle.....................................................................................15
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..............................................227
Mopar Parts..............................................................................655
MP3 Control ............................................................................. 623
Multi-Function Control Lever .................................................68 N
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................................................297 O
Occupant Restraints ................................................................234
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)......................................548, 549
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ........................................429
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ........................................429
Oil Filter, Change .................................................................... 494
Oil Filter, Selection ..................................................................494
Oil Pressure Light ...................................................................181
Oil, Engine ........................................................................492, 554
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 664