display Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

4. Reinstall cap onto DEF tank.
Filling The Def Tank In Cold Climates
Since DEF will begin to freeze at 12°F (-11°C), your vehicle
is equipped with an automatic DEF heating system. This
allows the DEF injection system to operate properly at
temperatures below 12°F (-11°C). If your vehicle is not in
operation for an extended period of time with tempera-
tures below 12°F (-11°C), the DEF in the tank may freeze. If
the tank is overfilled and freezes, it could be damaged.
Therefore, do not overfill the DEF tank.
The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed with a large
amount of full reserve. So the level sensor will indicate a
Full reading even before the tank is completely full. To put
it another way, there’s additional storage capacity in the
tank above the Full mark that’s not represented in the
gauge. You may not see any movement in the reading –
even after driving up to 2,000 miles in some cases.
The difference this makes varies by vehicle. Heavy-duty
pickup trucks have a 5.7-gallon (21.5 liter) tank that will
display a Full reading when about 90 percent full. This
means that drivers can consume at least 10 percent of a
truly full DEF tank without seeing any visible change in the
gauge reading. Chassis cabs have a larger 9-gallon (34 liter)
tank, and will display a Full reading when about 75 percentfull. So drivers can consume 25 percent of a truly full DEF
tank without seeing any visible change in the gauge
reading.
Extra care should be taken when filling with portable
containers to avoid overfilling. Note the level of the DEF
gauge in your instrument cluster. On pickup applications,
you may safely add a maximum of 2 gallons (7.5 liters) of
DEF from portable containers when your DEF gauge is
reading ½ full. On Chassis Cab applications a maximum of
2 gallons (7.5 liters) may be added when the DEF gauge is
reading ¾ full.
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduc-
tion system to meet the very stringent diesel emissions
standards required by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce levels of NOx
(oxides of nitrogen emitted from engines) that are harmful
to our health and the environment to a near-zero level.
Small quantities of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is injected
into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst where, when
vaporized, it converts smog-forming nitrogen oxides
(NOx) into harmless nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O),
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STARTING AND OPERATING 167

two natural components of the air we breathe. You can
operate with the comfort that your vehicle is contributing
to a cleaner, healthier world environment for this and
generations to come.
System Overview
This vehicle is equipped with a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
injection system and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
catalyst to meet the emission requirements.
The DEF injection system consists of the following compo-
nents:
•DEF tank
• DEF pump
• DEF injector
• Electronically-heated DEF lines
• DEF control module
• NOx sensors
• Temperature sensors
• SCR catalyst
• UQS Sensor The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while main-
taining outstanding fuel economy, drivability, torque and
power ratings.
Refer to
Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for system messages and warn-
ings.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection system.
You may occasionally hear an audible clicking noise.
This is normal operation.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after engine
shutdown to purge the DEF system. This is normal
operation.
168 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 181

•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 additives are
not necessary for the proper operation of your Cummins
diesel engine.
Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow
The Cummins diesel engine meets all 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 sys-
tem. The engine and exhaust after-treatment system work
together to achieve the EPA Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Emissions Standards. These systems are seamlessly inte-
grated 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 2 hours, the
system will automatically 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 “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using transmission seal-
ers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
68RFE transmission, or 158-176°F / 70-80°C for AS69RC
transmission). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
You can read the transmission sump temperature in theinstrument cluster display (refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-
ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-
mission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle
cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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