2020 Ram 2500 maintenance schedule

8
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................ 371
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ....................... 371
BULB REPLACEMENT ........................................ 372 Replacement Bulbs ...................................372
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ...........................374
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE ....... 380Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine......380
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ................. 384
SCHEDULED SERVICING— DIESEL ENGINE .... 384
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel ..........................................................385 Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel ..........................................................385
Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine ........................................................ 386
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 391
6.4L Engine ...............................................391
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed 68RFE ..392
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed
AS69RC HD ................................................393 Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine .............394
Checking Oil Level — Diesel Engine ..........394
Adding Washer Fluid..................................394
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................395
Pressure Washing ......................................395 DEALER SERVICE ..............................................396
Engine Oil .................................................. 396
Engine Oil Filter .......................................... 398
Engine Air Cleaner Filter............................ 398
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................... 400
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............... 403
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter —
Diesel Engine ............................................ 403 Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement —
Diesel Engine ............................................. 405 Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement — Diesel Engine .................. 406 Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel — Diesel Engine ................................. 407 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow ............................. 407 Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 408
Body Lubrication ........................................ 408
Windshield Wiper Blades .......................... 409
Exhaust System ........................................ 410
Cooling System ......................................... 411
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler .............. 415
Brake System ............................................ 415
Automatic Transmission............................ 416
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level .......................................................... 418 Transfer Case ............................................ 419
Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty ......................... 419 HOISTING ........................................................... 422
TIRES ................................................................... 422
Tire Safety Information.............................. 422
Tires — General Information .................... 428
Tire Types ................................................... 432
Spare Tires — If Equipped ......................... 433
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................... 434
Tire Chains And Traction Devices ............ 435
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............. 436
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................................... 438
Treadwear .................................................. 438
Traction Grades ......................................... 438
Temperature Grades ................................. 438
STORING THE VEHICLE ..................................... 439
BODYWORK ........................................................ 439
Protection From Atmospheric Agents....... 439
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 439
Preserving The Bodywork.......................... 440
INTERIORS ......................................................... 442
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 442
Plastic And Coated Parts........................... 442
Leather Parts ............................................. 443
Glass Surfaces .......................................... 443

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 8

13
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
VEHICLE USER GUIDE — IF EQUIPPED
Access your Owner’s Information right through
your Uconnect 4C or 4C NAV touchscreen
system (if equipped).
To access the Vehicle User Guide on your Ucon-
nect Touchscreen: Press the Uconnect Apps
button. From there, press the Vehicle User
Guide icon on your touchscreen. No Uconnect
registration is required.

Uconnect 4C NAV With 8.4–inch Display Vehicle User Guide Touchscreen Icon

NOTE:
Vehicle User Guide features are not available
while the vehicle is moving. If you try to access while the vehicle is in motion, the system will
display the message “Feature not available
while the vehicle is in motion”.
Pre-Installed Features
Your User Guide — Updated in real-time
Touchscreen convenience
Maintenance schedules and information
Comprehensive icon and symbol glossary
Available when and where you need it
Customizable interface
Multilingual
Once you launch your Vehicle User Guide, you
will be able to explore your warranty information
and radio manual when and where you need
them. Your Uconnect system displays the
Vehicle User Guide on your touchscreen radio to
assist in better understanding your vehicle.
There’s no app to download, no phone to
connect and no external device needed for play -
back. Plus, it’s updated throughout the year, in
real-time, so it never goes out of date. Features/Benefits
Pre-installed on your Uconnect touchscreen
radio
Enhanced search and browsing capability
Robust NAV application (if equipped)
Add selected topics to a fast-access Favor
-
ites category
Icon and symbol glossary
Warranty information
Crucial driver information and assistance:
Operating Instructions
Warranty Information
Fluid Level Standards
Maintenance Schedules
Emergency Procedures
911 Contact and More
2

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 13

STARTING AND OPERATING323
(Continued)
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)
NOTE:
For trailer towing information (maximum trailer
weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/
ramtruck.ca (Canada)
rambodybuilder.com
Trailer And Tongue Weight

Weight Distribution
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options or
dealer-installed options must be considered as
part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to
the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended. Perform the maintenance listed in the “Sched
-
uled Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing”
in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the proper
maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have a colli -
sion.
5

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 323

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

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

396SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
DEALER SERVICE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service
personnel, special tools, and equipment to
perform all service operations in an expert
manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your
vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could
result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
Engine Oil
Change Engine Oil — Gas Engine
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched -
uled maintenance. Refer to “Scheduled
Servicing” in this chapter for further informa -
tion.
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.
Change Engine Oil — Diesel Engine
Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Selection — Gas Engine
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the require
-
ments of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
Engine Oil Selection — Diesel Engine
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils
that are API CK-4 certified and meet the require -
ments of FCA US LLC. Use Mopar or an equiva -
lent oil meeting FCA Material Standard
MS-10902. Products meeting Cummins CES
20081 may also be used. The identification of
these engine oils are typically located on the
back of the oil container.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol — Gas 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.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30,
5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Only do service work
for which you have the knowledge and the
proper equipment. If you have any doubt
about your ability to perform a service job,
take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 396

420SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
The air filter element must also be clean and
serviced according to the instructions outlined
in the Scheduled Maintenance section of this
manual.
Tampering With Noise Control System
Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the
causing thereof: (1) the removal or rendering
inoperative by any person, other than for
purposes of maintenance, repair, or replace -
ment, of any device or element of design incor -
porated into any new vehicle for the purpose of
noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the
ultimate purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the
use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inop -
erative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute
tampering are the acts listed below. AIR CLEANER

Removal of the air cleaner.
Removal of the air cleaner filter element from
the air cleaner housing.
Removal of the air ducting.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative exhaust
system components including the muffler or
tailpipe.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative the fan
clutch.
Removal of the fan shroud.
Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, was
designed, built and equipped to conform at the
time it left the manufacturer's control with all
applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control Regulations.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed,
built and equipped by the manufacturer, and is
not limited to any particular part, component or
system of the vehicle manufactured by the
manufacturer. Defects in design, assembly or in
any part, component or system of the vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, which, at
the time it left the manufacturer's control,
caused noise emissions to exceed Federal stan -
dards, are covered by this warranty for the life of
the vehicle.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 420