technical specifications RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 9
2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE ..................................................................................15
3 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ....................................................... 80
4 STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................................................................ 118 5 MULTIMEDIA .............................................................................................................................. 220
6 SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................ 273 7 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY .................................................................................................... 334
8 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................... 353
9 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................. 431
10 CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE .....................................................................................................445 11 INDEX ............................................................................................................................................ 450

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Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ..............................................377 Priming If The Engine Has Run Out
Of Fuel .......................................................378 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow .............................379 Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................379Body Lubrication ........................................380
Windshield Wiper Blades ..........................380
Exhaust System ........................................382
Cooling System .........................................383
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler ..............386
Brake System ............................................387
Automatic Transmission ............................387
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level .................................................. 390 Transfer Case ............................................391
Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty .........................391
TIRES ................................................................... 406
Tire Safety Information .............................406Tires — General Information .....................414 Tire Types ................................................... 418
Spare Tires — If Equipped ......................... 419
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .................... 421
Snow Traction Devices ............................. 422
Tire Rotation Recommendations .............. 424
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES .....................................425
Treadwear .................................................. 426
Traction Grades ......................................... 426
Temperature Grades ................................. 426
STORING THE VEHICLE .....................................427
BODYWORK ........................................................ 427
Protection From Atmospheric Agents....... 427
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 427Preserving The Bodywork .......................... 428
INTERIORS ......................................................... 428
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 428
Plastic And Coated Parts ........................... 429
Leather Surfaces ....................................... 430Glass Surfaces .......................................... 430
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) ..... 431
BRAKE SYSTEM ................................................ 431
Hydraulic Brake Assist — If Equipped....... 431
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................ 432
Torque Specifications................................ 432
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE
ENGINE ................................................................ 433
6.4L Engine ................................................ 433
Reformulated Gasoline ............................ 433Materials Added To Fuel ........................... 434
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends .................... 434Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel
Vehicles ...................................................... 434 CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications .. 435Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl (MMT) In Gasoline .................. 435 Fuel System Cautions................................ 435

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10
SYMBOLS KEY
If you do not read this entire Owner’s Manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Cautions and Warnings.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not apply to body modifications or
special equipment installed by van conversion/camper manufacturers/
body builders. US residents refer to the Warranty Information, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the “What Is Not Covered” section of
the Warranty Information. Such equipment includes video monitors,
DVD/Blu-Ray™, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage
and service on these items, contact the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment installed by the
conversion/camper manufacturer should also be supplied with your
vehicle. For any additional instructions, please contact your conversion/
camper manufacturer.
To obtain dimensional and technical specifications for your vehicle,
refer to the Body Builder’s Guide at https://www.ramtrucks.com/
ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!These statements are against operating
procedures that could result in a collision,
bodily injury and/or death.
CAUTION! These statements are against procedures that
could result in damage to your vehicle.
NOTE: A suggestion which will improve installation,
operation, and reliability. If not followed, may
result in damage.
TIP: General ideas/solutions/suggestions on easier
use of the product or functionality.
PAGE REFERENCE
ARROW
Follow this reference for additional information
on a particular feature.
FOOTNOTE Supplementary and relevant information
pertaining to the topic.
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its
roadworthiness and safety and may lead to a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.

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431
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)
The VIN is found on the left front corner of
the instrument panel, visible through the
windshield.
Vehicle Identification Number

NOTE:
It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with
the engine off), the brakes will still function.
However, you will experience a substantial
increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.

If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses
normal braking capability, the remaining system
will still function with some loss of overall braking
effectiveness. This will be evident by increased
pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of
the “Brake Warning Light” and/or the “ABS
Warning Light” during brake use.

HYDRAULIC BRAKE ASSIST — IF
E
QUIPPED
The brake system power assist is provided by a
hydro-boost unit which shares fluid with the
power steering system. You may experience
some clicking or hissing noises from the
hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:
Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid
reaches operating temperature.
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432TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to
ensure that the wheel is properly mounted to the
vehicle. Any time a wheel has been removed and
reinstalled on the vehicle, the lug nuts/bolts
should be torqued using a properly calibrated
torque wrench using a six sided (hex) deep wall
socket.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
**Use only authorized dealer recommended
lug nuts/bolts and clean or remove any dirt or
oil before tightening. Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to
mounting the tire and remove any corrosion or
loose particles.
NOTE:
Dual wheels are flat mounted, center piloted.
The lug nuts are a two-piece assembly. When
the tires are being rotated or replaced, clean
these lug nuts and add two drops of oil at the
interface between the hex and the washer.
Ensure that the socket is fully engaged on the
lug nut/bolt (do not insert it half way).

Oil Interface Location
Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.

Wheel Mounting Surface

Retighten the wheel nuts in the same sequence
to the torques listed in the table. Go through the
sequence a second time to verify that specific
torque has been achieved. Retighten to
specifications after 25 miles (40 km) and check
the lug nut/bolt torque to be sure that all the lug
nuts/bolts are properly tightened.

Lug Nut/Bolt
Torque
Lug
Nut/Bolt
Type**Lug
Nut/Bolt
Size Lug Nut/
Bolt
Socket
Size
120-150
Ft-Lbs
(160-200 N·m) Cone
M14 x
1.50 22 mm
130-160
Ft-Lbs
(190-220 N·m) Flanged

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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.

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434TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the
proper octane rating, gasolines that contain
detergents, corrosion and stability additives are
recommended. Using gasolines that have these
additives will help improve fuel economy,
reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle
performance.
Designated TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline contains a higher level
of detergents to further aide in
minimizing engine and fuel system
deposits. When available, the usage of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is recommended. Visit
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning
agents should be avoided. Many of these
materials intended for gum and varnish
removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket
and diaphragm materials.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline
with oxygenates such as ethanol.
Problems that result from using gasoline
containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15) or
gasoline containing methanol are not the
responsibility of the manufacturer and may void
or not be covered under New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
DO NOT USE E-85 IN NON-FLEX FUEL
V
EHICLES
Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are compatible
with gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
(E-15). Use of gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with
E-85 fuel, the engine will have some or all of
these symptoms:
Operate in a lean mode.
OBD II Malfunction Indicator Light on.
Poor engine performance.
Poor cold start and cold drivability.
Increased risk for fuel system component
corrosion.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use E-85, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasoline containing more than
15% ethanol (E-15). Use of these blends may
result in starting and drivability problems,
damage critical fuel system components,
cause emissions to exceed the applicable
standard, and/or cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to illuminate. Please observe
pump labels as they should clearly
communicate if a fuel contains greater than
15% ethanol (E-15).

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS435
(Continued)
CNG AND LP FUEL SYSTEM
M
ODIFICATIONS

Modifications that allow the engine to run on
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid
Propane (LP) may result in damage to the engine,
emissions, and fuel system components.
Problems that result from running CNG or LP are
not the responsibility of the manufacturer and
may void or not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

METHYLCYCLOPENTADIENYL
M
ANGANESE TRICARBONYL (MMT) IN
G
ASOLINE

MMT is a manganese-containing metallic
additive that is blended into some gasoline to
increase octane. Gasoline blended with MMT
provides no performance advantage beyond
gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces
spark plug life and reduces emissions system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer
recommends that gasoline without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of gasoline may
not be indicated on the gasoline pump; therefore,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether the
gasoline contains MMT. MMT is prohibited in
Federal and California reformulated gasoline.

FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions
control system can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle’s performance:
The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by
Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can
impair engine performance and damage
the emissions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or igni
-
tion malfunctions can cause the catalytic
converter to overheat. If you notice a
pungent burning odor or some light smoke,
your engine may be out of tune or malfunc -
tioning and may require immediate service.
Contact an authorized dealer for service
assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now
being sold as octane enhancers, is not
recommended. Most of these products
contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor -
mance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsi -
bility of the manufacturer and may void or
not be covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)
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436TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL REQUIREMENTS – DIESEL ENGINE
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable
supplier in your vehicle. Federal law requires
that you must fuel this vehicle with Ultra Low
Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15 ppm Sulfur
maximum) and prohibits the use of Low Sulfur
Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum)
to avoid damage to the emissions control
system.
For most year-round service, Number 2 diesel
fuel meeting ASTM (formerly known as the
American Society for Testing and Materials)
specification D-975 Grade S15 will provide
good performance. If the vehicle is exposed
to extreme cold (below 20°F or -7°C), or is
required to operate at colder-than-normal
conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized
Number 2 diesel fuel or dilute the Number 2
diesel fuel with 50% Number 1 diesel fuel. This
will provide better protection from fuel gelling or
wax-plugging of the fuel filters.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water.
To prevent fuel system trouble, drain the
accumulated water from the fuel/water
separator using the fuel/water separator drain
provided on both fuel filters. If you buy good
quality fuel and follow the cold weather advice
above, fuel conditioners should not be required
in your vehicle. If available in your area, a high
cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer improved
cold-starting and warm-up performance.

FUEL SPECIFICATIONS
The Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine has been
developed to take advantage of the high energy
content and generally lower cost Number 2
Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or Number 2 Ultra
Low Sulfur climatized diesel fuels. Experience
has shown that it also operates on Number 1
Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuels or other fuels
within specification.
NOTE:
If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gaso
-
line on your diesel vehicle, Do not start the
vehicle. If you restart your vehicle you risk
damaging the engine and fuel system. Please
call an authorized dealer for service.
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).
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under
certain conditions and hazardous or
explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains
on, DO NOT START engine before you drain
the water from the fuel filter(s) to avoid
engine damage Ú page 375.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS437

In addition, commercially available fuel addi -
tives are not necessary for the proper opera -
tion of your Cummins diesel engine. However,
if seasonably adjusted fuel is not available and
you are operating below 20°F (-6°C), Mopar
Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or equivalent)
may be beneficial to avoid fuel gelling.

Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should
only be used where extended arctic condi -
tions (0°F or -18°C) exist.
BIODIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Chassis Cab Models
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting
ASTM specification D975 may be used with
your Cummins diesel engine. If operation with
biodiesel blends greater than 5% but not
greater than 20% (B6-B20) is desired, the truck
must first be reconfigured by an authorized
Ram dealer and the provisions in the following
section must be adhered to.
Pickup Models And Chassis Cab Models
Ordered With B20 Option
Your vehicle has been validated and approved
for the use of biodiesel in blends up to 20%
(B20) provided that you comply with the
requirements outlined below. It is important
that you understand and comply with these
requirements. Failure to comply with Oil Change
requirements for vehicles operating on
biodiesel blends up to B20 will result in
premature engine wear. Such wear is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable
resources typically derived from animal fat,
rapeseed oil (Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME)
base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl Ester (SME or
SOME) base). Biodiesel fuel has inherent
limitations which require that you understand
and adhere to the following requirements if you
use blends of biodiesel greater then 5% but not
greater than 20% (B6-B20). There are no
unique restrictions for the use of B5. Use of
blends greater than 20% is not approved. Use of
blends greater than 20% can result in engine
damage. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fuel Quality — Must Comply With ASTM
Standards
The quality of biodiesel fuel may vary widely.
Only fuel produced by a BQ9000 supplier to the
following specifications may be blended to
meet biodiesel blend (B6–B20) fuel meeting
ASTM specification D-7467:
Petrodiesel fuel meeting ASTM specification
D-975 and biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting
ASTM specification D-6751.
Fuel Oxidation Stability — Must Use Fuel
Within Six Months Of Manufacture
Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability which
can result in long term storage problems. Fuel
produced to approved ASTM standards, if
stored properly, provides for protection against
fuel oxidation for up to six months.
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