coolant temperature Ram 2500 2014 Diesel Supplement
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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 ser-
vice 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 Operat-
ing Conditions 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 otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” 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, power steering and transmission as
needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
128 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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•Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
•Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
•Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing 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.For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” of the
Owners Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins® turbo-
charged 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).
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NOTE:
•A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
•Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator remains on and does not flash, or flashes at a
rapid rate.
5. Engine Coolant Temperature
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. The
gauge pointer will likely show higher temperatures when
driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or in heavy
stop and go traffic. If the red Warning Light turns on
while driving, safely bring the vehicle to a stop, and turn
off the engine. DO NOT operate the vehicle until the
cause is corrected.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
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•5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See Dealer
•Coolant Low
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup
•Engine Power Reduced up to 30-sec During Warmup
•Engine Power Reduced up to 2-min During Warmup
•Active Airbox Service Required See Dealer
Vehicle Information (Customer Information
Features)
Vehicle Information Submenus
•Battery Voltage
Displays the actual battery voltage.
•Fuel Filter Life
Displays the life of the fuel filter.•Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
•Oil Temperature
Displays the actual oil temperature.
•Trans Temperature
Displays the actual transmission sump temperature.
•Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
•Tire Pressure Monitor System
Displays the actual tire pressure.
•Engine Hours
Displays the actual engine hours.
Gauge Summary (Coolant Temp, Trans Temp, Oil Temp,
Oil Pressure)
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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4. EVIC White Telltales
•Electronic Speed Control Ready
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON. For further information,
refer to “Electronic Speed Control” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle.”
•Electronic Speed Control SET
This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is SET. For further information,
refer to “Electronic Speed Control” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle.”
•Shift Lever Status
The highest available transmission gear is displayed in
the lower right corner of the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) whenever the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) feature is active. Use the +/- selector on the shift
lever to activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.5. EVIC Amber Telltales
•Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
•Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
•Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
•Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
3
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filters to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filters” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Wait To Start Light
The “Wait To Start Light” will illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position and the
intake manifold temperature is below 66°F (19°C). Wait
until the “Wait To Start Light” turns OFF, then start the
vehicle. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
NOTE:The “Wait To Start Light” may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Low Coolant Level Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle
coolant level is low.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup— This
message will display during start up when the ambi-
ent temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F
(-23° C).
•
Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds) During
Warmup— This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between -10° F (-23° C)
and -25 F (-32° C).
•Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup
— This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is -25° F (-32° C)
and below.
3
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Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup— This
message will display during start up when the ambi-
ent temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F
(-23° C).
•Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds)
During Warmup— This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is between -10°
F (-23° C) and -25 F (-32° C).
•Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup— This message will display during
start up when the ambient temperature is -25° F (-32°
C) and below.•Coolant Low— This telltale will turn on to indicate
the vehicle coolant level is low. See “Adding Coolant”
under the section “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for more
information.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins® diesel engine meets all EPA Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in one of
the lowest emitting diesel engines ever produced. 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
interaction on your part.3
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5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure.
6. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the
manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
7. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
•Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger
at low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-
up.
•The engine may not automatically crank after the
engineWait To Starttelltale goes off if a door or the
hood is ajar.
•If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON
for more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start
Light” goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning theignition switch to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 7 of
“Keyless Enter-N-Go™ Starting Procedure – Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 66° F (19° C).”
Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins® diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:
•The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed
in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR® dealer.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
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2. While theWait To Start” telltale is on, the EVIC will
additionally display a gauge or bar whose initial
length represents the fullWait To Starttime period.
Its length will decrease until it disappears when the
Wait To Starttime has elapsed.
CAUTION!
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.
3. After the “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, turn the
ignition switch to the START position. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and wait at least
two minutes for the starter to cool before repeating
start procedure.
4. After engine start-up, check that the oil pressure
warning light has turned off.
5. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the
manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
6. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
•
Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger at
low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-up.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING
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NOTE:Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor-
mance will result if manifold heaters are not recycled.
2. Heat generated by the manifold heaters dissipates
rapidly in a cold engine. If more than two minutes
pass between the time the “Wait To Start” telltale turns
off and the engine is started, recycle the manifold
heaters by turning the ignition switch to the OFF
position for at least five seconds and then back ON.
3. If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds
19 mph (31 km/h) before the manifold heater post-
heat (after start) cycle is complete, the manifold heat-
ers will shut off.
4. If the engine is started before the “Wait To Start”
telltale turns off, the preheat cycle will turn off.
5. If the engine is cranked for more than 10 seconds, the
post-heat cycle will turn off.NOTE:
•Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger
at low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-
up.
•When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of fuel or
the fuel gels at low temperatures, air is pulled into the
fuel system. If your engine has run out of fuel, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has
Run Out Of Fuel” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
•If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON
for more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start”
telltale goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the
ignition switch to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 5 of
“Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air Tempera-
ture Below 66°F (19°C).”
212 STARTING AND OPERATING