2020 Ram 2500 brake fluid

382SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Plan — Gas Engine
Mileage or time passed (whichever
comes first)
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 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 X XX XX

Inspect the brake linings, replace as
necessary.
X
X X XX XX

Adjust parking brake as necessary.
XX X XX XX

Inspect transfer case fluid.
XX X

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384SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 environment or
is operated predominately at idle or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
SCHEDULED SERVICING— DIESEL ENGINE
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
More frequent maintenance may be needed in
severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very
short trip driving. In some extreme conditions,
additional maintenance not specified in the
maintenance schedule may be required.
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 reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and automatic trans-
mission, and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Inspect engine air filter. Replace the engine
air filter cleaner, if necessary.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped
with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative System
Fresh Air Filter as necessary, replacement
may be more frequent if vehicle is operated
in extreme dusty conditions.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around 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 competent 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 acci -
dent.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE391
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
6.4L Engine
1 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Battery
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap 10 — Air Cleaner Filter
7

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392SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed 68RFE
1 — Battery 7 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir Cap 8 — Battery
3 — Engine Coolant Pressure Reservoir 9 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
4 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
5 — Engine Oil Fill 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap
6 — Engine Oil Dipstick 12 — Air Cleaner Filter

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE393
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed AS69RC HD
1 — Battery 7 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir Cap 8 — Battery
3 — Engine Coolant Pressure Reservoir 9 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
5 — Engine Oil Dipstick 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap
6 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 12 — Air Cleaner Filter
7

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408SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
exhaust after-treatment system work together
to achieve the EPA Heavy Duty Diesel Engine
Emissions Standards. These systems are seam -
lessly integrated into your vehicle and managed
by the Cummins Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM manages engine combustion
to allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to trap
and burn Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants,
with no input or interaction on your part.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is
driven on low engine speed drive cycles for
more than two hours, the system will automati -
cally enter an emissions operating mode that
will increase the engine idle speed to 900 RPM
(1050 RPM for Chassis Cab). While in this
mode, which is designed to help maintain the
Diesel Particulate Filter, the engine idle speed
will return to normal when the brake pedal is
applied. A small change in engine tone or a
slight change in engine performance while
accelerating may also be noticeable at speeds
below 20 mph (32 kmh). This operating mode
may last for up to an hour of idle time, or around
20 minutes of driving time.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert
you to additional maintenance required on your
truck or engine. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known
simply by the name of its active component,
UREA—is a key component of selective catalytic
reduction (SCR) systems, which help diesel
vehicles meet stringent emission regulations.
DEF is a liquid reducing agent that reacts with
engine exhaust in the presence of a catalyst to
convert smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx)
into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specification” for further information.
You can receive assistance in locating DEF in
the United States by calling 866-RAM-INFO (866-726-4636). In Canada call
1–800–465–2001 (English) or
1–800–387–9983 (French)
You can receive assistance in locating DEF by
contacting an authorized dealer.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points
and rollers, liftgate, tailgate, decklid, sliding
doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated
periodically with a lithium based grease, such
as Mopar Spray White Lube to ensure quiet,
easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant,
the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating, excess
oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When
performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the Autumn and
Spring. Apply a small amount of a high quality
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubri
-
cant directly into the lock cylinder.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do not
park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything
that can burn.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE415
(Continued)
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever
necessary, install ONLY the correct type ther -
mostat. Other designs may result in unsatis -
factory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and
increased emissions.
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned below the
radiator and the air conditioner condenser. Air
enters the engine through the air cleaner and
passes through the turbocharger, where it is
pressurized. This pressurized air rapidly
reaches high temperature. The air is then
directed through a hose to the charge air cooler
and through another hose to the intake mani -
fold of the engine. The air entering the engine
has been cooled by about 50° to 100°F (10° to
38°C). This cooling process enables more effi -
cient burning of fuel resulting in fewer emis -
sions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the
system, keep the surfaces of the charge air
cooler, condenser and radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the hoses leading
to and from the charge air cooler for cracks or
loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and
reduced engine performance.
Brake System
In order to ensure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be
inspected periodically. Refer to the “Mainte
-
nance Plan” in this section for the proper main -
tenance intervals.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood
service or immediately if the brake system
warning lamp indicates system failure. If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the
designated marks on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the
top of the master cylinder area before removing
cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected
to fall as the brake linings wear. However, an
unexpected drop in fluid level may be caused by
a leak and a system check should be
conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot
resting or riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubri
-
cants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reser -
voir.
7

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416SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance and life. Use only the manufacturer’s
specified transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It
is important to maintain the transmission fluid
at the correct level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the trans -
mission. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks in six-speed transmissions. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.
Fluid Level Check — Eight-Speed
Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required, therefore the transmission has no
dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service
tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit an authorized dealer immedi
-
ately to have the transmission fluid level
To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container. Keep the master cylinder reser -
voir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from
the air resulting in a lower boiling point. This
may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
WARNING! (Continued)
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder, and
(for six-speed transmissions) will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for fluid specifications.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

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