Ram 2500 2020 Owner's Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE419
water, as may be encountered in some
off-highway types of service, will require
draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO REQUIRE limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:
Slight noise and mild shuddering may be
evident while turning a vehicle with limited slip
differential on concrete or dry pavement. These
conditions should be considered normal opera -
tion of the limited slip differential.
Transfer Case
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech -
nical Specifications” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the
filler plug. The fluid level should be to the
bottom edge of the filler plug hole with the
vehicle in a level position.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section
for the proper maintenance intervals.
Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty
All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and manufactured
for sale and use in the United States are
required to comply with the Federal Govern -
ment's Exterior Noise Regulations. These vehi -
cles can be identified by the Noise Emission
Control Label located in the operator's compart -
ment.
Required Maintenance For Noise Control
Systems
The following maintenance services must be
performed every six months or 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) whichever comes first, to ensure
proper operation of the noise control systems.
In addition, inspection and service should be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire
vehicle will help the effectiveness of the noise
control systems.
Exhaust System
Inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and
damaged parts. Devices such as hangers,
clamps, and U-bolts should be tight and in good
condition. Damaged components, burned or
blown out mufflers, burned or rusted out
exhaust pipes should be replaced according to
the procedures and specifications outlined in
the appropriate service manual.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly
and fit. Make certain that the air cleaner is prop -
erly positioned and that the cover is tight. Check
all hoses leading to the air cleaner for tightness.
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420SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
The air filter element must also be clean and
serviced according to the instructions outlined
in the Scheduled Maintenance section of this
manual.
Tampering With Noise Control System
Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the
causing thereof: (1) the removal or rendering
inoperative by any person, other than for
purposes of maintenance, repair, or replace -
ment, of any device or element of design incor -
porated into any new vehicle for the purpose of
noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the
ultimate purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the
use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inop -
erative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute
tampering are the acts listed below. AIR CLEANER

Removal of the air cleaner.
Removal of the air cleaner filter element from
the air cleaner housing.
Removal of the air ducting.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative exhaust
system components including the muffler or
tailpipe.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative the fan
clutch.
Removal of the fan shroud.
Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, was
designed, built and equipped to conform at the
time it left the manufacturer's control with all
applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control Regulations.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed,
built and equipped by the manufacturer, and is
not limited to any particular part, component or
system of the vehicle manufactured by the
manufacturer. Defects in design, assembly or in
any part, component or system of the vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, which, at
the time it left the manufacturer's control,
caused noise emissions to exceed Federal stan -
dards, are covered by this warranty for the life of
the vehicle.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE421
Maintenance Log and Service Chart (Diesel Engines)
Noise Systems Maintenance Chart and Service Log — Insert Month, Day, Year under column mileage closest to the mileage at which
service was performed.
MILES 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500 60,000
KILOMETERS 12,000 24 ,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000 96,000Exhaust
system-inspect
Air cleaner
assembly-
inspect
ODOMETER
READING
PERFORMED
BY
PERFORMED AT
MILES 67,500 75,000 82,500 90,000 97,500 105,000 112,500 120,000KILOMETERS 108,000 120,000 132,000 144,000 156,000 168,000 180,000 192,000Exhaust
system-inspect
Air cleaner
assembly-
inspect
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422SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the
jacking locations. However, a floor jack or frame
hoist must never be used on any other parts of
the underbody.
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the
following information: Tire Markings, Tire Identi -
fication Numbers, Tire Terminology and Defini -
tions, Tire Pressures, and Tire Loading.
Tire Markings

Tire Markings

NOTE:
P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on
US design standards. P-Metric tires have the
letter “P” molded into the sidewall preceding
the size designation. Example: P215/65R15
95H.
European — Metric tire sizing is based on
European design standards. Tires designed
to this standard have the tire size molded
into the sidewall beginning with the section
width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
ODOMETER
READING
PERFORMED
BY
PERFORMED AT
Noise Systems Maintenance Chart and Service Log — Insert Month, Day, Year under column mileage closest to the mileage at which
service was performed.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the
differential housing of a loaded truck or
damage to your vehicle may result.
1 — US DOT Safety Standards Code
(TIN)
2 — Size Designation
3 — Service Description
4 — Maximum Load
5 — Maximum Pressure
6 — Treadwear, Traction and Tempera
-
ture Grades

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE423
LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based
on US design standards. The size designation
for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric
tires except for the letters “LT” that are
molded into the sidewall preceding the size
designation. Example: LT235/85R16.Temporary spare tires are designed for
temporary emergency use only. Temporary
high pressure compact spare tires have the
letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M.High flotation tire sizing is based on US
design standards and it begins with the tire
diameter molded into the sidewall. Example:
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 US design standards, or
"....blank...." = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on US design standards, or
T or S = 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)
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424SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire; however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN,
including the date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the
vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.Service Description:
95
= Load Index
A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H = Speed Symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle
loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
LL = Light load tire or
C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
EXAMPLE:

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE425
Tire Terminology And Definitions
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the US Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
03 means the 3rd week
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
01 means the year 2001
Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example:
031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
Term Definition
B-PillarThe vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the front door.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a
minimum of three hours. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per
square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure
for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall.
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426SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of
the driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire,
including the spare tire (if equipped), at least
monthly and inflate to the recommended pres -
sure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)

Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information
about the:

1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.

2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire
placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s loading capacity,
the original equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures.
Term
Definition

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE427
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front,
rear, and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not
exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on
your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire's load
carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation pres -
sures specified on the Tire and Loading Infor -
mation placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the
“Starting And Operating” section of this manual.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front
and rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle
Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”
section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions
of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the
Tire and Loading Information placard. The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should
never exceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the avail
-
able amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750
(5x150) = 650 lbs.) (5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the avail
-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg
and there will be five 68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340
(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. The following table shows examples
on how to calculate total load, cargo/
luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table
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428SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability Safety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the
stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling
of sluggish response or over responsiveness in
the steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may
cause erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
abnormal wear patterns and reduced tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace -
ment.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfort -
able ride. Overinflation produces a jarring and
uncomfortable ride.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle
handling, and increase your stopping distance.
Use tires of the recommended load capacity for
your vehicle. Never overload them.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle
to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.

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