2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB maintenance

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE361
Replace the engine fuel filter. X X X X X X X X X X
Replace the chassis mounted
fuel filter. X X X X X X X X X
X
Inspect the front and rear axle
surfaces. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid
level. If using your vehicle for
police, taxi, fleet, off-road or
frequent trailer towing change
the axle fluid.
3
Inspect the transfer case fluid
(4x4), change for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. X
XXX X
Change the transfer case fluid
(4x4). X
X
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114
120

Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
8

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 361

362SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Change automatic
transmission fluid (AS69RC
transmission only). X
XXX X

Change the automatic
transmission fluid and sump filter
(AS69RC transmission only).
X
X
Change automatic
transmission fluid and filter(s)
(AS69RC transmission only). X
Replace Crankcase Ventilation
Filter (CCV). X
X
Flush and replace power
steering fluid. X
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114
120

Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 362

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE363
(Continued)

Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Retain all receipts.
Flush and replace engine
coolant. ***

X
1. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months or 500 Hours, whichever comes first.
2. Under no circumstances should the engine air cleaner filter exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, whichever comes first.
3. Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces every 20,000 miles (32,000 km). If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level. If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or
frequent trailer towing change the axle fluid every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114
120

Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
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 malfunc -
tion and effect vehicle handling and perfor -
mance. This could cause an accident.

WARNING! (Continued)CAUTION!

***The manufacturer highly recommends that
all cooling system service, maintenance, and
repairs be performed by an authorized dealer.
8

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 363

364SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
6.4L ENGINE
1 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Battery
2 — Engine Coolant Pressure Reservoir 7 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Power Steering Reservoir Cap
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 364

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE365
6.7L ENGINE
1 — Battery 7 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
2 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap 8 — Battery
3 — Engine Coolant Pressure Reservoir 9 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
5 — Engine Oil Dipstick 11 — Power Steering Reservoir Cap
6 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 12 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
8

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 365

366SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine
oil must be maintained at the correct level.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as
every fuel stop. The best time to check the
engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the
low end of the range and MAX at the high end
of the range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at
the MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:
Always maintain the oil level within the cross -
hatch markings on the dipstick. Adding 1 quart (1 liter) of oil when the reading is
at the low end of the dipstick range will raise the
oil level to the high end of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID

The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and
should be checked for fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe the wiper blades clean. This will help
blade performance.

To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer
system in cold weather, select a solution or
mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature
range of your climate. This rating information
can be found on most washer fluid containers.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the
defroster for a few minutes to reduce the
possibility of smearing or freezing the fluid on
the cold windshield. Windshield washer solution
used with water as directed on the container,
aids cleaning action, reduces the freezing point
to avoid line clogging, and is not harmful to
paint or trim.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free
battery. You will never have to add water, and
periodic maintenance is not required.

CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause oil aeration or loss of oil pressure.
This could damage your engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling
or working around the washer solution.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 366

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE367
NOTE:
Replacement batteries should both be of equal
capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle's
charging system.
PRESSURE WASHING
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
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.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water Úpage 345.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output greater
than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces -
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables
on the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the nega -
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and
negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle
battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
CAUTION!
Precautions have been taken to safeguard
all parts and connections however, the
pressures generated by these machines is
such that complete protection against water
ingress cannot be guaranteed.
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.
8

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 367

368SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
ENGINE OIL
Engine Oil Selection — Gasoline 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 requirements of
FCA Material Standard MS-12633.

NOTE:
Hemi engines (6.4L) at times can tick right after
startup and then quiet down after approxi -
mately 30 seconds. This is normal and will not
harm the engine. This characteristic can be
caused by short drive cycles. For example, if the
vehicle is started then shut off after driving a
short distance. Upon restarting, you may experi -
ence a ticking sound. Other causes could be if
the vehicle is unused for an extended period of
time, incorrect oil, extended oil changes or
extended idling. If the engine continues to tick
or if the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes
on, see the nearest authorized dealer.
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 requirements of FCA US LLC. Use Mopar or an
equivalent 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

This symbol means that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). The manufacturer only
recommends API Certified engine oils.

This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30,
5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
For diesel engines, oils with a high ash content
may produce damaging deposits on cylinder
head valves and/or after-treatment system
damage. A maximum sulfated ash content of
1.00 mass % is recommended for all oil used in
the engine.
The same oil change interval is to be followed
for synthetic oil as for petroleum-based oil. Also,
synthetic oil must meet the same performance
specifications as petroleum oil.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the
recommended oil quality requirements are met,
and the recommended maintenance intervals
for oil and filter changes are followed.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the
engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE
viscosity grade number should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against the addition of any additives (other than
leak detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil
is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil
as the chemicals can damage your engine.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 368