battery Ram 1500 2014 Get to Know Guide 

• The rear center console power outlet can be switched to “battery” powered all thetime by switching the power outlet right rear quarter panel fuse in the fuse panel.
ELECTRONICS
125

CAUTION!
Failure to follow the following items could cause damage to the vehicle:
• Assure that all cargo inside the storage bins is properly secured.
• Do not exceed cargo weight rating of 150 lb (68 kg) per bin.
• Leaving the lid open for extended periods of time could cause the vehiclebattery to discharge. If the lid is required to stay open for extended periods of
time, it is recommended that the bin lights be turned off manually using the
on/off switch.
• Ensure cargo bin lids are closed and latched before moving or driving vehicle.
• Loads applied to the top of the bin lid should be minimized to prevent damage
to the lid and latching/hinging mechanisms.
• Damage to the RamBox
®bin may occur due to heavy/sharp objects placed in
bin that shift due to vehicle motion. In order to minimize potential for damage,
secure all cargo to prevent movement and protect inside surfaces of bin from
heavy/sharp objects with appropriate padding.
• The maximum load per cleat should not exceed 250 lbs (113 kg) and the angle
of the load on each cleat should not exceed 60 degrees above horizontal, or
damage to the cleat or cleat rail may occur.
WARNING!
•Always close the storage bin covers when your vehicle is unattended or in motion.
• Do not allow children to have access to the storage bins. Once in the storagebin, young children may not be able to escape. If trapped in the storage bin,
children can die from suffocation or heat stroke.
• In a collision, serious injury could result if the storage bin covers are not
properly latched.
• Do not use a storage bin latch as a tie down.
• To reduce the risk of potential injury or property damage:
• Cargo must be secured.
• Do not exceed cargo load rating of your vehicle.
• Secure all loads to truck utilizing cargo tie-downs.
• Extender should not be used as cargo tie-down.
• When vehicle is in motion do not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg) load on thetailgate.
• The bed extender is not intended for off road use.
•
When not in use, the extender/divider should be in stowed or divider posi-
tion with the tailgate closed.
• When in use, all handles are to be in the locked position.
UTILITY
135

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.
Cold Start Procedure
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. If the Wait To Startlight 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.
6.7L CUMMINS® DIESEL
156

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
another vehicle or by using a portable
battery booster pack.
• Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly so please follow the
procedures 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
1. Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable to the positive (+)post
of the booster battery.
3. Connect the negative (-)end of the jumper cable to the negative (-)post of the
booster battery.
4. 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.
5. 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
190

Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
1. Disconnect the negative(-)end of the jumper cable from the engine ground of the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper cable from the negative (-)
post of the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable from the positive (+)post of
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable from the positive (+)
post of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
NOTE:
If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle you should have the battery
and charging system inspected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
• Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other booster source with a system voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.
• Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
• Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (e.g., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery discharges suffi-
ciently to degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
WARNING!
• When temperatures are below the freezing point, electrolyte in a dischargedbattery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because the battery could
rupture or explode and cause personal injury. Battery temperature must be
brought above the freezing point before attempting a jump-start.
•
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry, such as watch bands or bracelets, that might make an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be severely injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
• Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection and personal injury could result.
• Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
191

MANUAL PARK RELEASE — EIGHT SPEED TRANSMISSION
• In order to push or tow the vehicle in cases where the transmission will not shiftout of PARK (such as a dead battery), a Manual Park Release is available.
• Follow these steps to use the Manual Park Release: • Firmly apply the parking brake.
• Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove the Manual Park Release
access cover, which is just above the parking brake release handle, below and
to the left of the steering column.
• Using the screwdriver or similar tool, push the Manual Park Release lever locking tab (just below the middle of the lever) to the right.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
194

Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
•1500 Models Only
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months on 1500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•2500 – 3500 Models
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km)
or twelve months on 2500 – 3500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and
off road environment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
(2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
215

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — 1500 3.0L DIESEL ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil
change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures
will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe
Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
and transmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
219

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — B6 TO B20 BIODIESEL (1500 DIESEL)
NOTE:
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles(12 875 km) or six months, whichever comes first when using Biodiesel blends
greater than 5% (B5).
• The owner is required to monitor mileage for B6-B20 biodiesel, the automatic oil change indicator system does not reflect the use of biofuels.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
and transmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
222

FUSES
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (FUSES)
The Power Distribution Center is located in
the engine compartment near the battery.
This center contains cartridge fuses and
mini fuses. A description of each fuse and
component may be stamped on the inside
cover, otherwise the cavity number of each
fuse is stamped on the inside cover that
corresponds to the following chart.
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F01 80 Amp Red Rad Fan Control Module –
If Equipped
F03 60 Amp Yellow Rad Fan – If Equipped
F05 40 Amp Green Compressor for Air Suspension –
If Equipped
F06 40 Amp Green Antilock Brakes/Electronic
Stability Control Pump
F07 40 Amp Green Starter Solenoid
F08 20 Amp Yellow Emissions Diesel – If Equipped
F09 40 Amp Green (Cummins Diesel)30 Amp Pink
(1500 LD Diesel) Diesel Fuel Heater – If Equipped
F10 40 Amp Green Body Controller/Exterior
Lighting #2
F10 50 Amp Red
Body Controller/Exterior
Lighting #2 – If Equipped with Stop/Start
F11 30 Amp Pink Integrated Trailer Brake
Module – If Equipped
F12 40 Amp Green Body Controller #3/Interior Lights
F13 40 Amp Green Blower Motor
F14 40 Amp Green Body Controller #4/Power Locks
F15 30 Amp Pink Electric Park Brake Right Side –
If Equipped
F19 30 Amp Pink SCR – If Equipped
F20 30 Amp Pink Passenger Door Module
F21 30 Amp Pink Drive Train Control Module
F22 20 Amp Yellow Engine Control Module
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
230