engine Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2017 Diesel Supplement

A MESSAGE FROM FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC and Cummins welcome you as a Cummins
turbocharged diesel-powered truck owner. Your diesel
truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate differently from a
gasoline-powered truck. It is important that you read and
understand this manual.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United States
and Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel
economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-
mits pulling heavy loads. Cummins engines power well
over half of these trucks. Now this same technology and
proven performance is yours in your truck equipped with
the Cummins turbocharged diesel engine.
You may find that some of the starting, operating, and
maintenance procedures are different. However, they are
simple to follow and careful adherence to them will ensure
that you take full advantage of the features of this engine.NOTE:
Some aftermarket products may cause severe
engine/transmission and/or exhaust system damage. Your
vehicle’s Powertrain Control Systems can detect and store
information about vehicle modifications that increase
horsepower and torque output such as whether or not
performance-enhancing powertrain components, com-
monly referred to as downloaders, power boxes, or perfor-
mance chips have been used.
This information cannot be erased and will stay in the
system’s memory even if the modification is removed. This
information can be retrieved by FCA US LLC, and service
and repair facilities, when servicing your vehicle. This
information may be used to determine if repair will be
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
There is a probability that the use of a “performance chip”
will prohibit the engine from starting. In this instance, the
vehicle will need to be serviced by a authorized dealer in
order to return the vehicle to its factory settings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine MOPAR® parts, and cares about your
satisfaction.
90 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED . . .92
▫ How To Use Remote Start ..................92
▫ Remote Start Abort Message ................93
▫ To Enter Remote Start Mode ................93
▫ To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle ...............................93 ▫
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The
Vehicle ...............................93
▫ Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped . . .94
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS .....94
2

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

Remote Start Abort Message
The following messages will display in the Instrument
Cluster Display if the vehicle fails to remote start or exits
remote start prematurely:
•Remote Start Aborted - Door Open
• Remote Start Aborted - Hood Open
• Remote Start Aborted - Fuel Low
• Remote Start Aborted - System Fault
The Instrument Cluster Display message stays active until
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Push and release the REMOTE START button on
the key fob twice, within five seconds. The
parking lights will flash and the horn will chirp
twice (if programmed). In cold ambient tempera-
ture conditions, the diesel vehicle may delay crank up to 30
seconds for the fuel and grid heater. Once the vehicle has
started, the engine will run for 15 minutes or 75 seconds in
extreme cold and high elevation. NOTE:
•
The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
• For security, power window and power sunroof opera-
tion (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in the
Remote Start mode.
• The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15-minute cycles) with the key fob. However, the igni-
tion switch must be cycled to the ON position before you
can repeat the start sequence for a third cycle.
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle
Push and release the REMOTE START button one time or
allow the engine to run for the entire fifteen minute cycle.
NOTE: To avoid unintentional shut downs, the system
will disable the one time push of the REMOTE START
button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote Start
request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle
To exit Remote Start Mode and drive the vehicle before the
end of the 15-minute cycle, push and release the unlock
button on the key fob to unlock the door and disarm the
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 93

Vehicle Security Alarm System (if equipped). Then, prior to
the end of the 15-minute cycle, place the ignition to the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN
position in order to drive the vehicle.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When remote start is activated, the heated steering wheel,
and driver heated seat features will automatically turn on
in cold weather. In warm weather, the driver vented seat
feature will automatically turn on when the remote start is
activated. These features will stay on through the duration
of remote start or until the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position.
The Remote Start Comfort System can be activated and
deactivated through the Instrument Cluster Display. For
more information on Remote Start Comfort System opera-
tion refer to your Owners Manual.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins turbocharged 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.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” of the Own-
ers Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins turbocharged
diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded oper-
ating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve
final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
1. Tachometer•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000). 2. Instrument Cluster Display
•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Instrument Cluster Display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Instrument Cluster
102 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

3. Speedometer•Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel filler door is located.
5. DEF Gauge •The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of Diesel
Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) is required to maintain normal vehicle operation
and emissions compliance. If something is wrong with
the gauge, a DEF Warning Message or Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) will be displayed. More infor-
mation is available in the Instrument Cluster Display
section under the heading of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Warning Messages.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle.” Follow the warnings under the “Cooling Sys-
tem Pressure Cap” paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age 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”, turn the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
• The 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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 103

1. Tachometer•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. 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.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for
service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle.” Follow the warnings under the “Cooling Sys-
tem Pressure Cap” paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age 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”, turn the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
3. Oil Pressure Gauge •The pointer should always indicate some oil pressure
when the engine is running. A continuous high or low
reading under normal driving conditions may indicate
a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer •Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel filler door is located.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 105

6. Instrument Cluster Display•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Instrument Cluster Display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7. DEF Gauge •The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of Diesel
Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) is required to maintain normal vehicle operation
and emissions compliance. If something is wrong with
the gauge, a DEF Warning Message or Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) will be displayed. More infor-
mation is available in the Instrument Cluster Display
section under the heading of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Warning Messages.
NOTE:
• The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed with a large
amount of full reserve. So the level sensor will indicate a
full reading even before the tank is completely full. To
put it another way, there’s additional storage capacity in
the tank above the Full mark that’s not represented in
the gauge. You may not see any movement in the
reading – even after driving up to 2,000 miles in some
cases. •
The 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.
• Outside temperature can affect DEF consumption. In
cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and below, the DEF gauge
needle can stay on a fixed position and may not move
for extended periods of time. This is a normal function of
the system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
(Continued)
106 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!(Continued)
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H”, turn the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
IMPORTANT: The warning / indicator lights switch on in
the instrument panel together with a dedicated message
and/or acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the infor-
mation contained in the Owner ’s Manual, which you are
advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the
information in this chapter in the event of a failure indica-
tion.
All active telltales will display first if applicable. The
system check menu may appear different based upon
equipment options and current vehicle status. Some tell-
tales are optional and may not appear.
Yellow Telltale Indicator Lights
Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Wait To Start Light
The “Wait To Start” telltale will illuminate for approximately two seconds when the ignition is
turned to the RUN position. It’s duration may be longer based on colder operating conditions.
Vehicle will not initiate start until telltale is no longer displayed. Refer to “Starting Procedures”
in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
NOTE:
The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illuminate if the intake manifold temperature is
warm enough.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 107