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Old 01-03-2016, 03:44 PM   #1
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First Diesel Truck...teach me!

I have ordered a 2016 Ram 3500 SRW. I have never owned a diesel truck/car before, so looking to those with a lot more experience...what do I need to know and how best to take care of it?
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Old 01-03-2016, 04:07 PM   #2
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I'm not being a smartie here but I'd give that owner's manual a complete reading; and the maintenance guide.
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Old 01-03-2016, 04:10 PM   #3
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X2. There are lots of opinions.I would ask for 5 minutes of the diesel mechanics time at your servicing dealer. Worth it in my case, she/he knows what you bought and things to look out for.
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Old 01-03-2016, 05:38 PM   #4
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When I got my first diesel I had repeat over and over that when I fueled up that "Green Handle is Diesel".
Learn about the DEF - How to drain fuel filter - Exhaust Brake - and the fact you won't stop grinning when you towing.
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Old 01-03-2016, 06:09 PM   #5
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When I got my first diesel I had repeat over and over that when I fueled up that "Green Handle is Diesel".

That will burn you if you think that's a true standard for diesel. I've seen green as gas and many other colors as diesel. Just pay close attention to what says diesel. And better yet don't fill the def tank with diesel or the diesel tank with def. That can get some people too.
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Old 01-03-2016, 06:18 PM   #6
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Congrats on your purchase. The diesel is a different animal, I am also still learning. Talk with your service mechanic, read the book then read it again. Try to wipe the smile off your face when you are hauling or just driving. They are an expensive investment but worth every penny. Makes no difference who the manufacturer, they all are beasts, they love a load...
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Old 01-03-2016, 06:21 PM   #7
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I just looked at a 2016 Chebbie, the DEF fill spout is under the hood which will eliminate any DEF/diesel mix up.
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Old 01-03-2016, 06:25 PM   #8
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I just looked at a 2016 Chebbie, the DEF fill spout is under the hood which will eliminate any DEF/diesel mix up.

Yes I heard chebbies are under the hood. Heard there a real pain to. But if the op said he bought a dodge then it's right there next to the fuel filler spout. Congrats on the new truck!
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Old 01-03-2016, 06:26 PM   #9
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That will burn you if you think that's a true standard for diesel. I've seen green as gas and many other colors as diesel. Just pay close attention to what says diesel. And better yet don't fill the def tank with diesel or the diesel tank with def. That can get some people too.
This is about the best advise you can get!

It gets real expensive when anything gets mixed up on a diesel trucks tanks.....like 5 digit expensive!


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I just looked at a 2016 Chebbie, the DEF fill spout is under the hood which will eliminate any DEF/diesel mix up.
Op bought a dodge, so he and other dodge and ford owners don't have the oops protection gm owners do.
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Old 01-03-2016, 06:30 PM   #10
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Pay attention to the sulfur and bio content of the fuel you use. Not all brands ( stations) are equal. Read manual and determine the limits and stick to them.
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Old 01-03-2016, 06:32 PM   #11
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I'm not being a smartie here but I'd give that owner's manual a complete reading; and the maintenance guide.
Prep yourself. My owners manual is 876 pages! No lie!

Congrats on a wise pick!
You're gonna have a permanent grin!
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Old 01-03-2016, 06:52 PM   #12
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Just flip through the CUMMINS supplement.


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Old 01-03-2016, 07:03 PM   #13
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This is about the best advise you can get!

It gets real expensive when anything gets mixed up on a diesel trucks tanks.....like 5 digit expensive!




Op bought a dodge, so he and other dodge and ford owners don't have the oops protection gm owners do.
Yes I know, what I posted before was/is related to this post.


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That will burn you if you think that's a true standard for diesel. I've seen green as gas and many other colors as diesel. Just pay close attention to what says diesel. And better yet don't fill the def tank with diesel or the diesel tank with def. That can get some people too.
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Old 01-03-2016, 07:05 PM   #14
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Just keep the oil and fuel filters changed on schedule and prepare for a long, long ride. That motor may outlast you. The truck will wear out before the motor.
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Old 01-03-2016, 07:12 PM   #15
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Yes I know, what I posted before was/is related to this post.




Ok sorry.
Doesn't help op though
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Old 01-03-2016, 07:31 PM   #16
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Never let it run out of fuel....

Join a Ram diesel forum, and make friends with those of the 2015-2016 model years... you will be glad you did. Books can tell you a lot, but those that have lived through the trials can tell you more.

congrats on going to the dark side.

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Old 01-03-2016, 07:34 PM   #17
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That will burn you if you think that's a true standard for diesel. I've seen green as gas and many other colors as diesel. Just pay close attention to what says diesel. And better yet don't fill the def tank with diesel or the diesel tank with def. That can get some people too.
I have never seen gas nozzle marked diesel with green cover!!! Larger diesel nozzles won't fit in the Ford DEF tank, you make mess trying to put in - you might get the smaller gas nozzles in the smaller DEF tank filler. I guess Ram could be different, never checked. I guess you could take the blue nozzle marked DEF put in your diesel tank.
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Old 01-03-2016, 07:38 PM   #18
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I have never seen gas nozzle marked diesel with green cover!!! Larger diesel nozzles won't fit in the Ford DEF tank, you make mess trying to put in - you might get the smaller gas nozzles in the smaller DEF tank filler. I guess Ram could be different, never checked. I guess you could take the blue nozzle marked DEF put in your diesel tank.

The green gas nozzles all over around here. Amaco's was great for this. And lately they've been switching all the green diesel nozzles to yellow.
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Old 01-03-2016, 07:40 PM   #19
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Diesel nozzle's in Canada are yellow.

I buy the DEF in a jug from the service station and don't have to worry about yet another color of nozzle.
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Old 01-03-2016, 07:40 PM   #20
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I have never seen gas nozzle marked diesel with green cover!!! Larger diesel nozzles won't fit in the Ford DEF tank, you make mess trying to put in - you might get the smaller gas nozzles in the smaller DEF tank filler. I guess Ram could be different, never checked. I guess you could take the blue nozzle marked DEF put in your diesel tank.
It all happens....google it, and you can search on here. A dude put def in his diesel tank and posted it on here a month or two ago.
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