maintenance schedule Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level onboth sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to
bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use ONLY
the specified fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for fluid specifications). After adding any quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C for 68RFE transmission, or
68-86°F / 20-30°C for AS69RC transmission. Only use the
COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference when
setting the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating tempera-
ture.CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may not
register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the
fluid.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal
for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully
seated position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199

Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty
All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. (4 535 kg) Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and manufactured for sale and use in the
United States are required to comply with the Federal
Government’s Exterior Noise Regulations. These vehicles
can be identified by the Noise Emission Control Label
located in the operator’s compartment.
Required Maintenance For Noise Control Systems
The following maintenance services must be performed
every six months or 7,500 miles (12 000 km) whichever
comes first, to assure proper operation of the noise controlsystems. In addition, inspection and service should be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or sus-
pected. Proper maintenance of the entire vehicle will help
the effectiveness of the noise control systems.
Exhaust System
Inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and damaged
parts. Devices such as hangers, clamps, and U-bolts should
be tight and in good condition. Damaged components,
burned or blown out mufflers, burned or rusted out
exhaust pipes should be replaced according to the proce-
dures and specifications outlined in the appropriate service
manual.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly and fit.
Make certain that the air cleaner is properly positioned and
that the cover is tight. Check all hoses leading to the air
cleaner for tightness. The air filter element must also be
clean and serviced according to the instructions outlined in
the Maintenance Schedule section of this manual.Tampering With Noise Control System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof: (1) the removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CONTENTS
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL
ENGINE ............................. .210
▫ Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel ............................. .210▫
Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel ...............................211
▫ Maintenance Chart — Cummins Diesel
Engine ............................. .212
8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the
vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the
oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below
the ADD or MIN mark.
Once A Month
• Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and automatic transmission (if
equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air filter. •
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a
malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indi-
cator system. This system will alert you when it is time to
change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil
Change Due” in your instrument cluster display. The oil
change reminder will remind the owner to change the
engine oil every 15,000 miles or 500 hours, whichever
comes first, except for the Chassis Cab models and Pickup
models configured with optional B20 capability that are
using B20 biodiesel, which are 12,500 miles or 400 hours,
whichever comes first. Failure to change the engine oil per
the maintenance schedule can result in internal engine
damage.
Your 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
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
210 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 15,000 miles (24
000 km) or six months, or sooner if prompted by the oil
change indicator system. Under no circumstances should
oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six
months, whichever comes first.
NOTE:
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or six months or
500 Hours, whichever comes first.
• Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 12,500 miles
(20 000 km) when running B20 fuel (Chassis Cab Only).
If Chassis Cab models and Pickup models configured with
optional B20 capability are operated with greater than 5%
levels of biodiesel, the oil change interval must not exceed
12,500 miles (20 000 km) under any circumstances. See the
Fuel Requirements section for more information regarding
operation of Chassis Cab models and Pickup models
configured for use with biodiesel blend (B6-B20) fuel
meeting ASTM specification D-7467.Perform Service Indicator — Cummins Diesel
Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set
interval. To help remind you when this maintenance is due,
the instrument cluster will display “Perform Service”.
When the “Perform Service” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster it is necessary to have the emissions
maintenance performed. Emissions maintenance may in-
clude replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV)
filter element. The procedure for clearing and resetting the
“Perform Service” indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 211

Maintenance Chart — Cummins Diesel Engine
Mileage or time passed (which-ever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000 112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change engine oil every 15,000
miles (24 000 km) or six months or
500 Hours or sooner if prompted by
the oil change indicator system,
whichever comes first. ** XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Additional Inspections
Check the Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) tank, refill if necessary. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Rotate the tires. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting
(4x4). XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect engine air filter, replace if
necessary. **** XX XX XX XX X X
212 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Mileage or time passed (which-ever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000 112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod
ends and boot seals for cracks or
leaks and all parts for damage,
wear, improper looseness or end
play; replace if necessary. XX XX XX XX X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X X X X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake. XXXXX X
Inspect drive belt; replace as
necessary. XXXXXX
Inspect wheel bearings. XXXX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. XXXXX X
Replace engine fuel filter element. X X X X X X X X X X
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 213

Mileage or time passed (which-ever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000 112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Replace chassis mounted fuel filter
element. XX XX XX XX X X
Inspect the front and rear axle
surfaces. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid level. If
using your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing change the axle fluid. *
Inspect the transfer case fluid (4x4),
change for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. XXXX X
Change the transfer case fluid (4x4).XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid (AS69RC transmission only). XXXX X
Change the automatic transmission
fluid and sump filter (AS69RC
transmission only). XX
214 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Mileage or time passed (which-ever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000 112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) if using your
vehicle for any of the following:
police, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing (68RFE transmission only). XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s). X
Change the manual transmission
fluid if using your vehicle for any of
the following: police, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. XX
Replace Crankcase Ventilation
Filter (CCV). XX
Flush and replace power steering
fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant.
*** X
Adjust valve lash clearance. X
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 215

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a
malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
* Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km). If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid
level. If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or
frequent trailer towing change the axle fluid every
20,000 miles (32,000 km).
** Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months or
500 Hours, whichever comes first.
*** The manufacturer highly recommends that all cooling
system service, maintenance, and repairs be performed by
your local authorized dealer.
**** Under no circumstances should the air cleaner filter
element exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months,
whichever comes first.WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle
could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause
an accident.
CAUTION!
***The manufacturer highly recommends that all
cooling system service, maintenance, and repairs be
performed by your local authorized dealer.
216 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE