2020 Ram 3500 maintenance

404SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And
Replacement — Gas Engine
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or
debris, if you find evidence of either dirt or
debris you should change your air cleaner filter.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. With suitable tool fully loosen (six)
fasteners on air cleaner filter.

Air Cleaner Filter

2. Lift the air cleaner cover to access the air cleaner filter. 3. Remove the air cleaner filter element from
the housing assembly.

Open Air Cleaner Filter Assembly

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:
Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is
present before replacing the air filter element.

1. Install the air cleaner filter element into the housing assembly with the air cleaner filter
inspection surface facing downward.

2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the housing assembly.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove
the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no
one is near the engine compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction
system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed.
Failure to do so can result in serious personal
injury.
1 — Fasteners
2 — Air Hose Clamp
3 — Air Cleaner Cover
1 — Air Cleaner Cover
2 — Air Cleaner Filter

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE405
(Continued)
3. Tighten the fasteners (six) on the air cleaner filter assembly
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and
Replacement — Diesel Engine
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or
debris, if you find evidence of either dirt or
debris you should change your air cleaner filter.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. Remove the screws from the air cleaner cover.

Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2. Lift the air cleaner cover to access the air
cleaner filter.
3. Remove the air cleaner filter element from the housing assembly.

Air Cleaner Filter

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:
Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is
present before replacing the air filter element.

1. Install the air cleaner filter element into the housing assembly with the air cleaner filter
inspection surface facing downward.
2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the
housing assembly locating tabs.
3. Install screws to secure the air cleaner cover to the housing assembly.AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air
conditioner should be checked and serviced by
an authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
1 — Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2 — Screws
1 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Air Cleaner Filter Inspection SurfaceWARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap -
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
Refer to Warranty Information Book, for
further warranty information.7

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406SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling —
R-134a — (If Equipped)
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that is an
ozone-friendly substance. The manufacturer
recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by an authorized dealer or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment. NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling —
R-1234yf — (If Equipped)
R–1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a
hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an
ozone-friendly substance with a low
global-warming potential. The manufacturer
recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by an authorized dealer using
recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil, and refrigerants.
Cabin Filter Replacement (A/C Air Filter)
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
The cabin air filter is located in the fresh air inlet
behind the glove compartment. Perform the
following procedure to replace the filter:

1. Open the glove compartment and remove
all contents.

2. With the glove compartment door open, remove the glove compartment tension
tether and tether clip by sliding the clip
toward the face of the glove compartment
door. Lift the clip out of glove compartment
door and release into dash panel.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING! (Continued)WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the
vehicle is running, or while the ignition is in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. With the cabin air
filter removed and the blower operating, the
blower can contact hands and may propel dirt
and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE407

Right Side Of Glove Compartment

3. There are travel stops on both sides of the glove compartment. Push inward on right
side of the glove compartment travel stop to
disengage the stop. Then pull the right of
the glove compartment outward (away from
the hinge) to disengaging the right side of
the compartment from the hinge. Continue
by removing the left side from the hinge by
slightly lowering the compartment while
pulling outward until it is completely
disengaged from the hinge.
Glove Compartment

4. Remove the filter cover by pushing in on the finger tabs on each end of the filter cover.

Filter Cover Filter Cover Removal

5. Remove the cabin air filter by pulling it straight out of the housing.

Cabin Air Filter

1 — Glove Compartment Door
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether1 — Glove Compartment Travel Stop
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether
3 — Glove Compartment Door1 — Finger Tabs
7

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408SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
6. Install the cabin air filter with the arrow on
the filter pointing toward the floor. When
installing the filter cover, press on each end
until you hear an audible click.
7. Reinstall the glove compartment on the hinges.
8. Pull the tension tether outward and reinstall the glove compartment past the travel stops
by pushing in on the glove compartment
sides.
Right Side Of Glove Compartment

NOTE:
Ensure the glove compartment door hinges and
glove compartment travel stops are fully
engaged. 9. Reattach the glove compartment tension
tether by inserting the tether clip in the
glove compartment and sliding the clip
away from the face of the glove
compartment door.
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT INSPECTIONCAUTION!
The cabin air filter is identified with an arrow
to indicate airflow direction through the filter.
Failure to properly install the filter will result
in the need to replace it more often.
1 — Glove Compartment Travel Stop
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether
3 — Glove Compartment Door
WARNING!
Do not attempt to inspect an accessory
drive belt with vehicle running.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time regardless of ignition mode. You could
be injured by the moving fan blades.
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 compe -
tent mechanic.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE409
When inspecting accessory drive belts, small
cracks that run across ribbed surface of belt
from rib to rib, are considered normal. These
are not a reason to replace belt. However,
cracks running along a rib (not across) are not
normal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib
must be replaced. Also have the belt replaced if
it has excessive wear, frayed cords or severe
glazing.

Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)

Conditions that would require replacement:
Rib chunking (one or more ribs has sepa -
rated from belt body)
Rib or belt wear
Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between
two ribs)
Belt slips
“Groove jumping" (belt does not maintain
correct position on pulley)
Belt broken (note: identify and correct
problem before new belt is installed)
Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or
rumble is heard or felt while drive belt is in
operation)
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty
component such as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys
should be carefully inspected for damage and
proper alignment.
Belt replacement on some models requires the
use of special tools, we recommend having your
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
DRAINING FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR
F
ILTER — DIESEL ENGINE
There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is
located on the driver's side of the engine. The
best access to this water drain valve is from
under the hood. The second one is on the under
body, located in front of the rear axle above the
drive shaft on pick-up models. The Chassis Cab models second filter location is on the frame
behind the front axle. The best access to this
water drain valve is from under the vehicle.
If water is detected in the water separator while
the engine is running, or while the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the “Water In Fuel
Indicator Light” will illuminate and an audible
chime will be heard five times. At this point you
should stop the engine and drain the water from
both of the filters.
CAUTION!
Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter
when the engine is running.
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains
on, DO NOT START the engine before you
drain water from the fuel filters to avoid
engine damage.
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410SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes on
and a single chime is heard while you are
driving, or with the ignition switch in the ON
position, there may be a problem with your
water separator wiring or sensor. See an
authorized dealer for service.

Upon proper draining of the water from both fuel
filters, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will
remain illuminated for approximately 10 seconds.
If the water was drained while the engine was
running, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” may
remain on for approximately three minutes.

NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately
discarded, can present a problem to the envi -
ronment. Contact an authorized dealer, service
station, or government agency for advice on
recycling programs and for where used fluids
and filters can be properly disposed of in your
area. Drain the fuel/water separator filters when the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within
10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn the
engine mounted filter drain valve (located on
the side of the filter assembly)
counterclockwise 1/4 turn, and turn the under
body mounted filter drain valve (located on the
bottom of the filter assembly) counterclockwise
wise 1 full turn. Then turn the ignition switch to
the ON position, and allow any accumulated
water to drain. Leave the drain valve open until
all water and contaminants have been
removed. When clean fuel is visible, close the
drain valve following these guidelines:

1. Rotate the drain clockwise to close until
you feel resistance from the internal seal.

2. Continue turning the drain 1/2 of a turn to properly compress the seal.
NOTE:
Over-compression of the seal due to over-tight -
ening of the drain will damage the seal, cause a
leak, and require the entire sensor to be
replaced.
3. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. The sensor drain should not be over-tightened
during normal service operations to avoid
internal damage and future fuel leaks. The
drain should be closed and secured without the
use of tools.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of fuel
have been drained, follow the directions for
“Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel.”
ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER
R
EPLACEMENT — DIESEL ENGINE
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer's filtration and water sepa -
rating requirements can severely impact fuel
system life and reliability.
The engine mounted filter housing is
equipped with a No-Filter-No-Run (NFNR)
feature. Engine will not run if:
a. No filter is installed.
b. Inferior/Non-approved filter is used. Use of OEM filter is required to ensure vehicle
will run.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE411

Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly
1. Ensure engine is turned off.

2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain
hose.
3. Open the water drain valve a quarter turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel
and water into the approved container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for removal.
Remove used o-ring and discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your
local regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing. 8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on
the filter housing and lubricate with clean
engine oil.
9. Remove new filter cartridge from plastic bag and install into housing.
NOTE:
Do not remove cartridge from bag until you
reach this step in order to keep cartridge clean.
10. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated. Do not pre-fill the filter
housing with fuel.
11. Install lid onto housing and tighten to 22.5 ft lbs (30.5 N.m). Do not overtighten
the lid.
12. Prime the engine using the procedure in “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel.”
Then start the engine and confirm there are
no leaks.
1 — Drain Valve
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a
new fuel filter. There is a possibility debris
could be introduced into the fuel filter
during this action. It is best to install the
filter dry and allow the in-tank lift pump to
prime the fuel system.
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