fuel Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

FIVE-POSITION/ON-DEMAND TRANSFER CASE
•
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides five mode positions:
• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive automatic range
(4WD AUTO)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
• NEUTRAL (N)
•
This electronically shifted transfer case
is designed to be driven in the two-wheel
drive position (2WD) or four-wheel drive
position (4WD AUTO) for normal street
and highway conditions on dry, hard-
surfaced roads.
•Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle
is not engaged in 2WD.
Shifting Procedure
• Shifting between 2WD and 4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCK can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
• Shifting between 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK into 4WD LOW must be made with the transmission in NEUTRAL and the vehicle stopped or rolling at 2 to 3 mph
(3 to 5 km/h).
NOTE:
It is preferred to have the engine running and the vehicle moving at 2 to 3 mph
(3 to 5 km/h).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The
transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmis-
sion position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not
in the vehicle.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
107

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.
DIESEL
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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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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.
DIESEL
123

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.
DIESEL
124

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.
DIESEL
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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.
DIESEL
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
•Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and your location, including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
•
If this indicator light flashes during acceleration, apply as little throttle as possible.
While driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
•
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure EVIC display illuminates, you should stop
and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD
OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER
INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
•
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low EVIC display.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
130

BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• If the ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
132

JUMP-STARTING
• If your vehicle has a discharged bat-tery it can be jump-started using a set
of jumper cables and a battery in an-
other vehicle or by using a portable
battery booster pack.
•
Jump-starting can be dangerous if done
improperly so please follow the proce-
dures in this section carefully.
NOTE:
When using a portable battery booster
pack follow the manufacturer’s operating
instructions and precautions.
Preparations for Jump-Start
• The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
NOTE:
The positive battery post is covered with a protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain
access to the positive battery post.
• Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition to OFF.
• Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
• If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
Jump-Starting Procedure
• Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the
discharged vehicle.
• Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable to the positive (+)post
of the booster battery.
• Connect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable to the negative (-)post of the
booster battery.
• Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper cable to a good engine ground
(exposed metal part of the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and
the fuel injection system.
• Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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