instrument panel Ram 1500 2017 Diesel Supplement

CAUTION!(Continued)
•If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on,
DO NOT START engine before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is obtained
without pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal. Turn
the key fob to the START position and release when the
engine starts. If the engine fails to start, turn the key fob to
the OFF position, wait five seconds, then repeat the “Nor-
mal Starting” procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission gear selector in the
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition
This feature allows the driver to operate
the ignition switch with the push of a
button, as long as the Remote Start/
Keyless Enter-N-Go key fob is in the
passenger compartment.
Normal Starting Procedure — Keyless Enter-N-Go
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine
is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal
1. Always apply the parking brake.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 33

The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while main-
taining outstanding fuel economy, drivability, torque and
power ratings.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for system messages and warn-
ings.
NOTE:
•Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection system.
You may occasionally hear an audible clicking noise
from under the vehicle at a stop. This is normal opera-
tion.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after engine
shutdown to purge the DEF system. This is normal
operation and may be audible from the rear of the
vehicle.
ADDING FUEL — 1500 DIESEL MODELS
1. Open the fuel filler door. NOTE:
There is no fuel filler cap. A flapper door inside the
filler pipe seals the system.
2. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe – the nozzle opens and holds the flapper door while refuel-
ing.
Diesel Fuel And Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
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STARTING AND OPERATING 45

Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid
The DEF gauge (located on the instrument cluster) will
display the level of DEF remaining in the tank. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster” and “Instrument Cluster Descrip-
tions” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information.
NOTE:
•Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed, load, etc.)
will effect the amount of DEF that is used in your
vehicle.
• Another factor is that outside temperature can affect
DEF consumption. In cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and
below, the DEF gauge needle can stay on a fixed position
and may not move for extended periods of time. This is
a normal function of the system.
• There is an electric heater inside the DEF tank that
automatically works when necessary. And if the DEF
supply does freeze, the truck will operate normally until
it thaws.
DEF Fill Procedure
NOTE: Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the correct fluid type.
1. Remove cap from DEF tank (located on drivers side of the vehicle or in fuel door).
DEF Filler Cap And Fuel Fill 1500/2500/3500 Models
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Fuel Fill Location
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STARTING AND OPERATING 49

Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow
This engine meets all required diesel engine emissions
standards. To achieve these emissions standards, your
vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art engine and
exhaust system. These systems are seamlessly integrated
into your vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM manages engine combustion to
allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to trap and burn
Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input or inter-
action on your part.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your vehicle or engine.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
WARNING!
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 sys-
tem. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
Maintenance-Free Batteries
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery
that the positive cable is attached to the positive post
and the negative cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked (+) positive and negative (-)
and are identified on the battery case. Also, if a “fast
charger” is used while the battery is in vehicle, discon-
nect both vehicle battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to
provide starting voltage.
64 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as
early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other thanyour authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
78 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .................................................................89
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ................................91
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE .................................95
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ......................................101
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ......................................................119
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...................................................169
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ....................................................173
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .......................................................209
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REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the key fob to start the engine
conveniently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
• The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic trans-
mission to be equipped with Remote Start.
• The Remote Start system will wait for the “Wait To Start”
telltale to extinguish before cranking the engine. This
allows time for the intake heater to pre-heat the incom-
ing air, and is normal operation in cold weather. Refer to
“Wait To Start” located in “Warning and Indicator
Lights” within “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
• Transmission in PARK
• Doors closed
• Hood closed •
HAZARD switch off
• BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pushed)
• Ignition key removed from ignition switch
• Battery at an acceptable charge level
• PANIC button not pushed
• Fuel meets minimum requirement
• Water In Fuel Indicator Light is not illuminated
• Wait To Start Light is not illuminated
WARNING!
•Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Monox-
ide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Carbon
Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious injury
or death when inhaled.
• Keep Remote Keyless Entry key fobs away from
children. Operation of the Remote Start System,
windows, door locks or other controls could cause
serious injury or death.
92 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Electronic Speed Control on. When the vehicle has
reached the desired speed, push the SET (-) button and
release. Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate
at the selected speed.
NOTE:The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed
and on level ground before pushing the SET (-) button.
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC button or
normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will
deactivate the Electronic Speed Control without erasing the
set speed from memory.
Pushing the on/off button or turning the ignition to the
OFF position erases the set speed from memory.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+) button
and release. Resume can be used at any speed above
25 mph (40 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Electronic Speed Control is set, you can increase
speed by pushing the RES (+) button.
The driver ’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for more information.
The speed decrement shown is dependant on the chosen
speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 mph
increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

Metric Speed (km/h)
•Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 km/h
increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
To Decrease Speed
When the Electronic Speed Control is set, you can decrease
speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
The driver ’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for more information.
The speed decrement shown is dependant on the chosen
speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h): U.S. Speed (mph)
•
Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ..................102
 WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS ........107
▫ Yellow Telltale Indicator Lights .............107
 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ...........109
▫ Oil Life Reset ..........................111
▫ Fuel Filter Life Reset .....................112
▫ Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages ......113▫
Instrument Cluster Display Messages ........115
▫ Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages ........116
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages . .116
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages .............................117
▫ RAM Active Air System ..................118
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