oil temperature RAM 1500 2022 User Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING147
Winter Front Cover

Winter Front Cover

A Winter front or cold weather cover can be used in
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C),
especially during extended idle conditions. This
cover is equipped with four flaps for managing
total grille opening in varying ambient
temperatures. If a Winter front or cold weather
cover is to be used the flaps should be in the full
open position to allow air flow to the cooling
module and automatic transmission oil cooler.
When ambient temperatures drop below 0°F
(-17°C) the four flaps need to be closed. A suitable
cold weather cover is available from a Mopar®
dealer.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is
cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the engine
up to operating speed slowly to allow the oil
pressure to stabilize as the engine warms up.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the
engine at moderate speeds for five minutes before
full loads are applied.
ENGINE IDLING
Avoid prolonged idling. Long periods of idling may
be harmful to your engine because combustion
chamber temperatures can drop so low that the
fuel may not burn completely. Incomplete
combustion allows carbon and varnish to form on
piston rings, cylinder head valves, turbochargers,
and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can
enter the crankcase, diluting the oil and causing
rapid wear to the engine.
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148STARTING AND OPERATING
STOPPING THE ENGINE
After full load operation, idle the engine for a few minutes before shutting it down. This idle period will allow the lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat
away from the turbocharger. Refer to the following chart for proper engine shutdown.
NOTE:Under certain conditions the engine Stop/Start functionality may be temporarily disabled and the engine fan will run after the engine is turned off to protect the
engine. These conditions are under high load and high temperature conditions.
Driving Condition Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.)
Before Engine Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolNone
Stop and Go Medium 0.5
Highway Speeds MediumWarm 1.0
City Traffic Maximum GCWR 1.5
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR 2.0
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR Hot2.5

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STARTING AND OPERATING149
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine
as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely
stopped, restart the engine and monitor the lamp.
If the lamp is still illuminated, shut the engine off,
contact an authorized dealer, and do not operate
the vehicle until the cause is corrected. If the lamp
is no longer illuminated, the engine can be
operated, but should be taken to an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for further inspection.
NOTE:Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much oil is
in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked
under the hood.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed
Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Some important observations are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely
Sudden loss of power
Unusual engine noises
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
Sudden change, outside the normal operating
range, in the engine operating temperature
Excessive smoke
Oil pressure drop
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

Engine Block Heater Cord Location
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected
110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
For diesel engines, its use is recommended for
environments that routinely fall below -10°F
(-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has not
been running for long periods of time and should
be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its use is
required for cold starts with temperatures under
-20°F (-28°C).
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures,
use of an externally powered electric engine block
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is
recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the
hood on the passenger side of the vehicle next to
the engine coolant reservoir.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings,
shut the engine off immediately. Failure to do so
could result in immediate and severe engine
damage.WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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150STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE
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 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 recommended viscosity and
quality grades Ú page 473.
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.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal operation is
allowed, providing the following recommendations
are followed:
Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
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. 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 recommended viscosity and
quality grades Ú
page 473.
NOTE:NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an 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 parking
brake is applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
Manually, by applying the parking brake switch.
Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake
feature in the Customer Programmable
Features section of the Uconnect settings.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral
Oil in the engine or damage may result.

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304MULTIMEDIA
The following describes each feature and its
operation:
TIMERS
When the Timers page is selected, you will be able
to view the Drag and Accel & Braking timers.
Recent
A real-time summary of performance timers for
the most recent valid run, or the status of a test
in progress.
Last
The last recorded run of performance timers.
Best
The best recorded run of performance timers,
except for braking data.
Save
Pressing the SAVE button will let you save the timer
data for Recent, Last, and Best recorded times to
an inserted USB flash drive.
The Timers pages contain the timers listed below:
Reaction Time: Measures the driver's reaction
time for launching the vehicle against a simu -
lated drag strip timing light (behavior modeled
after 500 Sportsman Tree) displayed in the
instrument cluster display.
NOTE:Drag timers (RT, 60 ft [20 m], 330 ft [100 m],
1/8 mile [200 m], 1000 ft [300 m], and 1/4 mile
[400 m]) and Acceleration Timers (0-60 mph
[0-96 km/h] and 0-100 mph [0-160 km/h]) will be
ready to acquire new recent data measurements
when the vehicle is at 0 mph (0 km/h) and vehicle
is in drive.
The timer listed below shows the measured time
required to travel at the cited distance is met.
Some timers will also display speeds present at the
time the distance was met.
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
0-100 mph (0-160 km/h)
60 ft (20 m) ET
330 ft (100 m) ET
⅛ Mile (200 m) + ET
⅛ Mile (200) + mph
1000 ft (300 m) ET
¼ Mile (400 m) + ET
¼ Mile (400 m) + mph
Brake Distance ft (meters)
NOTE:The distance measurement will be aborted if the
brake pedal is released or the parking brake is
engaged, before the vehicle comes to a complete
stop.
Brake from mph (km/h)
NOTE:Brake Distance and Speed timers only display
“ready” when vehicle is traveling at a speed
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h).
GAUGES
When selected, this screen displays the following
values:
Coolant Temperature
Shows the actual coolant temperature.
Oil Temperature
Shows the actual oil temperature.
Oil Pressure
Shows the actual oil pressure.
Trans Temp
Shows actual transmission oil temperature.

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MULTIMEDIA309
ACCESSORY GAUGE
The Accessory Gauge page displays the current
status of the vehicle’s Coolant Temperature, Oil
Temperature, Oil Pressure, Transmission
Temperature, and Battery Voltage.

Accessory Gauge Menu 2WD/4WD

1 — Oil Temperature
2 — Coolant Temperature
3 — Oil Pressure
4 — Battery Voltage
5 — Transmission Temperature
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393
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — 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, and extremely hot or cold ambient
temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).An 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 an authorized dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under Instrument Cluster Display
Ú
page 114.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irreg
-
ular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indi -
cator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
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398SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL 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 will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km). An 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 an authorized dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under Instrument Cluster Display
Ú
page 114.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or
12 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, and power steering, and
fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE407
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 crosshatch
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.
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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418SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
When inspecting accessory drive belts, small
cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt from rib to rib, are considered normal. This is
not a reason to replace the belt. However, cracks
running along a rib (not across) are not normal. Any
belt with cracks running along a rib must be
replaced. Also have the belt replaced if it has
excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)

Conditions that would require replacement:
Rib chunking (one or more ribs has separated
from belt body)
Rib or belt wear
Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between two
ribs)
Belt slips
“Groove jumping" (belt does not maintain
correct position on pulley)
Belt broken
Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or rumble
is heard or felt while drive belt is in operation)
NOTE:Identify and correct problem before new belt is
installed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a Stop/Start, belt
must be replaced with an OEM grade Mopar® belt.
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty
component such as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys
should be carefully inspected for damage and
proper alignment.
Belt replacement on some models requires the
use of special tools, we recommend having your
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and
rollers, liftgate, tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and
hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically. Use
a lithium-based grease, such as Mopar® Spray
White Lube to assure quiet, easy operation and to
protect against rust and wear. Prior to the
application of any lubricant, the parts concerned
should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit;
after lubricating excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given
to hood latching components to ensure proper
function. When performing other underhood
services, the hood latch release mechanism, and
safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to inspect an accessory drive
belt with vehicle running.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time regardless of ignition mode. You could be
injured by the moving fan blades.
You can be badly injured working on or around
a motor vehicle. Only do service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equip -
ment. If you have any doubt about your ability
to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.

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