Service and maintenance Ram 1500 2018 Owner's Manual

Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle will require emissions mainte-
nance at a set interval. To help remind you
when this maintenance is due, the instru-ment cluster will display “Perform Service”.
When the “Perform Service” message is dis-
played on the instrument cluster it is neces-
sary to have the emissions maintenance per-
formed. Emissions maintenance may include
replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventilation(CCV) filter element. The procedure for clear-
ing and resetting the “Perform Service” indi-
cator message is located in the appropriate
Service Information.
Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel Engine
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
Change engine oil every 15,000 miles
(24 000 km) or six months or 500 Hours or
sooner if prompted by the oil change indica-
tor system, whichever comes first. ** XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Additional Inspections
Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank,
refill if necessary. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Rotate the tires. X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXX X XX
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4). X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXX X XX
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If
equipped with serviceable fittings. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Inspect engine air filter, replace if necessary.
**** XX XX X X XX X X
239

** Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 15,000 miles
(24 000 km) or six months or 500 Hours,
whichever comes first.
*** The manufacturer highly recommends
that all cooling system service, mainte-
nance, and repairs be performed by your
local authorized dealer.
**** Under no circumstances should the
air cleaner filter element exceed
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months,
whichever comes first.
WARNING!
• You can be badly injured working on oraround 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 com-
petent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain
your vehicle could result in a component
malfunction and effect vehicle handling
WARNING!
and performance. This could cause an
accident.
CAUTION!
***The manufacturer highly recommends
that all cooling system service, mainte-
nance, and repairs be performed by your
local authorized dealer.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
242

DEALER SERVICE — 3.0L DIESEL
Your authorized dealer has the qualified ser-
vice 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 be-
fore 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!
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 ser-
vice job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) can provide a measure of pro-
tection 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.
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be
filtered. The abrasive particles in unfil-
tered air will cause rapid wear to engine
components.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
CAUTION!
Many aftermarket performance air filter
elements do not adequately filter the air
entering the engine. Use of such filters can
severely damage your engine.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator
Filter
The fuel filter/water separator filter housing is
located above the rear axle next to the fuel
tank. The best access to this water drain valve
is from under the vehicle.
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 appro-
priate container.
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 illumi-
249

nate and an audible chime will be heard. At
this point, you should stop the engine and
drain the water from the filter housing.
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START the engine be-
fore you drain water from the fuel filter to
avoid engine damage.
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 posi-
tion, there may be a problem with your water
separator wiring or sensor. See your autho-
rized dealer for service.
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 approxi-
mately three minutes. NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indis-
criminately discarded, can present a problem
to the environment. Contact an authorized
dealer, service station, or government agency
for advice on recycling 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, follow the directions
for “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel.”
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer's filtration and water separat-
ing requirements can severely impact fuel
system life and reliability.
CAUTION!
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
• Do not prefill the fuel filter when install-
ing 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. 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.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
250

DEALER SERVICE — 6.7L DIESEL
ENGINE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified ser-
vice 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 be-
fore 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!
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 ser-
vice job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be
filtered. The abrasive particles in unfil-
tered air will cause rapid wear to engine
components.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) provides a measure of protec-
tion. Do not remove the air induction sys-
tem (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such
removal is necessary for repair or mainte-
nance. 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.
The condition of the air cleaner filter is moni-
tored by the Engine Control Module. The
“SERVICE AIR FILTER” message will display
in the instrument cluster when service is required. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Dis-
play” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
The “SERVICE AIR FILTER” message could
be displayed periodically. This is because
engine air flow requirements change based
on driving conditions. As the filter becomes
more restrictive and air flow requirements
increase the “SERVICE AIR FILTER” mes-
sage will be displayed. The message may not
be displayed in subsequent drive cycles if the
same conditions are not met. The air filter
element should be replaced within 250 miles
(402 km) from the first time this message is
displayed to ensure proper engine operation
during all driving conditions.
CAUTION!
Driving with a restricted air filter can
cause engine damage. Driving in dusty
environments for extended periods will
lead to rapid air filter plugging. Action
should be taken as soon as the “SERVICE
AIR FILTER” message is displayed.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
252

position, there may be a problem with your
water separator wiring or sensor. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from both
fuel filters, the “Water In Fuel Indicator
Light” will remain illuminated for approxi-
mately 10 seconds. If the water was drained
while the engine was running, the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” may remain on for ap-
proximately three minutes.
NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indis-
criminately discarded, can present a problem
to the environment. Contact an authorized
dealer, service station, or government agency
for advice on recycling 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) counter-
clockwise 1/4 turn, and turn the under body
mounted filter drain valve (located on thebottom of the filter assembly) counterclock
wise 1 full turn. Then turn the ignition switch
to the ON position, and allow any accumu-
lated water to drain. Leave the drain valve
open until all water and contaminants have
been removed. When clean fuel is visible,
close the drain valves by turning them fully
clockwise, and turn the ignition switch to
OFF.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of
fuel have been drained, follow the directions
for “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel.”
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
NOTE:
• Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer's filtration and water separat-
ing 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:
1. No filter is installed. 2. Inferior/Non-approved filter is used.
Use of OEM filter is required to ensure
vehicle will run.
CAUTION!
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop pavingsurfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
• Do not prefill the fuel filter when install-
ing 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. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve 1/4 turn coun- terclockwise 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 re-
moval. Remove used o-ring and discard it.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
254

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S.design standards and it begins with the tire
diameter molded into the sidewall. Ex-
ample: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
"....blank...." = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or
TorS= Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
• Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
• "R" means radial construction, or
• "D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
• A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
258

Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types
of tires on your vehicle will cause your
vehicle to handle poorly. The instability
could cause a collision. Always use radial
ply tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be
repaired if it meets the following criteria:
• The tire has not been driven on when flat.
• The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall damage is not repair-
able).
• The puncture is no greater thana¼ofan inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire re-
pairs and additional information. Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that
have experienced a loss of pressure should be
replaced immediately with another Run Flat
tire of identical size and service description
(Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive
50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after
a rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid
loss of inflation is referred to as the Run Flat
mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire
inflation pressure is of/or below 14 psi
(96 kPa). Once a Run Flat tire reaches the
run flat mode it has limited driving capabili-
ties and needs to be replaced immediately. A
Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle
loaded at full capacity or to tow a trailer while
a tire is in the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for
more information.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice con-
ditions, do not spin your vehicle's wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In
Case Of Emergency” for further information.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forces generated by excessive wheel
speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A
tire could explode and injure someone. Do
not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) for more than 30 sec-
onds continuously when you are stuck,
and do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
266

CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a
bristle brush, metal polishes or oven
cleaner. These products may damage the
wheel's protective finish. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Only car wash soap, Mopar
Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recom-
mended.
NOTE:
If you intend parking or storing your vehicle
for an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle
and apply the brakes to remove the water
droplets from the brake components. This
activity will remove the red rust on the brake
rotors and prevent vehicle vibration when
braking. Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low
Gloss Clear Coat WheelsCAUTION!
If your vehicle is equipped with these
specialty wheels, DO NOT USE wheel
cleaners, abrasives, or polishing com-
pounds. They will permanently damage
this finish and such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
HAND WASH ONLY USING MILD SOAP
AND WATER WITH A SOFT CLOTH. Used
on a regular basis; this is all that is re-
quired to maintain this finish.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National High-
way Traffic Safety Administration. Thespecific grade rating assigned by the
tire's manufacturer in each category is
shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must con-
form to Federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative
rating, based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. The rela-
tive performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
272

FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS — 3.0L DIESEL ENGINE
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil We recommend you use 5W-40
syntheticengine oil such as Mopar or Shell Rotella that meets FCA Material Standard
MS-10902 and the API CJ-4 engine oil category is required.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use Mopar Engine Oil Filters.
Fuel Filters We recommend you use Mopar Fuel Filter. Must meet 3 micron rating.
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturers filtration and water separating requirements can severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
Fuel Selection Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in your vehicle. Federal law requires that you must fuel this vehicle
with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15 ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits the use of Low Sulfur Highway Diesel
fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum) to avoid damage to the emissions control system.
For most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM specification D-975 Grade S15 will provide good
performance. We recommend you use a blend of up to 5% biodiesel, meeting ASTM specification D-975 with your diesel
engine.This vehicle is compatible with biodiesel blends greater than 5% but no greater than 20% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-7467 provided the shortened maintenance intervals are followed as directed.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Mopar Diesel Exhaust Fluid (API Certified) (DEF) or equivalent that has been API Certified to the ISO 22241 standard.
Use of fluids not API Certified to ISO 22241 may result in system damage.
NOTE:
If climatized or diesel Number 1 ULSD fuel is
not available, and you are operating below
(20°F/-6°C), in sustained arctic conditions,
Mopar Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or
equivalent) is recommended to avoid gelling.CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze)
other than specified Organic Additive
Technology (OAT) engine coolant (anti-
freeze), may result in engine damage
CAUTION!
and may decrease corrosion protection.
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant is different and should not
be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (anti-
283