2020 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab check transmission fluid

4

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ....... 118
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity..............................................118
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ...................................................... 119
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 120
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 120
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...121
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 129
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................129 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) .....................................................132
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 141
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....141
Important Safety Precautions ...................141Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 142Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...151Child Restraints ........................................160
Transporting Pets ....................................179
SAFETY TIPS .................................................... 180
Transporting Passengers ..........................180
Exhaust Gas ........................................... 180
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................180 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................182
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GAS ENGINE .........183
Automatic Transmission............................ 183
Tip Start Feature ....................................... 183Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ................... 184
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button ............................................ 184 Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ......................... 187 After Starting .............................................. 187
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE .... 187
Automatic Transmission............................ 187
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ................... 188
Extreme Cold Weather .............................. 190
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66°F (19°C) ....... 191 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F
(–18°C to 19°C) ....................................... 191 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............. 192 Starting Fluids ............................................ 193 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ....... 194
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 194
Engine Idling ............................................. 197
Noise .......................................................... 198
Stopping The Engine ................................. 198Idle Shutdown ............................................ 199
Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed ..... 199

Operating Precautions .............................. 200
Cooling System Tips .................................. 200
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Manual
Regeneration - If Equipped ....................... 201
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ........ 201
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GAS ENGINE ...................................................... 202
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE .................................................. 202
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) ........................................... 203
PARKING BRAKE .............................................. 204
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ........................... 205 Ignition Park Interlock ............................... 206Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System ....................................................... 206 Six–Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ................................................ 207 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ................................................. 213
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ........... 218

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7
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE ....... 329Maintenance Plan......................................330
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ................. 333
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 334
Oil Change Indicator System —
Cummins Diesel .........................................335 Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel ........................................335 Maintenance Plan — Cummins
Diesel Engine ............................................336
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ................................ 343
6.4L Engine ...............................................3436.7L Engine ................................................344
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine .............345
Checking Oil Level — Diesel Engine ..........345
Adding Washer Fluid ................................345Maintenance-Free Battery .......................346
Pressure Washing ......................................346
DEALER SERVICE .............................................. 347
Engine Oil .................................................. 347Engine Oil Filter ........................................349
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .........................349
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................. 351
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection................354Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .....354
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ..............................................356 Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ..............................................357 Priming If The Engine Has Run
Out Of Fuel ................................................ 358 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow ............................. 359 Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 359Body Lubrication ...................................... 360
Windshield Wiper Blades ........................ 360
Exhaust System ........................................ 362
Cooling System ......................................... 363
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler .............. 366
Brake System ............................................ 367Automatic Transmission............................ 368
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ....................................................... 370 Transfer Case ............................................ 371Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty ......................... 371
HOISTING ............................................................374
TIRES....................................................................374
Tire Safety Information ........................... 374
Tires — General Information .................... 382
Tire Types ................................................... 386
Spare Tires — If Equipped ....................... 387
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .................. 389Tire Chains and Traction Devices ............ 390
Tire Rotation Recommendations .............. 391 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................................... 392
Treadwear .................................................. 392
Traction Grades ......................................... 392Temperature Grades ................................. 393
STORING THE VEHICLE .................................. 393
BODYWORK ........................................................ 393 Protection From Atmospheric Agents ..... 393
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 394Preserving The Bodywork.......................... 394
INTERIORS ......................................................... 395
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 395
Plastic And Coated Parts........................... 396
Leather Parts ............................................. 396
Glass Surfaces .......................................... 396
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...................................... 397Vehicle Identification Number ................. 397
BRAKE SYSTEM ................................................ 397
Hydraulic Brake Assist — If Equipped....... 397
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................. 397
Torque Specifications .............................. 398

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL111
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the Electric Power
Steering (EPS) system. Refer to
“Power Steering” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the Trailer Brake has been discon -
nected.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” for further information.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may
continue to drive normally.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a
door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single
chime.
Yellow Warning Lights
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the ACC system.
Contact a local authorized dealer for
service.
For further information, refer to “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC)” in “Starting And Oper -
ating.”
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
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198STARTING AND OPERATING
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.

1. With the transmission in PARK, the parking brake applied, and the engine running,
turn on the speed control, 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 as a concern. The nature of a diesel
engine is compression ignition where
compressed air and fuel are mixed and ignited.
Weather, Barometric Pressure, Altitude and
Temperature will affect how fuel is ignited in the
engine. Engine’s 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, this
is normal. Diesel equipped vehicles also have
an exhaust aftertreatment system to reduce
emissions utilizing a Diesel Particulate Filter
(DPF) and a Selective Reduction Catalyst (SCR).
The SCR reduces Nox using the Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) system. DEF is injected directly into
the SCR through an 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. 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%.
This is a normal condition of the fuel system and
controls strategy. 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:

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202STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before
the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel
economy and power may be seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” of the Owner’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins®
Turbo Diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced
by loaded operating conditions which allow the
engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during
the first 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING285
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below),
holding your vehicle in first gear (using the ERS
shift control) can help to avoid transmission
overheating. If you regularly tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then
change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter(s) as specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing." Refer to the “Mainte
-
nance Plan” for the proper maintenance inter -
vals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (Six-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Speed Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Speed Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
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STARTING AND OPERATING293
(Continued)
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving
through shallow standing water, consider the
following Cautions and Warnings before doing
so.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not
exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water.
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.
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)
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329
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). An 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 an 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.
Gas Engines:
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:
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 very low
engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is consid -
ered Severe Duty. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage. Rotate at the
first sign of irregular wear.
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.
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