oil level Ram 3500 2018 User Guide

tion. At this point the engine Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) will register a fault
code, the instrument panel will display a
MIL light.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
• Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the after-
treatment system. If this condition is not
corrected and a dealer service is not per-
formed, extensive exhaust after-treatment
damage can occur. To correct this condition
it will be necessary to have your vehicle
serviced by your local authorized dealer. NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent
the diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and re-
duced engine power. Only an authorized
dealer will be able to correct this condition.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Mes-
sages
Your vehicle will begin displaying warning
messages when the DEF level reaches a driv-
ing range of approximately 500 miles
(800 km). If the following warning message
sequence is ignored, your vehicle may not
restart unless DEF is added with in the dis-
played mileage shown in the cluster mes-
sage. •
Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi DEF Low
Refill Soon — This message will display
when DEF driving range is less than
500 miles, DEF fluid top off is required
with in the displayed mileage. The message
will be displayed in the cluster during ve-
hicle start up with the current allowed mile-
age and accompanied by a single chime.
The remaining mileage can be pulled up
anytime by way of the “Messages” list
within the instrument cluster display.
• Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi Refill DEF
— This message will display when DEF
driving range is less than 200 miles. It is
also displayed at 150 miles and 100 miles.
DEF fluid top off is required with in the
displayed mileage. The message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster display
during vehicle start up with an updated
distance mileage, and it will be accompa-
nied by a single chime. Starting at
100 miles, remaining range will be con-
tinuously displayed while operating the ve-
hicle. Chimes will also accompany the 75,
50 and 25 mile remaining distances. The
DEF Low telltale will be on continuously
until DEF fluid is topped off.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
68

remove the trapped PM and restore the sys-
tem to normal operating condition.
•Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — Indicates that the
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is self-
cleaning. Maintain your current driving
condition until regeneration is completed.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed
— This message indicates that the Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) self-cleaning is
completed. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting
you of this condition.
• Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer Now
— This message indicates regeneration has
been disabled due to a system malfunction.
At this point the engine Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) will register a fault code, the
instrument panel will display a MIL light.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation. •
Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the after-
treatment system. If this condition is not
corrected and a dealer service is not per-
formed, extensive exhaust after-treatment
damage can occur. To correct this condition
it will be necessary to have your vehicle
serviced by your local authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent
the diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and re-
duced engine power. Only an authorized
dealer will be able to correct this condition.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a
derate (engine power reduction) is activated
to protect the turbocharger during engine
start up in cold ambient temperatures.
• Engine Power Reduced During Warmup —
This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between
10° F (-12° C) and -10° F (-23° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Sec-
onds) During Warmup — This message will
display during start up when the ambient
temperature is between -10° F (-23° C) and
-25 F (-32° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup — This message will display
during start up when the ambient tempera-
ture is -25° F (-32° C) and below.
• Coolant Low — This telltale will turn
on to indicate the vehicle coolant level
is low. Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servic-
ing And Maintenance” in the Owner’s
Manual at www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owner-manual.html (U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Resi-
dents) for further information.
71

Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the
event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is re-
quired.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from
the OFF position to the ON/RUN position.
The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illumi-
nate, have the light inspected by your autho-
rized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in
the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.— Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warn-
ing Light
This light warns of an overheated engine
condition. If the engine coolant temperature
is too high, this indicator will illuminate and a
single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime
will be sound for four minutes or until the
engine is able to cool: whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to nor-
mal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Over-
heats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on while the
engine is running, there may be a malfunc-
tion with the charging system. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the vehicle is run-
ning, the light will either stay on or flash
77

CAUTION!
of the same size, type, and/or style. After-
market wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. Af-
ter using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to your authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
— Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately
3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and
remain on until fuel is added.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning
Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the
brake system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warn-
ing Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position, have the brake system in-
spected by an authorized dealer.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the ve-
hicle coolant level is low.
— Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light
— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the fuel filler
cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to
disengage the light. If the light does not turn
off, please see your authorized dealer.
SERV4WD— Service 4WD Warning Light — If
Equipped
If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it means that the 4WD system is not functioning
properly and that service is required. We recom-
mend you drive to the nearest service center and
have the vehicle serviced immediately.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light
This light indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer tow-
ing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission
into PARK and run the engine at idle or
slightly higher until the light turns off.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire.
81

Driving ConditionLoadTurbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine Shut-
down
Stop and Go EmptyCoolLess than One
Stop and Go Medium -One
Highway Speeds MediumWarmTwo
City Traffic Maximum GCWR -Three
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR -Four
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR HotFive
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — GASOLINE
ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle)
in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contrib-
utes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental
and should be avoided. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as a problem. Please check your oil level with
the engine oil indicator often during the
break in period. Add oil as required.
153

ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 3.0L DIESEL
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it underload.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
"Technical Specifications” in this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 6.7L DIESEL
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine
does not require a break-in period due to its
construction. Normal operation is allowed,
providing the following recommendations are
followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging. • Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera-
ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” of the Owner’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins
turbocharged diesel engine, engine run-in is
enhanced by loaded operating conditions
which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles
(10 000 km).STARTING AND OPERATING
154

SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate.
This means that service is required for your
vehicle. Operating conditions such as fre-
quent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel
usage will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe Op-
erating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as pos-
sible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).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 referring to the steps described un-
der “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
1500 Models Only
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
twelve 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.
2500 – 3500 Models Only
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
twelve 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. Severe Duty All Models
NOTE:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) or 350 hours of engine run time
if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predomi-
nantly at idle, or only very low engine RPM’s.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe
Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first
sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs
before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir, brake master cylinder, power steering
(2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic
transmission (six-speed only) and fill as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
230

Mileage or time passed (whichever comesfirst)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
1500 Models:
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 tow-
ing, change axle fluid. XX X X X
2500/3500 Models:
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 tow-
ing, change axle fluid. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, replace as neces-
sary. XXX X X X X
Adjust parking brake as necessary. XXX X X XX
Inspect transfer case fluid. XX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. XXX X X XX
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
232

WARNING!
• You can be badly injured working on oraround 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 com-
petent 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.
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle
Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km)
or 350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environ-
ment or is operated predominately at idle or
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of
vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
SCHEDULED SERVICING — 1500 3.0L
DIESEL ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate.
This means that service is required for your
vehicle. Operating conditions such as fre-
quent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions will
cause the change oil message to illuminate
more frequently. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km). 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 referring to the steps described un-
der “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” in your Own-
er’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir, brake master cylinder, and power
steering, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
234

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and replace if necessary. X X X X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid. If gear oil leakage is sus-
pected, check the fluid level. If using your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing change the axle fluid. XX X X X
Inspect the brake linings, parking brake function. X X X X X X X
Inspect the transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter X X X X X X X
Drain water from fuel filter assembly. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Replace fuel filter and drain water from the fuel filter assembly. Fuel filter replacement intervals should be every second oil change and must not exceed
20,000 miles (32 000 km) if using diesel fuel up to B5.
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first. XX
Replace accessory drive belt(s). X
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
236