heating Ram 2500 2014 Diesel Supplement

Starting Fluids
WARNING!
Starting fluids or flammable liquids must never be
used in the Cummins® diesel engine (see Warning
label). Never pour diesel fuel, flammable liquid, start-
ing fluids (ether) into the air cleaner canister, air intake
piping, or turbocharger inlet in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in a flash fire and explosion
causing serious personal injury and engine damage.
The engine is equipped with an automatic electric air
preheating system. If the instructions in this manual are
followed, the engine should start in all conditions.
WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
•When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF position, remove the key fob
from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission gear selector. Do not leave the
key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location
(Continued)
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 213

Idle Shutdown
This feature can be enabled so that the truck will auto-
matically shutdown when the truck has been idling for a
set period of time when the engine is at operating
temperature. Idle time can be set in 5 minute increments
between 5 and 60 minutes. See your local authorized
dealer to enable this feature.
Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed (Chassis
Cab Only)
This feature allows the owner to set a maximum vehicle
speed for the vehicle. The 3500 Series maximum vehicle
speed can be set between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 87 mph
(140 km/h). The 4500/5500 Series maximum vehicle
speed can be set between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 85 mph
(136 km/h). See your local authorized dealer to enable
this feature.
NOTE:DO NOT set the maximum vehicle speed to a
value greater than what the vehicle tires are rated for.
Operating Precautions
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the engine coolant (antifreeze) (a
mixture of 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% water) must not
exceed the normal range of the temperature gauge 240°F
(116°C) with a 16 psi (110 kPa) radiator cap.
Usually the engine coolant (antifreeze) temperature indi-
cated during operation will be to the left of center in the
normal range of the gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature below the normal range on the gauge 140°F
(60°C) can be harmful to the engine. Low engine coolant
(antifreeze) temperature can cause incomplete combus-
tion which allows carbon and varnish to form on piston
rings and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can
enter the crankcase, diluting the lubricating oil and
causing rapid wear to the engine.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating in high ambient temperature conditions, take the
following actions:
•City Driving —
When stopped, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and increase engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving —
Reduce your speed.
•Up Steep Hills —
Select a lower transmission gear.
•Air Conditioning —
Turn it off temporarily.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil Pressure
When the engine is at normal operating temperature, the
minimum oil pressures required are:
Idle 700 to 800 RPM 10 psi (69 kPa)
Full speed and load 30 psi (207 kPa)
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.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
•engine misfiring or vibrating severely
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 221

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further infor-
mation) to select a lower gear range. Under these condi-
tions, using a lower gear range will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the powertrain controller will modify the
transmission shift schedule and expand the range of
torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in danger
of overheating, the “Transmission Temperature WarningLight” may illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.
NOTE:Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer up a steep
grade, or in stop-and-go traffic) during hot weather. In
these conditions, torque converter slip can impose a
significant additional heat load on the cooling system.
Downshifting the transmission to the lowest possible
gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to NEUTRAL
(when stopped in heavy traffic) can help to reduce this
excess heat generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 233

CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while descend-
ing steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the
engine. Apply the brakes as needed to prevent en-
gine overspeed.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth gears). The trans-
mission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:
•The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
•The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.•The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
•The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
•The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) when the throttle is closed and/or during steady
braking maneuvers.4
STARTING AND OPERATING 237

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.
On Chassis Cab applications a maximum of 2 gallons may
be added when the DEF gauge is reading ¾ full.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 261

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.
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the automatic trans-
mission fluid and filter(s) as specified forpolice, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.Refer to the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 277

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.
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.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

Oil, Engine..............................102
Capacity.............................121
Change Interval........................103
Dipstick..............................102
Disposal..............................104
Filter............................104 , 122
Filter Disposal.........................104
Materials Added to......................104
Recommendation.......................102
Viscosity.............................103
Overheating, Engine........................20
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)...........113
Remote Starting System......................12
Schedule, Maintenance.....................128
Seat Belts
Reminder..............................22
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)...............122Signals, Turn.............................19
Speedometer.............................23
Starting.................................59
Automatic Transmission...................60
Engine Block Heater...................62,68
Remote...............................12
Starting Procedures.........................59
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines).............59
Tachometer..............................18
Tip Start................................60
Ti re s
Pressure Warning Light....................24
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.................78
Towing.................................74
Guide................................78
Weight...............................78
Trailer Towing............................74
Cooling System Tips......................90
INDEX - RAM 1500 349

Materials Added to......................295
Recommendation.......................293
Synthetic.............................295
Viscosity.............................294
Overdrive...............................237
Overdrive OFF Switch......................237
Overheating, Engine.......................156
Perform Service Indicator, Reset...............336
Power
Take-Off Adapter.......................244
Take-Off Operation......................244
PTO (Power Take-Off)......................244
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)...........311
Remote Starting System.....................146
Resetting Perform Service Indicator............336Seat Belts
Reminder.............................159
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)...............328
Shifting................................225
Automatic Transmission..................227
Manual Transmission....................239
Signals, Turn............................155
Speedometer.............................159
Starting................................202
Automatic Transmission..................203
Engine Block Heater.................207 , 222
Manual Transmission....................203
Remote..............................146
Starting Procedures........................202
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines)............202
Synthetic Engine Oil.......................295
Tachometer..............................154
INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 355