maintenance RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owner's Guide

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE367
NOTE:
Replacement batteries should both be of equal
capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle's
charging system.
PRESSURE WASHING
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
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.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water Úpage 345.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output greater
than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces -
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables
on the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the nega -
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and
negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle
battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
CAUTION!
Precautions have been taken to safeguard
all parts and connections however, the
pressures generated by these machines is
such that complete protection against water
ingress cannot be guaranteed.
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.
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368SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
ENGINE OIL
Engine Oil Selection — Gasoline 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 requirements of
FCA Material Standard MS-12633.

NOTE:
Hemi engines (6.4L) at times can tick right after
startup and then quiet down after approxi -
mately 30 seconds. This is normal and will not
harm the engine. This characteristic can be
caused by short drive cycles. For example, if the
vehicle is started then shut off after driving a
short distance. Upon restarting, you may experi -
ence a ticking sound. Other causes could be if
the vehicle is unused for an extended period of
time, incorrect oil, extended oil changes or
extended idling. If the engine continues to tick
or if the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes
on, see the nearest authorized dealer.
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 requirements of FCA US LLC. Use Mopar or an
equivalent 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

This symbol means that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). The manufacturer only
recommends API Certified engine oils.

This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30,
5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
For diesel engines, oils with a high ash content
may produce damaging deposits on cylinder
head valves and/or after-treatment 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 petroleum oil.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the
recommended oil quality requirements are met,
and the recommended maintenance intervals
for oil and filter changes are followed.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the
engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE
viscosity grade number should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against the addition of any additives (other than
leak detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil
is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
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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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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