fuel type Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2020 Owner's Manual

6
REFUELING THE VEHICLE —
DIESEL ENGINE ................................................. 269 Fuel Filler Cap ............................................269
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ................269Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ...............269
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................270Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ....................270
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ........... 271
VEHICLE LOADING .......................................... 273
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......273Payload .......................................................273Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............273
Tire Size ......................................................273
Rim Size......................................................273
Inflation Pressure ......................................273
Curb Weight................................................273
Loading .......................................................273
TRAILER TOWING ............................................ 274
Common Towing Definitions .....................274Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum
Trailer Weight .............................................278 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) .......................................279 Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................279
Towing Requirements ...............................279
Towing Tips ................................................284 SNOWPLOW ....................................................... 286
Before Plowing ........................................... 286
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 286 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached ..................................................... 287 Operating Tips ............................................ 287General Maintenance................................ 287
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) .......................................... 288
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 288 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 289 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 289
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 292
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 292
Driving Through Water .............................. 292
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .................... 294
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 294General Information .................................. 299
BULB REPLACEMENT ......................................300
Replacement Bulbs .............................. 300
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ........................... 301
FUSES ..................................................................305
Power Distribution Center ......................... 306 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...................... 314
4500/5500 Models .................................. 315
Preparations For Jacking .......................... 315
Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ............................................... 315 To Stow The Flat Or Spare —
If Equipped ................................................ 318 Hub Caps/Wheel Covers —
If Equipped ............................................... 318
JUMP STARTING ............................................... 319
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 320
Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 320
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 321
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 322
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 323
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 324
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...................... 326
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 327
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 327
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 328
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................ 328
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ....................... 328

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7
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE ....... 329Maintenance Plan......................................330
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ................. 333
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 334
Oil Change Indicator System —
Cummins Diesel .........................................335 Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel ........................................335 Maintenance Plan — Cummins
Diesel Engine ............................................336
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ................................ 343
6.4L Engine ...............................................3436.7L Engine ................................................344
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine .............345
Checking Oil Level — Diesel Engine ..........345
Adding Washer Fluid ................................345Maintenance-Free Battery .......................346
Pressure Washing ......................................346
DEALER SERVICE .............................................. 347
Engine Oil .................................................. 347Engine Oil Filter ........................................349
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .........................349
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................. 351
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection................354Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .....354
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ..............................................356 Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ..............................................357 Priming If The Engine Has Run
Out Of Fuel ................................................ 358 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow ............................. 359 Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 359Body Lubrication ...................................... 360
Windshield Wiper Blades ........................ 360
Exhaust System ........................................ 362
Cooling System ......................................... 363
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler .............. 366
Brake System ............................................ 367Automatic Transmission............................ 368
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ....................................................... 370 Transfer Case ............................................ 371Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty ......................... 371
HOISTING ............................................................374
TIRES....................................................................374
Tire Safety Information ........................... 374
Tires — General Information .................... 382
Tire Types ................................................... 386
Spare Tires — If Equipped ....................... 387
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .................. 389Tire Chains and Traction Devices ............ 390
Tire Rotation Recommendations .............. 391 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................................... 392
Treadwear .................................................. 392
Traction Grades ......................................... 392Temperature Grades ................................. 393
STORING THE VEHICLE .................................. 393
BODYWORK ........................................................ 393 Protection From Atmospheric Agents ..... 393
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 394Preserving The Bodywork.......................... 394
INTERIORS ......................................................... 395
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 395
Plastic And Coated Parts........................... 396
Leather Parts ............................................. 396
Glass Surfaces .......................................... 396
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...................................... 397Vehicle Identification Number ................. 397
BRAKE SYSTEM ................................................ 397
Hydraulic Brake Assist — If Equipped....... 397
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................. 397
Torque Specifications .............................. 398

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL95
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Push the SET + or the SET- button (located on
the steering wheel) and the following will display
in the instrument cluster display:
ACC SET
When ACC is set, the set speed will display in
the instrument cluster.
The ACC screen may display once again if any
ACC activity occurs, which may include any of
the following:
Distance Setting Change
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
For further information, refer to “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped” in “Starting
And Operating.”
Fuel Economy
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the Fuel Economy menu item is highlighted
in the instrument cluster display. Push and Hold
the right arrow button to reset Average Fuel
Economy.
Current Fuel Economy Gauge
Average Fuel Economy Value
Range To Empty
Fuel Tank Levels — If Equipped
Trip A/Trip B
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the Trip menu item is highlighted in the
instrument cluster display. Push and release
the right arrow button to enter the submenus of
Trip A and Trip B. The Trip A or Trip B information
will display the following:
Distance
Average Fuel Economy
Elapsed Time
Push and hold right arrow button to reset all
information.
Trailer Tow
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the Trailer Tow menu item is highlighted in
the instrument cluster display. Push and
release the right arrow button and the next
screen will display the following trailer trip infor -
mation:
Trip Distance (trailer specific): Push and hold
the right arrow button to reset the distance.
Trailer Brake
Output
Type
Gain
Trailer Tire Pressure — If Equipped
Audio
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until the Audio Menu icon/title is highlighted in
the instrument cluster display. This menu will
display the audio source information, including
the Song name, Artist name, and audio source
with an accompanying graphic.
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186STARTING AND OPERATING
The message “ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P
then Shift to Gear ” will display in the instrument
cluster.
NOTE:
In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be
displayed in the instrument cluster, causing the
“ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift to
Gear ” to not be seen. In these cases, the shifter
must be returned to “P” to select desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLY when vehicle speed
is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed is Too High to
Shift to P ” will be displayed in the instrument
cluster if vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h). 4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the
vehicle in 4WD LOW.
The message “
AutoPark Disabled ” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Additional customer warnings will be given
when all of these conditions are met:
Vehicle is not in PARK
Driver’s door is ajar
Vehicle is in 4WD LOW range
The message “ AutoPark Not Engaged ” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. A warning
chime will continue until you shift the vehicle
into PARK or the driver’s door is closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle
is in PARK by looking for the “P” in the Instru -
ment Cluster Display and near the shifter. As an
added precaution, always apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have
followed the “Normal Starting” procedure, it
may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while the engine is cranking. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run
for 10 seconds, and then disengage. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal and the
brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat
the “Normal Starting” procedure.
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h),
the transmission will default to NEUTRAL until
the vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h). A vehicle left in the NEUTRAL
position can roll. As an added precaution,
always apply the parking brake when exiting
the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid
into the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could
result in flash fire causing serious personal
injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle
to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started
this way. Unburned fuel could enter the
catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a
start from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. Refer to
“Jump Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.

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202STARTING AND OPERATING
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 accelera-
tion 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 recom -
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions”. 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.
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 Oper -
ating” of the Owner’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins®
Turbo 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).
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING267
AUX Camera — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two
AUX Cameras, which display a rearview image
from the trailer on the touchscreen.
Activation
The AUX Camera is activated by first pressing
the Backup Camera, Cargo Camera (if
equipped), or Surround View Camera (if
equipped) button on the touchscreen, followed
by the AUX button located in the upper left
corner of the rearview display. The AUX camera
can also be activated when the vehicle is in
REVERSE by pressing the AUX button.
If equipped with two AUX Cameras, you can
switch between each camera by then pressing
the AUX1 or AUX2 buttons on the Trailer Camera
display.
AUX1 Camera Button
AUX2 Camera Button Deactivation
The AUX Camera is deactivated by pressing the
“X” in the upper right corner of the touchscreen.
This will return the display back to the previ
-
ously displayed screen.
NOTE:
If the AUX button is pressed and no AUX
Camera is connected, the touchscreen will
display a blue screen along with the message
“Camera System Unavailable.” The screen
can be exited out by pressing the “X” in the
upper right hand corner. This will return the
display back to the previously displayed
screen.
Zoom View is not available with the AUX
Camera feature.
The display will always default to the Trailer
Camera display (AUX 1).
ENGINE RUNAWAY
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.
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:
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire extin -
guisher, direct the spray from the fire extin -
guisher into the grille on the passenger side
so that the spray enters the engine air
intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located
behind the passenger side headlamp and
receives air through the grille.
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING271
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
The DEF gauge (located on the instrument
cluster) will display the level of DEF remaining in
the tank. Refer to “Instrument Cluster” and
“Instrument Cluster Descriptions” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further infor -
mation.
NOTE:
Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed,
load, etc.) will effect the amount of DEF that
is used in your vehicle.
Another factor is that outside temperature
can affect DEF consumption. In cold condi -
tions, 12°F (-11°C) and below, the DEF
gauge needle can stay on a fixed position and
may not move for extended periods of time.
This is a normal function of the system.
There is an electric heater inside the DEF
tank that automatically works when neces -
sary. And if the DEF supply does freeze, the
truck will operate normally until it thaws.
DEF Fill Procedure
NOTE:
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for the correct fluid type.

1. Remove cap from DEF tank (located on
drivers side of the vehicle or in fuel door).

DEF Filler Cap And Fuel Fill Chassis Cab Models

2. Insert DEF fill adapter/nozzle into DEF tank filler neck. NOTE:The DEF gauge may take up to five seconds
to update after adding a gallon or more of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to the DEF tank.
If you have a fault related to the DEF
system, the gauge may not update to the
new level. See an authorized dealer for
service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF line
heater will possibly warm up the DEF fluid
and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is
possible that the gauge may not reflect the
new fill level for several drives.
Excessive overfilling of the DEF tank can
result in a MIL lamp/fault code and inaccu
-
rate level readings.1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
5

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329
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indi-
cator 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 frequent
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 Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illu -
minate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km). An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched
-
uled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is
performed by someone other than an autho -
rized dealer, the message can be reset by refer -
ring to the steps described under “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Gas Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 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:
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 predominately at idle or very low
engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is consid -
ered Severe Duty. 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. Rotate at the
first sign of irregular wear.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, power steering and
automatic transmission (six-speed only), and
fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights.
7

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366SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Checking Coolant Level — 6.4L Engine
The level of the coolant in the pressurized
coolant bottle should be between the “MIN” and
“MAX” range on the bottle when the engine is
cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full,
so there is no need to remove the cap unless
checking for coolant freeze point or replacing
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service
attendant of this. As long as the engine oper -
ating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is
needed to maintain the proper level, it should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
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 compart -
ment. This is normally a result of moisture from
rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on
the radiator and being vaporized when the ther -
mostat 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) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen
-
tration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) and distilled
water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum compo -
nents.
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 ther -
mostat. Other designs may result in unsatis -
factory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and
increased emissions.
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned below the
radiator and the air conditioner condenser. Air
enters the engine through the air cleaner and
passes through the turbocharger, where it is
pressurized. This pressurized air rapidly
reaches high temperature. The air is then
directed through a hose to the charge air cooler
and through another hose to the intake mani -
fold of the engine. The air entering the engine
has been cooled by about 50° to 100°F
(10° to 38°C). This cooling process enables
more efficient burning of fuel resulting in fewer
emissions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the
system, keep the surfaces of the charge air
cooler, condenser and radiator clean and free
of debris. Periodically check the hoses leading
to and from the charge air cooler for cracks or
loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and
reduced engine performance.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS407
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 – 6.4L Engine For best performance and maximum protection under all types of
operating conditions, the manufacturer only recommends full synthetic
engine oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of
SN. The manufacturer recommends the use of Pennzoil Ultra 0W-40 or
equivalent Mopar engine oil meeting the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating temperatures.
Engine Oil Filter – 6.4L Engine We recommend you use Mopar Engine Oil Filters.
Spark Plugs – 6.4L Engine We recommend you use Mopar Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 6.4L Engine 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable (R+M)/2 Method,
0-15% Ethanol (Do not use E-85).
8

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