transmission oil Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Warning Lights
- Low Fuel Warning Light
- Charging System Light**
- Oil Pressure Warning Light**
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light**
- Air Bag Warning Light**
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
- Seat Belt Reminder Light
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light**
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)**
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
(See page 130 for more information.)
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
8

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmissionand 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 recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
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
interpreted as an indication to an engine problem or malfunction.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
For diesel engine break-in recommendations, refer to Diesel Engine Break-In Recom-
mendations on pg.
120
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
25

DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The Cummins®turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due
to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recom-
mendations are followed: • Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
• Because of the construction of the Cummins
®turbocharged diesel engine, engine
run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to
achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Engine Block Heater
• For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine block heater usage is recommended.
• For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
• The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side and can be located just behind the grille near the headlamp.
• Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 volts AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heater element.
•The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the coolant.
Water In Fuel Message
•
If a Water In Fuel message orindicator appears in the cluster and a chime
sounds five times, the fuel/water separator will need to be drained immediately to
prevent engine damage.
• Refer to “Draining Fuel Water Separator” in this guide for draining instructions or see your dealer.
DIESEL
120

•Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as
the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is
32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance
beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
131

- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
•
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine 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.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
• For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
•If an “oil change” message (shown as "Change Oil Soon" and "Oil Change Needed")
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
• This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
133

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
Gasoline Versions
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part Capacities
Engine Coolant
3.6L, 4.7L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR®
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/
150,000 Mile Formula OAT
(Organic Additive Technology). 14 Quarts (13 Liters)
Engine Coolant
5.7L 1500 Models We recommend you use MOPAR
®
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/
150,000 Mile Formula OAT
(Organic Additive Technology). 16 Quarts (15 Liters)
Engine Coolant
5.7L 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use MOPAR
®
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/
150,000 Mile Formula OAT
(Organic Additive Technology) .18.7 Quarts (17.7 Liters)
Engine Coolant
5.7L 2500/3500
Models w/Heavy Duty We recommend you use MOPAR®
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/
150,000 Mile Formula OAT
(Organic Additive Technology) .19.2 Quarts (18.2 Liters)
Engine Oil with Filter 3.6L, 4.7L, 5.7L We recommend you use
API certified 5W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements ofChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Refer to you oil filler cap for correct SAE grade. 3.6L Engine - 6 Quarts
(5.7 Liters)
4.7L Engine - 6 Quarts (5.7 Liters)
5.7L Engine - 7 Quarts (6.6 Liters)
Engine Oil with Filter 5.7L
For 2500/3500 trucksoperating with a gross combined weight
rating greater than
14,000 lbs/(6,350 kg)
We recommend you use
API Certified SAE 5W-30 engine oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filter cap for correct SAE grade. 5.7L Engine - 7 Quarts
(6.6 Liters)
Engine Oil Filter
3.6L, 4.7L, 5.7L We recommend you use MOPAR
®
Engine Oil Filters.
—
Spark Plug 3.6L We recommend you use MOPAR®
Spark Plugs. —
Spark Plug 4.7L We recommend you use MOPAR®
Spark Plugs. —
Spark Plug 5.7L We recommend you use MOPAR®
Spark Plugs. —
Automatic
Transmission —
Eight-Speed AutomaticWe recommend you use Mopar®
ZF 8&9 Speed ATF™ Automatic Transmission Fluid. —
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
162

Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part Capacities
Fuel Selection
6.7L Turbo Diesel 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 LowSulfur 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. If the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold(below 20°F or -7°C), or is
required to operate at colder-
than-normal conditions for pro- longed periods, use climatized No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50%
No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection from fuel gellingor wax-plugging of the fuel filters. This vehicle is fully compatible with biodiesel blends up to
5% biodiesel meeting ASTM specification D-975. Standard Rear Tank -
52 Gallons (197 Liters)
Optional Midship Tank - 22 Gallons (83 Liters)
Engine Oil Filter 6.7L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR
®
Engine Oil Filters.
—
Engine Fuel Filter 6.7L Turbo Diesel We recommend you use MOPAR®
Fuel Filter. Must meet 5 micron
rating. Using a fuel filter that
does not meet the manufacturer's filtration and water separating
requirements can severely impact fuel system life and reliability. —
Crankcase Ventilation Filter 6.7L Turbo Diesel We recommend you use
MOPAR
®CCV Filter. —
Automatic
Transmission
(5-Speed 545RFE) MOPAR
®ATF+4®Automatic
Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4
®product. —
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
165

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – GASOLINE ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures,
and E85 fuel usage will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Re-
quired” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, powersteering (2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
168

Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
169

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items may result in damage to the
vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
• Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD
or MIN mark.
Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and automatic transmission (if equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed
or suspected. Retain all receipts.
Oil Change Indicator System
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. This system will
alert you when it is time to change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil
Change Due” on your Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). The oil change
reminder will remind the owner to change the engine oil every 15,000 miles or 500
hours, whichever comes first, except for the Chassis Cab models that are using B20
biodiesel, which are 12,500 miles or 400 hours, whichever comes first. Failure to
change the engine oil per the maintenance schedule can result in internal engine
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
173