service interval RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 User Guide

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE363
(Continued)

Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Retain all receipts.
Flush and replace engine
coolant. ***

X
1. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months or 500 Hours, whichever comes first.
2. Under no circumstances should the engine air cleaner filter exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, whichever comes first.
3. Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces every 20,000 miles (32,000 km). 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 the axle fluid every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114
120

Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
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 malfunc -
tion and effect vehicle handling and perfor -
mance. This could cause an accident.

WARNING! (Continued)CAUTION!

***The manufacturer highly recommends that
all cooling system service, maintenance, and
repairs be performed by an authorized dealer.
8

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 363

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE369
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle.
Used oil and oil filters, indiscriminately
discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact an authorized dealer,
service station or governmental agency for
advice on how and where used oil and oil filters
can be safely discarded in your area.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should
be used for replacement. The quality of
replacement filters varies considerably.
Only high quality Mopar certified filters should
be used.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 354.
NOTE:
Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”
maintenance interval if applicable. Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And
Replacement — Gasoline Engine
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or
debris, if you find evidence of either dirt or
debris you should change your engine air
cleaner filter.
NOTE:
When replacing the engine air cleaner filter on
vehicles equipped with a 6.4L gasoline engine,
replace with a dry (non-oiled) filter only.WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove
the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no
one is near the engine compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction
system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed.
Failure to do so can result in serious personal
injury.
8

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372SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a — If Equipped
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is
a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that is an
ozone-friendly substance. The manufacturer
recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by an authorized dealer or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-1234yf — If Equipped
R-1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a
hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) that is endorsed
by the Environmental Protection Agency and
is an ozone-friendly substance with a low
global-warming potential. The manufacturer
recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by an authorized dealer using
recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil, and refrigerants.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 354.
The cabin air filter is located in the fresh air inlet
behind the glove compartment. Perform the
following procedure to replace the filter:

1. Open the glove compartment and remove all contents.
2. With the glove compartment door open,
remove the glove compartment tension
tether and tether clip by sliding the clip
toward the face of the glove compartment
door. Lift the clip out of glove compartment
door and release into dash panel.

Right Side Of Glove Compartment

WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the
vehicle is running, or while the ignition is in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. With the cabin
air filter removed and the blower operating,
the blower can contact hands and may propel
dirt and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.
1 — Glove Compartment Door
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether

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378SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid
and housing.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean
engine oil.
NOTE:
Water In Fuel (WIF) sensor is re-usable. Service
kit comes with new o-ring for filter canister and
WIF sensor.
PRIMING IF THE ENGINE HAS RUN OUT
O
F FUEL

1. Add a substantial amount of fuel to the
tank, approximately 2 to 5 gal (8L to 19L).
2. Three priming cycles must be completed.
Turn ignition to the RUN position and wait
approximately 30 seconds. This will activate
the in tank fuel pump. Turn the ignition
switch to the off position, and leave off for at
least 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure
three times before cranking the engine.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting” procedure Ú page 119.
4. Once the engine starts, allow the engine to idle for a minimum of 30 seconds.
NOTE:
The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines. NOTE:
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-975 may be used with
your Cummins diesel engine. (Chassis Cab
models not configured with B20 capability.)
A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-7467 may be used with
your Cummins diesel engine. (Pickup models
and Chassis Cab models configured with B20
capability.)
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system
with the engine running. Engine operation
causes high fuel pressure. High pressure fuel
spray can cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more
than 15 seconds at a time. Allow two minutes
between the cranking intervals.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under
certain conditions and be hazardous or
explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
CAUTION!
Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or
gasoline, the use of these fuels can cause
damage to the fuel system.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 378

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE389
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the
fluid level on both sides. The fluid level
reading is only valid if there is a solid
coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full
of fluid if the actual level is at or above the
hole. The fluid level should be between the
“HOT” (upper) reference holes on the
dipstick at normal operating temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the
dipstick tube to bring it to the proper level.
Do not overfill. Use ONLY the specified fluid
Ú page 444. After adding any quantity of oil
through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum
of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE:

If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the
dipstick with the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only
use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough refer -
ence when setting the fluid level after a transmis -sion service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level,
and adjust as required, once the transmission
reaches normal operating temperature.

8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks.
Release the parking brake.
NOTE:

If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at 68-86°F / 20-30°C. Only use the
COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference
when setting the fluid level after a transmission
service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and
adjust as required, once the transmission reaches
normal operating temperature.

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
For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 354.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.),
or if the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
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.
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.
8

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390SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Selection Of Lubricant

It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission
performance and life. Use only the
manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid

Ú
page 444. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should
be used in any transmission; only the approved
lubricant should be used.

REAR AXLE AND 4X4 FRONT DRIVING
A
XLE FLUID LEVEL
For models with 9.25 in Front Axles and 11.5 in
Rear Axles Ú page 444. 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

For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 354.
CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
torque converter shudder, and (for six-speed
transmissions) will require more frequent fluid
and filter changes
Ú
page 444.

1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE391
Lubricant Selection
For further information Úpage 444.
NOTE:

The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differ -
ential components. Operation of the vehicle in
water, as may be encountered in some
off-highway types of service, will require draining
and refilling the axle to avoid damage.

Limited-Slip Differentials DO REQUIRE limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:
Slight noise and mild shuddering may be
evident while turning a vehicle with limited
slip differential on concrete or dry pavement.
These conditions should be considered normal
operation of the limited slip differential.
TRANSFER CASE
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the
filler plug. The fluid level should be to the
bottom edge of the filler plug hole with the
vehicle in a level position.
Drain And Refill
For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 354.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended
fluid Ú page 444.
NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM REQUIRED
M
AINTENANCE & WARRANTY

All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg) Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating and manufactured for sale
and use in the United States are required to comply
with the Federal Government's Exterior Noise
Regulations. These vehicles can be identified by
the Noise Emission Control Label located in the
operator's compartment.

Required Maintenance For Noise Control
Systems
The following maintenance services must be
performed every six months or 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) whichever comes first, to ensure
proper operation of the noise control systems.
In addition, inspection and service should be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire
vehicle will help the effectiveness of the noise
control systems.
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.
8

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS433

8/10 Lug Nuts/Bolts Torque Patterns

It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept
torqued to specifications at all times. Torque
wheel stud nuts to specifications at each
lubrication interval.

All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally
to eliminate the possibility of wheel studs being
sheared or the bolt holes in the wheels becoming
elongated. This is especially important during the
first few hundred miles/kilometers of operation
to allow the wheel nuts to become properly set.
All wheel nuts should first be firmly seated
against the wheel. The wheel nuts should then be
tightened to recommended torque. Tighten the wheel nuts to final torque in increments.
Progress around the bolt circle, tightening the
wheel nut opposite to the wheel nut just
previously tightened until final torque is
achieved.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE ENGINE
While operating on gasoline with the required
octane number, hearing a light knocking sound
from the engine is not a cause for concern.
However, if the engine is heard making a heavy
knocking sound, see a dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with a lower than recommended
octane number can cause engine failure and
may void or not be covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as
hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you
experience these symptoms, try another brand of
gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.

6.4L ENGINE
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends
greater than 15% in this engine.

This engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide
satisfactory fuel economy and
performance when using high quality
unleaded gasoline having a posted octane number
of 87 as specified by the (R+M)/2 method.

REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner burning gasoline referred to as
“reformulated gasoline”. Reformulated
gasoline contains oxygenates and are
specifically blended to reduce vehicle
emissions and improve air quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is
recommended. Properly blended reformulated
gasoline will provide improved performance
and durability of engine and fuel system
components.
1 — 10 Bolt Pattern
2 — 8 Bolt Pattern
WARNING!

To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not tighten the lug nuts/bolts fully until
the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow
this warning may result in personal injury.

9

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438TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Fuel Water Separation — Must Use Mopar/
Cummins Approved Fuel Filter Elements
You must use Mopar/Cummins approved fuel
filter elements in both your engine mounted
filter and frame mounted filter.
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and
water accelerates microbial growth. Your
Mopar/Cummins filtration system is designed
to provide adequate fuel water separation
capabilities.
Bio-Diesel Fuel Properties — Low Ambient
Temperatures
Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient
temperatures, which may pose problems for
both storage and operation. Precautions can be
necessary at low ambient temperatures, such
as storing the fuel in a heated building or a
heated storage tank, or using cold temperature
additives.
Fuel In Oil Dilution — Must Adhere To
Required Oil Change Interval

Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been observed
with the use of biodiesel fuel. Fuel in oil must not
exceed 5%. To ensure this limit is met your oil
change interval must be maintained to the
following schedule:

Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis
Cab — 12,500 Miles (20,000 km)*
(*unless otherwise notified with a oil service
message)
CAUTION!

Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 12,500 miles (20,000 km)
if operation occurs with greater than 5%
biodiesel blends. Oil change intervals should
not exceed six months in either case. Failure
to comply with these Oil Change require -
ments for vehicles operating on biodiesel
blends up to B20 may result in premature
engine wear. Such wear is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

B20 Biodiesel capable: The engine may
suffer severe damage if operated with
concentrations of Biodiesel higher than
20%.

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