trailer Ram 1500 2014 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 Owner’s Manual on the DVD for
further information.
CAUTION!
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used while recreational towing. Towingwith only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear) will cause severe
damage to the transmission and or transfer case. Tow with all four wheels either
ON the ground, or OFFthe ground (using a vehicle trailer). 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 transmission
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.
• Before recreational towing, the transfer case must be in NEUTRAL. To be
certain the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL, perform the procedure outlined
under “Shifting Into NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission damage will result, if
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL during 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.
UTILITY
141

DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to itsconstruction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions 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.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The recommended
viscosity and quality grades are shown under “FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES”, under
“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” in this User Guide. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Normal Starting Procedure
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
4. The system will take over and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after 30 seconds.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
1500 3.0L DIESEL
145

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 recommenda-
tions 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 recom-
mended.
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.
6.7L CUMMINS® DIESEL
155

- 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
174

CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified Organic AdditiveTechnology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine
coolant is different and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible”
coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into
the cooling system in an emergency, the cooling system will need to be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106), by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be
compatible with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze)
is not recommended.
E-85 Flexible Fuel — 3.6L Engine Only
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label or a yellow gas cap can operate on
E-85.
Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — GASOLINE 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,
and E85 fuel usage 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).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
214

Maintenance Chart — Gasoline Engine
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary. XXXXXXXInspect the front and rear axle surfaces. If gear
oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level.
If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-
road or frequent trailer towing, change axle fluid.
XXXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary. X XXXXX X
Adjust parking brake as necessary. XX XXXX X
Inspect transfer case fluid. XXX
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. XX XX X
Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (5.7L engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (6.4L engine).** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter(s)
(six-speed automatic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
216

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(six-speed automatic only). X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, change for any
of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. X
Change the transfer case fluid. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
WARNING!
• You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and
performance. This could cause an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
217

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 Chart — Diesel Fuel Up To B5 Biodiesel (1500 Diesel)
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and replace
if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid. If gear oil leakage is
suspected, check the fluid level. If using your vehicle for
police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing change
the axle fluid. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, parking brake function. X X XXX XX
Inspect transfer case fluid. XX X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace fuel filter and drain water from the fuel filter
assembly. XX X X X
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X XXX XX
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first. XX
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
220

Maintenance Chart – Cummins® Diesel Engine
Miles:
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
Rotate the tires. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4). XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Replace engine fuel filter element. XXXXXX
Replace chassis mounted fuel filter element. XXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings. X X X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake. X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces. If gear oil leakage
is suspected, check the fluid level. If using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing
change the axle fluid. XXXXXX
Inspect drive belt; replace as required. XXXX
Check the transfer case fluid (4x4). XX
Change the transfer case fluid (4x4). X
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear,
improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. XXXXXX
Inspect wheel bearings. XXX
Change automatic transmission fluid
(AS69RC transmission only). XXX
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
227