2022 RAM 1500 Owners Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE407
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 crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1.0 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.
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.
8

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 407

408SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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.
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 384.
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 accesso -
ries 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 negative 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.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 408

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE409
ENGINE OIL — GAS ENGINE
Engine Oil Selection — Gasoline Engine
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluids
Úpage 473.
NOTE:Hemi engines (5.7L) at times can tick right after
startup and then quiet down after approximately
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 experience 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
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluids
Úpage 473.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Approved Engine Oil
These symbols mean that the oil has been certified
by the API. The manufacturer only recommends API
trademark oils.
The API Starburst trademark certifies
0W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30 engine oils.
The API Donut trademark certifies 0W-40
and 5W-40 engine oil.
Synthetic Engine Oils
Your engine was designed for synthetic engine oils,
only use synthetic API approved engine oils.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the
correct API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity
grade numbers 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.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine
oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil
filters, indiscriminately discarded, can present a
problem to the environment. Contact an
authorized dealer, service station or governmental
agency for advice on how and where used oil and
oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new
filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should be used
for replacement. The quality of replacement filters
varies considerably. Only high quality Mopar®
certified filters should be used.
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.
8

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 409

410SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 394.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality Mopar® certified
filters should be used.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And
Replacement — Except G/T Model
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or
debris, if you find evidence of either dirt or debris
you should change your engine air cleaner filter. Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

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

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

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

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

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

2. Install the engine air cleaner filter cover onto the housing assembly.
3. Tighten the fasteners (six) on the engine air cleaner filter 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 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 410

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE411
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And
Replacement — G/T Model
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or
debris, if you find evidence of either dirt or debris
you should clean your engine air cleaner filter per
the recommended procedure or replace it.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. Release and remove the engine cover from
ball studs by lifting up on each side edge of
the engine cover.

Engine Cover
2. With suitable tool fully loosen (four) fasteners
on the engine air cleaner filter cover.
3. Remove the engine air cleaner filter cover from the engine air cleaner filter assembly.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Assembly

4. Remove the engine air cleaner filter from the vehicle.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter

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

1. Install the engine air cleaner filter onto the engine air cleaner filter assembly.

2. Install the engine air cleaner filter cover onto the engine air cleaner filter assembly.
3. Tighten the fasteners (four) on the engine air cleaner filter assembly.
4. Install the engine cover.
1 — Engine Cover Ball Stud Location
2 — Engine Cover1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Fasteners
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
8

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 411

412SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
G/T AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Clean Engine Air Filter
The scheduled air filter cleaning interval is 30,
000 miles (48,280 km), or if in a dusty
environment the engine air filter should be
checked periodically to ensure optimal air flow.

1. Spray the air filter with the recommended
Mopar® air filter cleaner or apply mild
dishwashing detergent and water and let sit
for at least 10 minutes to loosen dir before
rinsing.

NOTE:Never use strong detergents, high pressure, or
gasoline on the air filter.
2. Rinse the air filter with cool low-pressure water applied from the inside (clean side) out in
order to flush the dirt out of the filter. Continue
to rinse the filter until all traces of the cleaner
have been removed.
NOTE:It may be necessary to repeat steps 1 and 2 if the
air filter is not completely clean.
3. After rinsing the air filter, gently shake off the excess water and allow air filter to dry
naturally.
NOTE:Do not use forced air pressure as it may damage
the filtering capabilities of the filter’s microfibers
and also void its warranty.
DRAINING FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR
F
ILTER — DIESEL ENGINE
The fuel/water separator filter housing is located
inside the frame rail, behind the left front wheel.
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/RUN position, the Water In Fuel Indicator
Light will illuminate and an audible chime will be
heard. At this point, you should stop the engine
and drain the water from the filter housing.
Fuel Filter Assembly

If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light comes on and a
single chime is heard while you are driving, or with
the ignition in the ON position, there may be a
problem with your water separator wiring or
sensor. See an authorized dealer for service.
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 appropriate
container.
1 — Water In Fuel Drain Valve
CAUTION!
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light remains on,
DO NOT START the engine before you drain water
from the fuel filter to avoid engine damage.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 412

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE413
Upon proper draining of the water from the fuel
filter, 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 recy -
cling programs and for where used fluids and
filters can be properly disposed of in your area.
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 Ú page 414.
UNDERBODY MOUNTED FUEL FILTER
R
EPLACEMENT — DIESEL ENGINE
NOTE:Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufac -
turer’s filtration and water separating require -
ments can severely impact fuel system life and reli -
ability. 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 (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.
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.
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appropriate
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

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 413

414SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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.
PRIMING IF THE ENGINE HAS RUN OUT
O
F FUEL — DIESEL ENGINE

1. Add a substantial amount of fuel to the tank,
approximately 2 to 5 gal (8 L to 19 L).

2. Press ignition switch twice without your foot on brake to put vehicle in ON/RUN position. This
will activate the in tank fuel pump for approxi -
mately 30 seconds. Repeat this process twice. 3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting”
procedure Ú page 144.
NOTE:The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
NOTE:
Use of biodiesel mixture in excess of 20% can
negatively impact the fuel filter's ability to sepa -
rate water from the fuel, resulting in high pres -
sure fuel system corrosion or damage.
In addition, commercially available fuel addi -
tives are not necessary for the proper operation
of your diesel engine.
For extreme cold conditions, "Mopar® Premium
Diesel Fuel Treatment" is recommended to
assist with cold starting.
INTERVENTION REGENERATION
S
TRATEGY — MESSAGE PROCESS FLOW
(D
IESEL ENGINE)
This engine meets all required diesel engine
emissions standards. To achieve these emissions
standards, your vehicle is equipped with a
state-of-the-art engine and exhaust system. These
systems are seamlessly integrated into your
vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM manages engine
combustion to allow the exhaust system’s catalyst
to trap and burn Particulate Matter (PM)
pollutants, with no input or interaction on your part.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert you
to additional maintenance required on your vehicle
or engine Ú page 114.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with
the engine running. Engine operation causes
high fuel pressure. High pressure fuel spray can
cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
The starter motor will engage for approximately
30 seconds at a time. Allow two minutes
between cranking intervals.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain
conditions and be hazardous or explosive when
mixed with diesel fuel.
CAUTION!
Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or gasoline,
the use of these fuels can cause damage to the
fuel system.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 414