2020 Ram 2500 engine oil

STARTING AND OPERATING223
NOTE:
Use of Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
or Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
results in a noticeable decrease in fuel
economy.
Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel is a
blend of Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur and
Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuels
which reduces the temperature at which wax
crystals form in fuel.
The fuel grade should be clearly marked on
the pump at the fuel station.
The engine requires the use of “Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuel”. Use of incorrect fuel
could result in engine and exhaust system
damage. Refer to “Fuel Requirements” in
“Technical Specifications” for further infor -
mation.
If climatized or diesel Number 1 ULSD fuel is
not available, and you are operating below
(20°F/-6°C), in sustained arctic conditions,
Mopar Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or
equivalent) is recommended to avoid gelling
(see Fuel Operating Range Chart).

Under some circumstances increased
engine noise may be audible in the seconds
following a cold start. This is most likely to
occur when using fuel that isn't blended for
the ambient temperature present. This may
occur on an unseasonably cold day or when
a truck is fueled in a warmer climate and
driven to a colder climate. The noise can
typically be prevented by using Mopar
Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment as recom-
mended (see Fuel Operating Range Chart).

Engine Oil Usage
Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the correct engine oil
viscosity.
Winter Front Cover Usage
A Winter front or cold weather cover is to be
used in ambient temperatures below 32°F
(0°C), especially during extended idle condi -
tions. This cover is equipped with four flaps for
managing total grille opening in varying ambient
temperatures. If a Winter front or cold weather
cover is to be used the flaps should be left in the
full open position to allow air flow to the charge
air cooler and automatic transmission oil
cooler. When ambient temperatures drop below
0°F (-17°C) the four flaps need to be closed. A suitable cold weather cover is available from
your Mopar dealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the
battery temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°C).
For the same decrease in temperature, the
engine requires twice as much power to crank
at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC powered
battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery
blankets are available from your authorized
Mopar dealer.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is
cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the
engine up to operating speed slowly to allow the
oil pressure to stabilize as the engine warms up.
NOTE:
High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine
can result in excessive white smoke and poor
engine performance. No-load engine speeds
should be kept under 1,000 RPM during the
warm-up period, especially in cold ambient
temperature conditions.
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224STARTING AND OPERATING
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine warm
up protection feature that may limit engine
performance after cold starting at low ambient
temperatures. The length of time engine speed
is limited is dependent upon engine coolant
temperature. Engine speed may be briefly
limited to 1000 RPM after starting with coolant
temperature below freezing conditions, and
may be limited to 1000 RPM for up to approxi -
mately 2 minutes under more severe cold
conditions.
NOTE:
If ambient temperatures are low and the
coolant temperature is below 180°F (82°C),
the engine idle speed will slowly increase to
1,000 RPM after two minutes of idle, if the
following conditions are met:
Foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal.
Automatic transmission is in PARK.
Vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle.
Operating the exhaust brake at idle will
greatly improve warm up rate and will help
keep the engine close to operating tempera -
ture during extended idle.
Engine Idling
Avoid prolonged idling, long periods of idling
may be harmful to your engine because
combustion chamber temperatures can drop so
low that the fuel may not burn completely.
Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves,
and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel
can enter the crankcase, diluting the oil and
causing rapid wear to the engine.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is
driven on low engine speed drive cycles for
more than 2 hours, the system will automati -
cally enter an emissions operating mode that
will increase the engine idle speed to 900 RPM.
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.
Your truck may have been ordered with an
optional voltage monitoring idle up feature. If a
load is placed on the electrical system while the truck is in park, this feature will attempt to
maintain normal system voltage by automati
-
cally increasing engine idle speed. You may
notice several consecutive increases in idle
speed, up to a maximum of 1,450 RPM, as the
system will attempt to utilize the smallest
increase in idle speed necessary to maintain
normal system voltage. The idle speed will
return to normal when either the electrical load
is removed, or when the brake pedal is applied.
NOTE:
For instrument cluster display messages
related to the vehicle's exhaust system, refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further infor -
mation.
Idle-Up Feature
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature will
help increase cylinder temperatures and
provide additional cab heat, however, excessive
idling may still cause the exhaust aftertreat -
ment system to not properly regenerate.
Extended periods of idle time should be
avoided.
The Idle-Up feature uses the Speed Control
switches to increase engine idle speed and
quickly warm the vehicle's interior.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 224

STARTING AND OPERATING225

1. With the transmission in PARK, the parking
brake applied, and the engine running,
push the speed control switch to the ON
position, then push the SET switch.

2. The engine RPM will go up to 1,100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the
ACCEL/RESUME switch and the idle speed
will increase to approximately 1,500 RPM.
To decrease the RPM, push and hold the
DECEL switch and the idle speed will
decrease to approximately 1,100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF
switch, or press the brake pedal.
Noise
Diesel engines can create noises that may
seem concerning. The nature of a diesel engine
is compression ignition where compressed air and fuel are mixed and ignited. Weather, baro
-
metric pressure, altitude, and temperature will
affect how fuel is ignited in the engine. Engines
will sound different from day to day or previous
model years. Clicking, ticking, or light knocking
is normal and will change from day to day, as
the engine breaks in, and can vary with changes
in ambient temperature. Clicking sound from
under the hood shortly after vehicle shutdown is
normal as actuators such as the EGR valve are
cycled. Fuel pump noise may increase during
low speed/light load conditions when ambient
temperature is above 100°F (38°C), and when
fuel tank level is below 10% which is a normal
condition of the fuel system and controls
strategy. Diesel equipped vehicles also have an
exhaust after-treatment system to reduce emis -
sions utilizing a DPF (refer to “Odor” in this
section for further information) and a Selective
Reduction Catalyst (SCR). The SCR reduces
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) using the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. DEF is injected directly into
the SCR through a dosing module. This process
will create a clicking sound and at times, will
make noise even with the vehicle shut off. This
is normal as the DEF dosing module is purging
DEF. If at any time the check engine light is on,
please visit an authorized dealer.
Stopping The Engine
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine
shutdown. After full load operation, idle the
engine three to five minutes before shutting it
down. This idle period will allow the lubricating
oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from
the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is espe
-
cially important for turbocharged, charge
air-cooled engines. Refer to the following chart
for proper engine shutdown:
Driving Condition Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine
Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolLess than One
Stop and Go Medium -One
Highway Speeds MediumWarmTwo
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226STARTING AND OPERATING
Idle Shutdown
This feature can be enabled so that the truck
will automatically shutdown when the truck has
been idling for a set period of time when the
engine is at operating temperature. Idle time
can be set in 5 minute increments between 5
and 60 minutes. See an authorized dealer to
enable this feature.
NOTE:
The idle shut down timer is disabled while the
PTO is active.
Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
This feature allows the owner to set a maximum
vehicle speed for the vehicle. The 2500 and
3500 Series maximum vehicle speed can be set
between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 87 mph
(140 km/h). The 4500/5500 Series maximum
vehicle speed can be set between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 85 mph (136 km/h). See an
authorized dealer to enable this feature.
NOTE:
DO NOT set the maximum vehicle speed to a
value greater than what the vehicle tires are
rated for.
Operating Precautions
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the engine coolant (anti
-
freeze) (a mixture of 50% ethylene-glycol and
50% water) must not exceed the normal range
of the temperature gauge 240°F (116°C) with
a 21 psi (145 kPa) coolant pressure cap.
Usually the engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature indicated during operation will be
to the left of center in the normal range of the
gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low engine coolant (anti -
freeze) temperature below the normal range on
the gauge 140°F (60°C) can be harmful to the
engine. Low engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature can cause incomplete combustion
which allows carbon and varnish to form on
piston rings and injector nozzles. Also, the
unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting
the lubricating oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.
Cooling System Tips
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating in high ambient temperature condi -
tions, take the following actions:
City Driving — When stopped, shift the trans -
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine
idle speed.
Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.
City Traffic
Maximum GCWR -Three
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR -Four
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR HotFive
Driving Condition Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine
Shutdown

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STARTING AND OPERATING227
Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission
gear.
Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
When the engine is at normal operating
temperature, the minimum oil pressures
required are:
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Be on the alert for changes in perfor -
mance, sounds, and visual evidence that the
engine requires service. Some important clues
are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely.
Sudden loss of power.
Unusual engine noises.
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks.
Sudden change, outside the normal oper -
ating range, in the engine operating tempera -
ture.
Excessive smoke.
Oil pressure drop.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — GAS ENGINE (IF
EQUIPPED)
The engine block heater warms the engine, and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect
the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC elec -
trical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten -
sion cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed through
the grille by the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a
tethered strap. It also has a c-clip that is used
for storage when not in use for the winter
months. During winter months, remove the
heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the
c-clip. The engine block heater must be plugged in at
least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the engine.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED)
The engine block heater warms engine coolant
and permits quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault inter
-
rupter protected 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under
the hood to the right side and can be located
just behind the grille near the headlamp.
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not equipped,
heater cords are available from an authorized
Mopar dealer.
Idle 700 to 800 RPM 10 psi (69 kPa)
Full speed and load 30 psi (207 kPa)CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal
readings, shut the engine off immediately.
Failure to do so could result in immediate and
severe engine damage.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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228STARTING AND OPERATING
The block heater must be plugged in at least
one hour to have an adequate warming effect
on the coolant.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
Block Heater Usage
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),
engine block heater usage is recommended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F
(-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GAS 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 contributes
to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle accelera-
tion 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 consistent with
anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the recom
-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions”.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera -
tion. This should be considered a normal 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 Cummins® Turbo 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
prolonged 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.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before
driving. Damage to the 110–115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING259
slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels
start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain
headway by turning the steering wheel no
more than a quarter turn quickly back and
forth. This will provide a fresh "bite" into the
surface and will usually provide enough trac -
tion to complete the climb. If you do not make
it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE
and back straight down the grade using
engine resistance along with the vehicle
brakes.
Driving Downhill – Before driving down a
steep hill you need to determine if it is too
steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a
slow controlled descent? Are there obsta -
cles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty
of distance at the base of the hill to regain
control if the vehicle descends too fast? If
you feel confident in your ability to proceed then make sure you are in 4WD LOW with the
transmission in FIRST gear (manually select
FIRST gear on automatic transmissions) and
proceed with caution. Allow engine braking to
control the descent and apply your brakes if
necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
Driving Across An Incline
– If at all possible
avoid driving across an incline. If it is neces -
sary, know your vehicle's abilities. Driving
across an incline places more weight on the
downhill wheels, which increases the possi -
bilities of a downhill slide or rollover. Make
sure the surface has good traction with firm
and stable soils. If possible transverse the
incline at an angle heading slightly up or
down.
If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway – If you
stall or begin to lose headway while climbing
a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a
stop and immediately apply the brake.
Restart the engine and shift into REVERSE.
Back slowly down the hill allowing the
compression braking of the engine and trans -
mission to help regulate your speed. If the
brakes are required to control vehicle speed,
apply them lightly and avoid locking or skid-
ding the tires.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or
turn around on a steep grade. Driving across
an incline increases the risk of a roll over,
which may result in severe injury or death.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL.
Use vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine
braking. Descending a grade too fast could
cause you to lose control and be seriously
injured or killed.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of
a rollover, which may result in severe injury.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or
grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so
may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle,
which may result in severe injury. Always back
carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE.
Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only
the vehicle brakes. Never drive diagonally
across a hill, always drive straight up or down.
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312STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
ENGINE RUNAWAY — DIESEL ENGINE
Diesel engine runaway is a rare condition
affecting diesel engines, where the engine
consumes its own lubrication oil and runs at
higher and higher RPM until it overspeeds to a
point where it destroys itself due to either
mechanical failure or engine seizure through
lack of lubrication.
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE
The fuel filler cap (gas cap) is located behind the
fuel filler door, on the left side of the vehicle.
Open the fuel door and remove the fuel filler cap
by turning it counter-clockwise.
Fuel Filler Cap

NOTE:
When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door.
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable
fumes from fuel spills or turbocharger oil
leaks being sucked into the engine, do the
following to help avoid personal injury and/or
vehicle damage:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire
extinguisher, direct the spray from the fire
extinguisher into the grille on the driver side
so that the spray enters the engine air intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located
behind the drivers side headlamp and
receives air through the grille.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the gas cap is
removed or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel to the vehicle when the
engine is running.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into
a portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
gas containers on the ground while filling.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emissions
control system could result from using an
improper fuel tank filler tube cap.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let impu -
rities into the fuel system.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn
on.
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling. When the
fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
WARNING! (Continued)

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