Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 59

2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the housing assemblylocating tabs.
3. Latch the spring clips and lock the air cleaner cover to the housing assembly.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter
The fuel filter/water separator filter housing is located
above the rear axle next to the fuel tank. 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. At this point, you
should stop the engine and drain the water from the filter
housing.
1 — Water In Fuel Drain
2 — Fuel Filter Access
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain water from
the fuel filter 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
Fuel Filter Assembly
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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 the fuel filter, 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.
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within 10 minutes of vehicle
shutdown, turn the filter drain valve (located on the
bottom of the filter housing) counterclockwise to drain
fuel/water, then turn the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion, 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
valve by turning it clockwise, and turn the ignition switch
to OFF. If more than two ounces or 60 milliliters of fuel have been
drained, follow the directions for “Priming If The Engine
Has Run Out Of Fuel.”
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufac-
turer’s filtration and water separating requirements can
severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 61

1 — Water in Fuel Drain
2 — Fuel Filter Access
1. Turn engine off.
2. Place a drain pan under the fuel filter assembly.
3. Open the water drain valve, and let any accumulated water drain.
4. Close the water drain valve. 5. Remove bottom cover using a strap wrench. Rotate
counterclockwise for removal. Remove the used o-ring
and discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of it according to your local regulations.
7. Wipe the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing clean.
8. Install a new o-ring into the ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
NOTE: WIF (Water In Fuel) 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).
Fuel Filter Assembly
62 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Press ignition switch twice without your foot on braketo put vehicle in Run position. This will activate the in
tank fuel pump for approximately 30 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!
The starter motor will engage for approximately 30
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between crank-
ing 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:
• 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.
• In addition, commercially available fuel additives are
not necessary for the proper operation of your diesel
engine.
• For extreme cold conditions, Mopar Premium Diesel
Fuel Treatment is recommended to assist with cold
starting.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 63

Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow
This engine meets all required diesel engine emissions
standards. To achieve these emissions standards, your
vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art engine and
exhaust system. These systems are seamlessly integrated
into your vehicle and managed by the 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 inter-
action on your part.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your vehicle or engine.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
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 sys-
tem. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
Maintenance-Free Batteries
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery
that the positive cable is attached to the positive post
and the negative cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked (+) positive and negative (-)
and are identified on the battery case. Also, if a “fast
charger” is used while the battery is in vehicle, discon-
nect both vehicle battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to
provide starting voltage.
64 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System
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 try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection 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 tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.With the engine at normal operating temperature (but not
running), check the cooling system pressure cap for proper
vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of engine
coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock. The
radiator drain cock is located in the lower radiator tank. If
the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze)
will begin to drain from the coolant expansion bottle. DO
NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN
THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain Flush And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 65

CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine dam-
age and may decrease corrosion protection. Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is differ-
ent and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (anti-
freeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant (anti-
freeze). 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 pos-
sible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the engine coolant and may plug
the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that allows
extended maintenance intervals. This engine coolant (anti-
freeze) can be used up to ten years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you use
the same engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS.90032) throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze)
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
• We recommend using MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive
Technology) that meets the requirements of FCA Mate-
rial Standard MS.90032.
• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F (37°C)
are anticipated. Please contact your authorized dealer
for assistance.
66 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (anti-
freeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
NOTE:
• It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-
erly. 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 your local
authorized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as pos-
sible.Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 67

Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is a
regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze) in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle. •
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
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