2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB fuel

352SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
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 qt (1 L) 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
the fluid level should be checked 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.
NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle's
charging system.
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.
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 Ú
page 334.

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360SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
When inspecting accessory drive belts, small
cracks that run across ribbed surface of belt from
rib to rib, are considered normal. These are not a
reason to replace belt. However, cracks running
along a rib (not across) are not normal. Any belt
with cracks running along a rib must be replaced.
Also have the belt replaced if it has excessive wear,
frayed cords or severe glazing.

Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)

Conditions that would require replacement:
Rib chunking (one or more ribs has separated
from belt body)
Rib or belt wear
Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between two
ribs)
Belt slips
Groove jumping (belt does not maintain correct
position on pulley)
Belt broken (identify and correct problem before
new belt is installed)
Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or rumble
is heard or felt while drive belt is in operation)
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty
component such as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys
should be carefully inspected for damage and
proper alignment.
Belt replacement on some models requires the
use of special tools, we recommend having your
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
DRAINING FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR
F
ILTER
There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is located
on the driver's side of the engine. The best access
to this water drain valve is from under the hood.
The second one is on the under body, located in
front of the rear axle above the drive shaft on
pick-up models. The second filter location is on the
frame behind the front axle. 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 position, the Water In Fuel Indicator Light
will illuminate and an audible chime will be heard
five times. At this point you should stop the engine
and drain the water from both of the filters.
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light comes on and a
single chime is heard while you are driving, or with
the ignition switch 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.
CAUTION!
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light remains on,
DO NOT START the engine before you drain water
from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE361
(Continued)
Upon proper draining of the water from both fuel
filters, 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 filters when the
Water In Fuel Indicator Light is ON. Within
10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn the engine
mounted filter drain valve (located on the side of
the filter assembly) counterclockwise a quarter
turn, and turn the under body mounted filter drain
valve (located on the bottom of the filter assembly)
counterclockwise one full turn. 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 following these guidelines:
1. Rotate the drain clockwise to close until you
feel resistance from the internal seal.

2. Continue turning the drain half of a turn to properly compress the seal.
NOTE:Over-compression of the seal due to overtightening
of the drain will damage the seal, cause a leak, and
require the entire sensor to be replaced.
3. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
The sensor drain should not be overtightened
during normal service operations to avoid internal
damage and future fuel leaks. The drain should be
closed and secured without the use of tools.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of fuel
have been drained, follow the directions
Úpage 363
ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER
R
EPLACEMENT
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manu -
facturer's filtration and water separating
requirements can severely impact fuel system
life and reliability.
The engine mounted filter housing is equipped
with a No-Filter-No-Run (NFNR) feature. Engine
will not run if:
No filter is installed.
Inferior/Non-approved filter is used. Use of
OEM filter is required to ensure vehicle will
run.

Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly

1 — Drain Valve
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appropriate
container.
8

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362SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

1. Ensure engine is turned off.

2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve a quarter turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel
and water into the approved container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove
used o-ring and discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local
regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine
oil. 9. Remove new filter cartridge from plastic bag
and install into housing.
NOTE:Do not remove cartridge from bag until you reach
this step in order to keep cartridge clean.
10. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated. Do not pre-fill the filter
housing with fuel.
11. Install lid onto housing and tighten to 22.5 ft-lb (30.5 N.m). Do not overtighten the lid.
12. Prime the engine, then start the engine and confirm there are no leaks Ú page 363.
UNDERBODY MOUNTED FUEL FILTER
R
EPLACEMENT
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manu -
facturer's filtration and water separating
requirements can severely impact fuel system
life and reliability.
The underbody mounted filter housing will
cause the engine not to run if there is no filter
installed.
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly

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.
CAUTION!
1 — Drain Valve
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.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE363

1. Ensure engine is turned off.

2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve one full turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel
and water into the approved container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove
used o-ring and discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local
regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine
oil.
NOTE:Water In Fuel (WIF) sensor is re-usable. Service kit
comes with new o-ring for filter canister and WIF
sensor.
PRIMING IF THE ENGINE HAS RUN OUT
O
F FUEL

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

2. Three priming cycles must be completed. Turn ignition to the RUN position and wait approxi -
mately 30 seconds. This will activate the in
tank fuel pump. Turn the ignition switch to the
off position, and leave off for at least 30
seconds. Repeat this procedure three times
before cranking the engine.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting” procedure Ú page 117.
4. Once the engine starts, allow the engine to idle for a minimum of 30 seconds.
NOTE:The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
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!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than
15 seconds at a time. Allow two minutes
between the 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.
8

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364SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-975 may be used with
your Cummins® diesel engine.
A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-7467 may be used with
your Cummins® diesel engine.
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.
Ethanol blends are not recommended or
approved for use with your Cummins® diesel
engine.
In addition, commercially available fuel addi -
tives are not necessary for the proper operation
of your Cummins® diesel engine.
INTERVENTION REGENERATION
S
TRATEGY — MESSAGE PROCESS FLOW
The Cummins® diesel engine meets all
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in
one of the lowest emitting diesel engines ever
produced. To achieve these emissions standards, your
vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art engine
and exhaust system. The engine and exhaust
after-treatment system work together to achieve
the EPA Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Emissions
Standards. These systems are seamlessly
integrated into your vehicle and managed by the
Cummins® 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.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is driven
on low engine speed drive cycles for more than two
hours, the system will automatically enter an
emissions operating mode that will increase the
engine idle speed to 1,050 RPM. While in this
mode, which is designed to help maintain the
Diesel Particulate Filter, the engine idle speed will
return to normal when the brake pedal is applied.
A small change in engine tone or a slight change in
engine performance while accelerating may also
be noticeable at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h).
This operating mode may last for up to an hour of
idle time, or around 20 minutes of driving time.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert you
to additional maintenance required on your truck
or engine Ú
page 89.
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF)
DEF sometimes known simply by the name of its
active component, UREA—is a key component of
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, which
help diesel vehicles meet stringent emission
regulations. DEF is a liquid reducing agent that
reacts with engine exhaust in the presence of a
catalyst to convert smog-forming nitrogen oxides
(NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water vapor
Úpage 419.
You can receive assistance in locating DEF by
contacting an authorized dealer.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and
rollers, liftgate, tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and
hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically with
a lithium-based grease, such as Mopar® Spray
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials
might be grass or leaves coming into contact
with your exhaust system. Do not park or
operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE367
(Continued)
4. Slide the wiper blade up into the hook on the
wiper arm until it is latched (engagement will
be accompanied by an audible click). Fold
down the latch release tab and snap it into its
locked position.
5. Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust
system; or if the exhaust fumes can be detected
inside the vehicle; or when the underside or rear of
the vehicle is damaged; have an authorized
technician 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, have the exhaust system inspected each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. However, it
is important to keep the engine properly tuned to
ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent
possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor
may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should
be obtained immediately.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon
-
scious and can eventually poison you
Ú page 324.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such mate -
rials might be grass or leaves coming into
contact with your exhaust system. Do not park
or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an
emissions control device and may seriously
reduce engine performance and cause
serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
condition. In the event of engine malfunction,
particularly involving engine misfire or other
apparent loss of performance, have your
vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction
could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter
and vehicle.
CAUTION!
8

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370SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal.
Check with your local authorities to determine the
disposal rules for your community. To prevent
ingestion by animals or children, do not store
ethylene glycol-based coolant in open containers
or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground,
clean up any ground spills immediately. If ingested
by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance
immediately.
Checking Coolant Level — 6.4L Engine
The level of the coolant in the pressurized coolant
bottle should be between the “MIN” and “MAX”
range on the bottle when the engine is cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so
there is no need to remove the cap unless
checking for coolant freeze point or replacing
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service
attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle
need only be checked once a month. When
additional engine coolant is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant
bottle. Do not overfill.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo -
meters of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment.
This is normally a result of moisture from rain,
snow, or high humidity accumulating on the
radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the
vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon
dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of the coolant expansion bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro -
sion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep
the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
CHARGE AIR COOLER — INTER-COOLER
The charge air cooler is positioned below the
radiator and the air conditioner condenser. Air
enters the engine through the air cleaner and
passes through the turbocharger, where it is
pressurized. This pressurized air rapidly reaches
high temperature. The air is then directed through
a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine.
The air entering the engine has been cooled by
about 50° to 100°F (10° to 38°C). This cooling
process enables more efficient burning of fuel
resulting in fewer emissions.

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