engine oil Ram 1500 2020 Owner's Manual

9
FUSES.................................................................................. 444
External Power Distribution Center ........................ 445
Internal Power Distribution Center ......................... 449
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .............................. 454
Jack Location ................................................................ 454
Removal Of Jack And Tools ....................................... 455
Removing The Spare Tire ........................................... 458
Preparations For Jacking ............................................ 462
Jacking Instructions ..................................................... 463
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ........................................ 468
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............................... 470
 JUMP STARTING ............................................................ 472
Preparations For Jump Start ...................................... 472
Jump Starting Procedure ............................................ 473
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .................................. 475
 MANUAL PARK RELEASE ............................................ 476
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ...................................... 477
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ................................ 478
Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 480
Four-Wheel Drive Models.......................................... 480
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ................... 481
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................................ 481
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ................................ 481
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .............................................482
Maintenance Plan ........................................................483
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...............................486
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT ............................................487
3.6L Engine With Stop/Start .....................................487
5.7L Engine Without Stop/Start ................................488
5.7L Engine With Stop/Start ......................................489
Checking Oil Level ......................................................490
Adding Washer Fluid..................................................490
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................................... 491
Pressure Washing ........................................................491
 DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 492
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 492
Engine Oil Filter ........................................................... 494
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............................................494
Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................................496
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................501
Body Lubrication .........................................................502
Windshield Wiper Blades ...........................................503
Exhaust System ........................................................... 505
Cooling System ........................................................... 506
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 9

162 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Tachometer• Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute(RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter
• When the vehicle is in the RUN state, the gauge indi -
cates the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged.
If the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with Stop/Start, a reduced voltage may
be present during an Autostop.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
• When the appropriate conditions exist, this displayshows the instrument cluster display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information. 4. Oil Pressure Gauge
• The pointer should always indicate the oil pressurewhen the engine is running. A continuous high or low
reading under normal driving conditions may indicate
a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with Stop/Start, an oil pressure indica -
tion of zero is normal during an Autostop.
5. Speedometer
• Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
• The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tankwhen the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
• The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 162

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163
7. Temperature Gauge• The pointer shows engine coolant temperature. Thepointer positioned within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfacto -
rily.
• The pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
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. Refer to “Cooling System Pressure
Cap” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information if you decide to look under the hood.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
3
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 163

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
3. Speedometer• Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
• The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tankwhen the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
• The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
• The pointer shows engine coolant temperature. Thepointer positioned within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfacto -
rily.
• The pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.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. Refer to “Cooling System Pressure
Cap” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information if you decide to look under the hood.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
3
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 165

168 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Up And Down Arrow Buttons:
Using the up or down arrows allows you to cycle through
the Main Menu Items.
Left And Right Arrow Buttons:
Using the left or right arrow button allows you to cycle
through the submenu items of the Main menu item.
NOTE:
• Holding the up/down or left/right arrow button will loop the user through the currently selected menu or options
presented on the screen.
• Main menu and submenus wrap for continuous scrolling.
• Upon returning to a main menu, the last submenu screen viewed within that main menu will be displayed.
OK Button:
For Digital Speedometer:
• Pushing the OK button changes units (mph or km/h).
For Screen Setup:
• OK button allows user to enter menu and submenus.
• Within each submenu layer, the up and down arrows will
allow the user to select the item of interest. • Pushing the
OK button makes the selection and a confir -
mation screen will appear (returning the user to the first
page of the submenu).
• Pushing the left arrow button will exit each submenu layer
and return to the main menu.
Oil Life Reset
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator
system. The “Oil Change Required” message will display in
the instrument cluster display for five seconds after a single
chime has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil change
interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle
based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluc -
tuate, dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time
you place the ignition in the ON/RUN position. To turn off
the message temporarily, push and release the OK or arrow
buttons. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to the
following procedure:
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and place the ignition in the ON/
RUN position (do not start the engine).
2. Push and release the down arrow button to scroll down -
ward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info.”
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 168

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
3. Push and release the right arrow button to access the ”Oil
Life” screen.
4. Push and hold the OK button to reset oil life. If conditions
are met, the gauge and numeric display will update to
show 100%. If conditions are not met a pop up message of
“To reset oil life engine must be off with ignition in run”
will be displayed (for five seconds), and the user will
remain at the Oil Life screen.
5. Push and release the up or down arrow button to exit the
submenu screen.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when you start the
vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If
necessary, repeat this procedure.
Display Menu Items
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the
desired selectable menu icon is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display.
Speedometer
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the
speedometer menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and release the OK button to cycle the
display between mph and km/h. Vehicle Info
Push and release the
up or down arrow button until the
Vehicle Info menu icon is displayed in the instrument cluster
display. Push and release the left or right arrow button to
scroll through the information submenus and push and
release the OK button to select or reset the resettable
submenus.
• Tire Pressure
• Trans Temp (Automatic only)
• Oil Temperature
• Oil Life
• Air Suspension — If Equipped
• Coolant Temperature — If Equipped
• Oil Pressure — If Equipped
• Battery Voltage — If Equipped
• Gauge Summary — If Equipped
• Engine Hours
3
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 169

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This warning light warns of an overheated engine condition.
If the engine coolant temperature is too high, this indicator
will illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the tempera -
ture reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will sound
for four minutes or until the engine is able to cool: whichever
comes first.
If the light turns on 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 (N) and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case Of Emer -
gency” for further information.
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the charging system.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component. — Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate low engine oil
pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle,
shut off the engine as soon as possible, and contact an autho -
rized dealer. A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This
light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The
engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
— Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the engine oil
temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Wait
for oil temperature to return to normal levels.
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either stay on
or flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the igni -
tion when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the
transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.

3
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 181

182 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are
pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle 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. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. — Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light

This warning light will turn on when there's a fault with the
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Refer to “Power Steering”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Tailgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the tailgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans -
mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated
you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 182

286 SAFETY
Exhaust Gas
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic 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, inspect the exhaust
system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.
Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or retractor
condition, replace the seat belt.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/rear doors open, make sure that all windows are closed and
the climate control BLOWER switch is set at high
speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running, adjust your heating or cooling controls
to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at
high speed.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 286

STARTING AND OPERATING 297
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and 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 detri-
mental 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 “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. 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 a problem. Please check your oil level with the engine oil
indicator often during the break in period. Add oil as
required.
PARKING BRAKE
Electric Park Brake (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Park Brake System
(EPB) that offers simple operation, and some additional
features that make the parking brake more convenient and
useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent the
vehicle from rolling while parked. Before leaving the vehicle,
make sure that the park brake is applied. Also, be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK.
You can engage the park brake in two ways:
• Manually, by applying the park brake switch.
• Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake feature in
the customer programmable features section of the Ucon -
nect settings.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 297