Vehicle Quick Reference: Other RAM Cab & Chassis 3500 HD

A/C REFRIGERANT

The refrigerant used in this air conditioning system is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a. Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC), R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a nontoxic, nonflammable, clear and colorless liquefied gas.

The A/C refrigerant system is filled-for-life at the factory and requires no regular maintenance. Although not required at specific intervals, the charge level should be checked if system performance deteriorates or if a noise or leak is suspected. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Note. Refer to appropriate service information for fluid level checking procedures.

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid is the recommended fluid for Chrysler automatic transmissions.

Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch chatter can result from the use of improper fluid.

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change.

ENGINE COOLANT

The cooling system is designed around the coolant. The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the heat to the air.

The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion protection. Mopar® Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100, 000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equivalent ethylene-glycol base coolant with organic corrosion inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when mixed with 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% distilled water to obtain a freeze point of -37°C (-35°F). If it loses color or becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with fresh properly mixed coolant solution.

COOLANT PERFORMANCE

The required ethylene-glycol and water mixture depends upon climate and vehicle operating conditions. The coolant performance of various mixtures follows

Pure Water- Water can absorb more heat than a mixture of water and ethylene-glycol. This is for purpose of heat transfer only. Water also freezes at a higher temperature and allows corrosion.

100 percent Ethylene-Glycol - The corrosion inhibiting additives in ethylene-glycol need the presence of water to dissolve. Without water, additives form deposits in system. These act as insulation causing temperature to rise to as high as 149°C (300°F). This temperature is hot enough to melt plastic. The increased temperature can result in sever engine damage. In addition, 100 percent ethylene-glycol freezes at -22°C (-8°F).

50/50 Ethylene-Glycol and Water - Is the recommended mixture, it provides protection against freezing to -37°C (-34°F). The antifreeze concentration must always be a minimum of 44 percent, year-round in all climates. If percentage is lower, engine parts may be eroded by cavitation. Maximum protection against freezing is provided with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which prevents freezing down to -67.7°C (-90°F). A higher percentage will freeze at a warmer temperature. Also, a higher percentage of antifreeze can cause the engine to overheat because specific heat of antifreeze is lower than that of water.

ENGINE OIL

Only lubricants bearing designations defined by the following organization should be used.

1. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
2. American Petroleum Institute (API)
3. National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
4. Association des Constructeurs Europ e ens d' Automobiles (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) (ACEA)

API SERVICE GRADE CERTIFIED

Use an engine oil that is API Certified. MOPAR® provides engine oils, that meet or exceed this requirement.

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An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the viscosity of engine oil. Use only engine oils with multiple viscosities such as 5W-20 or 5W-30. These are specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot temperature viscosity range. Select an engine oil that is best suited to your particular temperature range and variation. For 3.7L/4.7L engines SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating temperatures. For 5.7L engines SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating temperatures. These engine oils improve low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for the recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle. Vehicles with 5.7L engines equipped with Multiple Displacement System (MDS) must use SAE 5W-20 oil. Failure to do so may result in improper operation of the Multiple Displacement System (MDS). Refer to Multi Displacement System under Starting and Operating for details. Refer to the engine oil filler cap for the recommended engine oil viscosity for each vehicle.

ACEA CATEGORIES

For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for Service Fill Oils, use engine oils that meet the requirements of ACEA A1/B1, A2/B2, or A3/B3.

ENERGY CONSERVING OIL

An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for gasoline engines. The designation of ENERGY CONSERVING is located on the label of an engine oil container.

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Standard engine oil identification notations have been adopted to aid in the proper selection of engine oil. The identifying notations are located on the front label of engine oil plastic bottles and the top of engine oil cans. (Scheme 5)

This symbol means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). DiamlerChrysler only recommend API Certified engine oils. Use Mopar® engine oil or equivalent.

SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILS

There are a number of engine oils being promoted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use such a product, use only those oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) and SAE viscosity standard. Follow the service schedule that describes your driving type.

ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES/SUPPLEMENTS

The manufacturer does not recommend the addition of any engine oil additives/supplements to the specified engine oil. Engine oil additives/supplements should not be used to enhance engine oil performance. Engine oil additives/supplements should not be used to extend engine oil change intervals. No additive is known to be safe for engine durability and can degrade emission components. Additives can contain undesirable materials that harm the long term durability of engines by

1. Doubling the level of phosphorus in the engine oil. The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standard Approval Committee) GF-2 and GF-3 standards require that engine oil contain no more than 0.10% phosphorus to protect the vehicles emissions performance. Addition of engine oil additives/supplements can poison, from the added sulfur and phosphorus, catalysts and hinder efforts to guarantee emissions performance to 80, 000 miles.
2. Altering the viscosity characteristics of the engine oil so that it no longer meets the requirements of the specified viscosity grade.
3. Creating potential for an undesirable additive compatibility interaction in the engine crankcase. Generally it is not desirable to mix additive packages from different suppliers in the crankcase; there have been reports of low temperature engine failures caused by additive package incompatibility with such mixtures.

ENGINE OIL - DIESEL ENGINES

Use only Low Ash Diesel Engine Oil meeting standard MIL-2104C or API Classification CJ-4/SM (5.9L), or CJ-4 (6.7L), or higher that meets Cummins CES 20081 Standards.

Low ash diesel engine oil is REQUIRED for the 6.7L engine, use MOPAR ® MaxPro15W40 6700 Diesel DPF diesel engine oil, or equivalent.

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To assure of properly formulated engine oils, it is recommended that SAE Grade 15W-40 engine oils that meet Chrysler material standard MS-10902, be used in accordance to ACEA B3, B4 specification. European Grade 15W-40 oils that meet Association des Constructeurs Europ e ens d' Automobiles (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) (ACEA) specifications, are also acceptable.

Synthetic oils of the SAE 5W-40 grade number are required when minimum temperatures consistently fall below -18° C (0° F).

For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for Service Fill Oils, use engine oils that meet the requirements of ACEA A1/B1, A2/B2, or A3/B3.

GEAR LUBRICANTS

SAE ratings also apply to multigrade gear lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the lubricant's usage, such as API GL-5 and SAE 75W-90.

CHASSIS

BODY

TRANSFER CASE - ALL EXCEPT BW 44-44

Recommended lubricant for the NV271, NV243, and NV273 transfer cases is Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

TRANSFER CASE - BW 44-44

Recommended lubricant for the BW 44-44 transfer case is Mopar® Transfer Case Lubricant or equivalent.

UNDERHOOD FUSES (POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER - UPFITTER)

The UREA Power Distribution Center (PDC) is located in the right side of the engine next to the fender near the cowl panel. This center contains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A description of each fuse and component may be stamped on the inside cover, otherwise the cavity number of each fuse is stamped on the inside cover that corresponds to the following chart.

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Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle lifting procedures.

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When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used to lift a vehicle. Support the vehicle in the raised position with jack stands at the front and rear ends of the frame rails.

Note. Use the correct rear frame rail lifting locations only.

HOIST

A vehicle can be lifted with

1. A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
2. A twin-post, chassis hoist.
3. A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - JUMP STARTING

TO JUMP START A DISABLED VEHICLE

1. Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually inspect engine compartment for: Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary. Frozen battery. Yellow or bright color test indicator, if equipped. Low battery fluid level. Generator drive belt condition and tension. Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary. CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on disabled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle charging system can result.
2. When using another vehicle as a booster source, park the booster vehicle within cable reach. Turn off all accessories, set the parking brake, place the automatic transmission in PARK or the manual transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the ignition OFF.
3. On disabled vehicle, place gear selector in park or neutral and set park brake. Turn off all accessories.
4. Connect jumper cables to booster battery. RED clamp to positive terminal (+). BLACK clamp to negative terminal (-). DO NOT allow clamps at opposite end of cables to touch, electrical arc will result. Review all warnings in this procedure.
5. On disabled vehicle, connect RED jumper cable clamp to positive (+) terminal. Connect BLACK jumper cable clamp to engine ground as close to the ground cable attaching point as possible.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery. CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will overheat and could fail.
7. Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to at least 12.4 volts (75% charge) before attempting to start engine. If engine does not start within 15 seconds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool (15 min.), before cranking again.

DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS

1. Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine ground on disabled vehicle.
2. When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal. Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive terminal.
3. Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive terminal on disabled vehicle.

OIL CHANGE INDICATOR SYSTEM

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles, "Oil Change Required" will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.

On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, "Change Oil" will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.

Based on engine operation conditions the oil change indicator message will illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).

Note. The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's oil if it has been six months since your last oil change even if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated. Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended period of time. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8, 000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles, "Oil Change Required" will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.

On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, "Change Oil" will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.

Based on engine operation conditions the oil change indicator message will illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).

Note. The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's oil if it has been six months since your last oil change even if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated. Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended period of time. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8, 000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.

On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles "Oil Change Required" will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.

On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles "Change Oil" will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.

The oil change indicator message will illuminate approximately 7, 000 miles (11 200 km) after the most recent oil change was performed. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within 500 miles (800 km). However, an earlier oil change at 3, 000 miles (5, 000 km) may be required if the vehicle is operated under "Severe Duty Conditions" later in this service information.

Note. The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's oil if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated. Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended period of time. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7, 500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

SEVERE DUTY CONDITIONS

++ Change the engine oil and engine oil filter at every 3, 000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months if using your vehicle under any of the following severe duty conditions

1. Stop and go driving.
2. Driving in dusty conditions.
3. Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
4. Trailer towing.
5. Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
6. Off-road or desert operation.

+ This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions warranty.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - NEW VEHICLE PREPARATION

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A vehicle equipped with SAE approved sling-type towing equipment can be used to tow all vehicles. When towing a 4WD vehicle using a wheel-lift towing device, use tow dollies under the opposite end of the vehicle. A vehicle with flat-bed device can also be used to transport a disabled vehicle.

A wooden crossbeam may be required for proper connection when using the sling-type, front-end towing method.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Secure loose and protruding parts.
2. Always use a safety chain system that is independent of the lifting and towing equipment.
3. Do not allow towing equipment to contact the disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
4. Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle while it is lifted by the towing device.
5. Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed.
6. Always observe state and local laws regarding towing regulations.
7. Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other motorists.
8. Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, J-hooks, or a tow sling to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-reinforced frame hole.
9. Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Damage to the cab, cargo box or frame may result. Use a flatbed device to transport a loaded vehicle.

GROUND CLEARANCE

A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary, remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs to retain brake drums or rotors.

RAMP ANGLE

If a vehicle with flat-bed towing equipment is used, the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15 degrees.

TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE

When the vehicle is locked and keys are not available, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type device can be used on 4WD vehicles provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.

TWO WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - REAR END LIFTED

2WD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels on the surface for extended distances at speeds not exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph).

1. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise vehicle to towing position.
4. Attach safety chains. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel. CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
6. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
7. Place transmission in park.

TWO WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - FRONT END LIFTED

FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING

Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.