engine oil Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2012 Diesel Supplement

•If the engine is equipped with an exhaust brake,
operating the exhaust brake at idle will greatly im-
prove warm up rate and will help keep the engine
close to operating temperature 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, under some conditions
the idle speed may increase to 900 RPM then return to
normal idle speed. This is normal operation.NOTE:
For EVIC messages related to the vehicle’s
exhaust system, refer to “Maintenance Procedures/
Intervention Regeneration Strategy – EVIC Message Pro-
cess Flow” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.Idle-Up Feature – Automatic Transmission Only
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 vehi-
cle’s interior.
1. With the transmission in PARK, the parking brake
applied, and the engine running, press the speed control
switch to the ON position, then press the SET switch.
44 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. The engine RPM will go up to 1100 RPM. To increase
the RPM, press and hold the ACCEL/RESUME switch
and the idle speed will increase to approximately 1500
RPM. To decrease the RPM, press and hold the DECEL
switch and the idle speed will decrease to approximately
1100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either press the CAN-
CEL switch, press 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 lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat
away from the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is especially impor-
tant 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 transmission. This is commonly referred to as
“shut down rattle.” The manufacturer recommends
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
reduced (not eliminated).
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 45

(antifreeze) temperature can cause incomplete combus-
tion 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 – Automatic Transmission
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating in high ambient temperature conditions, take the
following actions:
•City Driving —
When stopped, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and increase engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving —
Reduce your speed.
•Up Steep Hills —
Select a lower transmission gear, but try and keep the
torque converter clutch engaged.
•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 ............... 10psi(69kPa)
Full speed and load .............. 30psi (207 kPa)
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.
48 STARTING AND OPERATING

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
Practically all 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 operating range, in
the engine operating temperature
•excessive smoke
•oil pressure drop
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — 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 exten-
sion 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 in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized MOPAR
dealer.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 49

on/off switch. At this point, the customer may place the
vehicle in a forward or reverse gear and have PTO
operation once the vehicle begins to move. To disengage
PTO operation and return to “standard vehicle opera-
tion” simply turn the upfitter-provided on/off switch to
the OFF position.
NOTE:For application specific information with respect
to PTO and pump requirements and additional vehicle
information (wiring schematics, preset idle values, en-
gine speed limits, and vehicle hardware and software
requirements) please refer to the Body Builders Guide by
accessing www.ramtrucks.com and choosing the appro-
priate links.
Power Take Off – Aftermarket Installation
If you did not order the PTO (Power Take Off) Prep
Package from the factory and want to convert your vehicle, refer to the Body Builder’s Guide at
www.ramtrucks.com
or contact the manufacturer di-
rectly at (866) 205–4102 (toll free).
ENGINE RUNAWAY
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable fumes
from gasoline 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 CO
2or dry chemical type fire extin-
guisher, direct the spray from the fire extinguisher
into the grille on the passenger side so that the spray
enters the engine air intake.
(Continued)
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 81

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 6.7L Diesel ......... 99
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 100
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 100
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 104
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ...... 106
▫ Fuel Filter Replacement ................ 108
▫ Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel .............................. 110
▫ Intervention Regeneration Strategy – EVIC
Message Process Flow ..................111 ▫
Diesel Exhaust Fluid – Chassis Cab Only . . . 114
▫ Maintenance-Free Batteries ............. 114
▫ Cooling System ..................... 115
▫ Charge Air Cooler – Inter-Cooler ......... 121
▫ Brake System ....................... 121
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System ............... 123
▫ Transfer Case – If Equipped ............. 123
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 124
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 124
6

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL
1 — Battery6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 7 — Integrated Power Module
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped) 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Air Cleaner Filter
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 99

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals. The best time to check
the oil level is before starting the engine after it has been
100 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the
engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating tem-
perature, then wait for 30 minutes after engine shutdown
to check the oil.Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add oil
only when the level on the dipstick is below the “ADD”
mark. The total capacity from the low mark to the high
mark is 2 qts (1.9L).
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Never operate the engine with oil level below the “ADD”
mark or above the upper “SAFE” mark.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
1 — ADD Range
2 — Full Mark
3 — SAFE Range
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 101

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API CJ-4 certified and
meet the requirements of Chrysler Group LLC. Use
MOPARor an equivalent oil meeting Chrysler 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
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. Oils with a high ash content may produce damaging
deposits on engine valves and/or aftertreatment system
damage. A maximum sulfated ash content of 1.00 mass %
is recommended for all oil used in the engine.
The same oil change interval is to be followed for
synthetic oil as for petroleum based oil. Also, synthetic oil
must meet the same performance specifications as petro-
leum oil.
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.
102 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE