2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB adding oil

6
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 273
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 273
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...274
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 281
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................281 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ..........................................284
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 292
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....292
Important Safety Precautions ...................293Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 293Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...302Child Restraints..........................................312
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 330
Transporting Passengers ..........................330
Transporting Pets ......................................330
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................330 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................332 Exhaust Gas ...............................................333Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................333
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .......................334
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 335
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ........................339
4500/5500 Models .................................. 339Preparations For Jacking........................... 339
Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ............................................... 340 To Stow The Flat Or Spare —
If Equipped ................................................ 343 Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ... 343
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 344
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 344Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 345
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .........................346
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 347
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 348
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................349
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................350 Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 351
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 351Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 352
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................. 352
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................352
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE ................................................................ 353
Maintenance Plan ..................................... 354
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 357
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel.......................................................... 357 Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel ......................................................... 358 Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine ....................................................... 359
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 364
6.4L Engine ............................................... 364
6.7L Engine ................................................ 365
Checking Oil Level ..................................... 366
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 366Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 366Pressure Washing...................................... 367
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................. 367
Engine Oil .................................................. 368
Engine Oil Filter.......................................... 369
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................... 369
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................... 371
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............... 374Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter....... 375Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement.............................................. 376

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL87
4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some
oil pressure when the engine is running.
A continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme-
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. 6. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge

The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. DEF
is required to maintain normal vehicle
operation and emissions compliance. If
something is wrong with the gauge, a DEF
Warning Message or Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) will be displayed. More informa
-
tion is available in the instrument cluster
display section under the heading of DEF
Warning Messages.

7. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel filler door is located. NOTE:
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of DEF
to the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to
the DEF system, the gauge may not update to
the new level. See an authorized dealer for
service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
heater will possibly warm up the DEF fluid
and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is
possible that the gauge may not reflect the
new fill level for several drives.
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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 MAINTENANCE389
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the
fluid level on both sides. The fluid level
reading is only valid if there is a solid
coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full
of fluid if the actual level is at or above the
hole. The fluid level should be between the
“HOT” (upper) reference holes on the
dipstick at normal operating temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the
dipstick tube to bring it to the proper level.
Do not overfill. Use ONLY the specified fluid
Ú page 444. After adding any quantity of oil
through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum
of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE:

If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the
dipstick with the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only
use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough refer -
ence when setting the fluid level after a transmis -sion service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level,
and adjust as required, once the transmission
reaches normal operating temperature.

8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks.
Release the parking brake.
NOTE:

If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at 68-86°F / 20-30°C. Only use the
COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference
when setting the fluid level after a transmission
service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and
adjust as required, once the transmission reaches
normal operating temperature.

Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
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.

Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed
Transmission
For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 354.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.),
or if the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C)
it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough
to produce an accurate reading. Run the
engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C)
it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough
to produce an accurate reading. Run the
engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.
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451
Belts, Seat
..................................................... 330Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................262Body Builders Guide........................................ 10Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 380B-Pillar Location............................................. 411Brake Assist System...................................... 274Brake Control System.................................... 274Brake Fluid.......................................... 387, 444Brake System...................................... 387, 431Fluid Check............................................... 387Master Cylinder......................................... 387Parking...................................................... 137Warning Light............................................ 107Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 141Bulb Replacement......................................... 401Bulbs, Light.......................................... 332, 401
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights.............................. 405Camera.......................................................... 186Camera, AUX........................................ 188, 194Camera, Rear...................................... 186, 189Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 439Capacities, Fluid............................................ 439Caps, FillerOil (Engine)................................................ 364Power Steering.......................................... 163Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 385
Car Washes................................................... 428Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 333Cargo Light....................................................... 54CD................................................................. 255Cellular Phone.............................................. 269Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 405Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 67Changing A Flat Tire...................................... 339Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 386Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 407Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light).............................................. 117Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 330Checks, Safety.............................................. 330Child Restraint.............................................. 312Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 315Child Seat Installation..................... 323, 325How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 322Infant And Child Restraints....................... 313Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 320Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 317Older Children And Child Restraints......... 314Seating Positions...................................... 316Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 433CleaningWheels..................................................... 421Climate Control................................................ 58Automatic.................................................... 59Manual........................................................ 62
Cold Weather Operation................................ 122Compact Spare Tire...................................... 419Contract, Service........................................... 446Controls........................................................ 247Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 385Cooling System............................................. 383Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 384Coolant Level................................... 384, 386Cooling Capacity....................................... 439Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 385Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 384Inspection................................................. 386Points To Remember................................ 386Pressure Cap............................................ 385Radiator Cap............................................. 385Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 384, 440Corrosion Protection..................................... 427Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 164, 166Cruise Light................................................... 115Customer Assistance.................................... 445Cybersecurity................................................ 220
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................51Dealer Service............................................... 367Defroster, Rear Window...................................62Defroster, Windshield............................ 62, 331Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................57Deleting A Phone........................................... 262Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 116
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453
Fluid Level Checks Brake
........................................................ 387Power Steering.......................................... 163Fog Lights............................................... 53, 404Fold Flat Load Floor......................................... 70Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 33Forward Collision Warning............................. 281Four Wheel Drive........................................... 153Four-Way Hazard Flasher............................... 334Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 349Front Axle (Differential).................................. 390Fuel............................................ 196, 433, 436Adding....................................................... 195Additives................................................... 434Clean Air.................................................... 433Diesel.............................................. 196, 436Ethanol...................................................... 434Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................................... 196Filter................................................ 375, 440Gasoline.................................................... 433Light.......................................................... 111Materials Added........................................ 434Methanol................................................... 434Octane Rating........................................... 433Requirements................................. 433, 436Specifications............................................ 436Tank Capacity............................................ 439Fuses............................................................. 394
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)..................... 47Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap).............................. 196Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 433Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 433GaugesVoltage..................................................... 128Gear Ranges................................................. 147Gear Selector Override................................. 347Glass Cleaning.............................................. 430Gross Axle Weight Rating.............................. 201Gross Vehicle Weight Rating......................... 201GuideBody Builders.............................................. 10GVWR............................................................ 199
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 218Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 334Head Restraints............................................... 38Head Rests...................................................... 38Headlights.................................................... 402Automatic High Beam.................................. 52Cleaning................................................... 427High Beam................................................... 51Lights On Reminder..................................... 53Passing........................................................ 52Switch.......................................................... 50
Heated Mirrors.................................................46Heated Seats...................................................37Hill Descent Control...................................... 278Hill Descent Control Indicator....................... 278Hill Start Assist.............................................. 280HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 204HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................47Hood Prop........................................................79Hood Release...................................................79Hub Caps...................................................... 343
I
Idle-Up Feature............................................. 132Ignition.............................................................18Switch..........................................................18Illuminated Entry..............................................56Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 41, 42, 335Instrument Cluster...................... 85, 86, 88, 89Descriptions.............................................. 115Display.........................................................90Engine Oil Reset..........................................91Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning................... 429Integrated Trailer Brake Control.................... 207Interior Appearance Care.............................. 428Interior Lights...................................................55Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)..................57Intervention Regeneration Strategy..... 101, 379Inverter Outlet (115V)......................................74
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