tow Ram 1500 2014 Get to Know Guide 

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronic shift transfer cases must be shifted into
NEUTRAL (N) for recreational towing. Automatic transmissions must be shifted into
PARK for recreational towing. Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (NOT in
NEUTRAL) for recreational towing. Refer to the Owner’s Manual on the DVD for
further information.
CAUTION!
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used while recreational towing. Towingwith only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear) will cause severe
damage to the transmission and or transfer case. Tow with all four wheels either
ON the ground, or OFFthe ground (using a vehicle trailer). Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may leak from the transmission,
causing damage to internal parts.
•
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage to the transmission
or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this vehicle backwards can cause
severe damage to the transfer case.
• Before recreational towing, the transfer case must be in NEUTRAL. To be
certain the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL, perform the procedure outlined
under “Shifting Into NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission damage will result, if
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL during towing.
• Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not in Neutral) for recreational
towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure outlined under “Shifting
Into NEUTRAL” to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL.
Otherwise, internal damage will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid will leak from the transfer
case, causing damage to internal parts.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper
face bar will be damaged.
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Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move, even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, with the engine running. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. If the transfer case is in 4WD AUTO (if equipped), press a selector button or rotate the selector switch to shift the transfer case into the 2WD or 4WD LOCK position.
• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N).
• With electronic shift transfer case, press and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button. Some models have a small, recessed "N" button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. Other models have a rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will blink while the
shift is in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to
NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N)
light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in DRIVE or manual transmis- sion in first gear.
10. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go™, press and hold the ENGINE
START/STOP button until the engine shuts off.
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11. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT inNeutral). On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will automatically select PARK
when the engine is turned off.
12. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then cycle the key or the Keyless Enter-N-Go™ button to the RUN position and back to the OFF position.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 4 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met prior to pressing the
NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. Depress the clutch pedal
on a manual transmission.
• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever to the desired position.
•
With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, press and hold the
transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button until the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns
off. After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N)
button. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the transfer case will
shift to the position indicated by the selector switch.
• With electronic shift transfer case with pushbutton selector switch, press and hold the switch for the desired transfer case position, until the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light turns off and the desired position indicator light turns on.
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NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N), turning the engine OFF is not
required, but may be helpful to avoid gear clash. With the 8-speed automatic
transmission, the engine must remain running, since turning the engine OFF will
shift the transmission to PARK (and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL for the
transfer case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine OFF. Shift automatic transmission into PARK. On 8-speedtransmissions the shifter will automatically select PARK when the engine is
turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on a manual transmission).
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.
11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions), and check that the vehicle operates normally.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the button to shift out of NEUTRAL (N), and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met before pressing the button or
are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
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DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to itsconstruction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions are followed:• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant
weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The recommended
viscosity and quality grades are shown under “FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES”, under
“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” in this User Guide. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Normal Starting Procedure
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
4. The system will take over and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after 30 seconds.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning Messages
There are different messages which are displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than DEF, has experienced component
failures, or when tampering has been detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the following warnings will display:
•Service DEF System See Dealer – This message will display when the fault is initially
detected and each time the vehicle is started. The message will be accompanied
by a single chime and the Malfunction Indicator Light. We recommend you drive
to your nearest authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced immediately.
If not corrected in 50 miles, vehicle will enter the “Engine Will not restart in
XXX mi Service DEF See dealer” warning stage and message.
• Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer – This message will display if the DEF system has
detected the incorrect fluid has been introduced to the DEF tank. The message will
be accompanied by a single chime. We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced immediately. If not corrected in
50 miles, vehicle will enter the Engine Will not restart in XXX mi Service DEF See
dealer warning stage and message.
• Engine Will Not Restart in XXX mi Service DEF See Dealer – This message is first
displayed if the fault detected is not serviced after 50 miles of operation. It is also
displayed at 150 miles 125 miles and 100 miles. System service is required
within the displayed mileage. The message will be displayed in the EVIC during
vehicle start up with an updated distance mileage, and it will be accompanied by
a single chime. Starting at 100 miles, remaining range will be continuously
displayed while operating the vehicle. Chimes will also accompany the 75, 50 and
25 mile remaining distances. We recommend you drive to your nearest authorized
dealer and have your vehicle serviced immediately.
• Engine Will Not Restart Service DEF System See Dealer – This message will display
if the DEF system issue detected is not serviced during the allowed period. Your
engine will not restart unless your vehicle is serviced by your authorized dealer.
This message will be displayed when under 1 mile until the engine will not start
and each time the vehicle is started. The message will be continuously displayed
and be accompanied by a single chime. Your Malfunction Indicator Light will also
be continuously illumined. We highly recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer immediately if the message appears while engine is running.
• Engine Will Not Start Service DEF System See Dealer – This message will display
when the fault detected is not serviced after the Engine will not restart Service
DEF System See Dealer message is displayed on the next subsequent restart.
Your engine will not start unless you vehicle is serviced by your authorized dealer.
The message will be accompanied by a single chime. Your Malfunction Indicator
Light will be continuously illuminated. If the message appears and you can not
start the engine, we recommend you have your vehicle towed to your nearest
authorized dealer immediately.
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DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins®turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to
its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
Because of the construction of the Cummins
®turbocharged diesel engine, engine
run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to
achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Engine Block Heater
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine block heater usage is recom-
mended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side and can be
located just behind the grille near the headlamp.
Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 volts AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heater element.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the coolant.
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DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING)
The Exhaust Brake switch is located on the switch bank below the audio system. This
switch is used to enable exhaust brake modes.
• Pressing the exhaust brake switch once will enable full strength exhaust brakemode, indicated by a yellow icon in the EVIC. This mode applies full exhaust
braking when the accelerator pedal is released. This is most useful for slowing the
vehicle.
• Pressing the exhaust brake switch again will enable the Smart Brake feature, indicated by a green icon in the EVIC. This feature is intended to maintain the
vehicle speed present when the accelerator pedal is released. However, when the
brakes are applied, full exhaust braking is still enabled to slow the vehicle.
• A third press of the brake switch will turn the exhaust brake off, and will extinguish the exhaust brake icon in the EVIC.
NOTE:
In general, higher engine speeds result in higher exhaust braking force. For optimum
braking power, it is recommended to use the exhaust brake while in TOW/HAUL
mode.
CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recommended and could lead to engine
damage.
WARNING!
Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as
the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to
swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause a collision
possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning Messages
There are four different messages which are displayed if the vehicle detects that the
DEF system has been filled with a fluid other than DEF, has experienced component
failures, or when tampering has been detected. The vehicle may be limited to a
maximum speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H) if the DEF system is not serviced within less than
250 miles (402 km) of the fault being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the following warnings will display:
•Service DEF System – See Dealer — This message will display when the fault is
initially detected, each time the vehicle is started, and periodically during driving.
The message will be accompanied by a single chime. We recommend you drive to
your nearest authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
• 5 MPH Max Speed in 150 mi Service DEF System See Dealer — This message will
display if the DEF system has not been serviced after the “Service DEF System –
See Dealer” message is displayed. This message will continuously display until the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be accompanied by a periodic chime. The
message will continue to countdown until it reaches zero unless the vehicle is
serviced. We recommend you drive to your nearest authorized dealer and have your
vehicle serviced immediately.
NOTE:
Under some circumstances this mileage counter may start with a value of less than
150 miles (241 km). For example, if recurring faults are detected in a time interval
of less than 40 hours, the counter may restart at the value where it stopped when a
previous fault was temporarily remedied, or at a minimum of 50 miles (80 km).
• 5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or Refuel Service DEF See Dealer — This
message will continuously display when the mileage counter reaches zero, and will
be accompanied by a periodic chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a maximum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of the
following conditions to occur: • If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
• If the vehicle is idled for an extended period of time, approximately one hour orgreater.
• If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank has increased.
• 5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See Dealer — This message will continuously
display, and will be accompanied by a periodic chime. Although the vehicle can be
started and placed in gear, the vehicle will only operate at a maximum speed of
5 MPH. Your vehicle will require towing, see your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
When this message is displayed, the engine can still be started. However, the vehicle
will only operate at a maximum speed of 5 MPH.
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- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of an onboard diagnostic system called
OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.
The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving
cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage
to the engine control system. It also could affect fuel economy and driveability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced above, can reach higher tempera-
tures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or
park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
turned off.
- Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light
remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system.
We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
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