RAM 2500 (2019 year). Instruction — part 35

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

557

STORING THE VEHICLE

If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we

recommend that you take the following steps to minimize

the drain on your vehicle's battery:
• Disconnect the negative cable from battery.
• Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service

(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-

tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air

and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate system

lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor

damage when the system is started again.

BODYWORK

Protection From Atmospheric Agents

Vehicle body care requirements vary according to

geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads

passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on trees

and road surfaces during other seasons are highly corrosive

to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes

your vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on

which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold weather

and other extreme conditions will have an adverse effect on

paint, metal trim, and underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable

you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resistance

built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?

Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint

and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.

WARNING!

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a

tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.

Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading,

either separately or in combination, can cause heat

buildup and possible tire failure.

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558 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.

Body And Underbody Maintenance

Cleaning Headlights

Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog

lights that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage

than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore

different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and

reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To

remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution followed

by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel

wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Tri-Fold Soft Tonneau Cover Care

For cleaning and protecting the vinyl Tri-Fold Tonneau

cover, use Mopar Whitewall & Vinyl Top Cleaner and Mopar

Leather and Vinyl Conditioner/Protectant.

Preserving The Bodywork

Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your vehicle in

the shade using Mopar Car Wash, or a mild car wash soap,

and rinse the panels completely with clear water.

• If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumulated

on your vehicle, use Mopar Super Kleen Bug and Tar

Remover to remove.

• Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as Mopar Cleaner

Wax to remove road film, stains and to protect your paint

finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.

• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing that

may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint finish.

CAUTION!

• Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such as

steel wool or scouring powder that will scratch metal

and painted surfaces.

• Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8,274 kPa)

can result in damage or removal of paint and decals.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

559

(Continued)

Bumper Care

The customer is responsible to clean and maintain the

chrome components of the vehicle. Washing away road

debris and salt using an automotive soap. Bumpers should

be cleaned regularly using mild (neutral Ph) soap and water

to maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion.
Your bumpers are susceptible to deterioration caused by salt,

sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.,

and other road chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on

dirt roads. Do not use harsh chemicals or a stiff brush. They

can stain or damage the protective coating that helps keep

them from corroding and tarnishing.

Special Care
• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near

the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once a month.

• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of the

doors, rocker panels, and trunk be kept clear and open.

• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,

touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is

considered the responsibility of the owner.

• If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or similar

cause that destroys the paint and protective coating, have

your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The cost of such

repairs is considered the responsibility of the owner.

CAUTION!

Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,

metal polishes, or oven cleaner. These products may

damage the bumper’s protective finish. Such damage is

not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Only

car wash soap, Mopar Chrome Cleaner, or equivalent is

recommended.

Avoid products or automatic car washes that use acidic

solutions, strong alkaline additives, or harsh brushes.

Many aftermarket cleaners and automatic car washes

may damage the bumper’s protective finish. Such

damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited

Warranty. Only car wash soap, Mopar Chrome Cleaner,

or equivalent is recommended.

CAUTION! (Continued)

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560 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

• If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,

de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well pack-

aged and sealed.

• If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud or

stone shields behind each wheel.

• Use Mopar Touch Up Paint on scratches as soon as

possible. An authorized dealer has touch up paint to

match the color of your vehicle.

Spray-On Bedliner – If Equipped

During ownership, the shine and luster of the Spray-On

Bedliner can fade from oxidation, road dirt, heavy-duty

hauling and hard water stains. Weathering and UV exposure

will lead to fading, dulling, and loss of gloss over time.
To help maintain the appearance of your Spray-On Bedliner,

the manufacturer recommends you periodically rinse all

loose dirt from your truck bed and clean your truck at least

twice per year using the Mopar Spray-On Bedliner Condi-

tioner available at your local authorized dealer.

To Help Maintain The Appearance Of Your Spray-On

Bedliner, Follow The Steps Below:
1. Rinse your truck bed out with water to remove any loose

dirt and debris.

2. Mix a mild soap or detergent with water with a soft cloth

or brush.

3. Rinse bedliner with water.
4. Once dry, apply a small amount of Mopar Spray-On

Bedliner Conditioner to a moist towel or sponge and wipe

over the entire surface of the truck bedliner.

Spray-On Bedliners are chemically-resistant to many

different types of chemicals (including gasoline, oil,

hydraulic fluids) for short periods of time. If a spill occurs on

your Spray-On Bedliner, rinse the truck out as soon as

possible to avoid permanent damage.

WARNING!

Do not use silicon-based protection products to clean

your bedliner. Silicon-based products can become

slippery and may result in personal injury.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

561

Repairing The Spray-On Bedliner
While extremely tough, it is possible to damage a Spray-On

Bedliner. One common condition is when loading a heavy

pallet and dragging that pallet across the floor of the bed. If

a nail or sharp point is exposed under the weight of the pallet

a scratch or tear is possible. While not covered by your new

vehicle warranty, a cosmetic fix to cover the metal exposed

by the scratch is required. To repair a tear or gouge, follow

the directions provided in the Mopar Quick Repair Kit.

INTERIORS

Seats And Fabric Parts

Use Mopar Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and

carpeting.

Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure — If Equipped

Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following manner:
• Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with a

clean, dry towel.

• Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
• For tough stains, apply Mopar Total Clean, or a mild soap

solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a

fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.

• For grease stains, apply Mopar Multi-Purpose Cleaner to a

clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a fresh, damp

towel to remove soap residue.

• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of

protectants on Stain Repel products.

WARNING!

Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes. Many

are potentially flammable, and if used in closed areas

they may cause respiratory harm.

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562 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Seat Belt Maintenance

Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents

or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun

damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or luke-

warm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle to

wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the

buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:

If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning loop for

soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft cloth until

all residue is removed.

Plastic And Coated Parts

Use Mopar Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses

The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are

molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care must

be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solution may be

used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive

cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp

cloth.

2. Dry with a soft cloth.

WARNING!

A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and

leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system

periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.

Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not

disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies

must be replaced after a collision if they have been

damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).

CAUTION!

• Direct contact of air fresheners, insect repellents,

suntan lotions, or hand sanitizers to the plastic,

painted, or decorated surfaces of the interior may cause

permanent damage. Wipe away immediately.

• Damage caused by these type of products may not be

covered by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

563

Leather Parts

Mopar Total Clean is specifically recommended for leather

upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular

cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act

as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery and

should be removed promptly with a damp cloth. Stubborn

soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar Total

Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your leather

upholstery with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils,

cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based

cleaners to clean your leather upholstery. Application of a

leather conditioner is not required to maintain the original

condition.
NOTE:

If equipped with light colored leather, it tends to show any

foreign material, dirt, and fabric dye transfer more so than

darker colors. The leather is designed for easy cleaning, and

FCA recommends Mopar total care leather cleaner applied

on a cloth to clean the leather seats as needed.

Glass Surfaces

All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis with

Mopar Glass Cleaner, or any commercial household-type

glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use

caution when cleaning the inside rear window equipped

with electric defrosters or windows equipped with radio

antennas. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instruments

that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the

towel or cloth that you are using. Do not spray cleaner

directly on the mirror.

CAUTION!

Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based and/or Ketone

based cleaning products to clean leather upholstery, as

damage to the upholstery may result.

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564

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

IDENTIFICATION DATA

Vehicle Identification Number

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the left

front corner of the instrument panel, visible through the

windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle frame

etched on right hand center rail, as well as the Automobile

Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your

vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.

Vehicle Identification Number

NOTE:

It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

565

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 the “ABS Warning Light” (if

equipped) during brake use.

Hydraulic Brake Assist — 2500/3500 Models Only
(Except Power Wagon)

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.

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 high quality six sided (hex) deep wall

socket.

Torque Specifications

**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/

bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.

Lug Nut/Bolt

Torque

Lug Nut/Bolt

Type

**Lug Nut/

Bolt Size

Lug Nut/Bolt

Socket Size

130 Ft-Lbs

(176 N·m)

Cone

M14 x 1.50

22 mm

140 Ft-Lbs

(190 N·m)

Flanged

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566 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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 lug nut/bolt and the washer. Do not

oil wheel studs.

Two-Piece Lug Nut

Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to mounting the

tire and remove any corrosion or loose particles.

Wheel Mounting Surface

Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until each nut/

bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure that the socket is fully

engaged on the lug nut/bolt (do not insert it halfway).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

567

After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt torque to be

sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are properly seated against

the wheel.

Four And Five Lug Nuts/Bolts Torque Pattern

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

6.4L Engine

Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends greater than 15%

in this engine.

This engines is designed to meet all emissions regu-

lations and provide satisfactory fuel economy and

performance when using high quality unleaded

gasoline having a posted octane number range of 87 to 89 as

specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The use of 89 octane

“Plus” gasoline is recommended for optimum performance

and fuel economy.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,

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 your dealer immediately. Use of gaso-

line with an octane number lower than 87 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.

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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568 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reformulated Gasoline

Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning

gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”. Reformu-

lated 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.

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 mini-

mizing engine and fuel system deposits. When avail-

able, 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 oxygen-

ates 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.

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).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

569

Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles

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.

CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications

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 compo-

nents. 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.

MMT In Gasoline

Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (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 gaso-

line retailer whether the gasoline contains MMT. MMT is

prohibited in Federal and California reformulated gasoline.

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570 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Fuel System Cautions

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with the emissions control system can

result in civil penalties being assessed against you.

Carbon Monoxide Warnings

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 perfor-

mance and damage the emissions control system.

• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to over-

heat. 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 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 performance problems

resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not the

responsibility of the manufacturer and may void or not

be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.

Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon

monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.

Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage,

and never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine

running for an extended period. If the vehicle is

stopped in an open area with the engine running for

more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system

to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.

• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-

nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time

the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions

repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side

windows fully open.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

571

FLUID CAPACITIES

U.S.

Metric

Fuel (Approximate)
2500/3500 Shortbed Models

31 Gallons

117 Liters

2500/3500 Longbed Models

32 Gallons

121 Liters

Engine Oil With Filter
6.4L Engine (We recommend you use SAE 0W-40 engine oil meeting the

requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating

temperatures.)

7 Quarts

6.6 Liters

Cooling System
6.4L Engine – (We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10

Year/150,000 Mile Formula that meets the requirements of FCA Material

Standard MS.90032.)

16.6 Quarts

15.7 Liters

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572 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS

Engine

Component

Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part

Engine Coolant

We recommend you use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10

Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive

Technology).

Engine Oil – 6.4L

For best performance and maximum protection under all

types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only

recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the

American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SN. The

manufacturer recommends the use of Pennzoil Ultra 0W-40

or equivalent Mopar engine oil meeting the requirements of

FCA Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating

temperatures.

Engine Oil Filter

We recommend you use Mopar brand Engine Oil Filters.

Spark Plugs

We recommend you use Mopar Spark Plugs.

Fuel Selection – 6.4L Engines

89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable, 0-15%

Ethanol.