2023 RAM 1500 check oil

6
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES........................................................... 262
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................................. 262Rear Seat Reminder Alert (RSRA) ............................ 263
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System .................. 263
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ...................................... 269 Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ............................................................... 269
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped ........................................... 274
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............... 277
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ................................ 282 Occupant Restraint Systems Features ................... 282Important Safety Precautions .................................. 282Seat Belt Systems .................................................... 282
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) .................. 288Child Restraints ........................................................ 298
SAFETY TIPS .................................................................... 311 Transporting Passengers .......................................... 311
Transporting Pets ..................................................... 311
Connected Vehicles .................................................. 311
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ............................................................... 311
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle .................................................. 312
Exhaust Gas ............................................................. 313Carbon Monoxide Warnings .................................... 313
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .................................... 314
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ................. 314
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .................................... 317 Preparations For Jacking.......................................... 317Jack Location ............................................................ 318
Removal Of Jack And Tools ...................................... 318
Removing The Spare Tire ......................................... 319
Jacking Instructions.................................................. 321To Stow The Flat Or Spare ....................................... 323
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools .............................. 324
JUMP STARTING ............................................................. 325 Preparations For Jump Start .................................... 325Jump Starting Procedure.......................................... 325
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY........................................... 326
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ....................................... 327
MANUAL PARK RELEASE ............................................... 328
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .......................................... 329
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ..................................... 330 Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 331Four-Wheel Drive Models ......................................... 331
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ..................... 332
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .............................................................................. 332
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ..................................... 332
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................................. 333 Maintenance Plan ..................................................... 334
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ................................................337 3.6L Engine With Stop/Start ................................... 337
5.7L Engine Without Stop/Start ............................... 3385.7L Engine With Stop/Start .................................... 339
Checking Oil Level ..................................................... 340Adding Washer Fluid ................................................ 340
Maintenance-Free Battery ....................................... 340Pressure Washing ..................................................... 341
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ................................................. 341 Engine Oil .................................................................. 341
Engine Oil Filter ........................................................ 342
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .......................................... 342
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................... 344
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............................... 346Body Lubrication ....................................................... 347
Windshield Wiper Blades ......................................... 347
Exhaust System ........................................................ 348
Cooling System ......................................................... 349
Brake System ........................................................... 352
Automatic Transmission .......................................... 353
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level ................................................................. 353
Transfer Case ........................................................... 354
Fuses .......................................................................... 354Bulb Replacement .................................................... 365

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 6

12
Hood Open Warning Light
Úpage 109
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Úpage 109
Oil Temperature Warning Light
Úpage 110
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Úpage 110
Tailgate Open Warning Light
Úpage 110
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
Úpage 110
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
Úpage 110
Vehicle Security Warning Light
Úpage 110
Red Warning Lights
Yellow Warning Lights
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light
Úpage 110
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light
Úpage 110
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
Úpage 110
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light
Úpage 112
Electric Park Brake Warning Light
Úpage 111
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light
Úpage 111
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light
Úpage 111
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Úpage 111

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 12

98GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS — GASOLINE

1. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within 203°F - 230°F
(95°C - 110°C) indicates that the engine cooling
system is operating satisfactorily.
 The pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera -
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain
grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be
allowed to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range. 2. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
3. Fuel Gauge The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the Keyless Push Button Ignition is in the
ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door
is located.
4. Tachometer Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute (RPM x 1000).
5. Instrument Cluster Display The instrument cluster display features a driver
interactive display
Úpage 98.
NOTE:The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check when the
ignition is first cycled.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Depending on your vehicles trim level, features and
options may vary.
Your vehicle will be equipped with an instrument cluster
display, which offers useful information to the driver. With
the ignition in the OFF mode, opening/closing of a door will
activate the display for viewing, and display the total miles,
or kilometers, in the odometer. Your instrument cluster
display is designed to display important information about
your vehicle’s systems and features. Using a driver interactive display located on the
instrument panel, your instrument cluster display can
show you how systems are working and give you warnings
when they are not. The steering wheel mounted controls
allow you to scroll through the main menus and
submenus. You can access the specific information you
want and make selections and adjustments.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
L
OCATION AND CONTROLS

Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats
Úpage 350.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,”
turn the engine off immediately and call an authorized
dealer for service.1 — Instrument Cluster Display Screen
2 — Instrument Cluster Display Controls

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 98

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL103
Trip Info
Push and release the up or down arrow button until
the Trip menu item is highlighted in the instrument cluster
display. Push and release the right or left arrow
button to enter the submenus of Trip A and Trip B. The Trip
A or Trip B information will display the following:
 Distance
 Average Fuel Economy
 Elapsed Time
Push and hold OK button to reset all information.
Navigation — If Equipped
Push and release the up or down arrow button until
the Navigation display title is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display, “Hold OK to Start Route” will display when
no active route is set. “Hold OK to Cancel Route” will
display when active route is set. Use the left or right
arrow button to zoom in or out on the display
Úpage 191.
Stop/Start — If Equipped
Push and release the up or down arrow button until
the Stop/Start icon/title is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. The screen will display the Stop/Start
status.
Trailer Tow — If Equipped
Push and release the up or down arrow button until
the Trailer Tow menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and release the right or left
arrow button to cycle through the following trailer tow
information:
 Trip (trailer specific) Distance: Push and hold the OK
button to reset the distance.
 Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM):
 Braking Output
 Trailer Type
 ITBM Gain
 Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring: The Instrument
Cluster Display will display the Trailer Tire Pressure for
a connected trailer with sensors that match the active
trailer profile. When a low tire is present, the low tire
value will be displayed in red, and the affected low tire
will have a red glow. “Trailer Tire Low“ will be displayed
on the center bottom of the Instrument Cluster Display
screen.
 Trailer Light Check — If Equipped: Push and hold the OK
button to begin the Trailer Light Test sequence
Úpage 182.
Audio
Push and release the up or down arrow button until
the Audio Menu icon/title is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. This menu will display the audio source
information, including the Song name, Artist name, and
audio source with an accompanying graphic.
Phone Call Status
When a call is incoming, a Phone Call Status pop-up will
display on the screen. The pop-up will remain until the
phone is answered or ignored.
NOTE:The call status will temporarily replace the previous media
source information displayed on the screen. When the
pop-up is no longer displayed, the display will return to the
last used screen.
Stored Messages
Push and release the up or down arrow button until
the Messages Menu item is highlighted. This feature
shows the number of stored warning messages Example:
“Oil Change Required”. Push and release the right or
left arrow button to cycle through stored messages.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL109
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there's a
fault with the EPS system Úpage 141.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
problem with the ETC system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light
will either stay on or flash depending on the
nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle
is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the
light remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will
usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
NOTE:This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals
are pressed at the same time. If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an overheated
engine condition. If the engine coolant
temperature is too high, this indicator will
illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the
temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime
will sound for four minutes or until the engine is able to
cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn
it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and
idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return
to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service
Úpage 327.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the hood
is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate, and a chime
will sound, to indicate low engine oil pressure.
If the light and chime turn on while driving,
safely stop the vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely stopped,
restart the engine and monitor the Oil Pressure Warning
Light. If the Oil Pressure Warning Light is still illuminated,
turn the engine OFF and contact an authorized dealer for
further assistance. Do not operate the vehicle until the
cause is corrected. If the light is no longer illuminated, the
engine can be operated but it is recommended to take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.3

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 109

122STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
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
Úpage 396.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter -
preted as a problem. Please check your oil level with the
engine oil indicator often during the break-in period. Add
oil as required.
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 position.
NOTE:The EPB Warning Light will illuminate if the EPB switch is
held for longer than 20 seconds in either the released or
applied position. The light will extinguish upon releasing
the switch.
If the Auto Park Brake feature is enabled, the parking
brake will automatically engage whenever the
transmission is placed into PARK. If your foot is on the
brake pedal, you may notice a small amount of brake
pedal movement while the parking brake is engaging.
The parking brake will release automatically when the
ignition is ON, the transmission is in DRIVE or REVERSE,
the driver seat belt is buckled, and an attempt is made to
drive away.
To release the parking brake manually, the ignition switch
must be in the ON/RUN position. Put your foot on the
brake pedal, then push the parking brake switch down
momentarily. You may hear a slight whirring sound from
the back of the vehicle while the parking brake
disengages.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 122

190STARTING AND OPERATING
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills
or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural
obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,
choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.
Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously.
If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diagonally
across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift
to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly
to avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always
a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
 Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required. 
Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly
on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and
suspension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to
the values specified in the Service Manual.
 Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
 After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
 If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing water before
driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
 Determine the condition of the road or the path that
is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.
 Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
 Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always
inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis -
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
 Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not
have full braking power when you need it to prevent a
collision. If you have been operating your vehicle in dirty
conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as
necessary.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 190

MULTIMEDIA243
Requirements
 Vehicle must be properly equipped with SiriusXM
Guardian™.
 Vehicle must have an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G
(data) network connection. If using the Vehicle
Branded App to command your vehicle, your device
must be compatible and be connected to an operable
LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network connection.
 Vehicle must be registered with SiriusXM Guardian™
and have an active subscription that includes the appli -
cable feature.
 An ignition cycle is required for some remote
commands, such as Remote Vehicle Start and Remote
Door Lock/Unlock if following a Remote Horn & Lights
activation.
 Your Remote Door Lock/Unlock request will not be
processed if the vehicle is in motion, the ignition key is
on or during an emergency call.
NOTE:All other remote services should be performed via your
Owner’s Site or through the Vehicle Branded App on your
compatible device.
Remote Vehicle Start
Description
The Remote Vehicle Start feature provides you with the
ability to start the engine on your vehicle without the keys
and from virtually any distance. Once started, the preset
climate controls in your vehicle can warm up or cool down
the interior. You can also send a command to turn off an engine that
has been started using Remote Vehicle Start. After
15 minutes, if you have not entered your vehicle with the
key, the engine will shut off automatically.
This remote function requires your vehicle to be equipped
with a factory-installed Remote Start system.
You can set up push notifications every time a command
is sent to activate or cancel Remote Start.
Working Vehicle Conditions

The vehicle must be off or in ACC mode.
 The vehicle has been started with the key fob within the
last 14 days.
 The vehicle must be in PARK or at a standstill.
 The vehicle’s security system has been armed and not
triggered since the last vehicle start.
 The doors, hood, and trunk/liftgate are closed.
 The vehicle’s check engine light must be off.
 The vehicle must have at least a quarter tank of fuel,
along with oil and battery power.
 The vehicle’s hazard lights must be off.
 If equipped, the vehicle must have an automatic trans -
mission.
 The vehicle must be in an open area with cell tower
reception.
 Your mobile device must have a cellular or Wi-Fi
connection.
 If the Panic button has been pressed, the vehicle must
be started at least once after alarming the system.
NOTE:The SiriusXM Guardian™ Customer Care agents are not
authorized for Remote Vehicle Start services. Contact the
Uconnect Care Team for assistance.
Remote Horn & Lights
Description
It is easy to locate a vehicle in a dark, crowded or noisy
parking area by activating the horn and lights. It may also
help if you need to draw attention to your vehicle for any
reason.
If you want, you can set up push notifications every time a
command is sent to turn on the horn and lights.
Working Vehicle Conditions
The vehicle must in PARK or at a standstill.
 The vehicle must be in an open area with cell tower
reception.
 Your mobile device must have a cellular or Wi-Fi
connection.
NOTE:The Remote Horn & Lights feature is designed to be loud
and get noticed. Please keep in mind the surroundings
when using this feature. You are responsible for
compliance with local laws, rules and ordinances in the
location of your vehicle when using Remote Horn & Lights.
5

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