oil additives RAM 1500 2023 Owners Manual

342SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Synthetic Engine Oils
Your engine was designed for synthetic engine oils, only
use synthetic API approved engine oils.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the correct
API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
numbers should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the
addition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes)
to the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact an authorized dealer, service
station or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter at
every engine oil change. Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should be used for
replacement. The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality Mopar® certified filters
should be used. If a Mopar® Engine Oil Filter is
unavailable, only use filters that meet or exceed
SAE/USCAR-36 Filter Performance Requirements.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 334.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies considerably.
Only high quality Mopar® certified filters should be used.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And
Replacement — Except G/T Model
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. With suitable tool fully loosen (six) fasteners on the engine air cleaner filter cover.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

2. Lift the engine air cleaner filter cover to access the engine air cleaner filter.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system
(air cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is
necessary for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no
one is near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
1 — Fasteners
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE353
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. Avoid using transmission sealers as they
may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can
check your transmission fluid level using special
service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit an authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life
of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer recommended transmission fluid
Úpage 397. It is important to maintain the transmission
fluid at the correct level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission; only
the approved lubricant should be used.
REAR AXLE AND 4X4 FRONT DRIVING
A
XLE FLUID LEVEL
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid
level
Úpage 397. This inspection should be made with
the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the fill
hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of hole) for the front
axle and rear axle.

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 a collision.CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as the
chemicals can damage your transmission components.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder
Úpage 397.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE389
Special Care
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near
the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once a
month.
 It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors, rocker panels, and trunk be kept clear and
open.
 If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately.
 If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or similar
cause that destroys the paint and protective coating,
have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. 
If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
 If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud
or stone shields behind each wheel.
 Use Mopar® Touch Up Paint on scratches as soon as
possible. An authorized dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
Spray-On Bedliner – If Equipped
During ownership, the shine and luster of the Spray-On
Bedliner can fade from oxidation, road dirt, heavy-duty
hauling and hard water stains. Weathering and UV
exposure will lead to fading.
To help maintain the appearance of your Spray-On
Bedliner, the manufacturer recommends you periodically
rinse all loose dirt from your truck bed and clean your truck
at least twice per year using the Mopar® Spray-On
Bedliner Conditioner available at a local authorized
dealer.
To Help Maintain The Appearance Of Your Spray-On
Bedliner

1. Rinse your truck bed out with water to remove any loose dirt and debris.

2. Mix a mild soap or detergent with water. Then apply solution with a soft cloth or brush.
3. Rinse bedliner with water. 4. Once dry, apply a small amount of Mopar® Spray-On
Bedliner Conditioner to a moist towel or sponge and
wipe over the entire surface of the truck bedliner.
Spray-On Bedliners are chemically-resistant to many
different types of chemicals (including gasoline, oil,
hydraulic fluids) for short periods of time. If a spill occurs
on your Spray-On Bedliner, rinse the truck out as soon as
possible to avoid permanent damage.
Repairing The Spray-On Bedliner
While extremely tough, it is possible to damage a Spray-On
Bedliner. One common condition is when loading a heavy
pallet and dragging that pallet across the floor of the bed.
If a nail or sharp point is exposed under the weight of the
pallet a scratch or tear is possible. While not covered by
your new vehicle warranty, a cosmetic fix to cover the
metal exposed by the scratch is required. To repair a tear
or gouge, follow the directions provided in the Mopar®
Quick Repair Kit.
CAUTION!
 Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,
metal polishes, or oven cleaner. These products may
damage the bumper’s protective finish. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Only car wash soap, Mopar® Chrome
Cleaner, or equivalent is recommended.
 Avoid products or automatic car washes that use
acidic solutions, strong alkaline additives, or harsh
brushes. Many aftermarket cleaners and automatic
car washes may damage the bumper’s protective
finish. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap,
Mopar® Chrome Cleaner, or equivalent is
recommended.
WARNING!
Do not use silicon-based protection products to clean
your bedliner. Silicon-based products can become
slippery and may result in personal injury.
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405
E
Electric Brake Control System..................................... 263 Anti-Lock Brake System ......................................... 262
Electronic Roll Mitigation .............................. 264
, 268
Electric Parking Brake ................................................. 122
Electric Power Steering................................................ 141
Electrical Power Outlets..................................................66 Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................................... 128
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ................................ 264
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light................... 109
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .................. 130
, 132
Emergency Braking ...................................................... 276
Emergency Gas Can Refueling .................................... 326
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................................. 329
Hazard Warning Flasher ......................................... 314
Jump Starting .......................................................... 325
Emission Control System Maintenance...................... 117
Engine ........................................................................... 337 Air Cleaner ............................................................... 342Block Heater ........................................................... 121
Break-In Recommendations .................................. 122
Compartment ........................................337
, 338, 339
Compartment Identification .................337, 338, 339
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................................................ 396
Exhaust Gas Caution .............................................. 313
Fails To Start ........................................................... 121
Flooded, Starting .................................................... 121
Fuel Requirements ........................................ 393
, 395
Jump Starting .......................................................... 325
Oil ...........................................................341
, 395, 396
Oil Filler Cap ............................................................ 337 Oil Filter ....................................................................342
Oil Selection ................................................... 341
, 395
Oil Synthetic ............................................................. 342
Overheating ............................................................. 327
Starting.....................................................................118
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............. 297
, 332
Entry System, Illuminated .............................................. 52 Ethanol .......................................................................... 394
Exhaust Gas Cautions ..................................................313
Exhaust System .................................................. 313
, 348
Exterior Lights ........................................................46, 313
FFamily Alerts .................................................................. 248
FAQ ................................................................................ 248
Features ........................................................................ 239
Filters Air Cleaner ............................................................... 342
Air Conditioning ................................................59
, 344
Engine Oil ................................................................. 342
Engine Oil Disposal..................................................342
Flashers Turn Signals ................................................... 115
, 313
Flash-To-Pass .................................................................. 48
Flat Tire Stowage .......................................................... 323
Fluid Capacities ............................................................395
Fluid Leaks ....................................................................313
Fluid Level Checks Brake ........................................................................ 352
Fluid, Brake ...................................................................397
Fog Lights ...............................................................48
, 368
Fold-Flat Seats ................................................................ 30 Forward Collision Warning ........................................... 274
Four Wheel Drive .......................................................... 130
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ............................................. 314
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ............................................... 329
Front Axle (Differential) ................................................ 353
Fuel................................................................................ 393
Adding ...................................................................... 171Additives .................................................................. 393
Clean Air .................................................................. 393
Ethanol..................................................................... 394Gasoline ................................................................... 393
Light ......................................................................... 111
Materials Added ...................................................... 393
Methanol ................................................................. 394
Octane Rating.................................................393
, 396
Requirements .................................................393, 395
Tank Capacity .......................................................... 395
Fuel Saver Technology ................................................. 141
Fuses ............................................................................. 354
GGarage Door Opener (HomeLink) .................................. 42 Gasoline, Clean Air ....................................................... 393
Gasoline, Reformulated ............................................... 393
Getting Started ............................................................. 238
Glass Cleaning .............................................................. 391
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................................................... 34
Gross Axle Weight Rating ............................................. 173
Gross Combination Weight Rating .............................. 173
Gross Trailer Weight ..................................................... 173
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ....................................... 173
Guide Body Builders ...............................................................9
GVWR ............................................................................ 172
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