oil Ram 3500 2020 Owner's Guide

226STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:

If ambient temperatures are low and the coolant
temperature is below 180°F (82°C), the engine
idle speed will slowly increase to 1,000 RPM after
two minutes of idle, if the following conditions are
met:

Foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal.
Automatic transmission is in PARK.
Vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle.
Operating the exhaust brake at idle will
greatly improve warm up rate and will help
keep the engine close to operating tempera -
ture during extended idle.
ENGINE IDLING
Avoid prolonged idling, long periods of idling
may be harmful to your engine because
combustion 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
automatically enter an emissions operating
mode that will increase the engine idle speed to
900 RPM. 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 km/h). This
operating mode may last for up to an hour of
idle time, or around 20 minutes 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 to
maintain normal system voltage by
automatically increasing engine idle speed. You
may notice several consecutive increases in
idle speed, up to a maximum of 1,450 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
related to the vehicle's exhaust system, refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further infor
-
mation.
Idle-Up Feature
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature will
help increase cylinder temperatures and
provide additional cab heat, however, excessive
idling may still cause the exhaust
aftertreatment 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 parking brake applied, and the engine running,
push the speed control switch to the ON
position, then push the SET switch.

2. The engine RPM will go up to 1,100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the
ACCEL/RESUME switch and the idle speed
will increase to approximately 1,500 RPM.
To decrease the RPM, push and hold the

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STARTING AND OPERATING227
DECEL switch and the idle speed will
decrease to approximately 1,100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF
switch, or press the brake pedal.

NOISE
Diesel engines can create noises that may seem
concerning. The nature of a diesel engine is
compression ignition where compressed air and
fuel are mixed and ignited. Weather, barometric
pressure, altitude, and temperature will affect how
fuel is ignited in the engine. Engines will sound
different from day to day or previous model years.
Clicking, ticking, or light knocking is normal and will
change from day to day, as the engine breaks in, and can vary with changes in ambient
temperature. Clicking sound from under the hood
shortly after vehicle shutdown is normal as
actuators such as the EGR valve are cycled. Fuel
pump noise may increase during low speed/light
load conditions when ambient temperature is
above 100°F (38°C), and when fuel tank level is
below 10% which is a normal condition of the fuel
system and controls strategy. Diesel equipped
vehicles also have an exhaust after-treatment
system to reduce emissions utilizing a DPF (refer to
“Odor” in this section for further information) and a
Selective Reduction Catalyst (SCR). The SCR
reduces Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) using the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. DEF is injected directly
into the SCR through a dosing module. This
process will create a clicking sound and at times, will make noise even with the vehicle shut off. This
is normal as the DEF dosing module is purging
DEF. If at any time the check engine light is on,
please visit an authorized dealer.

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 lubricating
oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from
the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is
especially important for turbocharged, charge
air-cooled engines. Refer to the following chart
for proper engine shutdown:
Driving Condition
Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine
Shutdown
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
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228STARTING AND OPERATING
IDLE SHUTDOWN

This feature can be enabled so that the truck will
automatically shutdown when the truck has been
idling for a set period of time when the engine is
at operating temperature. Idle time can be set in
5 minute increments between 5 and 60 minutes.
See an authorized dealer to enable this feature.

NOTE:
The idle shut down timer is disabled while the
PTO is active.
PROGRAMMABLE MAXIMUM VEHICLE
S
PEED
This feature allows the owner to set a maximum
vehicle speed for the vehicle. The 2500 and
3500 Series maximum vehicle speed can be set
between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 87 mph
(140 km/h). The 4500/5500 Series maximum
vehicle speed can be set between 40 mph
(64 km/h) and 85 mph (136 km/h). See an
authorized dealer to enable this feature.
NOTE:
DO NOT set the maximum vehicle speed to a
value greater than what the vehicle tires are
rated for.
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) (a mixture of 50% ethylene-glycol
and 50% water) must not exceed the normal
range of the temperature gauge 240°F
(116°C) with a 21 psi (145 kPa) coolant
pressure cap.
Usually the engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature indicated during operation will be
to the left of center in the normal range of the
gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low engine coolant
(antifreeze) temperature below the normal
range on the gauge 140°F (60°C) can be
harmful to the engine. Low engine coolant
(antifreeze) temperature can cause incomplete
combustion which allows carbon and varnish to
form on piston rings and injector nozzles. Also,
the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the lubricating oil and causing rapid
wear to the engine.
COOLING SYSTEM TIPS
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating in high ambient temperature
conditions, take the following actions:
City Driving — When stopped, shift the trans -
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine
idle speed.
Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.
Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission
gear.
Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
When the engine is at normal operating
temperature, the minimum oil pressures
required are:
Idle 700 to 800 RPM 10 psi (69 kPa)
Full speed and load 30 psi (207 kPa)

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STARTING AND OPERATING229
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed
Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Be on the alert for changes in
performance, sounds, and visual evidence that
the engine requires service. Some important
clues are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely.
Sudden loss of power.
Unusual engine noises.
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks.
Sudden change, outside the normal oper -
ating range, in the engine operating tempera -
ture.
Excessive smoke.
Oil pressure drop.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — GAS ENGINE (IF
EQUIPPED)
The engine block heater warms the engine, and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect
the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire
extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed through
the grille by the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a
tethered strap. It also has a c-clip that is used
for storage when not in use for the Winter
months. During Winter months, remove the
heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the
c-clip.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at
least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the engine.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED)
The engine block heater warms engine coolant
and permits quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault
interrupter protected 110–115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire
extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under
the hood to the right side and can be located
just behind the grille near the headlamp.
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not equipped,
heater cords are available from an authorized
Mopar dealer.
The block heater must be plugged in at least
one hour to have an adequate warming effect
on the coolant.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal
readings, shut the engine off immediately.
Failure to do so could result in immediate and
severe engine damage.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before
driving. Damage to the 110–115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
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230STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
BLOCK HEATER USAGE
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),
engine block heater usage is recommended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F
(-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GAS 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 contributes
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 consistent with
anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades,
refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications”.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera
-
tion. This should be considered a normal 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.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The Cummins® Turbo 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
prolonged 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.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING265
case into 4WD LOW and proceed with
caution. You should use first gear and 4WD
LOW for very steep hills.
Driving Uphill – Once you have determined
your ability to proceed and have shifted into
the appropriate gear, line your vehicle up for
the straightest possible run. Accelerate with
an easy constant throttle and apply more
power as you start up the hill. Do not race
forward into a steep grade, the abrupt
change of grade could cause you to lose
control. If the front end begins to bounce,
ease off the throttle slightly to bring all four
tires back on the ground. As you approach
the crest of the hill ease off the throttle and
slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels
start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain
headway by turning the steering wheel no
more than a quarter turn quickly back and
forth. This will provide a fresh "bite" into the
surface and will usually provide enough trac -
tion to complete the climb. If you do not make
it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE
and back straight down the grade using
engine resistance along with the vehicle
brakes.
Driving Downhill – Before driving down a
steep hill you need to determine if it is too
steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a
slow controlled descent? Are there obsta -
cles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty
of distance at the base of the hill to regain
control if the vehicle descends too fast? If
you feel confident in your ability to proceed
then make sure you are in 4WD LOW with the
transmission in FIRST gear (manually select
FIRST gear on automatic transmissions) and
proceed with caution. Allow engine braking to
control the descent and apply your brakes if
necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
Driving Across An Incline – If at all possible
avoid driving across an incline. If it is neces -
sary, know your vehicle's abilities. Driving
across an incline places more weight on the
downhill wheels, which increases the possi -
bilities of a downhill slide or rollover. Make
sure the surface has good traction with firm
and stable soils. If possible transverse the
incline at an angle heading slightly up or
down.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or
turn around on a steep grade. Driving across
an incline increases the risk of a roll over,
which may result in severe injury or death.
WARNING!

Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use
vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine
braking. Descending a grade too fast could
cause you to lose control and be seriously
injured or killed.

WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of
a rollover, which may result in severe injury.
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STARTING AND OPERATING319
(Continued)
ENGINE RUNAWAY — DIESEL ENGINE
Diesel engine runaway is a rare condition
affecting diesel engines, where the engine
consumes its own lubrication oil and runs at
higher and higher RPM until it overspeeds to a
point where it destroys itself due to either
mechanical failure or engine seizure through
lack of lubrication.
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE
The fuel filler cap (gas cap) is located behind the
fuel filler door, on the left side of the vehicle.
Open the fuel door and remove the fuel filler cap
by turning it counter-clockwise.
Fuel Filler Cap

NOTE:
When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door.
NOTE:
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable
fumes from fuel spills or turbocharger oil
leaks being sucked into the engine, do the
following to help avoid personal injury and/or
vehicle damage:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire
extinguisher, direct the spray from the fire
extinguisher into the grille on the driver side
so that the spray enters the engine air intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located
behind the drivers side headlamp and
receives air through the grille.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the gas cap is
removed or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel to the vehicle when the
engine is running.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into
a portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
gas containers on the ground while filling.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emissions
control system could result from using an
improper fuel tank filler tube cap.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let impu-
rities into the fuel system.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn
on.
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling. When the
fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
WARNING! (Continued)
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344STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Care should be taken when attempting to climb
steep hills or driving diagonally across a hill or
slope. If natural obstacles force you to travel
diagonally up or down a hill, choose a mild angle
and keep as little side tilt as possible. Keep the
vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously.
If you must back down a hill, back straight down
using REVERSE gear. Never back down in
NEUTRAL or diagonally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft
terrain, shift to low gear and drive steadily.
Apply the accelerator slowly to avoid spinning
the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of
driving.Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it. Never drive
through standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
WARNING! (Continued)
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine
can cause it to lock up and stall out, and
cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY353
REPLACING EXTERIOR BULBS
Base Quad: Low Beam Headlamp, High
Beam Headlamp, Front Park And Turn — If
Equipped
Low Beam

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
3. Reach into the front wheel house ahead of the front wheel, remove the fastener, and
lift the cover over the access hole in the
front of the wheel house splash shield.
Access to the rear of the lamp can be gained
through this access hole.

Splash Shield Access Cover
4. Reach through the access hole of the wheel
house splash shield and disengage the bulb
access cover by rotating counterclockwise.

Bulb Access Cover

5. Disconnect the internal lamp wiring harness connector from the low beam bulb. 6. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise a quarter
turn to unlock the bulb from the lamp.
7. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing.
8. Reverse the procedure for installation of new bulb and covers.
High Beam

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.

Bulb Access Cover

3. Look under the hood and behind the headlamp to find the high beam bulb
access cover.
CAUTION!
Do not contaminate the bulb glass by
touching it with your fingers or by allowing it
to contact other oily surfaces. Shortened
bulb life will result.
Always use the correct bulb size and type
for replacement. An incorrect bulb size or
type may overheat and cause damage to
the lamp, the bulb socket, or the lamp
wiring.
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354IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
4. Reach behind the headlamp and disengage
the access cover by rotating counter -
clockwise.
5. Disconnect the internal lamp wiring harness connector from the high beam bulb.
6. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise a quarter turn to unlock the bulb from the lamp.
7. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing.
8. Reverse the procedure for installation of new bulb and covers. Front Park And Turn

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
3. Look under the hood and behind the headlamp to find the park and turn socket.

Park And Turn Socket

4. Reach behind the headlamp and unlock the park and turn socket from the lamp by
rotating counterclockwise a quarter turn.
5. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing.
6. Separate the bulb from the socket without twisting. 7. Reverse the procedure for installation of
new bulb and covers.
Side Marker Lamp

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Reach into the front wheel house ahead of the front wheel, remove the fastener, and
lift the cover over the access hole in the
front of the wheel house splash shield.
Access to the rear of the lamp can be gained
through this access hole.

Splash Shield Access Cover

CAUTION!
Do not contaminate the bulb glass by
touching it with your fingers or by allowing it
to contact other oily surfaces. Shortened
bulb life will result.
Always use the correct bulb size and type
for replacement. An incorrect bulb size or
type may overheat and cause damage to
the lamp, the bulb socket, or the lamp
wiring.

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