engine oil RAM CHASSIS CAB 2019 User Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING 251
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a stan -
dard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
Gasoline Engine Only
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 BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
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 detri -
mental 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 Specifications”.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution. CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result. 5

252 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. 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.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake
is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park brake,
firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle. Parking Brake Release
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster
will illuminate.
NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the transmission is
placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will flash. If
vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake before attempting
to move the vehicle.
• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It
does not show the degree of brake application.

STARTING AND OPERATING 365
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.
• 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 components. 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. 5

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 387
F74 – 20 Amp Yellow Brake Vacuum Pump Gas/Diesel – If Equipped (DS 1500
Only)
F74 – 10 Amp Red Backup Alarm – If Equipped (HD Only)
F75 – 10 Amp Red ATMM / Coil-SCR Module RLY– If Equipped
(HD Only)
Coolant Temperature Valve – If Equipped
(DS 1500 Only)
F76 – 10 Amp Red Electronic Stability Control (HD Only)
Brake System Module / Stop Lamp Switch / Electric
Park Brake / Clutch Pedal Switch (DS 1500 Only)
F77 – 10 Amp Red Drivetrain Control Module / Front Axle Disconnect
Module / TCM (HD Only)
Drivetrain Control Module / ELSD / Front Axle
Disconnect Module / Transmission Control Relay /
RDM / Power Take Off Unit – If Equipped (DS 1500
Only)
F78 – 10 Amp Red Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module /
Electric Power Steering (DS 1500 Only)
F78 – 15 Amp Blue Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module /
AEB RACM MOD / Feed To AUX PDC Relay Coils (HD
Only)
F79 – 15 Amp Blue ID / Clearance LightsCavity Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
6

390 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING F102 – 20 Amp Yellow Rear Heated Seat Left / Run RLY #3 Coil (HD Only)
F103 – 10 Amp Red HeadLamp AFLS (HD Only)
F104 – 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlets (Instrument Panel / Center Console) /
Trunk – If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
UCI Port / USB Rear (HD Only)Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
CAUTION!
• When installing the power distribution center cover, it
is important to ensure the cover is properly positioned
and fully latched. Failure to do so may allow water to
get into the power distribution center and possibly
result in an electrical system failure.
• When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The use
of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may result
in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a properly
rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates a problem in
the circuit that must be corrected. WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle
close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where
it can be raised on a lift.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a
jack.

410
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCESCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator
system. The oil change indicator system will remind you that it
is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indi -
cator 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 Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate 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).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a sched -
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your autho -
rized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information. Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve 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’s. This type of vehicle use is consid -
ered Severe Duty.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 411
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 transmis -
sion (six-speed only), and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights. Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following pages for
required maintenance.
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.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• 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. 7

412 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. X
X X X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle
surfaces. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid level.
If using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing, change axle fluid. X X X X X X X
Inspect the brake linings,
parking brake function. X X X X X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs. 1
X

414 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle
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
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.WARNING!
• You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the
knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle
could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause an
accident.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 415
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
6.4L Engine
1 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Battery
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 7 — Distribution Center (Fuses)
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Air Cleaner Filter 7