maintenance RAM CHASSIS CAB 2023 Owner's Guide

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE353
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.
ENGINE OIL
Engine Oil Selection— Gasoline Engine
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid
Úpage 419.
NOTE:Hemi engines (6.4L) at times can tick right after
startup and then quiet down after approximately
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 experience 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.
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 accesso -
ries 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 negative 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.
WARNING!
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.
8

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354SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Oil Selection — Diesel Engine
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid
Úpage 419.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Approved Engine Oil
These symbols mean that the oil has been certified
by the API. The manufacturer only recommends API
trademark oils.
The API Starburst trademark certifies
0W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30 engine oils.
The API Donut trademark certifies
0W-40 and 5W-40 engine oil.
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
Your engine was designed for synthetic engine oils,
only use synthetic API approved engine oils.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the
correct API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity
grade numbers 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.
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. We recommend using a
Mopar® Engine Oil Filter. If a Mopar® Engine Oil
Filter is unavailable only use filters that meet or
exceed SAE/USCAR-36 Filter Performance
Requirements.
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 MAINTENANCE355
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 344.
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
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.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. With suitable tool fully loosen (six) fasteners
on engine air cleaner filter cover.

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

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.

1 — Fasteners
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
8

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356SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:Inspect and clean the housing if significant 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
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. With a suitable tool, fully loosen (six) fasteners on the engine air cleaner filter
cover.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
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

CAUTION!
Do not overtighten the engine air cleaner filter
cover lid screws or damage may result.
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
2 — Screws
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection Surface

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE357
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:Inspect and clean the housing if significant 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. Tighten the (6) 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.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a — If Equipped
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a Hydrofluo -
rocarbon (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 Hydroflu -
oroolefin (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.
CAUTION!
Do not overtighten the engine air cleaner filter
cover lid screws or damage may result.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for your
air conditioning system. Some unapproved
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 infor -
mation.
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.8

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358SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 344.
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

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

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 Tether1 — Glove Compartment Travel Stop
2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether
3 — Glove Compartment Door

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE359

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.
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
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.
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 equip -
ment. If you have any doubt about your ability
to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.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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