2020 Ram 2500 oil temperature

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
5

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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

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 226

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.
5

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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.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 228

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY359
F68 –10 Amp Red AEB RACAM HTR – If Equipped (HD Only)
F69 –15 Amp Blue SCR Module – If Equipped (HD Only)
F70 –30 Amp GreenFuel Pump Motor / K09 RLY Coil Feed (Cummins Diesel) –
If Equipped
F71 –25 Amp ClearAmplifier / Active Noise Cancelation – If Equipped (HD
Only)
F72 –10 Amp RedPCM / DC/DC Converter Voltage– If Equipped (DS 1500
Only)
F73 –20 Amp Yellow Fuel Transfer Pump (Rear Tank) – If Equipped (HD Only)
F74 –20 Amp Yellow Brake Vacuum Pump Gas/Diesel – If Equipped (DS 1500
Only)
F74 –10 Amp Red Backup Alarm – If Equipped (HD Only)
F75 –10 Amp RedATMM / Coil-SCR Module RLY– If Equipped (HD Only)
Coolant Temperature Valve – If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
F76 –10 Amp RedElectronic Stability Control (HD Only)
Brake System Module / Stop Lamp Switch / Electric Park
Brake / Clutch Pedal Switch (DS 1500 Only)
F77 –10 Amp RedDrivetrain Control Module / Front Axle Disconnect Module
/ TCM/ STOM (HD Only)
Drivetrain Control Module / ELSD / Front Axle Disconnect
Module / Transmission Control Relay / RDM / Power Take
Off Unit – If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
Cavity
Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
6

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380
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indi-
cator 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 frequent
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 Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illu -
minate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, 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 authorized dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 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
NOTE:
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 predominantly at idle, or only very
low engine RPM. 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 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, power steering and
automatic transmission (six-speed only) and
fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following
pages for required maintenance. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe condi
-
tions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. In some extreme conditions, additional
maintenance not specified in the maintenance
schedule may be required.

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394SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine
To ensure 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 maintain 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.
Checking Oil Level — Diesel Engine
To ensure proper lubrication of your vehicle's
engine, the engine oil must be maintained at
the correct level. Check the oil level at regular
intervals. The best time to check the oil level is
before starting the engine after it has been parked overnight. When checking oil after oper
-
ating the engine, first ensure the engine is at full
operating temperature, then wait for
30 minutes after engine shutdown to check the
oil.

Engine Oil Dipstick

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings. Add oil only when the level on the
dipstick is below the “ADD” mark. The total
capacity from the ADD mark to the Full mark is
2 qts (1.9L). Never operate the engine with oil level below
the “ADD” mark or above the upper “SAFE”
mark.
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 antifreeze).
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.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could
damage your engine.
1 — ADD Range
2 — Full Mark
3 — SAFE Range
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This
could damage your engine.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 394

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE397
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol — Diesel Engine
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Petro -
leum Institute (API). The manufac -
turer only recommends API Certified
engine oils.
Oils with a high ash content may produce
damaging deposits on cylinder head valves
and/or aftertreatment system damage. A
maximum sulfated ash content of 1.00 mass %
is recommended for all oil used in the engine.
The same oil change interval is to be followed
for synthetic oil as for petroleum based oil. Also,
synthetic oil must meet the same performance
specifications as petroleum oil.
Engine Oil Viscosity — Gas Engine
Use Mopar SAE 0W-40 engine oil approved to
FCA Material Standard MS-12633 such as
Pennzoil Ultra equivalent is recommended for
all operating temperatures.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recom -
mended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For
information on engine oil filler cap location,
refer to the “Engine Compartment” illustration
in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine
oil certification mark and the correct SAE
viscosity grade number should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity — Diesel Engine
In ambient temperatures above 0°F (-18°C),
we recommend you use SAE 10W-30 engine oil
such as Mopar, Shell Rotella and Shell Rimula
that meets FCA Material Standard MS-10902
and the API CK-4 engine oil category is required.
Products meeting Cummins CES 20081 may also be used. The identification of these engine
oils is typically located on the back of the oil
container.
In ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), we
recommend you use SAE 5W-40
synthetic
engine oil such as Mopar, Shell Rotella and
Shell Rimula that meets FCA Material Standard
MS-10902 and the API CK-4 engine oil category
is required.
Engine oil not designated by the FCA or
Cummins Material Standards and API CK-4
should not be used, as engine and exhaust
system durability may be compromised. The
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil
as the chemicals can damage your engine.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil
as the chemicals can damage your engine.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Failure to use SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil
in ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C)
could result in severe engine damage.
7

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