Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronic shift transfer cases must be shifted into
NEUTRAL (N) for recreational towing. Automatic transmissions must be shifted into
PARK for recreational towing. Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (NOT in
NEUTRAL) for recreational towing. Refer to the following for the proper transfer case
NEUTRAL (N) shifting procedure for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause severe transmissiondamage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft because fluid may leak from the transmission,
causing damage to internal parts.
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage to the transmis-
sion or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when
recreational towing.
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this vehicle backwards can cause
severe damage to the transfer case.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in the PARK position for recreational
towing.
• Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not in Neutral) for recreational
towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure outlined under “Shifting
Into NEUTRAL” to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL.
Otherwise, internal damage will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid will leak from the transfer
case, causing damage to internal parts.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper
face bar will be damaged.
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DIESEL 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 recom-
mendations 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.
• Because of the construction of the Cummins
®turbocharged 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).
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Engine Block Heater
• For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine block heater usage is recommended.
• For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
• The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side and can be located just behind the grille near the headlamp.
• Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 volts AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heater element.
•The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the coolant.
Water In Fuel Message
•
If a Water In Fuel message orindicator appears in the cluster and a chime
sounds five times, the fuel/water separator will need to be drained immediately to
prevent engine damage.
• Refer to “Draining Fuel Water Separator” in this guide for draining instructions or see your dealer.
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Cold Start Procedure
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. If the Wait To Start
light appears
in the cluster, wait for the light to turn off before starting.
• In extremely cold weather below 0°F (-18°C) it may be beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before attempting to start the engine. This can be
accomplished by turning the ignition OFF for at least five seconds and then back
ON after the “Wait To Start Light” has turned off, but before the engine is started.
However, excessive cycling of the manifold heaters will result in damage to the
heater elements or reduced battery voltage.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual Diesel Supplement on the DVD for further details.
Engine Idling
• Avoid prolonged engine idling. Long periods of idling may be harmful to your engine because combustion chamber temperatures can drop so low that the fuel
may not burn completely.
• Incomplete combustion allows carbon and varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves, and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
• If the engine is allowed to idle, under some conditions the idle speed may increase to 900 RPM then return to normal idle speed. This is normal operation.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving. Damage to the 110–115 volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING)
• The exhaust brake feature will only function when the driver presses the exhaustbrake switch.
• The switch is located on the switch bank below the audio system.
• Your vehicle is also equipped with the Smart Brake feature.
• This feature will automatically provide a variable amount of engine braking in an attempt to maintain a constant vehicle speed.
• The Smart Brake is activated by pressing the exhaust brake switch twice. The first press activate the full strength brake, second press activates the Smart Brake and
third press turns the brake off.
• The Smart Brake target vehicle speed is set when either the vehicle brake or the throttle pedal is released.
• Exhaust braking is most effective when the engine RPM is higher.
NOTE:
For optimum braking power, it is recommended to use the exhaust brake while in
TOW/HAUL mode.
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CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recommended and could lead to engine
damage.
WARNING!
Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as
the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to
swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause a collision
possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
IDLE-UP FEATURE (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ONLY)
•The Idle-Up Feature uses the speed control switches to increase engine idle speed
and quickly warm the vehicle’s interior. This feature must be enabled by your dealer.
See your local dealer.
•With the transmission in PARK, the parking brake applied, and the engine running,
push the speed control ON/OFF switch on, then push the SET switch.
• The engine RPM will go up to 1100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the RESUME/ACCEL switch and the idle speed will increase to approximately
1500 RPM. To decrease the RPM, push and hold the SET/DECEL switch and the
idle speed will decrease to approximately 1100 RPM.
• To cancel the Idle Up Feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF switch or push the brake pedal.
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122

ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR
Draining Fuel/Water Separator
•
If the “Water in Fuel” indicator lightis illuminated and an audible chime is
heard five times, you should stop the engine and drain the water from the separator.
• The drain is located on the bottom of the Fuel Filter and Water Separator assembly which is located on the driver's side of the engine.
• Turn the drain valve (located on the side of the filter) counterclockwise 1/4 turn, then turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position to allow any accumulated
water to drain.
• When clean fuel is visible, close the drain and switch the ignition to OFF.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
Fuel Filter Replacement
• With the engine off and a drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose, open the water drain valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel and water into the
approved container.
• Close the water drain valve and remove the lid using a socket or strap wrench; rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove the used o-ring and discard it.
• Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local regulations.
• Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing and install the new o-ring into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
• Install a new filter in the housing. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated. Do not pre-fill the filter housing with fuel.
• Install the lid onto the housing and tighten to 22.5 ft lbs (30.5 N·m). Do not overtighten the lid.
• Start the engine and confirm no leaks are present.
The engine mounted filter housing is equipped with a No-Filter-No-Run (NFNR)
feature. Engine will not run if:
1. No filter is installed.
2.
Inferior/Non-approved filter is used. Use of OEM filter is required to ensure vehicle
will run.
CAUTION!
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
•Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new fuel filter. There is a possibility
debris could be introduced into the fuel filter during this action. It is best to install
the filter dry and allow the in-tank lift pump to prime the fuel system.
•If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO NOT START the engine
before you drain water from the fuel filter to avoid engine damage.
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UNDERBODY MOUNTED FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR
Draining Fuel/Water Separator
•
If the “Water in Fuel” indicator lightis illuminated and an audible chime is
heard five times, you should stop the engine and drain the water from the separator.
• The drain is located on the bottom of the Fuel Filter and Water Separator assembly which is located in front of the rear axle above the drive shaft. The best access to
this water drain valve is from under the vehicle.
• Turn the drain valve (located on the side of the filter) counterclockwise 1 full turn, then turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position to allow any accumulated
water to drain.
• When clean fuel is visible, close the drain and switch the ignition to OFF.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
Underbody Fuel Filter Replacement
• With the engine off and a drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose, open the water drain valve 1 full turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel and water into
the approved container.
• Close the water drain valve and remove the lid using a socket or strap wrench; rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove the used o-ring and discard it.
• Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local regulations.
• Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing and install the new o-ring into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
• Install a new filter in the housing. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated. Do not pre-fill the filter housing with fuel.
• Start the engine and confirm no leaks are present.
The underbody mounted filter housing will cause the engine not to run if:
1. No filter is installed.
NOTE:
• Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufacturer's filtration and water separating requirements can severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
• The WIF sensor is re-usable. Service kit comes with new o-ring for filter canister and WIF sensor.
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CAUTION!
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
•Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new fuel filter. There is a possibility
debris could be introduced into the fuel filter during this action. It is best to install
the filter dry and allow the in-tank lift pump to prime the fuel system.
• If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO NOT START the enginebefore you drain water from the fuel filter to avoid engine damage.
ADDING FUEL – DIESEL ENGINE ONLY
• Your vehicle is equipped with a cap-less fuel system.
• Most fuel cans will not open the flapper door.
• A funnel is provided to open the flapper door to allow emergency refueling with afuel can.
Emergency Fuel Can Refueling
1. Retrieve funnel from the jack storage area under the passenger seat.
2. Insert the funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel nozzle.
3. Ensure the funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper door open.
4. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
5. Remove the funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting back in the jack storage area under the passenger seat.
EXHAUST REGENERATION
• Under certain conditions, your Cummins®diesel engine and exhaust after-
treatment system may never reach the conditions required to remove the trapped
particulate matter. If this occurs, the “Exhaust System — Regeneration Required
Now” message will be displayed on the EVIC screen in your cluster and you will
hear one chime to alert you of this condition. Driving your vehicle at highway
speeds for as little as 45 minutes can remedy the condition and allow the engine
and exhaust after-treatment system to remove the trapped particulate matter.
• PLEASE NOTE: Under typical operating conditions, NO indications of regenera- tion state will be displayed. If you do reach 80% of filter capacity, the following
messages will assist you in inducing and understanding the regeneration process.
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Perform Service
• Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set interval. To help remindyou when this maintenance is due, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) will display “Perform Service”. When the “Perform Service” message is
displayed on the EVIC it is necessary to have the emissions maintenance
performed. Emissions maintenance may include replacing the Closed Crankcase
Ventilation (CCV) filter element, and cleaning of the EGR Cooler. The procedure for
clearing and resetting the "Perform Service" indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
Exhaust System — Regeneration Required Now
• “Exhaust System—Regeneration Required Now” will be displayed on the EVIC if the exhaust particulate filter reaches 80% of its maximum storage capacity.
Exhaust Filter XX% Full
• Indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is approaching full.
Exhaust System — Regeneration in Process Exhaust Filter XX% Full
• Indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is self-cleaning. Maintain your current driving condition until regeneration is completed.
Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed
•
Indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) self-cleaning is completed. If this
message is displayed, you will hear one chime to assist in alerting you of this condition.
Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer Now
• Regeneration has been disabled due to a system malfunction. The Powertrain control Module (PCM) will register a fault code and the instrument panel will
display the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See Dealer
• The PCM derates the engine in order to limit the likelihood of permanent damage to the after-treatment system. If this condition is not corrected and a dealer service
is not performed, extensive exhaust after-treatment damage can occur. Have your
vehicle serviced by your local authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to the exhaust system could occur with the
exhaust filter full.
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COOL-DOWN IDLE CHART
TURBO "COOL DOWN" CHART
Driving Conditions Load Turbo TempIdle Time
(in minutes)
Before Shut Down
Stop and Go EmptyCoolLess than 1
Stop and Go MediumWarm 1
Highway Speeds Medium Warm2
City Traffic Max. GCWR Warm3
Highway Speeds Max. GCWR Warm4
Uphill Grade Max. GCWR Hot5
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known simply by the name of its active
component, UREA—is a key component of selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
systems, which help diesel vehicles meet stringent emission regulations. DEF is a
liquid reducing agent that reacts with engine exhaust in the presence of a catalyst
to convert smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water
vapor.
• Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction system in order to meet the very stringent diesel emissions standards required by the Environmental
Protection Agency. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is the first and only
technology in decades to be as good for the environment as it is good for business
and vehicle performance.
• The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce levels of NOx (oxides of nitrogen emitted from engines) that are harmful to our health and the environment to an
almost near-zero level. Small quantities of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) are injected
into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst where, when vaporized, convert 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 anda Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst to meet the emission requirements.
• The DEF injection system consists of the following components: • DEF tank
• DEF pump
• DEF injector
• Electronically-heated DEF lines
• DEF control module
• NOx sensors
• NH3 sensor
• Temperature sensors
• SCR catalyst
• The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while maintaining outstanding fuel economy, drivability,
torque and power ratings.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection system. You may occasionally hear an audible clicking noise. 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.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a very stable product with a long shelf life. If DEF is kept in temperatures between 10° to 90°F (-12° to 32°C), it will last
a minimum of one year.
• 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.
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