transmission Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

STSLT/Outdoorsman Sport/Laramie
5.7L HEMI® V-8
6–Speed Automatic Transmission Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,350 lbs(4 694 kg)
Max Payload:
1,480 lbs (671 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,300 lbs(4 672 kg)
Max Payload:
1,450 lbs (657 kg) Standard Towing:
5,000 lbs
(2 268 kg)
Max Towing: 10,050 lbs(4 558 kg)
Max Payload:
1,380 lbs (625 kg)
Ram 2500 & 3500
ST SLT/OUTDOORSMAN/ SPORT/LARAMIE
5.7L HEMI® V-8
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Max Towing:
10,100 lbs(4 581 kg)
Max Payload:
1,780 lbs (807 kg)
Max Towing: 12,300 lbs(5 579 kg)
Max Payload:3,120 lbs (1 415 kg)
—
Diesel
2500 ST SLT
Bighorn/Lonestar Laramie Outdoorsman 3500 ST SLT
Bighorn/Lonestar Laramie Outdoorsman
6.7L Cummins® Turbo
Diesel 6-Speed Manual Transmission Max Towing: 16,900 lbs
(7 665 kg)
Max Payload: 2,960 lbs (1 342 kg) Max Towing: 18,200 lbs
(8 255 kg)
Max Payload: 6,640 lbs (3 011 kg)
6.7L Cummins® Turbo
Diesel 6-Speed Automatic Transmission Max Towing: 17,870 lbs
(8 105 kg)
Max Payload: 3,020 lbs (1 369 kg) Max Towing: 30,060 lbs
(13 634 kg)
Max Payload: 6,710 lbs (3 043 kg)
NOTE:
For additional trailer towing information (maximum trailer weight ratings) refer to the
following website addresses:
•http://www.ramtrucks.com.
• http://www.ramtruck.ca (Canada).
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TOW/HAUL MODE
•When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to select 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 transmission will automatically downshift
(for engine braking) during steady braking maneuvers.
• The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster to
indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pressing the switch a
second time restores normal operation.
If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the
engine is started.
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE MODULE
• The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller allows you to automatically or manuallyactivate the Electric Trailer Brakes and Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes for a
better braking performance when towing a trailer.
NOTE:
The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is located in the center stack below the
climate controls.
• This module will have four different options depending on the type of trailer you want to tow and can be selected through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) or touch-screen radio – if equipped.• Light Electric
• Heavy Electric
• Light EOH (Electric Over Hydraulic)
• Heavy EOH (Electric Over Hydraulic)
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Mod-
els
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED See Instructions:
• Automatic trans-
mission in PARK
• Manual transmis-
sion in gear (NOT
in NEUTRAL)
• Transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward
direction
Dolly Tow Front NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK OK
Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will result.
• Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
• Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
• Firmly set the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK, manual transmission in gear (not in Neutral).
• Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
• Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
• Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
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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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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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•Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as
the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is
32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance
beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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.
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- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
•
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
• For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
•If an “oil change” message (shown as "Change Oil Soon" and "Oil Change Needed")
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
• This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating bytaking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•
You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor
and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to
the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (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 HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
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WARNING!
•Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic.
Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the
jack or changing the wheel.
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack
and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack.
•Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under
a raised vehicle, take it to an authorized dealer where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jackshould not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving
traffic, pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or
damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as
possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a
manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during
a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be
stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It
could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the
wheel bolts until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning
may result in personal injury.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to avoid
contact with any sharp edges.
•
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the
places provided.
•A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure the occupants
in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immediately.
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