keyless Ram 2500 2017 Diesel Supplement

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.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
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.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine
lugging. •
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. The recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades are shown under
“Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts”, under “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” in this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ..................32
▫ Normal Starting .........................33
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................33
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............33
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ....................34
▫ Starting Fluids ..........................34
 NORMAL OPERATION ....................35
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ..................36
▫ Engine Idling ..........................38
▫ Stopping The Engine .....................38
▫ Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission . .39 
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .....40
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ....................40
▫ Fuel Specifications ......................41
▫ Biodiesel Fuel Requirements ................42
 DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID ...................44
▫ System Overview ........................44
 ADDING FUEL — 1500 DIESEL MODELS .......45
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel .............47
▫ Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ............48
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ................48
▫ Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid ...............49
4

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, both inside
and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to 30-second inter-
vals. Waiting a few minutes between such intervals will
protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the automatic
transmission into PARK and apply the parking
brake. Always make sure the keyless ignition node is
in the “OFF” mode, 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. Leaving children 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 gear
selector.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
NOTE: Engine start up in very low ambient temperature
could result in evident white smoke. This condition will
disappear as the engine warms up.
CAUTION!
• The engine is allowed to crank as long as 30 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.
(Continued)
32 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 33

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
keyless ignition node is in the “OFF” mode, 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 gear
selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
NORMAL OPERATION
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 mod-
ule. Glow plug heater operation can run for several min-
utes, once the heater operation is complete the voltmeter
needle will stabilize.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 35

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

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................121
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........121
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......121
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ..........122
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ...................125
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) .........126
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) ......126
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............128
▫ Starting Fluids ........................ .129
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE .....130
▫ Cold Weather Precautions .................131
▫ Engine Idling ........................ .133
▫ Stopping The Engine ....................134
▫ Idle Shutdown ........................ .135
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) ..................... .136
▫ Operating Precautions ...................136
▫
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission . .136
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .137
▫ Block Heater Usage .....................138
 DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) .138
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-second
intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such intervals
will protect the starter from overheating.
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
keyless ignition node is in the “OFF” mode, 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 gear
selector.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal to the floor before starting
the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch inter-
locking ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch is
fully pressed.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Start the engine with the transmission in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Turn 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 121

Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped
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 The ENGINE START/STOP Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing theENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start 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, remove your foot from the brake
pedal and push the button again. NOTE:
•
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.
• Under cold weather conditions, the engine may not
immediately crank if the Wait To Starttelltale is
illuminated. This is normal operation. For vehicles
equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go, the vehicle will
automatically crank when the Wait To Starttime has
elapsed. See the section Starting Procedure Engine
Manifold Air Temperature 0°F to 66°F (18° C to 19°C) 
for more information.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button
1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.
2. The ignition will return to the OFF position.
122 STARTING AND OPERATING

Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure — Engine
Manifold Air Temperature 0° F To 66° F (–18° C to
19° C)
NOTE:The temperature displayed in the instrument clus-
ter does not necessarily reflect the engine manifold air
temperature. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. When engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)
the “Wait To Start Light” will remain on indicating the
intake manifold heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. Pushing the engine start button with the driver ’s foot on the brake will move the ignition from OFF or ACC to
RUN, and will illuminate the Wait To Starttelltale. The
engine will not immediately crank, this is normal op-
eration.
2. The “Wait To Start telltale will remain on for a period of
time that varies depending on the engine temperature. 3. While the
Wait to Start telltale is on, the instrument
cluster will additionally display a gauge or bar whose
initial length represents the full Wait to Starttime
period. Its length will decrease until it disappears when
the Wait to Start time 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 further
information.
4. After the engine “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, the engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
The engine may automatically crank when the “Wait
To Start” time has elapsed. To abort the automatic
starting process, ensure the driver ’s foot is fully re-
moved from the brake pedal prior to pushing the
START/STOP button to cycle the ignition off.
124 STARTING AND OPERATING