octane Ram 2500 2017 Owner's Manual

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.6L Engine
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide optimum
fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded “Regular”
gasoline having a posted octane number
of 87 as specified by the (R+M)/2
method. The use of higher octane “Pre-
mium” gasoline is not required, as it will not provide any
benefit over “Regular” gasoline in these engines.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,
hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making
a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause
engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
5.7L Engine
This engines is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satis-
factory fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded gaso-
line having a posted octane number
range of 87 to 89 as specified by the
(R+M)/2 method. The use of 89 octane
“Plus” gasoline is recommended for optimum performance
and fuel economy.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,
hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making
a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause
engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 541

6.4L Engine
This engines is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satis-
factory fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded gaso-
line having a posted octane number
range of 87 to 89 as specified by the
(R+M)/2 method. The use of 89 octane
“Plus” gasoline is recommended for optimum performance
and fuel economy.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,
hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making
a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause
engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are specifi-
cally blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air
quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Prop-
erly blended reformulated gasoline will provide improved
performance and durability of engine and fuel system
components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxygen-
ates such as ethanol.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing methanol or gasoline
containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15). Use of these
blends may result in starting and drivability problems,
damage critical fuel system components, cause emis-
sions to exceed the applicable standard, and/or cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light” to illuminate. Please ob-
serve pump labels as they should clearly communicate if
a fuel contains greater than 15% ethanol (E-15).
542 STARTING AND OPERATING

Problems that result from using gasoline containing more
than 15% ethanol (E-15) or gasoline containing methanol
are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may
void or not be covered under New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
Modifications that allow the engine to run on compressed
natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane (LP) may result in
damage to the engine, emissions, and fuel system compo-
nents. Problems that result from running CNG or LP are
not the responsibility of the manufacturer and many void
or not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are compatible with gasoline
containing up to 15% ethanol (E-15). Gasoline with higher
ethanol content may void the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85 fuel,
the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•Operate in a lean mode.
• OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on.
• Poor engine performance. •
Poor cold start and cold drivability.
• Increased risk for fuel system component corrosion.
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications
Modifications that allow the engine to run on compressed
natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane (LP) may result in
damage to the engine, emissions, and fuel system compo-
nents. Problems that result from running CNG or LP are
not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may void or
not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
MMT In Gasoline
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT) is
a manganese-containing metallic additive that is blended
into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline blended
with MMT provides no performance advantage beyond
gasoline of the same octane number without MMT. Gaso-
line blended with MMT reduces spark plug life and
reduces emissions system performance in some vehicles.
The manufacturer recommends that gasoline without
MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of
gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. MMT is prohibited in Federal
and California reformulated gasoline.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 543

Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion, and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines that
have these additives will help improve fuel economy,
reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle performance.Designated TOP TIER Detergent Gaso-
line contains a higher level of detergents
to further aide in minimizing engine
and fuel system deposits. When avail-
able, the usage of Top Tier Detergent
gasoline is recommended. Visit
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should be
avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum and
varnish removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket and dia-
phragm materials.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
• The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
• The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold
as octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of
these products contain high concentrations of metha-
nol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance
problems resulting from the use of such fuels or
additives is not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer and may void or not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
544 STARTING AND OPERATING

Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% ethanol and 15%
unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smoking
materials lit or products that can cause spark in or near
the vehicle when removing the fuel filler tube cap (gas
cap) or filling the tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning
agent and never use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with any octane rating, or solely E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these fuels.
For best results, avoid fueling patterns alternating be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline.
When switching fuel types:
•Add 5 gallons (19 liters) or more when refueling.
• Drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at least
5 miles (8 km). Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard start-
ing and/or driveability problems during warm up.
NOTE:
•
Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM D5798). With
non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, hard starting and
rough idle following start up may be experienced even if
the above recommendations are followed, especially
when the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
• Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully
compatible with E-85 and may form deposits in your
engine. To eliminate driveability issues that may be
caused by these deposits, a supplemental gasoline addi-
tive, such as MOPAR Injector Cleanup or Techron may
be used.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formulated
engine oils. These special requirements are included in
MOPAR engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting FCA
Material Standard MS-6395. It is recommended that engine
oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of
Material Standard MS-6395 be used. MS-6395 contains
546 STARTING AND OPERATING

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
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.
Engine Oil – 6.4L For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SN. The manufac-
turer recommends the use of Pennzoil Ultra 0W-40 or
equivalent MOPAR engine oil meeting the requirements of
FCA Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating
temperatures.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR brand Engine Oil Filters.
Spark Plugs We recommend you use MOPAR Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane, 0-15% Ethanol.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Flex Fuel (E-85) Engine – If Equipped 87 Octane, Up To 85% Ethanol.
Fuel Selection – 5.7L/6.4L Engines 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable, 0-15%
Ethanol.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 699

Enhanced Accident Response Feature..........66, 630
Entry System, Illuminated .....................21
Ethanol ............................. .542, 545
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................95, 545
Exhaust System ........................ .95, 660
Exterior Lighting .......................... .139
Exterior Lights .............................98
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .643
Air Conditioning .....................347, 650
Engine Oil ......................... .642, 698
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .642
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .98, 146, 263
Flat Tire Stowage ...................... .596, 613
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ......................... .547
Engine Oil ............................ .546
Fuel Requirements ....................545, 546
Maintenance ........................... .547
Replacement Parts ....................... .547
Starting .............................. .547
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .384
Fluid, Brake ............................. .701Fluid Capacities
........................... .697
Fluid Leaks ...............................98
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .667
Power Steering ......................... .492
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............698
Fog Lights ........................ .142, 256, 691
Fold Flat Load Floor ....................... .202
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................580
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .414
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .621
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .668
Fuel ................................... .541
Adding .............................. .548
Additives ............................. .544
Clean

Air ............................. .542
Ethanol ........................... .542, 545
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .549
Gasoline .............................. .541
Light ................................ .254
Materials Added ........................ .544
Methanol ............................. .542
Octane Rating ....................... .541, 698
Requirements ....................... .541, 697
Tank Capacity .......................... .697
720 INDEX

Memory Seat............................. .132
Methanol ............................... .542
Mirrors ................................. .104
Electric Powered .........................114
Heated ................................115
Memory .............................. .132
Outside ................................111
Rearview .......................... .104, 110
Trailer Towing ...........................116
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................535
MOPAR Parts ......................... .639, 713
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .542
Multi-Function Control Lever ..................146
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ..............171
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................94
Occupant Restraints .........................42
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................541
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............457, 473
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............457, 473
Oil, Engine ........................... .640, 698
Capacity .............................. .697
Change Interval ........................ .640Dipstick
.............................. .640
Disposal .............................. .642
Filter ............................. .642, 698
Filter Disposal .......................... .642
Identification Logo ...................... .641
Pressure Warning Light ....................245
Recommendation .....................641, 697
Synthetic ............................. .642
Viscosity ....................... .641, 642, 697
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .642
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .643
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .245
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................636
Operating Precautions ...................... .636
Operator
Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................111
Overdrive ........................... .403, 412
Overdrive OFF Switch ....................403, 412
Overhead Console ......................... .173
Overheating, Engine ....................... .580
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,714
Paint Care ............................... .672
Panic Alarm ...............................24
Parking Brake ............................ .492
724 INDEX