automatic transmission Ram 1500 2015 Diesel Supplement

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve-
niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
• The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic
transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
• Obstructions between the vehicle and the RKE trans-
mitter may reduce this range.
• The Remote Start system will wait for the “Wait To
Start” amber telltale to extinguish before cranking the
engine. This allows time for the engine pre-heat cycle
to pre-heat the cylinder air, and is normal in cold weather. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Dis-
play (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information on the “Wait To Start”
amber telltale and the pre-heat cycle.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
•
Shift lever in PARK
• Doors closed
• Hood closed
• HAZARD switch off
• BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
• Battery at an acceptable charge level
• RKE PANIC button not pressed
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

22. Transmission Gear Position Indicator
The Transmission Gear Position Indicator is self-
contained within the instrument cluster. It displays the
gear range of the automatic transmission.
NOTE:The highest available transmission gear is dis-
played in the lower right corner of the EVIC whenever
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) feature is active. Use
the +/- selector on the shift lever or steering wheel to
activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
23. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed. 24. 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.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 25

CAUTION!(Continued)
sensor to become inoperable. After using an after-
market tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
NOTE: The TPMS telltale is also accompanied by a “Low
Tire” message in the Driver Information Display (DID)
screen indicating “Low Tire”.
17. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front
fog lights are on. 18. Driver Information Display (DID)
The Driver Information Display (DID) features an inter-
active display that is located in the instrument cluster.
For further information, refer to “Driver Information
Display (DID)” in this section.
19. Transmission Gear Position Indicator
The Transmission Gear Position Indicator is self-
contained within the instrument cluster. It displays the
gear range of the automatic transmission.
NOTE:
The highest available transmission gear is dis-
played in the lower right corner of the DID whenever the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) feature is active. Use the
+/- selector on the shift lever or steering wheel to activate
ERS. Refer to “Automatic Transmission” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
38 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into PARK and run
the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture 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 illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.•
Air Suspension Payload Protection Telltale — If
Equipped This telltale will turn on to indicate that the
maximum payload may have been exceeded or
load leveling cannot be achieved at its current
ride height.
Protection Mode will automatically be selected in
order to “protect” the air suspension system, air
suspension adjustment is limited due to payload.
• Water In Fuel Indicator Light — Diesel Only
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the fuel
filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT start
the vehicle before you drain the water from the
fuel filters to prevent engine damage. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Separator Fil-
ters” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
44 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................75
▫ Normal Starting .......................76
▫ Automatic Transmission .................76
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go™ ...................77
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ...................78
▫ Starting Fluids ........................79
 NORMAL OPERATION ...................80
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................80
▫ Engine Idling .........................82
▫ Stopping The Engine ....................82 ▫
Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission ..........................83
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ....84
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................85
▫ Fuel Specifications .....................86
▫ Biodiesel Fuel Requirements ...............87
 DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID .................90
▫ System Overview ......................90
 ADDING FUEL — 1500 DIESEL MODELS ......91
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ............94
4

CAUTION!
•The engine is allowed to crank as long as 30
seconds. If the engine fails to start during this
period, please wait at least two minutes for the
starter to cool before repeating start procedure.
• If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on,
DO NOT START engine before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water
Separator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key fob to the START position and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, turn the
key fob to the OFF position, wait five seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission gear selector in the
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do not
press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
76 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Under certain conditions the engine fan will run
after the engine is turned off. These conditions are under
high load and high temperature conditions.
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission
To reduce the potential for engine and transmission
overheating in high ambient temperature conditions,
take the following actions:
• City Driving — When stopped, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
• Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.
• Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission gear.
• Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
NOTE: If the coolant temperature is too high the A/C
will automatically turn off.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
If the low oil pressure warning light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine as
soon as possible. A chime will sound when the light turns
on.
NOTE: Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much oil is in the
engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the
hood.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings, shut
the engine off immediately. Failure to do so could
result in immediate and severe engine damage.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 83

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Only use Mopar® ZF 8&9 Speed ATF™ Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or perfor-
mance of your transmission.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR® BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel
Drive Models We recommend you use MOPAR® GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle We recommend you use MOPAR® Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140
(MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Axles require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml)
MOPAR® Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111).
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be
used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is
acceptable.
126 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve-
niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
• The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic
transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
• The Remote Start system will wait for the “Wait To
Start” telltale to extinguish before cranking the engine.
This allows time for the intake heater to pre-heat the
incoming air, and is normal operation in cold weather.
Refer to “Wait To Start” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel”.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
• Transmission in PARK
• Doors closed
• Hood closed
• HAZARD switch off
• BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pushed)
• Ignition key removed from ignition switch
• Battery at an acceptable charge level
• RKE PANIC button not pushed
• Fuel meets minimum requirement
• Water In Fuel Indicator Light is not illuminated
• Wait To Start Light is not illuminated
144 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When remote start is activated, the heated steering
wheel, and driver heated seat features will automatically
turn on in cold weather. In warm weather, the driver
vented seat feature will automatically turn on when the
remote start is activated. These features will stay on
through the duration of remote start or until the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
The Remote Start Comfort System can be activated and
deactivated through the EVIC/DID. For more informa-
tion on Remote Start Comfort System operation refer to
your Owners Manual.
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 recommen-
dations 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 indica-
tors.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 147