RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2021, Model line: CHASSIS CAB, Model: RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021Pages: 463, PDF Size: 21.5 MB
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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.
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370SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal
1. With suitable tool fully loosen (six) 
fasteners on engine air cleaner filter.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
2. Lift the engine air cleaner filter cover to  access the engine air cleaner filter.
3. Remove the engine air cleaner filter from  the housing assembly.
 Engine Air Cleaner Filter Assembly
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:
Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is 
present before replacing the engine air cleaner 
filter.
1. Install the engine air cleaner filter into the  housing assembly with the engine air 
cleaner filter inspection surface facing 
downward.
2. Install the engine air cleaner filter cover  onto the housing assembly. 3. Tighten the fasteners (six) on the engine air 
cleaner filter assembly.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and 
Replacement — Diesel 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.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal
1. Remove the screws from the engine air cleaner filter cover.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
1 — Fasteners
2 — Air Hose Clamp
3 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2 — Screws
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE371
2. Lift the engine air cleaner filter cover to 
access the engine air cleaner filter.
3. Remove the engine air cleaner filter from  the housing assembly.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
 Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:
Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is 
present before replacing the engine air cleaner 
filter.
1. Install the engine air cleaner filter into the 
housing assembly with the engine air 
cleaner filter inspection surface facing 
downward.
2. Install the engine air cleaner filter cover  onto the housing assembly locating tabs.
3. Install screws to secure the engine air  cleaner filter cover to the housing assembly.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE   
For best possible performance, your air 
conditioner should be checked and serviced by 
an authorized dealer at the start of each warm 
season. This service should include cleaning of 
the condenser fins and a performance test. 
Drive belt tension should also be checked at 
this time.
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection Surface
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for 
your air conditioning system. Some unap -
proved refrigerants are flammable and can 
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved 
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the 
system to fail, requiring costly repairs. 
Refer to Warranty Information Book, for 
further warranty information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of 
personal injury or damage to the system, 
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring 
lines to be disconnected should be done by 
an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air 
conditioning system as the chemicals can 
damage your air conditioning components. 
Such damage is not covered by the New 
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE373
3. There are travel stops on both sides of the 
glove compartment. Push inward on right 
side of the glove compartment travel stop to 
disengage the stop. Then pull the right of 
the glove compartment outward (away from 
the hinge) to disengaging the right side of 
the compartment from the hinge. Continue 
by removing the left side from the hinge by 
slightly lowering the compartment while 
pulling outward until it is completely 
disengaged from the hinge.
Glove Compartment
 4. Remove the filter cover by pushing in on the 
finger tabs on each end of the filter cover.
Filter Cover
Filter Cover Removal
 5. Remove the cabin air filter by pulling it 
straight out of the housing.
Cabin Air Filter
6. Install the cabin air filter with the arrow on  the filter pointing toward the floor. When 
installing the filter cover, press on each end 
until you hear an audible click.
7. Reinstall the glove compartment on the  hinges.
1 — Glove Compartment Travel Stop
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether
3 — Glove Compartment Door
1 — Finger Tabs
CAUTION!
The cabin air filter is identified with an arrow 
to indicate airflow direction through the filter. 
Failure to properly install the filter will result 
in the need to replace it more often.
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374SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
8. Pull the tension tether outward and reinstall the 
glove compartment past the travel stops by 
pushing in on the glove compartment sides.
Glove Compartment
NOTE:
Ensure the glove compartment door hinges and 
glove compartment travel stops are fully 
engaged.
9. Reattach the glove compartment tension  tether by inserting the tether clip in the 
glove compartment and sliding the clip 
away from the face of the glove 
compartment door.ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
When inspecting accessory drive belts, small 
cracks that run across ribbed surface of belt 
from rib to rib, are considered normal. These 
are not a reason to replace belt. However, 
cracks running along a rib (not across) are not 
normal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib 
must be replaced. Also have the belt replaced if 
it has excessive wear, frayed cords or severe 
glazing.
 Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)
Conditions that would require replacement:
Rib chunking (one or more ribs has sepa -
rated from belt body)
Rib or belt wear
Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between 
two ribs)
Belt slips
“Groove jumping" (belt does not maintain 
correct position on pulley)
Belt broken (note: identify and correct 
problem before new belt is installed)
Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or 
rumble is heard or felt while drive belt is in 
operation)
1 — Glove Compartment Travel Stop
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether
3 — Glove Compartment Door
WARNING!
Do not attempt to inspect an accessory 
drive belt with vehicle running.
When working near the radiator cooling fan, 
disconnect the fan motor lead. The fan is 
temperature controlled and can start at any 
time regardless of ignition mode. You could 
be injured by the moving fan blades.
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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE375
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty 
component such as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys 
should be carefully inspected for damage and 
proper alignment.
Belt replacement on some models requires the 
use of special tools, we recommend having your 
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
DRAINING FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR 
F
ILTER  
There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is 
located on the driver's side of the engine.
The best access to this water drain valve is from 
under the hood. The second one is on the under 
body, located in front of the rear axle above the 
drive shaft on pick-up models. The Chassis Cab 
models second filter location is on the frame 
behind the front axle. The best access to this 
water drain valve is from under the vehicle. If water is detected in the water separator while 
the engine is running, or while the ignition 
switch is in the ON position, the “Water In Fuel 
Indicator Light” will illuminate and an audible 
chime will be heard five times. At this point you 
should stop the engine and drain the water from 
both of the filters.
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes on 
and a single chime is heard while you are 
driving, or with the ignition switch in the ON 
position, there may be a problem with your 
water separator wiring or sensor. See an 
authorized dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from both 
fuel filters, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” 
will remain illuminated for approximately 
10 seconds. If the water was drained while 
the engine was running, the “Water In Fuel 
Indicator Light” may remain on for 
approximately three minutes.NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids 
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately 
discarded, can present a problem to the envi
-
ronment. Contact an authorized dealer, service 
station, or government agency for advice on 
recycling programs and for where used fluids 
and filters can be properly disposed of in your 
area.
Drain the fuel/water separator filters when the 
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within 
10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn the engine 
mounted filter drain valve (located on the side of 
the filter assembly) counterclockwise a quarter 
turn, and turn the under body mounted filter 
drain valve (located on the bottom of the filter 
assembly) counterclockwise 1 full turn. Then turn 
the ignition switch to the ON position, and allow 
any accumulated water to drain. Leave the drain 
valve open until all water and contaminants have 
been removed. When clean fuel is visible, close 
the drain valve following these guidelines:
1. Rotate the drain clockwise to close until  you feel resistance from the internal seal.
2. Continue turning the drain half of a turn to  properly compress the seal.
CAUTION!
Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter 
when the engine is running.
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving 
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains 
on, DO NOT START the engine before you 
drain water from the fuel filters to avoid 
engine damage.
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376SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
NOTE:
Over-compression of the seal due to over-tight -
ening of the drain will damage the seal, cause
a leak, and require the entire sensor to be 
replaced.
3. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
The sensor drain should not be over-tightened 
during normal service operations to avoid 
internal damage and future fuel leaks.
The drain should be closed and secured
without the use of tools.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of fuel 
have been drained, follow the directions for 
“Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel”  
Ú page 378
ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER 
R
EPLACEMENT
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the 
manufacturer's filtration and water sepa -
rating requirements can severely impact fuel 
system life and reliability.
The engine mounted filter housing is 
equipped with a No-Filter-No-Run (NFNR) 
feature. Engine will not run if:
a. No filter is installed.
b. Inferior/Non-approved filter is used.  Use of OEM filter is required to ensure 
vehicle will run.
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly
 1. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain 
hose.
3. Open the water drain valve a quarter turn  counterclockwise and completely drain fuel 
and water into the approved container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench.  Rotate counterclockwise for removal. 
Remove used o-ring and discard it.
1 — Drain Valve
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving 
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a 
new fuel filter. There is a possibility debris 
could be introduced into the fuel filter 
during this action. It is best to install the 
filter dry and allow the in-tank lift pump to 
prime the fuel system.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE377
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the 
housing and dispose of according to your 
local regulations.
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.
9. Remove new filter cartridge from plastic bag  and install into housing.
NOTE:
Do not remove cartridge from bag until you 
reach this step in order to keep cartridge clean.
10. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is  properly seated.  Do not pre-fill the filter 
housing with fuel.
11. Install lid onto housing and tighten to  22.5 ft lbs (30.5 N.m). Do not overtighten 
the lid.
12. Prime the engine  Ú page 378. Then start 
the engine and confirm there are no leaks.UNDERBODY MOUNTED FUEL FILTER 
R
EPLACEMENT
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the 
manufacturer's filtration and water sepa -
rating requirements can severely impact fuel 
system life and reliability.
The underbody mounted filter housing will 
cause the engine not to run if:
a. No filter is installed.
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly
 1. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain 
hose.
3. Open the water drain valve one full turn  counterclockwise and completely drain fuel 
and water into the approved container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench.  Rotate counterclockwise for removal. 
Remove used o-ring and discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the  housing and dispose of according to your 
local regulations.
1 — Drain Valve
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving 
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a 
new fuel filter. There is a possibility debris 
could be introduced into the fuel filter 
during this action. It is best to install the 
filter dry and allow the in-tank lift pump to 
prime the fuel system.
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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.
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