oil temperature Ram 3500 2018 User Guide

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

ignition from OFF or ACC to RUN, and will
illuminate the "Wait To Start" telltale. The
engine will not immediately crank, this is
normal operation.
2. The “Wait To Start" telltale will remain on for a period of time that varies depending
on the engine temperature.
3. While the "Wait to Start" telltale is on, the instrument cluster will additionally dis-
play a gauge or bar whose initial length
represents the full "Wait to Start" time
period. Its length will decrease until it
disappears when the "Wait to Start" time
has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START engine before
you drain the water from the fuel filters to
avoid engine damage. Refer to “Draining
Fuel/Water Separator Filter” in “Dealer
Service” under “Servicing And Mainte-
nance” for further information. 4. After the engine “Wait To Start” telltale
goes off, the engine will automatically
crank.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 sec-
onds at a time or starter motor damage
may result. Turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position and wait at least two minutes
for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil pressure.
6. Allow the engine to idle about three min- utes until the manifold heaters have com-
pleted the post-heat cycle.
7. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically in- crease to 1,000 RPM and engage the Vari-
able Geometry Turbocharger at low coolant
temperatures to improve engine warm-up. • The engine may not automatically crank
after the engine "Wait To Start" telltale goes
off if a door or the hood is ajar.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for more than two minutes after
the “Wait To Start Light” goes out, reset the
grid heaters by turning the ignition switch
to the OFF position for at least five seconds
and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through
7 of “Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Proce-
dure – Engine Manifold Air Temperature
Below 66° F (19° C).”
Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins diesel engine is equipped with
several features designed to assist cold
weather starting and operation:
• The engine block heater is a resistance
heater installed in the water jacket of the
engine just above and behind the oil filter.
It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.STARTING AND OPERATING
148

NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not
equipped, heater cords are available from
your authorized Mopar dealer.
• A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filterhousings aid in preventing fuel gelling. It is
controlled by a built-in thermostat.
• A heated intake air system both improves engine starting and reduces the amount of
white smoke generated by a warming
engine.NORMAL OPERATION — 3.0L DIESEL
ENGINE
Observe the following when the diesel engine
is operating.
• All message center lights are off.
• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
• Engine Oil Pressure telltale is not illumi-nated.
• Voltmeter operation:
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation
at various engine temperatures. This is
caused by the glow plug heating system. The
number of cycles and the length of the cy-
cling operation is controlled by the engine
control module. Glow plug heater operation
can run for several minutes, once the heater
operation is complete the voltmeter needle
will stabilize.
Cold Weather Precautions
Operation in ambient temperature below
32°F (0°C) may require special consider-
ations. The following charts suggest these
options:
Winter Front Usage
A winter front or cold weather cover is to be
used in ambient temperatures below 32°F
(0°C), especially during extended idle condi-
Winter Front Cover
149

tions. This cover is equipped with four flaps
for managing total grille opening in varying
ambient temperatures. If a winter front or
cold weather cover is to be used the flaps
should be in the full open position to allow air
flow to the charge air cooler and automatic
transmission oil cooler. When ambient tem-
peratures drop below 0°F (-17°C) the four
flaps need to be closed. A suitable cold
weather cover is available from your Mopar
dealer.Stopping The Engine
After full load operation, idle the engine for a
few minutes before shutting it down. This
idle period will allow the lubricating oil and
coolant to carry excess heat away from the
turbocharger.NOTE:
Refer to the following chart for proper engine
shutdown.
Driving Condition
LoadTurbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine Shut-
down
Stop and Go EmptyCoolNone
Stop and Go Medium 0.5
Highway Speeds MediumWarm1.0
City Traffic Maximum GCWR 1.5
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR 2.0
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR Hot2.5
NOTE:
Under certain conditions the engine fan will
run after the engine is turned off. These
conditions are under high load and high tem-
perature conditions.
STARTING AND OPERATING
150

NORMAL OPERATION — 6.7L DIESEL
ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is
operating.
• All message center lights are off.
• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
• Engine oil pressure is above 10 psi(69 kPa) at idle.
• Voltmeter operation:
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation
at various engine temperatures. This cycling
operation is caused by the post-heat cycle of
the intake manifold heater system. The num-
ber of cycles and the length of the cycling
operation is controlled by the engine control
module. Post-heat operation can run for sev-
eral minutes, and then the electrical system
and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
The cycling action will cause temporary dim-
ming of the headlamps, interior lamps, and
also a noticeable reduction in blower motor
speed.
Cold Weather Precautions
Operation in ambient temperature below
32°F (0°C) may require special consider-
ations. The following charts suggest these
options:
Winter Front Cover Usage
A winter front or cold weather cover is to be
used in ambient temperatures below 32°F
(0°C), especially during extended idle condi-
tions. This cover is equipped with four flaps
for managing total grille opening in varying
ambient temperatures. If a winter front or
cold weather cover is to be used the flaps
should be left in the full open position to
allow air flow to the charge air cooler and
automatic transmission oil cooler. When am-
bient temperatures drop below 0°F (-17°C)
the four flaps need to be closed. A suitable
cold weather cover is available from your
Mopar dealer.
Engine Idling
Avoid prolonged idling, long periods of idling
may be harmful to your engine because com-
bustion chamber temperatures can drop so low that the fuel may not burn completely.
Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves,
and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel
can enter the crankcase, diluting the oil and
causing rapid wear to the engine.
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 automati-
cally 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 en-
gine 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 min-
utes of driving time.
Your truck may have been ordered with an
optional voltage monitoring idle up feature. If
a load is placed on the electrical system while
the truck is in park, this feature will attempt
151

to maintain normal system voltage by auto-
matically increasing engine idle speed. You
may notice several consecutive increases in
idle speed, up to a maximum of 1450 RPM,
as the system will attempt to utilize the
smallest increase in idle speed necessary to
maintain normal system voltage. The idle
speed will return to normal when either the
electrical load is removed, or when the brake
pedal is applied.
NOTE:
For instrument cluster display messages re-
lated to the vehicle's exhaust system, refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
Idle-Up Feature — Automatic Transmission
Only
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature
will help increase cylinder temperatures and
provide additional cab heat, however, exces-
sive idling may still cause the exhaust after-
treatment system to not properly regenerate.
Extended periods of idle time should be
avoided.The Idle-Up feature uses the speed control
switches to increase engine idle speed and
quickly warm the vehicle's interior.
1. With the transmission in PARK, the park-
ing brake applied, and the engine run-
ning, push the speed control switch to the
ON position, then push the SET switch.
2. The engine RPM will go up to 1100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the
ACCEL/RESUME switch and the idle
speed will increase to approximately
1500 RPM. To decrease the RPM, push
and hold the DECEL switch and the idle
speed will decrease to approximately
1100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF
switch, or press the brake pedal.Stopping The Engine
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine
shutdown. After full load operation, idle the
engine three to five minutes before shutting it
down. This idle period will allow the lubricat- ing oil and coolant to carry excess heat away
from the combustion chamber, bearings, in-
ternal components, and turbocharger. This is
especially important for turbocharged,
charge air-cooled engines.
NOTE:
• During engine shut down on vehicles
equipped with manual transmissions, it is
normal for the diesel engine to resonate
heavily for a moment during engine shut
off. When the engine is connected to a
manual transmission, this resonance
causes load gear rattle from the transmis-
sion. This is commonly referred to as “shut
down rattle.” The manufacturer recom-
mends performing engine shut down with
the clutch pedal pushed to the floor (clutch
disengaged). When engine shut down is
performed in this manner the rattle is re-
duced (not eliminated).
• Refer to the following chart for proper en- gine shutdown.
STARTING AND OPERATING
152

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

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING —
GASOLINE ENGINE.............230
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine. .231
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ......234
SCHEDULED SERVICING —
1500 3.0L DIESEL ENGINE........234
Maintenance Plan — Diesel Fuel Up To
B5 Biodiesel (1500 Diesel) ........235
Additional Maintenance — B6 To
B20 Biodiesel (1500 Diesel) .......237
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE —
6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE .....237
Oil Change Indicator System —
Cummins Diesel...............238
Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel ..............239
Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine .....................239
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .........243
3.6L Engine.................243
5.7L Engine .................244
6.4L Engine .................245
3.0L Diesel Engine .............246
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed 68RFE
(2500/3500 Models) ............247
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed AS69RC
HD (3500/Chassis Cab Models) .....248
DEALER SERVICE — 3.0L DIESEL . . . .249
Engine Air Cleaner Filter.........249
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter . .249
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement .................250
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel ......................251
DEALER SERVICE — 6.7L DIESEL
ENGINE ................... .252
Engine Air Cleaner Filter.........252Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter . .253
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
.................254
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement .................255
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel ......................256
HOISTING ................. .257
TIRES .................... .257
Tire Safety Information..........257
Tires — General Information .......264
Tire Types ...................268
Spare Tires — If Equipped .........269
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .......271
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES . . . .272
Treadwear...................272
Traction Grades ...............273
Temperature Grades .............273
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
229