fuel filter RAM 1500 2021 User Guide

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE403
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE — B6 TO
B20 B
IODIESEL
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km) or
six months, whichever comes first when
using biodiesel blends greater than 5% (B5).
The owner is required to monitor mileage for
B6-B20 biodiesel, the automatic oil change
indicator system does not reflect the use of
biofuels.
Fuel filter change interval is maintained at
every second oil change. This is especially
important with biodiesel usage.
For more information on using biodiesel
Ú page 472.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around 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 competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain
your vehicle could result in a component
malfunction and effect vehicle handling
and performance. This could cause an acci -
dent.
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408SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine
oil must be maintained at the correct level.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as
every fuel stop. The best time to check the
engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the
low end of the range and MAX at the high end
of the range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at
the MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:
Always maintain the oil level within the cross -
hatch markings on the dipstick. Adding 1 quart (1.0 liter) of oil when the reading
is at the low end of the dipstick range will raise
the oil level to the high end of the range
marking.
NOTE:
It is possible for your oil level to be slightly
higher than a previous check. This would be due
to diesel fuel that may temporarily be in the
crankcase due to operation of the diesel partic
-
ulate filter regeneration strategy (if equipped).
This fuel will evaporate out under normal oper -
ation.ADDING WASHER FLUID
The fluid reservoir is located under the hood
and should be checked for fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe the wiper blades clean. This will
help blade performance. To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer
system in cold weather, select a solution or
mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature
range of your climate. This rating information
can be found on most washer fluid containers.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the
defroster for a few minutes to reduce the
possibility of smearing or freezing the fluid on
the cold windshield. Windshield washer solution
used with water as directed on the container,
aids cleaning action, reduces the freezing point
to avoid line clogging, and is not harmful to
paint or trim.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This
could damage your engine.WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling
or working around the washer solution.

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412SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:
Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is
present before replacing the engine air cleaner
filter.

1. Install the engine air cleaner filter into the housing assembly with the engine air
cleaner filter inspection surface facing
downward.

2. Install the engine air cleaner filter cover onto the housing assembly.
3. Tighten the fasteners (six) on the engine air cleaner filter assembly.
DRAINING FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR
F
ILTER — DIESEL ENGINE
The fuel/water separator filter housing is
located inside the frame rail, behind the left
front wheel. The best access to this water drain
valve is from under the vehicle. If water is detected in the water separator while
the engine is running, or while the ignition
switch is in the ON/RUN position, the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” will illuminate and an
audible chime will be heard. At this point, you
should stop the engine and drain the water from
the filter housing.

Fuel Filter Assembly
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 position,
there may be a problem with your water
separator wiring or sensor. See an authorized
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 approximately three
minutes.
NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately
discarded, can present a problem to the envi
-
ronment. 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.
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.
1 — Water In Fuel Drain Valve
CAUTION! (Continued)CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains
on, DO NOT START the engine before you
drain water from the fuel filter to avoid engine
damage.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE413
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 Úpage 414.
UNDERBODY MOUNTED FUEL FILTER
R
EPLACEMENT — DIESEL ENGINE
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet FCA’s filtra-
tion and water separating requirements can
severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
Under normal conditions the diesel fuel filter
should be replaced every 20,000 miles (every
other oil change). If the vehicle is being used in
severe operating conditions, or In certain
geographical areas of the country (Pennsyl -
vania, New York, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia,
Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska) due to fuel cleanliness’ issues,
it’s recommended to replace the fuel filter every
10,000 miles.

Fuel Filter Assembly
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.
5. Remove bottom cover using a strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for removal.
Remove the used o-ring and discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of it according to your
local regulations.
7. Wipe the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing clean.
8. Install a new o-ring into the ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean
engine oil.
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing 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 — Water In Fuel Drain Valve
2 — Fuel Filter Access
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414SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
PRIMING IF THE ENGINE HAS RUN OUT
O
F FUEL — DIESEL ENGINE

1. Add a substantial amount of fuel to the
tank, approximately 2 to 5 gal (8 L to 19 L).

2. Press ignition switch twice without your foot on brake to put vehicle in ON/RUN position.
This will activate the in tank fuel pump for
approximately 30 seconds. Repeat this
process twice.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting” procedure Ú page 144.
NOTE:
The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines. NOTE:
Use of biodiesel mixture in excess of 20% can
negatively impact the fuel filter's ability to
separate water from the fuel, resulting in
high pressure fuel system corrosion or
damage.
In addition, commercially available fuel addi
-
tives are not necessary for the proper opera -
tion of your diesel engine.
For extreme cold conditions, "Mopar
Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment" is recom -
mended to assist with cold starting.
INTERVENTION REGENERATION
S
TRATEGY — MESSAGE PROCESS FLOW
(D
IESEL ENGINE)
This engine meets all required diesel engine
emissions standards. To achieve these
emissions standards, your vehicle is equipped
with a state-of-the-art engine and exhaust
system. These systems are seamlessly
integrated into your vehicle and managed by
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM
manages engine combustion to allow the
exhaust system’s catalyst to trap and burn
Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input
or interaction on your part.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert
you to additional maintenance required on your
vehicle or engine Ú page 114.WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system
with the engine running. Engine operation
causes high fuel pressure. High pressure fuel
spray can cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
The starter motor will engage for
approximately 30 seconds at a time. Allow
two minutes between cranking intervals.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under
certain conditions and be hazardous or
explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
CAUTION!
Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or
gasoline, the use of these fuels can cause
damage to the fuel system.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn, such as
grass or leaves, and those items that come
into contact with your exhaust system. Do not
park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything
that can burn.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS471
FUEL REQUIREMENTS – DIESEL ENGINE
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.
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable
supplier in your vehicle. For most year-round
service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
(formerly known as the American Society for
Testing and Materials) 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 prolonged
periods, use Climatized Number 2 diesel fuel or
dilute the Number 2 diesel fuel with 50%
Number 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better
protection from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of
the fuel filters. Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water.
To prevent fuel system trouble, drain the
accumulated water from the fuel/water
separator filter using the fuel/water separator
drain provided on the fuel filter housing. If you
buy good quality fuel and follow the cold
weather advice above, fuel conditioners should
not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel
may offer improved cold-starting and warm-up
performance.
DIESEL FUEL SPECIFICATIONS
This diesel engine has been developed to take
advantage of the high energy content and
generally lower cost Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur
diesel fuel or Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur
Climatized diesel fuels.
NOTE:
If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gaso
-
line on your diesel vehicle, do not start the
engine. Damage to the engine and fuel
system could occur. Please call an autho -
rized dealer for service.
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting
ASTM specification D-975 may be used with
your diesel engine without any adjustments
to regular service schedules.
Commercially available fuel additives are not
necessary for the proper operation of your
diesel engine.
Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should
only be used where extended arctic condi -
tions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under
certain conditions and hazardous or
explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains
on, DO NOT START engine before you drain
the water from the fuel filter(s) to avoid
engine damage Ú page 412.9

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472TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BIODIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting
ASTM specification D975 is recommended for
use with your diesel engine. If frequent
operation with Biodiesel blends that are
between 6% and 20% (B6–B20) is desired, the
maintenance schedule is subject to shorter
intervals.
The oil and filter change along with fuel filter
replacement is subject to shorter intervals
when operating your engine on biodiesel
greater than 5%. Do not use biodiesel greater
than 20%.
For regular use of biodiesel blends between 6%
and 20% (B6–B20) it is important that you
understand and comply with these
requirements. For further direction
Úpage 403. Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable
resources typically derived from animal fat,
rapeseed oil (Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME)
base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl Ester (SME or
SOME) base).
Biodiesel fuel has inherent limitations which
require that you understand and adhere to the
following requirements if you use blends of
Biodiesel between 6% and 20% (B6–B20).
There are no unique restrictions for the use of
B5.
Biodiesel Fuel Properties — Low Ambient
Temperatures
Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient
temperatures, which may pose problems for
both storage and operation. Precautions can be
necessary at low ambient temperatures, such
as storing the fuel in a heated building or a
heated storage tank, or using cold temperature
additives.
CAUTION!
Failure to comply with Oil Change
requirements for vehicles operating on
biodiesel blends between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20) will result in premature engine
wear. Such wear is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Use of blends greater than 20% is not
approved. Use of blends greater than 20%
can result in engine damage. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
In the event that the vehicle is filled with
biodiesel and not used for more than a
month, the fuel should either be used up by
driving (up to quarter tank) and filled with
standard diesel blends with less than 5% that
is normally available. This will help prevent
the fuel filter clogging and potential damage
to the fuel injection system due to degraded
biodiesel, which is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS473
Fuel Quality — Must Comply With ASTM
Standards
The quality of Biodiesel fuel may vary widely.
Only fuel produced by a BQ9000 supplier to the
following specifications may be blended to
meet Biodiesel blend B6 – B20 fuel meeting
ASTM specification D-7467:
Petrodiesel fuel meeting ASTM specification
D-975 and Biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting ASTM
specification D-6751
Fuel Oxidation Stability — Must Use Fuel
Within Six Months Of Manufacture
Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability which
can result in long term storage problems. Fuel
produced to approved ASTM standards, if
stored properly, provides for protection against
fuel oxidation for up to six months.
Fuel Water Separation — Must Use Mopar
Approved Fuel Filter Elements
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and
water accelerates microbial growth. Your Mopar
filtration system is designed to provide
adequate fuel water separation capabilities.
Fuel In Oil Dilution — Must Adhere To
Required Oil Change Interval
Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been
observed with the use of Biodiesel fuel. Fuel in
oil must not exceed 5%. To ensure this limit is
met your oil change interval must be
maintained with in the suggested schedule. The
regular use of biodiesel between 6% and 20%
requires intervals shorter than the outlined
10,000 miles (16,100 km) and must not
exceed the suggested schedule. When routinely
operating on biodiesel between 6% and 20%, oil
and filter replacement intervals must not
exceed 8,000 Miles (12,900 km) or six months,
which ever comes first.
Biodiesel Fuel Filter Change Intervals
The use of biodiesel requires more frequent fuel
filter change intervals. When operating on
biodiesel between 6% and 20%, fuel filter
replacement intervals should be every second
oil change, and must not exceed 16,000 miles
(25,750 km).
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km) or
six months, if regular operation occurs with 6%
- 20% biodiesel blends. Under no circumstances
should fuel filter replacement intervals exceed
every second oil change and must not exceed
16,000 miles (25,750 km), if regular operation
occurs with 6% - 20% biodiesel blends. Failure
to comply with these oil change and fuel filter
requirements for vehicles operating on
biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in prema -
ture engine wear. Such wear is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The engine
may suffer severe damage if operated with
concentrations of biodiesel higher than 20%.
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474TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
USMetric
Fuel (Approximate)
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew Quad Cab Models 23 Gallons87 Liters
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew Quad Cab Models 26 Gallons98 Liters
1500 Regular Cab Longbed/Crew Quad Cab Models (Optional) 33 Gallons121 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.6L Engine 5 Quarts4.7 Liters
5.7L Engine 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
Cooling System
3.6L Engine 13.7 Quarts13 Liters
3.6L Motor Generator Unit 1.8 Quarts1.7 Liters
5.7L Engine 18.3 Quarts17.3 Liters
Fuel (Approximate)
3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine 26 Gallons98.5 Liters
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank
Tradesman/Rebel Models 5.14 Gallons19.5 Liters
All Other Models 5.74 Gallons21.7 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine 8.5 Quarts8.0 Liters
Cooling System
3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine 11.6 Quarts11 Liters

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS475
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Gas Engine CoolantWe recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Motor Generator Unit – 3.6L Engine (If Equipped) We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 0W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-6395 such as Mopar, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil
filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-6395 such as Mopar, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil
filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Gas Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use Mopar brand engine oil filters.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane (R+M)/2 Method, 0-15% ethanol (Do not use E-85).
Fuel Selection – 5.7L Engines 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable (R+M)/2 Method, 0-15% ethanol (Do not
use E-85).
Diesel Engine Coolant We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil — 3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine We recommend you use 5W-40
synthetic engine oil such as Mopar that meets FCA Material
Standard MS-12991 and the API SN engine oil category is required.
Diesel Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use Mopar engine oil filters.
Using an oil filter that does not meet FCA’s
filtration requirements can severely impact engine life and reliability.
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