Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

Engine oil not designated by the FCA or Cummins Material
Standards and API CJ-4 should not be used, as engine and
exhaust system durability may be compromised. The en-
gine oil filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil
viscosity for your engine. For information on engine oil
filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compartment” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils if the recommended oil
quality requirements are met and the recommended main-
tenance intervals for oil and filter changes are followed.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the addi-
tion 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.
Engine Oil Filter
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information. The engine
oil filter should be changed at every engine oil change.
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 your authorized dealer, service sta-
tion or governmental agency for advice on how and where
used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 179

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
CAUTION!
All air entering the engine intake must be filtered. The
abrasive particles in unfiltered air will cause rapid
wear to engine components.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) pro-
vides a measure of protection. 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.
The condition of the air cleaner filter is monitored by the
Engine Control Module. The “SERVICE AIR FILTER”
message will display in the instrument cluster when ser-
vice is required. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. The “SERVICE AIR FILTER” message could be displayed
periodically. This is because engine air flow requirements
change based on driving conditions. As the filter becomes
more restrictive and air flow requirements increase the
“SERVICE AIR FILTER” message will be displayed. The
message may not be displayed in subsequent drive cycles
if the same conditions are not met. The air filter element
should be replaced within 250 miles (402 km) from the first
time this message is displayed to ensure proper engine
operation during all driving conditions.
CAUTION!
Driving with a restricted air filter can cause engine
damage. Driving in dusty environments for extended
periods will lead to rapid air filter plugging. Action
should be taken as soon as the “SERVICE AIR FIL-
TER” message is displayed.
180 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of engine power
while being driven in heavy snow or rain, or when
plowing snow, and/or the “SERVICE AIR FILTER” mes-
sage is displayed on the instrument cluster along with a
chime that repeats every 60 seconds, visually inspect the air
filter for snow/ice build up or extreme water saturation. If
the air filter is not damaged, remove all snow/ice and
reinstall air filter. If the air filter is damaged, replace filter
element.
NOTE:The air filter housing contains a Mass Air Flow
sensor. This sensor is critical to proper engine operation
and component longevity. Any damage or modification to
this sensor could result in major engine and/or exhaust
aftertreatment damage. We recommend you use MOPAR
brand parts.
Even though your vehicle is equipped with an Air Filter
Monitor, a visual inspection of the air cleaner filter element is recommended every 15,000 miles (24,000km) or 12 months –
whichever occurs first.
Under no circumstances should the
air cleaner filter element exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or
24 months, whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Many aftermarket performance air filter elements do
not adequately filter the air entering the engine. Use of
such filters can severely damage your engine.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine air cleaner
filters are a high quality filter and are recommended.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 181

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and
Replacement
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.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal
1. Remove the screws from the air cleaner cover.2. Lift the air cleaner cover to access the air cleaner filter.
Air Cleaner Filter Cover
1 — Clean Air Hose Clamp
2 — Air Cleaner Filter Cover
3 — Screws
182 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Remove the air cleaner filter element from the housingassembly. 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.
Open Air Cleaner Filter Assembly
1 — Air Cleaner Cover
2 — Air Cleaner Filter
Air Cleaner Filter
1 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Air Cleaner Filter Inspection Surface
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 183

2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the housing assemblylocating tabs.
3. Install screws to secure the air cleaner cover to the housing assembly.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter
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.
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 appropriate container.
If water is detected in the water separator while the engine
is running, or while the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illumi-
nate and an audible chime will be heard five times. At this point you should stop the engine and drain the water from
both of the filters.
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain water from
the fuel filters to avoid engine damage.
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes on and a single
chime is heard while you are driving, or with the ignition
switch in the ON position, there may be a problem with
your water separator wiring or sensor. See your authorized
dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from both fuel filters,
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 environment. 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.
184 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Drain the fuel/water separator filters when the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within 10 minutes of vehicle
shutdown, turn the engine mounted filter drain valve
(located on the side of the filter assembly) counterclock-
wise 1/4 turn, and turn the under body mounted filter
drain valve (located on the bottom of the filter assembly)
counterclock wise 1 full turn. 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 valves by turning them fully clock-
wise, and turn the ignition switch to OFF.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of fuel have been
drained, follow the directions for “Priming If The Engine
Has Run Out Of Fuel.”
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement
NOTE:
•Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufacturer’s
filtration and water separating requirements can se-
verely impact fuel system life and reliability.
•
The engine mounted filter housing is equipped with a
No-Filter-No-Run (NFNR) feature. Engine will not run if:
1. No filter is installed.
2. Inferior/Non-approved filter is used. Use of OEM filter is required to ensure vehicle will run.
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly
1 — Drain Valve
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185

CAUTION!
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate 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. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel and water into the approved
container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove used o-ring and
discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing. 8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter
housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
9. Remove new filter cartridge from plastic bag and install into housing.
NOTE: Do not remove cartridge from bag until you reach
this step in order to keep cartridge clean.
10. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated. Do not pre-fill the filter housing with fuel.
11. Install lid onto housing and tighten to 22.5 ft lbs (30.5 N.m). Do not overtighten the lid.
12. Prime the engine using the procedure in “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel.” Then start the
engine and confirm there are no leaks.
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement
NOTE:
•Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufacturer’s
filtration and water separating requirements can se-
verely impact fuel system life and reliability.
• The underbody mounted filter housing will cause the
engine not to run if:
186 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

1. No filter is installed.
CAUTION!
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•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. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve 1 full turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel and water into the approved
container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove used o-ring and
discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly
1 — Drain Valve 2 — WIF Sensor
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 187

NOTE:WIF sensor is re-usable. Service kit comes with new
o-ring for filter canister and WIF sensor.
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel
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.
1. Add a substantial amount of fuel to the tank, approxi- mately 2 to 5 gal (8L to 19L).
2. Turn ignition switch to the start position to engage starter for one second, return ignition switch to run
position. This will activate in tank fuel pump for ap-
proximately 15 seconds. Repeat this process twice.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting” procedure. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for further information.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between the
cranking intervals.
NOTE: The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
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.
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.)
188 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE