2021 RAM 1500 oil change

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL115
Up And Down Arrow Buttons:
Using the up or down arrow button allows
you to cycle through the Main Menu Items.
Left And Right Arrow Buttons:
Using the left or right arrow button allows
you to cycle through the submenu items of the
Main menu item.
NOTE:
Holding the up / down or left /
right arrow buttons will loop the user
through the currently selected menu or
options presented on the screen.
Main menu and submenus wrap for contin -
uous scrolling.
Upon returning to a main menu, the last
submenu screen viewed within that main
menu will be displayed.
OK Button:
For Digital Speedometer:
Pushing the OK button changes units (mph or
km/h).
For Screen Setup:
OK button allows user to enter menu and
submenus.
Within each submenu layer, the up and
down arrow buttons will allow the user to
select the item of interest.
Pushing the OK button makes the selection
and a confirmation screen will appear
(returning the user to the first page of the
submenu).
Pushing the left arrow button will exit each
submenu layer and return to the main menu.
OIL LIFE RESET
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The “Oil Change
Required” message will display in the
instrument cluster display for five seconds after
a single chime has sounded, to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil
change indicator system is duty cycle based,
which means the engine oil change interval may
fluctuate, dependent upon your personal
driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to
display each time you place the ignition in the
ON/RUN position. To turn off the message
temporarily, push and release the OK or arrow
buttons. To reset the oil change indicator
system (after performing the scheduled
maintenance), refer to the following procedure:
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the
ENGINE START/STOP button and place the
ignition in the ON/RUN position (do not
start the engine).

2. Push and release the down arrow button
to scroll downward through the main menu
to “Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release the right arrow button
to access the ”Oil Life” screen.
4. Push and hold the OK button to reset oil life.
If conditions are met, the gauge and
numeric display will update to show 100%.
If conditions are not met a pop up message
of “To reset oil life engine must be off with
ignition in run” will be displayed (for five
seconds), and the user will remain at the Oil
Life screen.
5. Push and release the up or down
arrow button to exit the submenu screen.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator
system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this
procedure.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL119
Custom 1: Speed, Speed Limit
Custom 2: Speed, Speed Limit, Naviga-
tion
Custom 3 : Speed, Speed Limit, Naviga-
tion, Driver Assist (ACC/Cruise, Lane -
Sense, Highway Assist/Highway Assist+)
Custom 4 : Speed, Speed Limit, Naviga-
tion, Driver Assist (ACC/Cruise, Lane -
Sense, Highway Assist/Highway Assist+),
Gear
Display Height
Brightness
NOTE:
The HUD basic settings (Brightness, Display
Height and Non Custom layouts), are controlled
through the Settings Screen in the Instrument
Cluster Ú page 114. Screen Setup Driver Selectable Items
Push and release the
up or down arrow
button until the Settings Menu Icon/Title is
highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
Push and release the OK button to enter the
sub-menus and follow the prompts on the
screen as needed. The Settings feature allows
you to change what information is displayed in
the instrument cluster as well as the location
that information is displayed.
NOTE:
The Settings feature is only available when the
vehicle speed is less than 5 mph.
Upper Left
None
Compass
Outside Temp
Time
Range To Empty
Average Econ
Current Econ
Trip A Distance
Trip B Distance
Trailer Trip – If Equipped
Trailer Brake – If Equipped
Oil Pressure – If Equipped
Coolant Temp – If Equipped
Oil Temperature – If Equipped
Battery Voltage – If Equipped
Transmission Temperature – If Equipped
Oil Life – If Equipped
Upper Center
None
Compass
Outside Temp
Time
Range To Empty
Average Econ
Current Econ
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122GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your
vehicle or engine. Refer to the following
messages that may be displayed on your
instrument cluster:
Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at
Highway Speeds to Remedy — This message
will be displayed in the instrument cluster if
the exhaust particulate filter reaches 80% of
its maximum storage capacity. Under condi -
tions of exclusive short duration and low
speed driving cycles, your diesel engine and
exhaust after-treatment system may never
reach the conditions required to cleanse the
filter to remove the trapped PM. If this
occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely
Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy”
message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster display. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting
you of this condition. By simply driving your
vehicle at highway speeds for up to
20 minutes, you can remedy the condition in
the particulate filter system and allow your
diesel engine and exhaust after-treatment
system to cleanse the filter to remove the
trapped PM and restore the system to normal
operating condition.
Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — This message indi-
cates that the DPF is self-cleaning. Maintain
your current driving condition until regenera -
tion is completed.
Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed
— This message indicates that the DPF
self-cleaning is completed. If this message is
displayed, you will hear one chime to assist in
alerting you of this condition.
Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer Now
— This messages indicates regeneration has
been disabled due to a system malfunction.
At this point the engine Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) will register a fault code, the
instrument panel will display a MIL light.
Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likelihood
of permanent damage to the after-treatment
system. If this condition is not corrected and
a dealer service is not performed, extensive
exhaust after-treatment damage can occur.
To correct this condition it will be necessary
to have your vehicle serviced by an autho -
rized dealer.
NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent the
diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and reduced
engine power. Only an authorized dealer will be
able to correct this condition.
CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to the
exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
CAUTION!
See an authorized dealer, as damage to the
exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.

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STARTING AND OPERATING149
NOTE:
Under certain conditions the engine fan will run
after the engine is turned off. These conditions
are under high load and high temperature
conditions.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
If the low oil pressure warning light turns on
while driving, stop the vehicle and shut down
the engine as soon as possible. A chime will
sound when the light turns on. NOTE:
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much
oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed
Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Some important observations are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely
Sudden loss of power
Unusual engine noises
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
Sudden change, outside the normal operating
range, in the engine operating temperature
Excessive smoke
Oil pressure drop
Driving Condition
Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine
Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolNone
Stop and Go Medium 0.5
Highway Speeds MediumWarm 1.0
City Traffic Maximum GCWR 1.5
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR 2.0
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR Hot2.5
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal
readings, shut the engine off immediately.
Failure to do so could result in immediate and
severe engine damage.
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150STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

Engine Block Heater Cord Location

The engine block heater warms engine coolant
and permits quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault
interrupter protected 110–115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire
extension cord.
For diesel engines, its use is recommended for
environments that routinely fall below -10°F
(-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has
not been running for long periods of time and
should be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its
use is required for cold starts with temperatures
under -20°F (-28°C). To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally powered
electric engine block heater (available from an
authorized dealer) is recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under
the hood on the passenger side of the vehicle
next to the engine coolant reservoir.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE 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
acceleration 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
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Ú
page 475.
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.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING151
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The 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.
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.
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
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Ú
page 475.
NOTE:
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers
simple operation, and some additional features
that make the parking brake more convenient
and useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is applied. Also, be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK.
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
Manually, by applying the parking brake
switch.
Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park
Brake feature in the customer programmable
features section of the Uconnect settings. The parking brake switch is located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering
wheel (below the headlamp switch).

Electric Park Brake Switch

To apply the parking brake manually, pull up on
the switch momentarily. You may hear a slight
sound from the back of the vehicle while the
parking brake engages. Once the park brake is
fully engaged, the BRAKE telltale light in the
instrument cluster and an indicator on the
switch will illuminate. If your foot is on the brake
pedal while you apply the parking brake, you
may notice a small amount of brake pedal
movement. The parking brake can be applied
even when the ignition switch is OFF but the
BRAKE telltale light will not illuminate, however,
it can only be released when the ignition is in
the ON/RUN mode.
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SAFETY371
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the lug nut/bolt torque for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold
inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
EXHAUST GAS The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have an authorized dealer inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for
broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, inspect the exhaust system each time
the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you
unconscious and can eventually poison you.
To avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety
tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or
in confined areas any longer than needed
to move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/
liftgate/rear doors open, make sure that all
windows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO
NOT use the recirculation mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle
with the engine running, adjust your
heating or cooling controls to force outside
air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high
speed.
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395
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change
indicator 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, and extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the
“Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe operating conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate 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
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change
is performed by someone other than an authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under
Instrument Cluster Display Ú
page 114.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 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:
Vehicles that are operated in a dusty and
off-road environment, or predominately at idle
or very low engine RPM are known as Severe
Duty vehicles. It is recommended that you
change the engine oil at 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) or 350 hours of engine run time.
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, and fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights.
MAINTENANCE PLAN
Refer to the Maintenance Plan for required
maintenance. 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.
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