RAM 2500 (2019 year). Manual — part 32

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

509

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 disposable

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 high quality oil filters and are recom-

mended.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper

maintenance intervals.
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

assure most efficient service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters

are a high quality filter and are recommended.

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.

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510 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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. With suitable tool fully loosen (six) fasteners on air

cleaner filter.

Air Cleaner Filter

2. Lift the air cleaner cover to access the air cleaner filter.
3. Remove the air cleaner filter element from the housing

assembly.

Open Air Cleaner Filter Assembly

1 — Fasteners

2 — Air Hose Clamp

3 — Air Cleaner Cover

1 — Air Cleaner Cover

2 — Air Cleaner Filter

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:

Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is present

before replacing the air filter element.
1. Install the air cleaner filter element into the housing

assembly with the air cleaner filter inspection surface

facing downward.

2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the housing assembly.
3. Tighten the fasteners (six) on the air cleaner filter

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.

WARNING!

• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants

approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-

tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are

flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other unap-

proved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the system

to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to Warranty Infor-

mation Book, for further warranty information.

• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant 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.

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512 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling R-134a — If
Equipped

R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocarbon

(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

R–1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluo-

roolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by the Environmental

Protection Agency and is an ozone-friendly substance with a

low global-warming potential. The manufacturer recom-

mends 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.

Cabin Filter Replacement (A/C Air Filter)

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance

intervals.

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.

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.

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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 compart-

ment. Push inward on right side of the glove compart-

ment 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

1 — Glove Compartment Door

2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether

1 — Glove Compartment Travel Stop

2 — Glove Compartment Tension Tether

3 — Glove Compartment Door

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514 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

4. Remove the filter cover by pushing in on the finger tabs

on each end of the filter cover.

Filter Cover

Filter Cover Removal

1 — Finger Tabs

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

515

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.

Right Side Of Glove Compartment

NOTE:

Ensure the glove compartment door hinges and glove

compartment travel stops are fully engaged.

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

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516 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 compart-

ment door.

Accessory Drive Belt Inspection

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)

WARNING!

• Do not attempt to inspect an accessory drive belt with

vehicle running.

• When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-

nect the fan motor lead. The fan is temperature

controlled and can start at any time regardless of igni-

tion 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 equipment. If you have any

doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take

your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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• Belt broken (note: 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.

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 White Lube to assure quiet, easy operation and to

protect against rust and wear. Prior to the application of any

lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to

remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease

should be removed. Particular attention should also be given

to hood latching components to ensure proper function.

When performing other underhood services, the hood latch,

release mechanism and safety catch should be cleaned and

lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a year,

preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small amount of a

high quality lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubri-

cant directly into the lock cylinder.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the wind-

shield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a mild

nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations of salt

or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may

cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use washer

fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry

windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from the

windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with petro-

leum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.

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518 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

NOTE:

Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending on

geographical area and frequency of use. Poor performance of

blades may be present with chattering, marks, water lines or

wet spots. If any of these conditions are present, clean the

wiper blades or replace as necessary.
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected peri-

odically, not just when wiper performance problems are

experienced. This inspection should include the following

points:
• Wear or uneven edges
• Foreign material
• Hardening or cracking
• Deformation or fatigue
If a wiper blade or wiper arm is damaged, replace the

affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not attempt

to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged.

Wiper Blade Removal/Installation

1. Lift the wiper arm to raise the wiper blade off of the glass,

until the wiper arm is in the full up position.

Windshield Wiper Arm

CAUTION!

Do not allow the wiper arm to spring back against the

glass without the wiper blade in place or the glass may

be damaged.

1 — Wiper

2 — Locking Tab

3 — Wiper Arm

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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2. To disengage the wiper blade from the wiper arm, flip up

the locking tab.

Wiper Locking Assembly

3. Tilt the lower end of the wiper blade away from the arm

and use one finger push the release tab toward the wiper

arm.

Wiper Disengaging

4. Slide the wiper blade down towards the base of the wiper

arm.

5. With the wiper blade disengaged, remove the wiper

blade from the wiper arm by holding the wiper arm with

one hand and separating the wiper blade from the wiper

arm with the other hand (move the wiper blade down

toward the base of the wiper arm and away from the J

hook in the end of the wiper arm).

1 — Wiper

2 — Locking Tab

1 — Locking Tab

2 — Wiper

3 — Release Tab

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520 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Removing Wiper From Wiper Arm

6. Gently lower the wiper arm onto the glass.
Installing The Front Wipers
1. Lift the wiper arm off of the glass, until the wiper arm is

in the full up position.

2. Position the wiper blade under the hook on the tip of the

wiper arm with the wiper locking tab open.

3. Insert the receiver bracket on the wiper assembly into the

hook on the tip of the arm through the opening in the

wiper blade under the locking tab.

4. Slide the wiper blade up into the hook on the wiper arm

until it is latched (engagement will be accompanied by an

audible click). Fold down the latch release tab and snap it

into its locked position.

5. Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.

Exhaust System

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the

vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust

system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system; or

if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or

when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have

an authorized technician inspect the complete exhaust

system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, dete-

riorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose

connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the

passenger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust

system inspected each time the vehicle is raised for lubrica-

tion or oil change. Replace as required.

1 — Wiper

2 — Locking Tab

3 — Wiper Arm J Hook

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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(Continued)

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter

will not require maintenance. However, it is important to

keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst

operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can

result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning

engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and

abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the

vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,

including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should

be obtained immediately.

WARNING!

• Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon

monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.

Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventu-

ally poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to “Safety

Tips” in “Safety” for further information.

• 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.

CAUTION!

• The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded

fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-

ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device and

may seriously reduce engine performance and cause

serious damage to the engine.

• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your

vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In the

event of engine malfunction, particularly involving

engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance,

have your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera-

tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could

cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible

damage to the converter and vehicle.

CAUTION! (Continued)

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522 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

(Continued)

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in

gear and the vehicle is in motion.

• Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the

vehicle.

• Do not idle the engine with any ignition components

disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic testing,

or for prolonged periods during very rough idle or

malfunctioning operating conditions.

Cooling System

Engine Coolant Checks

Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every

12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where

applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty

in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and

refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C

condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of

bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water

from a garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C

condenser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,

cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the

coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire

system for leaks.
DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP

WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.

WARNING!

• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine

coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you

see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not

open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.

Never open a cooling system pressure cap when the

radiator or coolant bottle is hot.

• Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from the

radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The fan

starts automatically and may start at any time, whether

the engine is running or not.

• When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-

nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the OFF

mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can start at

any time the ignition is in the ON mode.

WARNING! (Continued)

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

523

Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill

NOTE:

Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant properly.

Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to severe

internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed to be added

to the system please contact an authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible

sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with

OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper

maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tions” for further information.
NOTE:
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified

Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (anti-

freeze), may result in engine damage and may decrease

corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT)

engine coolant is different and should not be mixed with

Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine

coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant

(antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is

introduced into the cooling system in an emergency, the

cooling system will need to be drained, flushed, and

refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032),

by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant

(antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors

or antirust products, as they may not be compatible with

the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.

• This vehicle has not been designed for use with propylene

glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze). Use of propylene

glycolbased engine coolant (antifreeze) is not recom-

mended.

• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-

erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to

severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed to

be added to the system please contact an authorized

dealer.

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524 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Adding Coolant

Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine coolant

(OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that allows extended

maintenance intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can

be used up to ten years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) before

replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-

nance period, it is important that you use the same engine

coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) throughout

the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Organic

Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) that

meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
• We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10

Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT (Organic

Additive Technology) that meets the requirements of FCA

Material Standard MS.90032.

• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant that

meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard

MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations

(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below −34°F (−37°C)

are anticipated. Please contact an authorized dealer for

assistance.

• Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized

water when mixing the water/engine coolant (antifreeze)

solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the

amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling

system.

NOTE:
• It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the proper level

of protection against freezing according to the tempera-

tures occurring in the area where the vehicle is operated.

• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-

erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to

severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed to

be added to the system, please contact a local authorized

dealer.

• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-

mended and can result in cooling system damage. If

HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency, have

an authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with OAT

coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as possible.