So this has been a hot topic and I figure that those that are curious (supporters and opposers alike) would like to see this since it's such a sticking point! However, with news that the vehicle actually started shipping today, I figured that an owner's manual would be on the corporate website and I was right. So here's a screenshot of the schedule. Without further adieu, here's the maintenance schedule: So some quick differences between Cummins vs. VM Motori*Looking over this schedule, I found it fascinating that they push for only once a year oil changes or 10k miles versus the 6 months or 15k miles. This is great for those that don't drive too often. *Oil capacity is 10 liters or 10.5 quarts. So 1.5 quarts less than what a Cummins in 2013 uses. However it uses a pure synthetic that seems to currently cost around 35 bucks for 5 quarts at the moment. Some sort of ACEA: C3 Low Ash full synthetic at 5W-30. Looks like this differs from CJ-4 oil. Hopefully there will be more clarification on this from some tribological websites or enthusiasts. In doing a quick brush of research, seems like the same stuff used by Audi, VW and BMW for their diesel motors. *Looks like the 1500 gets a cabin filter stock... we had to "Install" these into our HD Rams ourselves. Seems like an every other year kind of deal to keep up as well. *Air filters look like a once every 3 years type of proposition or 30k miles. *Fuel filter is surprisingly at 3 years or 30k miles as well. So it seems like costs for this maintenance will be significantly less than the HD trucks. Seems like they expect far less fuel flow to this engine. I'm also surprised that in reading the manual, it seems like there is only a chassis mounted fuel filter and that's it. Not the double setup that's currently on the Cummins motor. So I'm figuring $30 to $50 bucks for this single filter. a RAM HD chassis filter is currently around $50 bucks so I can't see this cartridge (vs. spin-on) filter costing more. Hopefully FCA does a better job of getting these units in stock than they did for the chassis filter for the current RAM HD's. *No noted PM schedule for the timing chain so that's a relief, no extra work there. *Interestingly they note having an 8 gallon DEF tank on the 1500's. I'm betting that's so that they can stretch the re-fill intervals on the DEF to oil change visits. Wish they did that on the HD's. So there you have it, a just-the-facts showcase of the new maintenance for the new Ecodiesel. For those interested, you can go to the RAM Trucks Owner Manuals Website to download a copy.

Thank you for this post. I am still hoping to get a Ram 1500 with the VM 3.0 to replace my Jeep Liberty with the VM 2.8 as my TV.

So, does the oil never get changed? didn`t see that in the maintenance list!Everything else looks like typical maintenance.

Forgot to post the oil change note that preceded this page:

So oil changes between 3.5-10k miles. That sounds on par with all the other modern diesel engines today.

With DEF you would think the oil changes would be more towards the 5-7000 mile range. But I guess it depends on much round town driving it's used for as well. The Syn oil and 10.5 qts is the killer. If someone is doing 5000 mile oil change intervals that's basically every 5 months or so. At close to $95-100.00 (oil+filter) for a DIY oil change every 5-6 months my be a dealer breaker for some. Probably $150.00 at a dealer. If they spin the 10,000 mile hypothetical oil change intervals then it could be a good seller. But once the word gets out that no one will make 10,000 miles while having to use the trucks EVIC it could very well hinder sales. Lets hope a good car salesman can spin the good virtues.I would like to know what others using the same 3.0 VM are getting for OCI's.

jus2shy

Explorer

Feb 27, 2014

RAM 1500 Ecodiesel Maintenance

So this has been a hot topic and I figure that those that are curious (supporters and opposers alike) would like to see this since it's such a sticking point! However, with news that the vehicle actually started shipping today, I figured that an owner's manual would be on the corporate website and I was right. So here's a screenshot of the schedule.

Without further adieu, here's the maintenance schedule:

So some quick differences between Cummins vs. VM Motori

So there you have it, a just-the-facts showcase of the new maintenance for the new Ecodiesel. For those interested, you can go to the RAM Trucks Owner Manuals Website to download a copy.

Tow Vehicles

rexlion
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
Where have you seen the low-ash synthetic oil for $7 per quart? (You said $35 for 5 qts.) Over on Jeep Garage the Grand Cherokee ecodiesel owners haven't found it for less than about $9/qt. 2 brands only: Pennzoil and Mobil 1. And for the most part it's not found in most stores, so they're going to either the dealership or online for this stuff. If someone knows where it's on the shelf, and especially for $7/qt, let's hear it and I'll tell the Jeep guys.
jus2shy
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
Just checking Google online and punching in "ACEA C3 5w30" in the search bar. Here's some of the examples I've seen off of it: Europa Parts.com

Bavauto.com

I'm figuring these brands are more European and that makes sense given where the engine is coming from. I don't see anything reasonably priced coming from a common US maker such as Mobil or Castrol.
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
I would like to see what Amsoil has. I am using 5w40 Euro Formula Full SAPS. I bet you their 5W30 low SAPS would work in the 3.0 VMs. The low SAPS is a lot more expensive then the full SAPS.

Source: Amsoil European Formulas

Also, if they don't sell it now, I bet you this small diesel supply company called IDParts will sell it.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Feb 28, 2014
45Ricochet wrote:
JIMNLIN wrote:

Most 3.0 diesel 1500 trucks run in the 1200-1600 lb range.

LOL
Is there any other diesel 1500's in North America now days ? I read the new VM diesel is only 50 lbs more than a Hemi 6.4.
Yes RAWR is weak but it is a 28 MPG grocery getter for the most part. Big market for a small pickup with great mileage. Just ask Ford Ranger or the new GM Colorado's this year. Most truck buyer's don't tow big heavy RV's. #1 selling truck (vehicle) is the F150 followed closely by the GM 1500. 8 lugger's are a different story.

:h
The 1200-1600 lb payload isn't much different than other std duty 1500 trucks with similar GVWR and RAWR.
The topic is a 1500 truck with the 3.0 ecodiesel engine. The Hemi in the 1500 I referred to is the 5.7 engine. :)
just_me
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
One thing that needs to be considered, is, IF one needs repairs on that VM engine that the dealers will have parts to do the work. The Liberty's with the VM have had a hard time being repaired be cause the lack of necessary parts. My sons Libby was delayed being finished cause the dealer was sent three different sets of gaskets, three different times and each was the wrong ones. Don't know where they were sent from, but hopefully they will have there ducks in a row now.
Plus the new VM will have IGNITERS for cold pre-starts. Why I mention this, is the 4 bangers would break on removal when replaced.
Hammerhead
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
What is an igniter? My Grand Cherokee with the same ecodiesel engine uses glow plugs just like my 2008 Grand Cherokee with the Mercedes CRD engine.

just me wrote:
...
Plus the new VM will have IGNITERS for cold pre-starts. Why I mention this, is the 4 bangers would break on removal when replaced.
rexlion
Explorer
Mar 01, 2014
jus2shy wrote:
Just checking Google online and punching in "ACEA C3 5w30" in the search bar. Here's some of the examples I've seen off of it: Europa Parts.com

Bavauto.com

I'm figuring these brands are more European and that makes sense given where the engine is coming from. I don't see anything reasonably priced coming from a common US maker such as Mobil or Castrol.

I haven't seen where these oils (or any Amsoil) meet Chrysler spec MS-11106. Any oil not meeting the spec would void the warranty in the event of an engine/exhaust/dpf problem.
carringb
Explorer
Mar 01, 2014
rexlion wrote:

I haven't seen where these oils (or any Amsoil) meet Chrysler spec MS-11106. Any oil not meeting the spec would void the warranty in the event of an engine/exhaust/dpf problem.

Liqui-Moly does. They sell it at NAPA. It's good stuff. I run their 0W-40 in my V10 when I'm towing full time.

http://www.liqui-moly.us/liquimoly/produktdb.nsf/id/us_2011.html?Opendocument&land=US
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Mar 01, 2014
rexlion wrote:
jus2shy wrote:
Just checking Google online and punching in "ACEA C3 5w30" in the search bar. Here's some of the examples I've seen off of it: Europa Parts.com

Bavauto.com

I'm figuring these brands are more European and that makes sense given where the engine is coming from. I don't see anything reasonably priced coming from a common US maker such as Mobil or Castrol.

I haven't seen where these oils (or any Amsoil) meet Chrysler spec MS-11106. Any oil not meeting the spec would void the warranty in the event of an engine/exhaust/dpf problem.
Tell me where in writing does it say that? I was reading the owners manual and it says that it "recommends" an oil meeting MS-11106 specs. I could not find where it says not using it will void the warrenty.
just_me
Explorer
Mar 01, 2014
Hammerhead wrote:
What is an igniter? My Grand Cherokee with the same ecodiesel engine uses glow plugs just like my 2008 Grand Cherokee with the Mercedes CRD engine.

just me wrote:
...
Plus the new VM will have IGNITERS for cold pre-starts. Why I mention this, is the 4 bangers would break on removal when replaced.

You right they are glow-plugs, I refer to them as igniters, which is a helper to start you cold engine. just a heads up on these "might be problems" later.
Thanks for the correction