Dodge Ram 2500 (2016 year). Manual

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L

1 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir
5 — Battery

6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
8 — Coolant Pressure Cap
9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L

1 — Air Cleaner Filter

7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (6-Speed Trans Only)

8 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)

3 — Engine Oil Fill

9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (2500/3500 Models Only)

4 — Engine Oil Dipstick

10 — Coolant Pressure Cap

5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

11 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

6 — Battery

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L

1 — Coolant Pressure Bottle

6 — Battery

2 — Transmission Dipstick

7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)

3 — Engine Oil Fill

8 — Washer Solvent

4 — Engine Oil Dipstick

9 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

10 — Air Cleaner Filter

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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)

Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.

CAUTION!

• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause

further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.

• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,

severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity

Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to

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801

access this information to assist with the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle and emissions system.

WARNING!

• ONLY an authorized service technician should con-

nect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to diagnose or service your vehicle.

• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the

OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior
tracking device, it may:

• Be possible that vehicle systems, including

safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may result
in an accident involving serious injury or death.

• Access, or allow others to access, information

stored in your vehicle systems, including per-
sonal information.

For further information, refer to “Privacy Practices — If
Equipped With Uconnect 8.4 Radio” and “Uconnect
CyberSecurity” in “All About Uconnect Access” in your
Owner’s Manual Radio Supplement and “Cybersecurity”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC/DID telltale display

area. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” or “Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and push the
SELECT button to turn off the message. If the problem
continues, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started.

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A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.

For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not

on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.

Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.

Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if
your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the
following:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do

not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:

If you crank or start the engine, you will have to

start this test over.

2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON

position, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.

3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will

happen:

• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then

return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF

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803

the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not ready and you should
not

proceed to the I/M station.

• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully

illuminated until you place the ignition in the off
position or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is ready and you can proceed
to the I/M station.

If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.

Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced

before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Use of genuine MOPAR parts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPAR parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.

DEALER SERVICE

Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, 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.

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NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.

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 me-
chanic.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.

Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.

CAUTION!

• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-

form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealer or qualified
repair center.

• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids

that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,

(Continued)

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CAUTION! (Continued)

transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If a flush is needed because of component malfunc-
tion, use only the specified fluid for the flushing
procedure.

Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level

To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the

dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.

Change Engine Oil

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.

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1500 Models Only

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change inter-

vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve 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.

2500 – 3500 Models Only

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change inter-

vals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve 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.

Engine Oil Selection

For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Petro-
leum Institute (API). The manufac-
turer only recommends API Certified
engine oils.

This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20,

0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.

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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Engine Oil Viscosity — 3.6L Engines (1500 Models
Only)

MOPAR SAE 5W-20 engine oil approved to FCA Material
Standard MS-6395 or equivalent Pennzoil or Shell Helix
is recommended for all operating temperatures. This
engine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle
fuel economy.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your vehicle. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.

NOTE:

MOPAR SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to FCA

Material Standard MS-6395 may be used when SAE
5W-20 engine oil meeting MS-6395 is not available.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 5.7L Engine
(1500/2500/3500 Models)

MOPAR SAE 5W-20 engine oil approved to FCA Material
Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil, Shell Helix or
equivalent is recommended for all operating tempera-
tures. This engine oil improves low temperature starting
and vehicle fuel economy.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.

NOTE:

For 2500/3500 trucks with a 5.7L engine operat-

ing under a gross combined weight rating of 14,000 lbs
(6 350 kg) or greater, SAE 5W-30 meeting FCA Material
Standard MS-6395 engine oil is recommended for all
operating temperatures.

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Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 6.4L Engine

Use MOPAR SAE 0W-40 engine oil approved to FCA
Material Standard MS-12633 such as Pennzoil Ultra
equivalent is recommended for all operating tempera-
tures.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” in this section.

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.

Synthetic Engine Oils

You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.

Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the engine
oil certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.

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 your 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.

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Engine Oil Filter

The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection

This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR engine oil filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in the “Mainte-
nance Schedules” section for the proper maintenance
intervals.

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.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection

The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are recom-
mended.

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Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and
Replacement

Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or debris, if
you find evidence of either dirt or debris you should
change your air cleaner filter.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. Release the spring clips from the air cleaner cover.

3.6L/5.7L Air Cleaner Filter Cover

1 — Clean Air Hose Clamp
2 — Air Hose
3 — Spring Clips

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Dodge Ram 2500 (2016 year). Manual - part 50