2020 Ram 2500 engine oil

336STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Off-Road Driving Tips
Care should be taken when attempting to climb
steep hills or driving diagonally across a hill or
slope. If natural obstacles force you to travel
diagonally up or down a hill, choose a mild angle
and keep as little side tilt as possible. Keep the
vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously. If you must back down a hill, back straight down
using REVERSE gear. Never back down in
NEUTRAL or diagonally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft
terrain, shift to low gear and drive steadily.
Apply the accelerator slowly to avoid spinning
the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of
driving.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to check
for damage. That way you can get any problems
taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it. Never drive
through standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
WARNING!
(Continued)
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine
can cause it to lock up and stall out, and
cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 336

360IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
F78 –10 Amp RedEngine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module /
Electric Power Steering (DS 1500 Only)
F78 –15 Amp BlueEngine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module / AEB
RACM MOD / Feed To AUX PDC Relay Coils/ HRLS (HD
Only)
F79 –15 Amp Blue ID / Clearance Lights
F80 –10 Amp RedUniversal Garage Door Opener / Compass / Anti-Intrusion
Module (DS 1500 Only)
ASSY Overhead Console / SW Assist / SW 911 – If
Equipped (HD Only)
F81 –20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow Right Turn / Stop Lights - If Equipped
F82 –10 Amp Red Steering Column Control Module / Cruise Control
F83 ––No Connection
F84 –15 Amp Blue ASBM / HVAC / ICS / Rear Heated Seat Switches
F85 –10 Amp Red Airbag Module
F86 –10 Amp Red Airbag Module
F87 –10 Amp RedAir Suspension / ITBM / Steering Column Control Module
/ MOD Gateway CAN-C Trailer TPM (HD Only)
Air Suspension / Trailer Tow / DC/DC Converter (Voltage
Stabilizer) / Steering Column Control Module / Occupant
Classification Sensor (DS 1500 Only)
F88 –15 Amp Blue Instrument Panel Cluster
CavityCartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 360

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.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 380

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE381
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 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 battery and clean and tighten termi -
nals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
hoses and park brake.
Inspect engine cooling system protection
and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated
By Oil Change Indicator System:
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty
or off-road conditions. If required, replace
air cleaner filter.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative
System Fresh Air Filter as necessary,
replacement may be more frequent if
vehicle is operated in extreme dusty condis -
tions.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated
By Oil Change Indicator System:
7

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 381

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

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 382

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.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 384

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE385
Inspection and service should also be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Retain all receipts.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. This system will alert
you when it is time to change your engine oil by
displaying the words “Oil Change Due” in your
instrument cluster display. The oil change
reminder will remind the owner to change the
engine oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or
500 hours, whichever comes first, except for the
Chassis Cab models configured with optional
B20 capability that are using greater than 5%
levels of biodiesel, which are 12,500 miles
(20,000 km) or 400 hours, whichever comes
first. Failure to change the engine oil per the
maintenance schedule can result in internal
engine damage. 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 by refer -
ring to the steps described under “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every
15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or
sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator
system. Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes
first.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
or 12 months or 500 hours, whichever
comes first.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every
12,500 miles (20,000 km) or 400 hours,
whichever comes first when running greater
than 5% levels of biodiesel (Chassis Cab
models configured with optional B20 capa -
bility). If Chassis Cab models configured with optional
B20 capability are operated with greater than
5% levels of biodiesel, the oil change interval
must not exceed 12,500 miles (20,000 km) or
400 hours, whichever comes first under any
circumstances. See the Fuel Requirements
section for more information regarding opera
-
tion with biodiesel blend (B6-B20) fuel meeting
ASTM specification D-7467.
Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel
Your vehicle will require emissions mainte -
nance at a set interval. To help remind you
when this maintenance is due, the instrument
cluster will display “Perform Service”. When the
“Perform Service” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster it is necessary to have the
emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance may include replacing the Closed
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter element. The
procedure for clearing and resetting the
“Perform Service” indicator message is located
in the appropriate Service Information.
7

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 385

386SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel Engine
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change engine oil every
15,000 miles (24,000 km) or
12 months or 500 Hours or
sooner if prompted by the oil
change indicator system,
whichever comes first.
1
X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Inspections
Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) tank, refill if necessary. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Rotate the tires. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect front end, and lubricate
— If equipped with serviceable
fittings. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect engine air filter, replace
if necessary.
2X X X X X X X X X X

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 386