2021 RAM 1500 oil filter

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE413
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within
10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn the filter
drain valve (located on the bottom of the filter
housing) counterclockwise to drain fuel/water,
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 by turning it
clockwise, and turn the ignition switch to OFF.
If more than two ounces or 60 milliliters of fuel
have been drained Úpage 414.
UNDERBODY MOUNTED FUEL FILTER
R
EPLACEMENT — DIESEL ENGINE
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet FCA’s filtra-
tion and water separating requirements can
severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
Under normal conditions the diesel fuel filter
should be replaced every 20,000 miles (every
other oil change). If the vehicle is being used in
severe operating conditions, or In certain
geographical areas of the country (Pennsyl -
vania, New York, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia,
Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska) due to fuel cleanliness’ issues,
it’s recommended to replace the fuel filter every
10,000 miles.

Fuel Filter Assembly
1. Turn engine off.

2. Place a drain pan under the fuel filter
assembly.
3. Open the water drain valve, and let any accumulated water drain.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove bottom cover using a strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for removal.
Remove the used o-ring and discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of it according to your
local regulations.
7. Wipe the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing clean.
8. Install a new o-ring into the ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean
engine oil.
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.
1 — Water In Fuel Drain Valve
2 — Fuel Filter Access
8

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 413

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE415
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known
simply by the name of its active component,
UREA—is a key component of Selective Catalytic
Reduction (SCR) systems, which help diesel
vehicles meet stringent emission regulations.
DEF is a liquid reducing agent that reacts with
engine exhaust in the presence of a catalyst to
convert smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx)
into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
Refer to Engine Fluids And Lubricants
Úpage 475 for further information.
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.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling —
R–1234yf
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. It is recommended
that air conditioning service be performed by an
authorized dealer using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:
Use only FCA approved A/C system PAG
compressor oil, and refrigerants.
Cabin Filter Replacement (A/C Air Filter)
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 395.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by FCA for your air condi -
tioning system. Some unapproved
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.
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!
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.
8

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 415

426SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives
FCA strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired
by supplemental additives. Therefore, do not
add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required, therefore the transmission has no
dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit an authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an
improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not
required. However, change the fluid and filter if
the fluid becomes contaminated (with water,
etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for
any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use only the
recommended transmission fluid
Úpage 478.
It is important to maintain the transmission fluid
at the correct level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
REAR AXLE AND 4X4 FRONT DRIVING
A
XLE FLUID LEVEL
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks
are not required. When the vehicle is serviced
for other reasons the exterior surfaces of the
axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level
Ú page 478. This inspection should be made
with the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the fill hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of
hole) for the front axle and rear axle.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An
authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder
Ú page 478.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 426

472TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BIODIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting
ASTM specification D975 is recommended for
use with your diesel engine. If frequent
operation with Biodiesel blends that are
between 6% and 20% (B6–B20) is desired, the
maintenance schedule is subject to shorter
intervals.
The oil and filter change along with fuel filter
replacement is subject to shorter intervals
when operating your engine on biodiesel
greater than 5%. Do not use biodiesel greater
than 20%.
For regular use of biodiesel blends between 6%
and 20% (B6–B20) it is important that you
understand and comply with these
requirements. For further direction
Úpage 403. Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable
resources typically derived from animal fat,
rapeseed oil (Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME)
base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl Ester (SME or
SOME) base).
Biodiesel fuel has inherent limitations which
require that you understand and adhere to the
following requirements if you use blends of
Biodiesel between 6% and 20% (B6–B20).
There are no unique restrictions for the use of
B5.
Biodiesel Fuel Properties — Low Ambient
Temperatures
Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient
temperatures, which may pose problems for
both storage and operation. Precautions can be
necessary at low ambient temperatures, such
as storing the fuel in a heated building or a
heated storage tank, or using cold temperature
additives.
CAUTION!
Failure to comply with Oil Change
requirements for vehicles operating on
biodiesel blends between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20) will result in premature engine
wear. Such wear is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Use of blends greater than 20% is not
approved. Use of blends greater than 20%
can result in engine damage. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
In the event that the vehicle is filled with
biodiesel and not used for more than a
month, the fuel should either be used up by
driving (up to quarter tank) and filled with
standard diesel blends with less than 5% that
is normally available. This will help prevent
the fuel filter clogging and potential damage
to the fuel injection system due to degraded
biodiesel, which is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 472

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS473
Fuel Quality — Must Comply With ASTM
Standards
The quality of Biodiesel fuel may vary widely.
Only fuel produced by a BQ9000 supplier to the
following specifications may be blended to
meet Biodiesel blend B6 – B20 fuel meeting
ASTM specification D-7467:
Petrodiesel fuel meeting ASTM specification
D-975 and Biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting ASTM
specification D-6751
Fuel Oxidation Stability — Must Use Fuel
Within Six Months Of Manufacture
Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability which
can result in long term storage problems. Fuel
produced to approved ASTM standards, if
stored properly, provides for protection against
fuel oxidation for up to six months.
Fuel Water Separation — Must Use Mopar
Approved Fuel Filter Elements
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and
water accelerates microbial growth. Your Mopar
filtration system is designed to provide
adequate fuel water separation capabilities.
Fuel In Oil Dilution — Must Adhere To
Required Oil Change Interval
Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been
observed with the use of Biodiesel fuel. Fuel in
oil must not exceed 5%. To ensure this limit is
met your oil change interval must be
maintained with in the suggested schedule. The
regular use of biodiesel between 6% and 20%
requires intervals shorter than the outlined
10,000 miles (16,100 km) and must not
exceed the suggested schedule. When routinely
operating on biodiesel between 6% and 20%, oil
and filter replacement intervals must not
exceed 8,000 Miles (12,900 km) or six months,
which ever comes first.
Biodiesel Fuel Filter Change Intervals
The use of biodiesel requires more frequent fuel
filter change intervals. When operating on
biodiesel between 6% and 20%, fuel filter
replacement intervals should be every second
oil change, and must not exceed 16,000 miles
(25,750 km).
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km) or
six months, if regular operation occurs with 6%
- 20% biodiesel blends. Under no circumstances
should fuel filter replacement intervals exceed
every second oil change and must not exceed
16,000 miles (25,750 km), if regular operation
occurs with 6% - 20% biodiesel blends. Failure
to comply with these oil change and fuel filter
requirements for vehicles operating on
biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in prema -
ture engine wear. Such wear is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The engine
may suffer severe damage if operated with
concentrations of biodiesel higher than 20%.
9

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474TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
USMetric
Fuel (Approximate)
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew Quad Cab Models 23 Gallons87 Liters
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew Quad Cab Models 26 Gallons98 Liters
1500 Regular Cab Longbed/Crew Quad Cab Models (Optional) 33 Gallons121 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.6L Engine 5 Quarts4.7 Liters
5.7L Engine 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
Cooling System
3.6L Engine 13.7 Quarts13 Liters
3.6L Motor Generator Unit 1.8 Quarts1.7 Liters
5.7L Engine 18.3 Quarts17.3 Liters
Fuel (Approximate)
3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine 26 Gallons98.5 Liters
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank
Tradesman/Rebel Models 5.14 Gallons19.5 Liters
All Other Models 5.74 Gallons21.7 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine 8.5 Quarts8.0 Liters
Cooling System
3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine 11.6 Quarts11 Liters

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 474

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS475
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Gas Engine CoolantWe recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Motor Generator Unit – 3.6L Engine (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 0W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-6395 such as Mopar, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil
filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-6395 such as Mopar, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil
filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Gas Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use Mopar brand engine oil filters.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane (R+M)/2 Method, 0-15% ethanol (Do not use E-85).
Fuel Selection – 5.7L Engines 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable (R+M)/2 Method, 0-15% ethanol (Do not
use E-85).
Diesel Engine Coolant We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil — 3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine We recommend you use 5W-40
synthetic engine oil such as Mopar that meets FCA Material
Standard MS-12991 and the API SN engine oil category is required.
Diesel Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use Mopar engine oil filters.
Using an oil filter that does not meet FCA’s
filtration requirements can severely impact engine life and reliability.
9

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476TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Fuel Filters — 3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine We recommend you use Mopar fuel filter. Must meet 3 micron rating. Using a fuel filter that
does not meet FCA’s filtration and water separating requirements can severely impact fuel
system life and reliability.
Under normal conditions the diesel fuel filter should be replaced
every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) (every other oil change). If the vehicle is being used in severe
operating conditions, or In certain geographical areas of the country (Pennsylvania, New York,
Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska)
due to fuel cleanliness issues, it’s recommended to replace the fuel filter every 10,000 miles
(16,000 km).
Fuel Selection — 3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in your vehicle. Federal law requires that
you must fuel this vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15 ppm Sulfur maximum)
and prohibits the use of Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum) to avoid
damage to the emissions control system.
For most year-round service, Number 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM specification D-975 Grade
S15 will provide good performance. We recommend you use a blend of up to 5% biodiesel,
meeting ASTM specification D-975 with your diesel engine.
This vehicle is compatible with biodiesel blends greater than 5% but no greater than 20%
biodiesel meeting ASTM specification D-7467 provided the shortened maintenance intervals
are followed as directed.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Mopar Diesel Exhaust Fluid (API Certified) (DEF) or equivalent that has been API Certified to
the ISO 22241 standard. Use of fluids not API Certified to ISO 22241 may result in system
damage.
Component
Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part

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