brake Ram 1500 2017 Diesel Supplement

MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• 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 necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 turbo-
charger, where it is pressurized. This pressurized air rap-
idly 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.
To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and radiator
clean and free of debris. Periodically check the hoses
leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks or loose
clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced engine
performance.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immediately
if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic reser-
voir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 195

With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a accident.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in an accident.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
196 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using transmission seal-
ers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
68RFE transmission, or 158-176°F / 70-80°C for AS69RC
transmission). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
You can read the transmission sump temperature in theinstrument cluster display (refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-
ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-
mission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle
cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level onboth sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to
bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use ONLY
the specified fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for fluid specifications). After adding any quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C for 68RFE transmission, or
68-86°F / 20-30°C for AS69RC transmission. Only use the
COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference when
setting the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may not
register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the
fluid.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal
for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully
seated position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199

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.
• Inspect engine air filter. •
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 — Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indi-
cator system. This system will alert you when it is time to
change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil
Change Due” in your instrument cluster display. 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 and Pickup
models configured with optional B20 capability 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.
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
210 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Mileage or time passed (which-ever 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
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod
ends and boot seals for cracks or
leaks and all parts for damage,
wear, improper looseness or end
play; replace if necessary. XX XX XX XX X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X X X X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake. XXXXX X
Inspect drive belt; replace as
necessary. XXXXXX
Inspect wheel bearings. XXXX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. XXXXX X
Replace engine fuel filter element. X X X X X X X X X X
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 213

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)..............66
Adding Fuel ...............................45
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......57
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ....................65
Capacities ..............................71
Disposal ................................68
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ..............................75
Axle Fluid ................................75
Battery ...................................64
Brake Fluid................................75
Brake System ..............................69
Fluid Check .............................69
Master Cylinder ..........................69
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............71
Capacities, Fluid ............................71
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .............................56
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ..................67
Charge Air Cooler ...........................69
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............67
Cooling System .............................65
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................66 Coolant Capacity
.........................71
Coolant Level ............................65
Disposal Of Used Coolant ...................68
Drain, Flush, And Refill .....................65
Points To Remember .......................68
Pressure Cap ............................67
Radiator Cap ............................67
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........65,72
Diesel Fuel ................................40
Diesel Fuel Requirements ......................40
Bulk Storage Of ..........................48
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming .................62
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................68
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .............60
Engine ...................................54
Air Cleaner .............................57
Block Heater ..........................34,40
Break-In Recommendations ..................11
Compartment ............................54
Coolant (Antifreeze) .......................72
Identification ............................54
Idling .................................38
218 INDEX - RAM 1500

Oil.................................55,72
Oil Filler Cap............................56
Filters Air Cleaner .............................57
Engine Fuel .............................60
Engine Oil ...........................57,72
Engine Oil Disposal .......................57
Fluid Capacities ............................71
Fluid Level Checks Brake ..................................69
Fluid, Brake...............................75
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts .............72
Fuel .....................................40
Adding ................................45
Diesel ..............................40,72
Filter ..................................60
Requirements ............................40
Specifications ............................41
Tank Capacity ............................71
Fueling ..................................45
Gauges Voltmeter ...............................35
Instrument Cluster ..........................14 Intervention Regeneration Strategy
...............25
Keyless Enter-N-Go ..........................33
Maintenance Procedures ......................55
Maintenance Schedule ........................78
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................11
Oil, Engine ................................55
Capacity ...............................71
Change Interval ..........................56
Dipstick ................................55
Disposal ................................57
Filter ...............................57,72
Filter Disposal ...........................57
Materials Added To ........................57
Recommendation .........................55
Viscosity ...............................56
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .............65
Remote Starting System .......................10
Schedule, Maintenance .......................78
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ................72
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 219

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............192
Adding Fuel ............................. .160
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......180
Air Filter ............................... .180
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................192
Capacities ............................. .204
Disposal .............................. .194
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid .......................... .199
Fluid Level Check ....................... .198
Fluid Type ............................ .207
Shifting .............................. .141
Axle Fluid .............................. .207
Battery ................................. .190
Blanket ........................... .132 , 191
Emergency Starting ...................... .170
Brake System ............................ .195
Fluid Check ........................... .195
Master Cylinder ........................ .195
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................141
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........204
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .204Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine) ........................... .178
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................193
Charge Air Cooler ......................... .195
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............193
Cooling System ........................... .191
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................192
Coolant Capacity ........................ .204
Coolant Level .......................... .191
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................194
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................192
Points To Remember ..................... .194
Pressure Cap ........................... .193
Radiator Cap .......................... .193
Selection
Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........192 , 205
Diesel Exhaust Brake ....................... .138
Diesel Fuel .............................. .157
Diesel Fuel Requirements .....................157
Bulk Storage Of ......................... .163
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming .................188
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................194
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .............184
8
INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 221

Electronic Range Select (ERS)..................147
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ..........96
Emergency, In Case Of Jump Starting .......................... .170
Engine ................................. .174
Air Cleaner ............................ .180
Block Heater ....................... .125 , 137
Break-In Recommendations ..................94
Compartment ...................... .174 , 175
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .205
Identification ....................... .174 , 175
Idling ................................ .133
Jump Starting .......................... .170
Oil .............................. .176 , 205
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .178
Oil Synthetic ........................... .179
Runaway ............................. .156
Exhaust Brake ............................ .138
Exhaust System ........................... .200
Filters Engine Fuel ........................... .184
Engine Oil ........................ .179 , 205
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .179
Fluid Capacities ........................... .204Fluid Level Checks
Brake ................................ .195
Manual Transmission ..................... .197
Transfer Case .......................... .197
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............205
Fuel ................................... .157
Adding ........................... .160 , 162
Diesel ........................ .157 , 162 , 205
Filter ................................ .184
Requirements .......................... .157
Specifications .......................... .157
Tank Capacity .......................... .204
Fueling ................................. .160
Gauges V

oltmeter ............................. .130
Gear Ranges ............................. .142
Idle Up Feature ........................... .134
Instrument Cluster ......................... .102
Intervention Regeneration Strategy ..............113
Jump Starting ............................ .170
222 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500