ignition Ram 1500 2014 Get to Know Guide 

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF
The Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED See Instructions:
• Automatic transmission
in PARK
•
Manual transmission 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 ALLOK 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:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK, manual transmission in gear (not in NEUTRAL).
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the Key Fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
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11. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT inNeutral). On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will automatically select PARK
when the engine is turned off.
12. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then cycle the key or the Keyless Enter-N-Go™ button to the RUN position and back to the OFF position.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 4 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met prior to pressing the
NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. Depress the clutch pedal
on a manual transmission.
• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever to the desired position.
•
With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, press and hold the
transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button until the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns
off. After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N)
button. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the transfer case will
shift to the position indicated by the selector switch.
• With electronic shift transfer case with pushbutton selector switch, press and hold the switch for the desired transfer case position, until the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light turns off and the desired position indicator light turns on.
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NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N), turning the engine OFF is not
required, but may be helpful to avoid gear clash. With the 8-speed automatic
transmission, the engine must remain running, since turning the engine OFF will
shift the transmission to PARK (and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL for the
transfer case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine OFF. Shift automatic transmission into PARK. On 8-speedtransmissions the shifter will automatically select PARK when the engine is
turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on a manual transmission).
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.
11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions), and check that the vehicle operates normally.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the button to shift out of NEUTRAL (N), and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met before pressing the button or
are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
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DIESEL 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 plug is located on the bottom of the Fuel Filter and Water Separator assembly which is located above the rear axle next to the fuel tank.
• Loosen the drain plug (located on the bottom filter assembly) 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 the OFF position.
• Refer to the Diesel Supplement on the DVD for further details.
Fuel Filter Replacement
1. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter assembly.
3. Open the water drain valve, and let any accumulated water drain.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove bottom cover using a strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove the used o-ring and discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local regulations.
7. Wipe the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing clean.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
NOTE:
The WIF (Water In Fuel) sensor is re-usable. Service kit comes with new o-ring for
filter canister and WIF (Water In Fuel) sensor.
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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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.
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• 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 Diesel Supplement 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 enginebefore 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 on pick up models.
The Chassis Cab models second filter location is on the frame behind the front
axle. 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 Diesel Supplement 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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WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking
brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid
level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected.
If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to
a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level
in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on
until the cause is corrected.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake
Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch
from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake
is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree
of brake application.
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.
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- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the BRAKE warning light
is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to
restore the benefits of Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
- 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
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position. If the light is either not on during
starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” of your Owner’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
The Air Bag System is designed to be maintenance free.
- 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).
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- 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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
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
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. 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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