fuel filter RAM CHASSIS CAB 2023 User Guide

192STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select
TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower gear range (using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control).

NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear
range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding
your vehicle in FIRST gear (using the ERS shift
control) can help to avoid transmission
overheating.

If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter(s) as specified for "police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing."
Ú
page 344.

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include
components necessary to equip your vehicle with a
snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom -
mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow
the recommendations contained within the current
Body Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manufacturer for this infor
-
mation. There are unique electrical systems that
must be connected to properly ensure operator
safety and prevent overloading vehicle systems.
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper
fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for exces -
sive wear. The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½
inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in snow
plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected and
functioning properly.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could
adversely affect performance of the airbag
system in a collision. Do not expect that the
airbag will perform as described earlier in this
manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.

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SAFETY303
(Continued)
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as
long as the battery has power or for 15 minutes
from the intervention of the Enhanced Accident
Response System.
Unlock the power door locks.
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any
of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC
Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door
Cut off battery power to the:
Engine
Electric Motor (if equipped)
Electric power steering
Brake booster
Electric park brake
Automatic transmission gear selector
Horn
Front wiper
NOTE:After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to
the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key
from the ignition switch to avoid draining the
battery. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in
the engine compartment and on the ground near
the engine compartment and fuel tank before
resetting the system and starting the engine. If
there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle
electrical devices (e.g. headlights) after an
accident, reset the system by following the
procedure described below. If you have any doubt,
contact an authorized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System
Reset Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response
System functions after an event, the ignition switch
must be changed from ignition START or ON/RUN
to ignition OFF. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel
leaks in the engine compartment and on the
ground near the engine compartment and fuel
tank before resetting the system and starting the
engine. After an accident, if the vehicle will not start after
performing the reset procedure, the vehicle must
be towed to an authorized dealer to be inspected
and to have the Enhanced Accident Response
System reset.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You
could be injured if the air bag system is not
there to protect you. Do not modify the compo
-
nents or wiring, including adding any kind of
badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub
trim cover or the upper passenger side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the front
fascia/bumper, vehicle body structure, or add
aftermarket side steps or running boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone
who works on your vehicle that it has an air
bag system.
6

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342
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
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 engine oil change indicator system is
duty cycle based, which means the engine oil
change interval may fluctuate depending on your
personal driving style. Failure to change the engine
oil per the maintenance schedule can result in
internal engine damage.
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, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under instrument cluster display
Úpage 89. For Gasoline Engines, 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.
For Diesel Engines, under no circumstances
should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first
or sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator
system.
NOTE:
It is recommended that every 3,000 miles
(4,800 km), 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.
Severe service (high ambient temperature,
short trips, heavy loading, trailer towing,
off-road, or law enforcement use) may reduce
oil change intervals.
For Diesel Engines, 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 — Diesel Engine
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.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE347
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Inspect the front suspension, tie
rod ends and boot seals for
cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper
looseness or end play; replace if
necessary. X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect the brake linings. XXXXXX
Inspect and adjust parking brake. XXXXXX
Inspect drive belt; replace as
necessary. X
XXXXX
Inspect wheel bearings. XXXX X
Additional Maintenance
Replace the cabin air filter. To be replaced every 12,000 miles (19,000 km).
Replace the engine fuel filter. X X X X X X X X X X
Replace the chassis mounted fuel
filter. X X X X X X X X X X
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
8

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360SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 separated
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 (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)
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 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.
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 appropriate
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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE361
(Continued)
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 recy -
cling 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 one 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.
NOTE:Over-compression of the seal due to overtightening
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 overtightened
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
Úpage 363
ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER
R
EPLACEMENT
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manu -
facturer's filtration and water separating
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:
No filter is installed.
Inferior/Non-approved filter is used. Use of
OEM filter is required to ensure vehicle will
run.

Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly

1 — Drain Valve
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appropriate
container.
8

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362SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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.
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-lb (30.5 N.m). Do not overtighten the lid.
12. Prime the engine, then start the engine and confirm there are no leaks Ú page 363.
UNDERBODY MOUNTED FUEL FILTER
R
EPLACEMENT
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manu -
facturer's filtration and water separating
requirements can severely impact fuel system
life and reliability.
The underbody mounted filter housing will
cause the engine not to run if there is no filter
installed.
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Assembly

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.
CAUTION!
1 — Drain Valve
CAUTION!
Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appropriate
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 MAINTENANCE363

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.
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 (8 L to 19 L).

2. Three priming cycles must be completed. Turn ignition to the RUN position and wait approxi -
mately 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 117.
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.
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.
8

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364SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-975 may be used with
your Cummins® diesel engine.
A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel, meeting
ASTM specification D-7467 may be used with
your Cummins® diesel engine.
Use of biodiesel mixture in excess of 20% can
negatively impact the fuel filter's ability to sepa -
rate water from the fuel, resulting in high pres -
sure fuel system corrosion or damage.
Ethanol blends are not recommended or
approved for use with your Cummins® diesel
engine.
In addition, commercially available fuel addi -
tives are not necessary for the proper operation
of your Cummins® diesel engine.
INTERVENTION REGENERATION
S
TRATEGY — MESSAGE PROCESS FLOW
The Cummins® diesel engine meets all
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in
one of the lowest emitting diesel engines ever
produced. To achieve these emissions standards, your
vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art engine
and exhaust system. The engine and exhaust
after-treatment system work together to achieve
the EPA Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Emissions
Standards. These systems are seamlessly
integrated into your vehicle and managed by the
Cummins® Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The
PCM manages engine combustion to allow the
exhaust system’s catalyst to trap and burn
Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input or
interaction on your part.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is driven
on low engine speed drive cycles for more than two
hours, the system will automatically enter an
emissions operating mode that will increase the
engine idle speed to 1,050 RPM. While in this
mode, which is designed to help maintain the
Diesel Particulate Filter, the engine idle speed will
return to normal when the brake pedal is applied.
A small change in engine tone or a slight change in
engine performance while accelerating may also
be noticeable at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h).
This operating mode may last for up to an hour of
idle time, or around 20 minutes of driving time.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert you
to additional maintenance required on your truck
or engine Ú
page 89.
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF)
DEF sometimes known simply by the name of its
active component, UREA—is a key component of
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, which
help diesel vehicles meet stringent emission
regulations. DEF is a liquid reducing agent that
reacts with engine exhaust in the presence of a
catalyst to convert smog-forming nitrogen oxides
(NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water vapor
Úpage 419.
You can receive assistance in locating DEF by
contacting an authorized dealer.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and
rollers, liftgate, tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and
hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically with
a lithium-based grease, such as Mopar® Spray
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials
might be grass or leaves coming into contact
with your exhaust system. Do not park or
operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS415
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONSNOTE:Intentional tampering with the emissions control
system can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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.
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 emis
-
sions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
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 malfunctioning and may
require immediate service. Contact an autho -
rized dealer for service assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recom -
mended. Most of these products contain high
concentrations of methanol. Fuel system
damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or addi -
tives is not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer and may void or not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 360.
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