warning Ram 2500 2020 Owner's Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE395
After the engine has warmed up, operate the
defroster for a few minutes to reduce the possi -
bility 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.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a mainte-
nance-free battery. You will never have to add
water, nor is periodic maintenance required.
Pressure Washing
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.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water. Refer to “Jump
Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emer -
gency” for further information.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output greater
than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces -
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on
the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the nega -
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and
negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle
battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
CAUTION!
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
Precautions have been taken to safeguard all
parts and connections however, the
pressures generated by these machines is
such that complete protection against water
ingress cannot be guaranteed.
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396SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
DEALER SERVICE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service
personnel, special tools, and equipment to
perform all service operations in an expert
manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your
vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could
result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
Engine Oil
Change Engine Oil — Gas Engine
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched -
uled maintenance. Refer to “Scheduled
Servicing” in this chapter for further informa -
tion.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 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.
Change Engine Oil — Diesel Engine
Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Selection — Gas Engine
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the require
-
ments of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
Engine Oil Selection — Diesel Engine
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils
that are API CK-4 certified and meet the require -
ments of FCA US LLC. Use Mopar or an equiva -
lent oil meeting FCA Material Standard
MS-10902. Products meeting Cummins CES
20081 may also be used. The identification of
these engine oils are typically located on the
back of the oil container.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol — Gas Engine
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Petro -
leum Institute (API). The manufac -
turer only recommends API Certified
engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30,
5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
WARNING!
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 equipment. If you have any doubt
about your ability to perform a service job,
take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

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398SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
engine oil filler cap also shows the recom -
mended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For
information on engine oil filler cap location,
refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” for further information.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the
recommended oil quality requirements are met,
and the recommended maintenance intervals
for oil and filter changes are followed.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the
engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE
viscosity grade number 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 govern -
mental 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
This manufacturer's engines have a full-flow
type disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type
for replacement. The quality of replacement
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine oil filters are high quality
oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section
for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”
maintenance interval if applicable.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And
Replacement — Gas Engine
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or
debris, if you find evidence of either dirt or
debris you should change your 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.

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400SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
3. Remove the air cleaner filter element from
the housing assembly.

Air Cleaner Filter

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:
Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is
present before replacing the air filter element.

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

2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the housing assembly locating tabs. 3. Install screws to secure the air cleaner
cover to the housing assembly.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air condi -
tioner should be checked and serviced by an
authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling —
R-134a — (If Equipped)
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro -
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is an ozone-friendly
substance. The manufacturer recommends
that air conditioning service be performed by an
authorized dealer or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling —
R-1234yf — (If Equipped)
R–1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a
hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an
ozone-friendly substance with a low
global-warming potential. The manufacturer
1 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Air Cleaner Filter Inspection Surface
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap -
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
Refer to Warranty Information Book, for
further warranty information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE401
recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by an authorized dealer using
recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil, and refrigerants.
Cabin Filter Replacement (A/C Air Filter)
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
The cabin air filter is located in the fresh air inlet
behind the glove compartment. Perform the
following procedure to replace the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment and remove
all contents.

2. With the glove compartment door open, remove the glove compartment tension
tether and tether clip by sliding the clip
toward the face of the glove compartment
door. Lift the clip out of glove compartment
door and release into dash panel.

Right Side Of Glove Compartment
3. There are travel stops on both sides of the
glove compartment. Push inward on right
side of the glove compartment travel stop to
disengage the stop. Then pull the right of
the glove compartment outward (away from
the hinge) to disengaging the right side of
the compartment from the hinge. Continue
by removing the left side from the hinge by
slightly lowering the compartment while
pulling outward until it is completely disen -
gaged from the hinge.

Glove Compartment


WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the
vehicle is running, or while the ignition is in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. With the cabin air
filter removed and the blower operating, the
blower can contact hands and may propel dirt
and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.
1 — Glove Compartment Door
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether
1 — Glove Compartment Travel Stop
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether
3 — Glove Compartment Door
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE403
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
When inspecting accessory drive belts, small
cracks that run across ribbed surface of belt
from rib to rib, are considered normal. These
are not a reason to replace 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 sepa -
rated 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 (note: identify and correct
problem before new belt is installed)
Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or
rumble is heard or felt while drive belt is in
operation) 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.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter —
Diesel Engine
There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is
located on the driver's side of the engine. The
best access to this water drain valve is from
under the hood. The second one is on the under
body, located in front of the rear axle above the
drive shaft on pick-up models. The Chassis Cab
models second filter location is on the frame
behind the front axle. The best access to this
water drain valve is from under the vehicle.
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 equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a compe
-
tent mechanic.
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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE407
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel —
Diesel Engine

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

2. Three priming cycles must be completed. Turn ignition to the RUN position and wait
approximately 30 seconds. This will activate
the in tank fuel pump. Turn the ignition
switch to the off position, and leave off for at
least 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure
three times before cranking the engine.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting” procedure. Refer to “Starting Procedures”
in “Starting and Operating” for further infor -
mation.
4. Once the engine starts, allow the engine to idle for a minimum of 30 seconds. NOTE:
The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
NOTE:
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-975 may be used with
your Cummins diesel engine. (Chassis Cab
models not configured with B20 capability.)
A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-7467 may be used with
your Cummins diesel engine. (Pickup models
and Chassis Cab models configured with B20
capability.)
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.
Ethanol blends are not recommended or
approved for use with your Cummins diesel
engine.
In addition, commercially available fuel addi
-
tives are not necessary for the proper opera -
tion of your Cummins diesel engine.
Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow
The Cummins diesel engine meets all Environ -
mental Protection Agency (EPA) Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in
one of the lowest emitting diesel engines ever
produced.
To achieve these emissions standards, your
vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art
engine and exhaust system. The engine and
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!
Do not engage the starter motor for more
than 15 seconds at a time. Allow two minutes
between the 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.
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408SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
exhaust after-treatment system work together
to achieve the EPA Heavy Duty Diesel Engine
Emissions Standards. These systems are seam -
lessly integrated into your vehicle and managed
by the Cummins 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.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is
driven on low engine speed drive cycles for
more than two hours, the system will automati -
cally enter an emissions operating mode that
will increase the engine idle speed to 900 RPM
(1050 RPM for Chassis Cab). While in this
mode, which is designed to help maintain the
Diesel Particulate Filter, the engine idle speed
will return to normal when the brake pedal is
applied. A small change in engine tone or a
slight change in engine performance while
accelerating may also be noticeable at speeds
below 20 mph (32 kmh). This operating mode
may last for up to an hour of idle time, or around
20 minutes of driving time.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert
you to additional maintenance required on your
truck or engine. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known
simply by the name of its active component,
UREA—is a key component of selective catalytic
reduction (SCR) systems, which help diesel
vehicles meet stringent emission regulations.
DEF is a liquid reducing agent that reacts with
engine exhaust in the presence of a catalyst to
convert smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx)
into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specification” for further information.
You can receive assistance in locating DEF in
the United States by calling 866-RAM-INFO (866-726-4636). In Canada call
1–800–465–2001 (English) or
1–800–387–9983 (French)
You can receive assistance in locating DEF by
contacting 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 with a lithium based grease, such
as Mopar Spray White Lube to ensure 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.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the Autumn and
Spring. Apply a small amount of a high quality
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubri
-
cant directly into the lock cylinder.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE411
(Continued)
(Continued)
exhaust system inspected each time the vehicle
is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace
as required.
Under normal operating conditions, the cata-
lytic converter will not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine
properly tuned to ensure proper catalyst opera-
tion and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc -
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over -
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmis
-
sion is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
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, refer to “Safety Tips”
in “Safety” for further information.

A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
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.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri-
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor -
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
CAUTION! (Continued)
WARNING!

You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from
under the hood, do not open the hood until the
radiator has had time to cool. Never open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
or coolant bottle is hot.

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412SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protec-
tion every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the
engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check
the front of the A/C condenser (if equipped) or
radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves,
etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from
a garden hose vertically down the face of the
A/C condenser (if equipped) or the back of the
radiator core. Check the engine cooling system hoses for
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and tight
-
ness of the connection at the coolant recovery
bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system
for leaks.
DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added to
the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
contains visible sediment, have an authorized
dealer clean and flush with OAT coolant (anti -
freeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section
for the proper maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other
than specified Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result
in engine damage and may decrease corro
-
sion protection. Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant is different and should
not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (anti -
freeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant
(antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling
system in an emergency, the cooling system
will need to be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not
use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod -
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the
radiator engine coolant and may plug the
radiator.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
WARNING! (Continued)

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