technical specifications Ram 3500 2018 User Guide

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Essential Information
Each time direction instructions (left/right or
forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are
given, these must be intended as regarding
an occupant in the driver's seat. Special
cases not complying with this rule will be
properly specified in the text.
The figures in this User Guide are provided by
way of example only: this might imply that
some details of the image do not correspond
to the actual arrangement of your vehicle.
In addition, the User Guide has been conceived
considering vehicles with steering wheel on the
left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles
with steering wheel on the right side, the posi-
tion or construction of some controls is not
exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information
needed you can consult the index at the end
of this User Guide.
Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedi-
cated graphic tabs, at the side of each oddpage. A few pages further there is a key for
getting to know the chapter order and the
relevant symbols in the tabs. There is anyway
a textual indication of the current chapter at
the side of each even page.
Symbols
Some vehicle components have colored la-
bels whose symbols indicate precautions to
be observed when using this component.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
While reading this User Guide you will find a
series of WARNINGS to be followed to pre-
vent incorrect use of components which
could cause accidents or injuries.
There are also CAUTIONS that must be fol-
lowed to prevent against procedures that
could result in damage to your vehicle.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
apply to body modifications or special equip-
ment installed by van conversion/camper
manufacturers/body builders. U.S. residents
refer to the Warranty Information book, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the “What Is
Not Covered” section of the Warranty Informa-
tion book. Such equipment includes video
monitors, VCRs, heaters, stoves, refrigerators,
etc. For warranty coverage and service on these
items, contact the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equip-
ment installed by the conversion/camper
manufacturer should also be supplied with
your vehicle. If these instructions are miss-
ing, please contact your authorized dealer for
assistance in obtaining replacement docu-
ments from the applicable manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builder’s Guide
refer to www.rambodybuilder.com. This web-
site contains dimensional and technical
specifications for your vehicle. It is intended
for Second Stage Manufacturer's technical
support. For service issues, contact your au-
thorized dealer.
INTRODUCTION
2

GRAPHICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL SAFETY
STARTING AND OPERATING IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MULTIMEDIA
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE INDEX

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

When changing a rear wheel, assemble the
jack driver to the jack and connect the jack
driver to the extension tubes. Place the jack
under the axle between the spring and the
shock absorber with the extension tubes ex-
tending to the rear.• Connect the extension tubes and lugwrench.
NOTE:
If the bottle jack will not lower by turning the
dial (thumbwheel) by hand, it may be neces-
sary to use the jack driver in order to lower the
jack.
• By rotating the lug wrench clockwise, raise the vehicle until the wheel just clears the
surface.
• Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off. On single rear-wheel (SRW) trucks, install
the spare wheel and lug nuts with the cone
shaped end of the lug nuts toward the
wheel. On 3500 dual rear-wheel models (DRW) the lug nuts are a two-piece assem-
bly with a flat face. Lightly tighten the lug
nuts. To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle
off the jack, do not fully tighten the lug nuts
until the vehicle has been lowered.
• Using the lug wrench, finish tightening the lug nuts using a crisscross pattern. Refer to
“Torque Specifications” in “Technical
Specifications” for the correct tightness. If
in doubt about the correct tightness, have
them checked with a torque wrench by your
authorized dealer or at a service station.
• Install the wheel center cap and remove the wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or alu-
minum wheel center caps on the spare
wheel. This may result in cap damage.
• Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the bottle jack will not lower by turning the
dial (thumb wheel) by hand, it may be
necessary to use the jack driver in order to
lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack,
and tools as previously described.
• Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE:
Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated lug nuts.
Rear Jacking Location
Rear Jacking Location
213

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICA-
TIONS.................... .276
Torque Specifications...........276
8-Stud — Dual Rear Wheels .......276
FLUID CAPACITIES — GAS ENGINE . . .278
FLUID CAPACITIES —
1500 3.0L DIESEL.............279
FLUID CAPACITIES — 6.7L CUMMINS
DIESEL ENGINE ...............279 FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS —
GAS ENGINE
................ .280
Engine.....................280
Chassis ....................282
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS —
3.0L DIESEL ENGINE ............283
Engine.....................283
Chassis ....................284
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS —
6.7L DIESEL ENGINES ...........285
Engine.....................285
Chassis ....................286
MOPAR ACCESSORIES ...........287
Authentic Accessories By Mopar .....287
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
275

WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to
ensure that the wheel is properly mounted to
the vehicle. Any time a wheel has been re-
moved and reinstalled on the vehicle, the lug
nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly
calibrated torque wrench using a high quality
six sided (hex) deep wall socket.
Torque Specifications
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasion-
ally to eliminate the possibility of wheel studs
being sheared or the bolt holes in the wheels
becoming elongated. This is especially im-
portant during the first few hundred miles/
kilometers of operation to allow the wheel
nuts to become properly set. All wheel nuts
should first be firmly seated against the
wheel. The wheel nuts should then be tight-
ened to recommended torque. Tighten the
wheel nuts to final torque in increments.
Progress around the bolt circle, tightening
the wheel nut opposite to the wheel nut justpreviously tightened until final torque is
achieved. Ensure that the socket is fully en-
gaged on the lug nut/bolt (do not insert it
halfway).
Recommended torques are shown in the fol-
lowing chart:
Disc Wheels
Nut
Ty p e
Stud
Size Hex
SizeTorque
Ft LbsTorque
Newton
Meters
Cone M14 x
1.5 22 mm 130 176
Flanged M14 x
1.5 22 mm 140 190
8-Stud — Dual Rear Wheels
• Dual wheels are flat-mounted and center-
piloted. The lug nuts are a two-piece as-
sembly. When the tires are being rotated or
replaced, clean these lug nuts and add two
drops of oil at the interface between the hex
and the washer. • Slots in the wheels will assist in properly
orienting the inner and outer wheels. Align
these slots when assembling the wheels for
best access to the tire valve on the inner
wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must
be completely off the ground when tighten-
ing, to ensure wheel centering and maxi-
mum wheel clamping.
Oil Interface LocationTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
276

FLUID CAPACITIES — GAS ENGINE
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
1500 Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew Quad Cab Models 26 Gallons98 Liters
1500 Regular Cab Longbed/Crew Quad Cab Models (Optional) 32 Gallons121 Liters
2500/3500 Shortbed Models 31 Gallons117 Liters
2500/3500 Longbed Models 32 Gallons121 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
5.7L Engines (We recommend you use SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
6.4L Engines (We recommend you use SAE 0W-40 engine oil meeting the require-
ments of FCA Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating temperatures.) 7 Quarts
6.6 Liters
Cooling System
3.6L Engine (We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
Formula that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.) 13.7 Quarts
13 Liters
5.7L Engine – 1500 Models (We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant
10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032.) 18.3 Quarts
17.3 Liters
5.7L Engine – 2500/3500 Models (We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant
10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032.) 18.3 Quarts
17.3 Liters
6.4 Liter Engine – 2500/3500 Models (We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS.90032.) 16.6 Quarts
15.7 Liters
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
278

U.S.Metric
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank (Approximate) –
Chassis Cab 9 Gallons
34 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine 12 Quarts11.4 Liters
Cooling System
6.7L Turbo Diesel Engine (Mopar Engine
Coolant/Antifreeze 10 Year/150,000 Mile For-
mula) 5.7 Gallons
21.4 Liters
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS — GAS ENGINE
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395 such as Mopar, Penn-
zoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE
grade.
Mopar SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to FCA Material Standard MS-
6395 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil meeting MS-6395 is not
available.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395 such as Mopar, Penn-
zoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE
grade.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
280

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – Eight-Speed Automatic Use only Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or
equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission.
Automatic Transmission – Six-Speed Automatic with Gasoline Engine Use only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or performance of your transmission. We recom-
mend Mopar ATF+4 fluid.
Transfer Case We recommend you use Mopar BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel Drive Models We recommend you use Mopar GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE
75W-85.
Rear Axle – 1500 Models We recommend you use Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140
(MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Axles require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml)
Mopar Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111).
Front and Rear Axle – 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use SAE 75W-85 HD Ram GL-5 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant. Limited slip additive is not required for Limited-Slip Rear
Axles.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 3. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir – 2500/3500 Models We recommend you use Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4 or Mopar
ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
282