Ram 2500 2014 Diesel Supplement

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL
mode or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your
vehicle in first gear (using the ERS shift control) can help
to avoid transmission overheating.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
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Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,
the air suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air
Suspension System” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of
the air suspension system.
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction
system to meet the very stringent diesel emissions standards
required by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce levels of NOx
(oxides of nitrogen emitted from engines) that are harm-
ful to our health and the environment to a near-zero level.
Small quantities of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is injected
into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst where, when
vaporized, it converts smog-forming nitrogen oxides
(NOx) into harmless nitrogen (N2) and water vapor
(H2O), two natural components of the air we breathe.
You can operate with the comfort that your vehicle is
contributing to a cleaner, healthier world environment
for this and generations to come.
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System Overview
This vehicle is equipped with a Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) injection system and a Selective Catalytic Reduc-
tion (SCR) catalyst to meet the emission requirements.
The DEF injection system consists of the following com-
ponents:
•DEF tank
•DEF pump
•DEF injector
•Electronically-heated DEF lines
•NOx sensors
•Temperature sensors
•SCR catalystThe DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while
maintaining outstanding fuel economy, drivability,
torque and power ratings.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for system
messages and warnings.
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
operation.
•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.
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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.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel – when the fuel nozzle
“clicks” or shuts off the fuel tank is full.
4. Remove the fuel nozzle and close the fuel door.
Emergency Fuel Can Refueling
Most fuel cans will not open the flapper door.
A funnel is provided to open the flapper door to allow
emergency refueling with a fuel can.
Diesel Fuel And Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
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1. Retrieve fuel funnel from the jack kit located under the
front passenger seat.2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel
nozzle.
Diesel Fuel And DEF Fluid Filler DoorFuel Fill Funnel Location 1500 Models
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NOTE:Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper
door open.
3. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
4. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to
putting back in the jack kit.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” to turn on.
•A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the
ground while filling.
Emergency Fuel Fill Location
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Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause
severe damage to the engine fuel system. Proper main-
tenance of the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with
water will promote the growth of “microbes.” These
microbes form “slime” that will clog the fuel filtration
system and lines. Drain condensation from the supply
tank and change the line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE:When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.If the vehicle will not start, refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a very stable
product with a long shelf life. If DEF is kept in tempera-
tures between 10° and 90°F (-12° and 32°C), it will last a
minimum of one year.
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DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest temperatures. For
example, DEF may freeze at temperatures at or below 12°
F (-11° C). The system has been designed to operate in
this environment.
NOTE:When working with DEF, it is important to know
that:
•
Any containers or parts that come into contact with
DEF must be DEF compatible (plastic or stainless
steel). Copper, brass, aluminum, iron or non-
stainless steel should be avoided as they are subject
to corrosion by DEF.
•If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up completely.
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
further information.
NOTE:Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed, load,
etc.) will effect the amount of DEF that is used in your
vehicle.
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).
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2. Insert DEF fill adapter/nozzle into DEF tank filler
neck.NOTE:
•The DEF gauge may take up to five seconds to update
after adding a gallon or more of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) to the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to the
DEF system, the gauge may not update to the new
level. See your authorized dealer for service.
•
The DEF gauge may also not immediately update after a
refill if the temperature of the DEF fluid is below 12F
(-11C). The DEF line heater will possibly warm up the DEF
fluid and allow the gauge to update after a period of run
time. Under very cold conditions, it is possible that the
gauge may not reflect the new fill level for several drives.
CAUTION!
•To avoid DEF spillage, and possible damage to the
DEF tank from overfilling, do not “top off” the DEF
tank after filling.
(Continued)
DEF Filler Cap And Fuel Fill 1500/2500/3500 Models
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Fuel Fill Location
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CAUTION!(Continued)
•DO NOT OVERFILL. DEF will freeze below 12ºF
(-11ºC). The DEF system is designed to work in
temperatures below the DEF freezing point, how-
ever, if the tank is overfilled and freezes, the
system could be damaged.
•When DEF is spilled, clean the area immediately
with water and use an absorbent material to soak
up the spills on the ground.
•Do not attempt to start your engine if DEF is
accidentally added to the diesel fuel tank as it can
result in severe damage to your engine, including
but not limited to failure of the fuel pump and
injectors.
3. Stop filling the DEF tank immediately when any of the
following happen: DEF stops flowing from the fill
bottle into the DEF tank, DEF splashes out the filler
neck, or a DEF pump nozzle automatically shuts off.4. Reinstall cap onto DEF tank.
Filling The Def Tank In Cold Climates
Since DEF will begin to freeze at 12°F (-11°C), your vehicle
is equipped with an automatic DEF heating system. This
allows the DEF injection system to operate properly at
temperatures below 12°F (-11°C). If your vehicle is not in
operation for an extended period of time with tempera-
tures below 12°F (-11°C), the DEF in the tank may freeze. If
the tank is overfilled and freezes, it could be damaged.
Therefore, do not overfill the DEF tank.
Extra care should be taken when filling with portable
containers to avoid overfilling. Note the level of the DEF
gauge in your instrument cluster. On pickup applications,
you may safely add a maximum of 2 gallons of DEF from
portable containers when your DEF gauge is reading ½ full.
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