maintenance schedule RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owners Manual

6
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 273
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 273
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...274
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 281
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................281 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ..........................................284
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 292
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....292
Important Safety Precautions ...................293Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 293Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...302Child Restraints..........................................312
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 330
Transporting Passengers ..........................330
Transporting Pets ......................................330
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................330 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................332 Exhaust Gas ...............................................333Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................333
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .......................334
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 335
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ........................339
4500/5500 Models .................................. 339Preparations For Jacking........................... 339
Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ............................................... 340 To Stow The Flat Or Spare —
If Equipped ................................................ 343 Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ... 343
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 344
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 344Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 345
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .........................346
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 347
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 348
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................349
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................350 Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 351
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 351Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 352
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................. 352
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................352
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE ................................................................ 353
Maintenance Plan ..................................... 354
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 357
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel.......................................................... 357 Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel ......................................................... 358 Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine ....................................................... 359
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 364
6.4L Engine ............................................... 364
6.7L Engine ................................................ 365
Checking Oil Level ..................................... 366
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 366Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 366Pressure Washing...................................... 367
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................. 367
Engine Oil .................................................. 368
Engine Oil Filter.......................................... 369
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................... 369
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................... 371
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............... 374Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter....... 375Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement.............................................. 376

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STARTING AND OPERATING205
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM
T
RAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
NOTE:
For trailer towing information (maximum trailer
weight ratings) refer to the following website
addresses:
ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/
ramtruck.ca (Canada)
rambodybuilder.com
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, addi -
tional factory-installed options or dealer-installed
options must be considered as part of the total
load on your vehicle. For the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle

Ú
page 411.

TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in the
“Scheduled Servicing” Ú page 353. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or
GCWR ratings.
CAUTION!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the
GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severely
side to side which will cause loss of control of
the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers
heavier in front is the cause of many trailer
collisions.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
4

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353
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE
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 indicator 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. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change.
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 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.
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 transmission (six-speed only), and
fill as needed.

Check function of all interior and exterior lights.

8

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354SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE PLAN
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for required maintenance. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. In some extreme conditions,
additional maintenance not specified in the
maintenance schedule may be required.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.
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 filter if using in
dusty or off-road conditions. Replace the
engine air cleaner filter, if necessary.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten termi -
nals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect automatic transmission fluid if
equipped with dipstick.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
hoses and parking brake.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated
By Oil Change Indicator System:
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If
equipped with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative
System Fresh Air Filter as necessary,
replacement may be more frequent if
vehicle is operated in extreme dusty
conditions.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE357
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
More frequent maintenance may be needed in
severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very
short trip driving. In some extreme conditions,
additional maintenance not specified in the
maintenance schedule may be required.
At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking
the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading. Add oil only when the level is at or
below the ADD or MIN mark. Once A Month

Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten
the terminals as required.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and automatic trans-
mission, and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner filter. Replace the
engine air cleaner filter, if necessary.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped
with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative System
Fresh Air Filter as necessary, replacement
may be more frequent if vehicle is operated
in extreme dusty conditions. Inspection and service should also be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Retain all receipts.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR SYSTEM —
C
UMMINS DIESEL

Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. This system will alert
you when it is time to change your engine oil by
displaying the words “Oil Change Due” in your
instrument cluster display. The oil change
reminder will remind the owner to change the
engine oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or
500 hours, whichever comes first, except for the
Chassis Cab models configured with optional
B20 capability that are using greater than 5%
levels of biodiesel, which are 12,500 miles
(20,000 km) or 400 hours, whichever comes
first. Failure to change the engine oil per the
maintenance schedule can result in internal
engine damage.

CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.
8

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358SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change
is performed by someone other than an
authorized dealer Úpage 90.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every
15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator
system. Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) or 12 months, whichever
comes first.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
or 12 months or 500 Hours, whichever
comes first.
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every
12,500 miles (20,000 km) or 400 hours,
whichever comes first when running greater
than 5% levels of biodiesel (Chassis Cab
models configured with optional B20 capa -
bility).
If Chassis Cab models configured with optional
B20 capability are operated with greater than
5% levels of biodiesel, the oil change interval
must not exceed 12,500 miles (20,000 km) or
400 hours, whichever comes first under any
circumstances. See the Fuel Requirements
section for more information regarding
operation with biodiesel blend (B6-B20) fuel
meeting ASTM specification D-7467.PERFORM SERVICE INDICATOR —
C
UMMINS DIESEL

Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance
at a set interval. To help remind you when this
maintenance is due, the instrument cluster will
display “Perform Service”. When the “Perform
Service” message is displayed on the instrument
cluster it is necessary to have the emissions
maintenance performed. Emissions
maintenance may include replacing the Closed
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter element.
The procedure for clearing and resetting the
“Perform Service” indicator message is located in
the appropriate Service Information.

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392SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly
and fit. Make certain that the air cleaner is
properly positioned and that the cover is tight.
Check all hoses leading to the air cleaner for
tightness. The air filter element must also be
clean and serviced according to the instructions
outlined in the Scheduled Maintenance section
of this manual.
Tampering With Noise Control System
Prohibited

Federal law prohibits the following acts or the
causing thereof: (1) the removal or rendering
inoperative by any person, other than for purposes
of maintenance, repair, or replacement, of any
device or element of design incorporated into any
new vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to
its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while
it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle after such
device or element of design has been removed or
rendered inoperative by any person.

Among those acts presumed to constitute
tampering are the acts listed below. AIR CLEANER

Removal of the air cleaner.
Removal of the air cleaner filter element from
the air cleaner housing.
Removal of the air ducting.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative exhaust
system components including the muffler or
tailpipe.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Removal or rendering inoperative the fan
clutch.
Removal of the fan shroud.
Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, was
designed, built and equipped to conform at the
time it left the manufacturer's control with all
applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control Regulations.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed,
built and equipped by the manufacturer, and is
not limited to any particular part, component or
system of the vehicle manufactured by the
manufacturer. Defects in design, assembly or in
any part, component or system of the vehicle as
manufactured by the manufacturer, which, at
the time it left the manufacturer's control,
caused noise emissions to exceed Federal
standards, are covered by this warranty for the
life of the vehicle.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE417
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original
equipment tires to help you in determining
when your tires should be replaced.

Tire Tread

These indicators are molded into the bottom of
the tread grooves. They will appear as bands
when the tread depth becomes a 1/16 of an
inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including, but not limited to:
Driving style.

Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pres -
sures can cause uneven wear patterns to
develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life, resulting in
the need for earlier tire replacement.

Distance driven.
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of
V or higher, and Summer tires typically have
a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is
highly recommended. NOTE:
Wheel valve stem must be replaced as well
when installing new tires due to wear and tear
in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of
many characteristics. They should be inspected
regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation
pressures. The manufacturer strongly recommends
that you use tires equivalent to the originals in size,
quality and performance when replacement is
needed

Ú
page 417. Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard or the Vehicle Certification
Label for the size designation of your tire. The Load
Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found
on the original equipment tire sidewall.

For more information relating to the Load Index
and Speed Symbol of a tire Ú page 406.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires
or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire
can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can result
in sudden tire failure. You could lose control
and have a collision resulting in serious injury
or death.
8

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454 J
Jack Location
................................................. 339Jack Operation............................................... 339Jacking And Tire Changing............................. 339Jump Starting................................................ 344
K
Key Fob Programming Additional Key Fobs
.............. 17Key Fob Battery Service (Remote
Keyless Entry).................................................. 16Key Fob Programming (Remote
Keyless Entry).................................................. 17Keyless Enter-N-Go........................26, 118, 123Passive Entry............................................... 26Keys................................................................. 15
L
Lane Change And Turn Signals........................ 54Lane Change Assist......................................... 54LaneSense.................................................... 183Latches.......................................................... 332Hood........................................................... 79Lead Free Gasoline........................................ 433Leaks, Fluid................................................... 332Life Of Tires................................................... 417Light Bulbs........................................... 332, 401
Lights............................................................ 332Air Bag.................................... 107, 303, 331Automatic High Beam.................................. 52Brake Assist Warning............................... 277Brake Warning.......................................... 107Bulb Replacement.................................... 401Cab Top Clearance................................... 405Cargo........................................................... 54Center Mounted Stop............................... 405Courtesy/Reading....................................... 55Cruise....................................................... 115Daytime Running......................................... 51Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator............................................... 108Exterior...............................................50, 332Fog........................................................... 404Four Wheel Drive Indicator....................... 162Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 334Headlights............................................ 50, 52High Beam................................................... 51Hill Descent Control Indicator................... 278Illuminated Entry......................................... 56Interior......................................................... 55Lights On Reminder..................................... 53Low Fuel................................................... 111Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)....... 110Park.......................................................... 115Passing........................................................ 52
Seat Belt Reminder.................................. 107Security Alarm.......................................... 108Service...................................................... 401Traction Control........................................ 277Transfer Case........................................... 162Turn Signals..................... 54, 115, 332, 402Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions................................ 108, 115Limited-Slip Differential....................... 162, 391Load Shed Battery Saver Mode..................... 105Load Shed Battery Saver On......................... 105Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction........... 105Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor............ 105Loading Vehicle............................................. 199Tires.......................................................... 411LocksAutomatic Door............................................28Child Protection...........................................28Power Door..................................................25Low Tire Pressure System............................. 284Lubrication, Body.......................................... 380Lug Nuts/Bolts..................................... 342, 432
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................ 366Maintenance Plan......................................... 359Maintenance Schedule............... 353, 357, 359Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).. 110

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456 Power Steering Fluid
...................................... 444Pregnant Women And Seat Belts...................300Preparation For Jacking................................. 339Presets.......................................................... 253PTO (Power Take-Off)..................................... 163
R
Radial Ply Tires.............................................. 416Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).. 384, 385Radio Presets...................................................... 253Radio Controls............................................... 247Radio Mode................................................... 247Radio Operation.................................. 247, 269Radio Remote Controls.................................. 247Rain Sensitive Wiper System........................... 58Rear Axle (Differential)......................... 390, 391Rear Camera................................................. 189Rear ParkSense System................................ 177Rear Window, Sliding....................................... 78Recreational Towing...................................... 214Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 216Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N).. 217Reformulated Gasoline.................................. 433Refrigerant.................................................... 372Release, Hood................................................. 79Reminder, Seat Belt...................................... 294Remote Keyless Entry...................................... 15Programming Additional Key Fobs.............. 17Remote Sound System (Radio) Control......... 247
Remote Start (Diesel)...................................... 22Remote Start (Gasoline).................................. 20Remote StartingExit Remote Start Mode.............................. 21Replacement Bulbs...................................... 401Replacement Tires........................................ 417Reporting Safety Defects.............................. 447Resetting Perform Service Indicator............. 358Restraints, Child........................................... 312Restraints, Head.............................................. 38Rotation, Tires.............................................. 424
S
Safety........................................................... 246Safety Checks Inside Vehicle........................ 330Safety Checks Outside Vehicle..................... 332Safety Defects, Reporting............................. 447Safety Features............................................. 246Safety Information, Tire................................ 406Safety Tips.................................................... 330Safety, Exhaust Gas...................................... 333Satellite Radio.............................................. 249Saved Radio Stations................................... 253Schedule, Maintenance................................ 353Seat BeltAutomatic Locking Retractor (ALR)........... 301Seat Belt Reminder....................................... 107Seat Belts............................................ 293, 330Adjustable Shoulder Belt.......................... 297
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage..... 297Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage............................................ 297Child Restraints........................................ 312Extender................................................... 299Front Seat........................................ 293, 296Inspection................................................. 330Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 296Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting................... 297Operating Instructions.............................. 296Pregnant Women...................................... 300Reminder.................................................. 294Seat Belt Extender.................................... 299Seat Belt Reminder.................................. 294Untwisting Procedure................................ 297Seat Belts Maintenance................................ 429Seats.................................................. 33, 34, 35Adjustment...........................................33, 35Easy Entry....................................................36Folding Floor................................................70Head Restraints...........................................38Memory.......................................................32Power...........................................................35Rear Folding................................................33Tilting...........................................................33Security Alarm........................................ 23, 108Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 440Sentry Key (Immobilizer)..................................17Service Assistance........................................ 445Service Contract............................................ 446

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