fuel RAM 1500 2022 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING141
NOTE:Engine start-up in very low ambient temperature
could result in evident white smoke. This condition
will disappear as the engine warms up.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK
position. Apply the brake before shifting into any
driving range.
NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must
be pressed to shift out of PARK.
If equipped with an 8-speed transmission,
starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL is not possible
unless the Manual Park Release has been acti -
vated Ú page 388.
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 and will
automatically disengage 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 USING ENGINE
START/STOP B
UTTON — GASOLINE
E
NGINE
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing
the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system starts the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the button
again. To Turn Off The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push
and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.
The ignition will return to the OFF position.

2. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held for two
seconds or three short pushes in a row with
the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition will
remain in the ACC position until the gear
selector is in PARK and the button is pushed
twice to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once
with the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h), the instrument cluster will display a “ Vehicle
Not In Park ” message and the engine will
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of
the PARK position, or it could roll.
NOTE:If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the ENGINE
START/STOP button is pushed once with the
vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h), the engine
will shut off and the ignition will remain in the ACC
position. If vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h), the vehicle may AutoPark
Ú page 142.
CAUTION!
The engine is allowed to crank as long as
25 seconds. If the engine fails to start during
this period, please wait at least two minutes
for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
If the Water in Fuel Indicator Light remains on,
DO NOT START engine before you drain the
water from the fuel filter to avoid engine
damage Ú page 412.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING143
(Continued)
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage
ONLY when vehicle speed is
1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to
P” will be displayed in the instrument cluster if
vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h).
4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the
vehicle in 4WD LOW.
The message “ AutoPark Disabled ” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Additional customer warnings will be given when
all of these conditions are met:
Vehicle is not in PARK
Driver’s door is ajar
Vehicle is in 4WD LOW The message “
AutoPark Not Engaged” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. A warning
chime will continue until you shift the vehicle into
PARK or the driver’s door is closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in
PARK by looking for the "P" in the instrument
cluster display and near the gear selector. As an
added precaution, always apply the parking brake
when exiting the vehicle.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed
the “Normal Starting” procedure, it may be
flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and hold it there while the engine is
cranking. This should clear any excess fuel in case
the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for
10 seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs,
release the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure. If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run,
but not have enough power to continue running
when the ignition button/key is released. If this
occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator
pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key once
the engine is running smoothly.
WARNING!

If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h), the
transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the
vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h).
A vehicle left in the NEUTRAL position can roll. As
an added precaution, always apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle.

WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto -
matic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started,
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly Ú page 384.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
4

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144STARTING AND OPERATING
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a
10 second period of engine cranking with the
accelerator pedal held to the floor, wait 10 to
15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
NORMAL STARTING USING ENGINE
START/S TOP B
UTTON — DIESEL
E
NGINE
Observe the instrument panel telltales when
starting the engine.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the accel -
erator pedal.
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK (P).

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
NOTE:A delay of the start, up to five seconds is possible
under very cold conditions. The Wait to Start
telltale will be illuminated during the pre-heat
process. When the engine Wait To Start light goes
off the engine will automatically crank. 3. The system starts the vehicle. If the vehicle
fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 25 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the button
again.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the accel -
erator pedal.
To Turn Off The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.
The ignition will return to the OFF position.
2. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE
START/STOP button must be held for two
seconds or three short pushes in a row with
the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition will
remain in the ACC position until the gear
selector is in PARK and the button is pushed
twice to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once
with the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h), the instrument cluster will display a “ Vehicle
Not In Park ” message and the engine will
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of
the PARK position, or it could roll.NOTE:If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the ENGINE
START/STOP button is pushed once with the
vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h), the engine
will shut off and the ignition will remain in the ACC
position. If vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h), the vehicle may AutoPark
Ú page 142.
CAUTION!
If the Water in Fuel Indicator Light remains on,
DO NOT START the engine before you drain the
water from the fuel filter to avoid engine damage
Úpage 412.

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146STARTING AND OPERATING
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the diesel engine is
operating.
All message center lights are off.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
Engine Oil Pressure telltale is not illuminated.
Voltmeter operation:
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This is caused by the
glow plug heating system. The number of cycles
and the length of the cycling operation is controlled
by the engine control module. Glow plug heater
operation can run for several minutes, once the
heater operation is complete the voltmeter needle
will stabilize.
COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
Operation in ambient temperature below 32°F
(0°C) may require special considerations. The
following charts suggest these options:
Fuel Operating Range
NOTE:Use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Fuels ONLY.

Fuel Operating Range Chart

*Number 1 ULSD Fuel should only be used where
extended arctic conditions below (0°F/-18°C)
exist.
NOTE:
Use of Climatized ULSD Fuel or Number 1 ULSD
Fuel results in a noticeable decrease in fuel
economy.
Climatized ULSD Fuel is a blend of Number 2
ULSD and Number 1 ULSD Fuels which reduces
the temperature at which wax crystals form in
fuel.
The fuel grade should be clearly marked on the
pump at the fuel station.
The engine requires the use of ULSD Fuel. Use
of incorrect fuel could result in engine and
exhaust system damage Ú page 469.
If Climatized or diesel Number 1 ULSD Fuel is
not available, and you are operating below
(20°F/-6°C), in sustained arctic conditions,
Mopar® Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or
equivalent) is recommended to avoid gelling
(see Fuel Operating Range Chart).
Engine Oil Usage
For the correct engine oil viscosity Ú page 473.

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STARTING AND OPERATING147
Winter Front Cover

Winter Front Cover

A Winter front or cold weather cover can be used in
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C),
especially during extended idle conditions. This
cover is equipped with four flaps for managing
total grille opening in varying ambient
temperatures. If a Winter front or cold weather
cover is to be used the flaps should be in the full
open position to allow air flow to the cooling
module and automatic transmission oil cooler.
When ambient temperatures drop below 0°F
(-17°C) the four flaps need to be closed. A suitable
cold weather cover is available from a Mopar®
dealer.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is
cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the engine
up to operating speed slowly to allow the oil
pressure to stabilize as the engine warms up.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the
engine at moderate speeds for five minutes before
full loads are applied.
ENGINE IDLING
Avoid prolonged idling. Long periods of idling may
be harmful to your engine because combustion
chamber temperatures can drop so low that the
fuel may not burn completely. Incomplete
combustion allows carbon and varnish to form on
piston rings, cylinder head valves, turbochargers,
and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can
enter the crankcase, diluting the oil and causing
rapid wear to the engine.
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STARTING AND OPERATING149
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine
as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely
stopped, restart the engine and monitor the lamp.
If the lamp is still illuminated, shut the engine off,
contact an authorized dealer, and do not operate
the vehicle until the cause is corrected. If the lamp
is no longer illuminated, the engine can be
operated, but should be taken to an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for further inspection.
NOTE:Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much oil is
in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked
under the hood.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed
Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Some important observations are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely
Sudden loss of power
Unusual engine noises
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
Sudden change, outside the normal operating
range, in the engine operating temperature
Excessive smoke
Oil pressure drop
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

Engine Block Heater Cord Location
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected
110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
For diesel engines, its use is recommended for
environments that routinely fall below -10°F
(-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has not
been running for long periods of time and should
be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its use is
required for cold starts with temperatures under
-20°F (-28°C).
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures,
use of an externally powered electric engine block
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is
recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the
hood on the passenger side of the vehicle next to
the engine coolant reservoir.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings,
shut the engine off immediately. Failure to do so
could result in immediate and severe engine
damage.WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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150STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the engine
and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your
vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within
the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good
break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low
gear can be detrimental and should be avoided.
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. For the recommended viscosity and
quality grades Ú page 473.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first
few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in
and not interpreted as a problem. Please check
your oil level with the engine oil indicator often
during the break-in period. Add oil as required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal operation is
allowed, providing the following recommendations
are followed:
Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
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. For the recommended viscosity and
quality grades Ú
page 473.
NOTE:NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers
simple operation, and some additional features
that make the parking brake more convenient and
useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked. Before
leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
Manually, by applying the parking brake switch.
Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake
feature in the Customer Programmable
Features section of the Uconnect settings.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral
Oil in the engine or damage may result.

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158STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts
and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts through all
forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such
as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), select
TOW/HAUL mode or use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control to select a lower gear
range Úpage 158. Under these conditions, using
a lower gear range will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F
[-30°C] or below), transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically
for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected
that could result in transmission damage,
Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated. In this
mode, the transmission may operate only in
certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle performance may be severely degraded
and the engine may stall. In some situations, the
transmission may not re-engage if the engine is
turned off and restarted. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what actions
may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage after
engine shutdown, perform this procedure only in a
desired location (preferably, at an authorized
dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible.
If not, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer at
your earliest possible convenience. An authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission. If the transmission
cannot be reset, an authorized dealer service is
required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation —
If Equipped
The ERS shift control allows the driver to limit the
highest available gear when the transmission is in
DRIVE and ERS mode is not active. For example, if
you set the transmission gear limit to FOURTH
gear, the transmission will hold that gear and not
shift above FOURTH gear, but will shift through the
lower gears normally.
NOTE:ERS will only upshift during a FIRST to SECOND
gear shift when in 4WD LOW. All other ranges will
hold the gear.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at
any vehicle speed. When the transmission gear
selector is in DRIVE, the transmission will operate
automatically, shifting between all available gears.
Tapping the “-” button (on the steering wheel) will
activate ERS mode, display the current gear in the
instrument cluster, and set that gear as the top
available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the “-”
or “+” button will change the top available gear.

22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 158

STARTING AND OPERATING161
This electronically shifted transfer case provides
four positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This
range is for normal street and highway driving
on dry hard surfaced roads. Driving the vehicle
in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits
as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) —
This range provides torque to the front drive -
shaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows
front and rear wheels to spin at the same speed.
This provides additional traction for loose or
slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) — This
range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It
maximizes torque (increased torque over 4WD
HIGH) to the front driveshaft; allowing front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This
range provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose or slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain.
To be used for flat towing behind another
vehicle Ú page 228.
NOTE:
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Driving in the 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW posi -
tions on dry, hard surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components.
The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located
in the center of the 4WD Control Switch and is
pushed by using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. The transfer case N (Neutral) position is
to be used for recreational towing only
Ú page 228.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD
HIGH and 4WD LOW) are located in the instrument
cluster and indicate the current and desired
transfer case selection. When you select a
different transfer case position, the indicator lights
will do the following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and
remain on.
If the transfer case does not shift into the desired
position, one or more of the following events may
occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case N (Neutral) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the powertrain,
and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and
verify that the transmission gear position indi -
cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without
blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly
indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING163
(Continued)

Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — GT Models

This electronically shifted transfer case provides
five positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This
range is for normal street and highway driving
on dry hard surfaced roads. Driving the vehicle
in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits
as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range (4WD
AUTO) — This range sends power to the front
wheels automatically when the vehicle senses a
loss of traction. This range may be used during
varying road conditions.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) —
This range provides torque to the front drive -
shaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows
front and rear wheels to spin at the same speed.
This provides additional traction for loose or
slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) — This
range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It
maximizes torque (increased torque over 4WD
HIGH) to the front driveshaft; allowing front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This
range provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose or slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain.
To be used for flat towing behind another
vehicle Ú page 228.
NOTE:
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Driving in the 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW posi -
tions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components.
The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located
in the center of the 4WD Control Switch and is
pushed by using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. The transfer case N (Neutral) position is
to be used for recreational towing only
Ú page 228.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case N (Neutral) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the powertrain,
and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and
verify that the transmission gear position indi -
cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without
blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly
indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
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