service schedule Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2020 Owner's Manual

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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210STARTING AND OPERATING
If the transmission temperature exceeds
normal operating limits, the powertrain
controller will modify the transmission shift
schedule and expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to over -
heating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is
in danger of overheating, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may operate differently until
the transmission cools down.
NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer
up a steep grade, or in stop-and-go traffic)
during hot weather. In these conditions, torque
converter slip can impose a significant addi -
tional heat load on the cooling system. Down -
shifting the transmission to the lowest possible
gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to
NEUTRAL (when stopped in heavy traffic) can
help to reduce this excess heat generation. During cold temperatures, transmission opera
-
tion may be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of
the engine and transmission to achieve
maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmis -
sion fluid is warm (refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
On trucks with AS66RC or AS69RC transmis -
sion, FIFTH and SIXTH gears may be inhibited
briefly on cold starts below 41°F (5°C), and
during very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or
below), operation may briefly be limited to third
gear only. During this condition, the ability of the
vehicle to accelerate under heavily loaded
conditions may be reduced. In all cases, normal
operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni -
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is acti -
vated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear (for AS66RC/AS69RC transmis -
sion) regardless of which forward gear is
selected. If an AS66RC/AS69RC equipped truck enters Limp Home Mode at highway speeds, it
will initially engage fifth gear, until the vehicle
slows to a speed where third gear can be
engaged. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will
continue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home
Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging
the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the trans
-
mission can be reset to regain all forward gears
by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the trans -
mission will return to normal operation.

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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.
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330SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for required maintenance. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe condi -
tions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. In some extreme conditions, additional
maintenance not specified in the maintenance
schedule may be required.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Inspect engine cooling system protection
and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty
or off-road conditions. Replace air cleaner
filter, if necessary.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten termi -
nals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect automatic transmission fluid if
equipped with dipstick.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
hoses and park brake.
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If
equipped with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative
System Fresh Air Filter as necessary,
replacement may be more frequent if
vehicle is operated in extreme dusty condi -
tions.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated
By Oil Change Indicator System:

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334SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
More frequent maintenance may be needed in
severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very
short trip driving. In some extreme conditions,
additional maintenance not specified in the
maintenance schedule may be required. At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking
the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading. Add oil only when the level is at or
below the ADD or MIN mark.
Once A Month

Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten
the terminals as required.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and automatic trans-
mission, and add as needed. At Each Oil Change

Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Inspect engine air filter cleaner. Replace the
air filter cleaner, if necessary.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped
with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative System
Fresh Air Filter as necessary, replacement
may be more frequent if vehicle is operated
in extreme dusty conditions.
Inspection and service should also be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Retain all receipts.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE335
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. This system will alert
you when it is time to change your engine oil by
displaying the words “Oil Change Due” in your
instrument cluster display. The oil change
reminder will remind the owner to change the
engine oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or
500 hours, whichever comes first, except for
the Chassis Cab models configured with
optional B20 capability that are using greater
than 5% levels of biodiesel, which are
12,500 miles (20,000 km) or 400 hours,
whichever comes first. Failure to change the
engine oil per the maintenance schedule can
result in internal engine damage.
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. Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 15,
000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or
sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator
system. Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,
000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
or 12 months or 500 Hours, whichever
comes first.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every
12,500 miles (20,000 km) or 400 hours,
whichever comes first when running greater
than 5% levels of biodiesel (Chassis Cab
models configured with optional B20 capa
-
bility).
If Chassis Cab models configured with optional
B20 capability are operated with greater than
5% levels of biodiesel, the oil change interval
must not exceed 12,500 miles (20,000 km) or
400 hours, whichever comes first under any
circumstances. See the Fuel Requirements
section for more information regarding opera -
tion with biodiesel blend (B6-B20) fuel meeting
ASTM specification D-7467.
Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel
Your vehicle will require emissions mainte -
nance at a set interval. To help remind you
when this maintenance is due, the instrument
cluster will display “Perform Service”. When the
“Perform Service” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster it is necessary to have the
emissions maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance may include replacing the Closed
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter element. The
procedure for clearing and resetting the
“Perform Service” indicator message is located
in the appropriate Service Information.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE347
DEALER SERVICE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service
personnel, special tools, and equipment to
perform all service operations in an expert
manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your
vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could
result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
Engine Oil
Change Engine Oil — Gas Engine
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched -
uled maintenance. Refer to “Scheduled
Servicing” in this chapter for further informa -
tion.
NOTE:
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.
Change Engine Oil — Diesel Engine
Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Selection — Gas Engine
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils
that are API Certified and meet the require -
ments of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
Engine Oil Selection — Diesel Engine
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils
that are API CK-4 certified and meet the require -
ments of FCA US LLC. Use Mopar or an equiva -
lent oil meeting FCA Material Standard
MS-10902. Products meeting Cummins CES
20081 may also be used. The identification of
these engine oils are typically located on the
back of the oil container.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol — Gas Engine
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Petro -
leum Institute (API). The manufac -
turer only recommends API Certified
engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30,
5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Only do service work
for which you have the knowledge and the
proper equipment. If you have any doubt
about your ability to perform a service job,
take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil
as the chemicals can damage your engine.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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370SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not
required. However, change the fluid and filter if
the fluid becomes contaminated (with water,
etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for
any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed
Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.),
or if the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level
For models with 9.25 in Front Axles and 11.5 in
Rear Axles, refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further infor -
mation. For normal service, periodic fluid level
checks are not required. When the vehicle is
serviced for other reasons, the exterior surfaces
of the axle assembly should be inspected.
When checking the fluid level, the vehicle
should be in a level position. The fluid level at
room temperature should be as follows:
3500 Front Axle: ¼ inch ± ¼ inch
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill
hole.
3500 Rear Axle: ¼ inch ± ¼ inch
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill
hole.
4500/5500 Front Axle: ¼ inch +/- ¼ inch
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the bottom of the fill
hole.
4500/5500 Rear Axle: 1/8 inch +/- 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm +/- 3.2 mm) below the bottom of the
fill hole.
Drain And Refill
On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt
to drain the axle fluid.

4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs

Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter
for the proper maintenance intervals.CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C)
it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough
to produce an accurate reading. Run the
engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug

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372SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Exhaust System
Inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and
damaged parts. Devices such as hangers,
clamps, and U-bolts should be tight and in good
condition. Damaged components, burned or
blown out mufflers, burned or rusted out
exhaust pipes should be replaced according to
the procedures and specifications outlined in
the appropriate service manual.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly
and fit. Make certain that the air cleaner is prop -
erly positioned and that the cover is tight. Check
all hoses leading to the air cleaner for tightness.
The air filter element must also be clean and
serviced according to the instructions outlined
in the Scheduled Maintenance section of this
manual.Tampering With Noise Control System
Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the
causing thereof: (1) the removal or rendering
inoperative by any person, other than for
purposes of maintenance, repair, or replace -
ment, of any device or element of design incor -
porated into any new vehicle for the purpose of
noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the
ultimate purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the
use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inop -
erative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute
tampering are the acts listed below.
AIR CLEANER
Removal of the air cleaner.
Removal of the air cleaner filter element from
the air cleaner housing.
Removal of the air ducting.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative exhaust
system components including the muffler or
tailpipe. ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

Removal or rendering inoperative the fan
clutch.
Removal of the fan shroud.
Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, was
designed, built and equipped to conform at the
time it left the manufacturer's control with all
applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control Regulations.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed,
built and equipped by the manufacturer, and is
not limited to any particular part, component or
system of the vehicle manufactured by the
manufacturer. Defects in design, assembly or in
any part, component or system of the vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, which, at
the time it left the manufacturer's control,
caused noise emissions to exceed Federal stan -
dards, are covered by this warranty for the life of
the vehicle.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE385
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equip -
ment tires to help you in determining when your
tires should be replaced.

Tire Tread

These indicators are molded into the bottom of
the tread grooves. They will appear as bands
when the tread depth becomes a 1/16 of an
inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced.
Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for
further information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including, but not limited to:
Driving style.
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation
pressures can cause uneven wear patterns
to develop across the tire tread. These
abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace -
ment.
Distance driven.
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of
V or higher, and Summer tires typically have
a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is
highly recommended. NOTE:
Wheel valve stem must be replaced as well
when installing new tires due to wear and tear
in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance
of many characteristics. They should be
inspected regularly for wear and correct cold
tire inflation pressures. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and perfor
-
mance when replacement is needed. Refer to
the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indicators” in
this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Infor -
mation placard or the Vehicle Certification Label
for the size designation of your tire. The Load
Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on the original equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the
“Tire Safety Information” section of this manual
for more information relating to the Load Index
and Speed Symbol of a tire.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can result
in sudden tire failure. You could lose control
and have a collision resulting in serious injury
or death.
7

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