RAM 1500 2022 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2022, Model line: 1500, Model: RAM 1500 2022Pages: 496, PDF Size: 18.03 MB
Page 141 of 496

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL139
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND 
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS  
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to 
pass an inspection of your vehicle's emissions 
control system. Failure to pass could prevent 
vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and 
Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies 
the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is 
functioning and is not on when the 
engine is running, and that the OBD II system is 
ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The 
OBD II system may  not be ready if your vehicle was 
recently serviced, recently had a depleted battery 
or a battery replacement. If the OBD II system 
should be determined not ready for the I/M test, 
your vehicle may fail the test. Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, 
which you can use prior to going to the test station. 
To check if your vehicle's OBD II system is ready, 
you must do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, 
but do not crank or start the engine.
NOTE:If you crank or start the engine, you will have to 
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the Malfunction 
Indicator Light (MIL) symbol come on as part of 
a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two  things will happen:
The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and 
then return to being fully illuminated until 
you turn OFF the ignition or start the engine. 
This means that your vehicle's OBD II 
system is  not ready and you should  not 
proceed to the I/M station.
The MIL will not flash at all and will remain 
fully illuminated until you place the ignition 
in the off position or start the engine. This 
means that your vehicle's OBD II system is 
ready  and you can proceed to the I/M 
station.
If your OBD II system is  not ready, you should see 
an authorized dealer or repair facility. If your 
vehicle was recently serviced or had a battery 
failure or replacement, you may need to do nothing 
more than drive your vehicle as you normally would 
in order for your OBD II system to update. A 
recheck with the above test routine may then 
indicate that the system is  now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II system 
is ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during 
normal vehicle operation you should have your 
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. 
The I/M station can fail your vehicle because the 
MIL is on with the engine running.
3
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140  (Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE 
GASOLINE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, 
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten 
your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more than 
10-second intervals. Waiting at least 10 to 15 
seconds between such intervals will protect the 
starter from overheating. DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, both 
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat 
belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to 25-second 
intervals. Waiting at least two minutes between 
such intervals will protect the starter from 
overheating.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure 
the keyless ignition node is in the OFF posi-
tion, remove the key fob from the vehicle and 
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is 
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or 
others could be seriously or fatally injured. 
Children should be warned not to touch the 
parking brake, brake pedal or the gear 
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, 
or in a location accessible to children, and do 
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped 
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the ACC or 
ON/RUN position. A child could operate power 
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked 
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup 
may cause serious injury or death.
WARNING!WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a 
complete stop, then shift the automatic trans -
mission into PARK and apply the parking brake.
Always make sure the ENGINE START/STOP 
button is in the OFF position, key fob is removed 
from the vehicle and vehicle is locked.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving chil -
dren in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for 
a number of reasons. A child or others could 
be seriously or fatally injured. Children should 
be warned not to touch the parking brake, 
brake pedal or the gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, 
or in a location accessible to children, and do 
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped 
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could operate power 
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked 
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup 
may cause serious injury or death.
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STARTING AND OPERATING141
NOTE:Engine start-up in very low ambient temperature 
could result in evident white smoke. This condition 
will disappear as the engine warms up.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK 
position. Apply the brake before shifting into any 
driving range.
NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission 
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must 
be pressed to shift out of PARK.
If equipped with an 8-speed transmission, 
starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL is not possible 
unless the Manual Park Release has been acti -
vated  Ú page 388.
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 and will 
automatically disengage when the engine is 
running.
KEYLESS ENTER ‘N GO™ — IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the 
ignition switch with the push of a button, as long as 
the Remote Start/Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ key fob is 
in the passenger compartment.
NORMAL STARTING USING ENGINE 
START/STOP B
UTTON — GASOLINE 
E
NGINE    
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing 
the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system starts the vehicle. If the vehicle  fails to start, the starter will disengage 
automatically after 10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine  prior to the engine starting, push the button 
again. To Turn Off The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button
1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push 
and release the ENGINE START/STOP button. 
The ignition will return to the OFF position.
2. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE  START/STOP button must be held for two 
seconds or three short pushes in a row with 
the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition will 
remain in the ACC position until the gear 
selector is in PARK and the button is pushed 
twice to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the  ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once 
with the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h), the instrument cluster will display a “ Vehicle 
Not In Park ” message and the engine will 
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of 
the PARK position, or it could roll.
NOTE:If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the ENGINE 
START/STOP button is pushed once with the 
vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h), the engine 
will shut off and the ignition will remain in the ACC 
position. If vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph 
(1.9 km/h), the vehicle may AutoPark  
Ú page 142.
CAUTION!
The engine is allowed to crank as long as 
25 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 filter to avoid engine 
damage  Ú page 412.
4
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142STARTING AND OPERATING  
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With 
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or 
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar 
to an ignition switch. It has three modes: OFF, ACC, 
and ON/RUN. To change the ignition modes 
without starting the vehicle and use the 
accessories, follow these directions:
1. Start with the ignition in the OFF position.
2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to  place the ignition to the ACC position.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a  second time to place the ignition to the
ON/RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third  time to return the ignition to the OFF position.
AUTOPARK
AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist in 
placing the vehicle in PARK should the situations 
on the following pages occur. It is a back-up system 
and should not be relied upon as the primary 
method by which the driver shifts the vehicle 
into PARK.
The conditions under which AutoPark will engage 
are outlined on the following pages. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off 
the engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions 
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 
8-speed transmission
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Ignition is switched from ON/RUN to ACC
NOTE:For Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ equipped vehicles, the 
engine will turn off and the ignition switch will 
change to ACC position. After 30 minutes the 
ignition switches to OFF automatically, unless the 
driver turns the ignition switch OFF.
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the 
vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle may 
AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions 
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 
8-speed transmission
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
Driver’s door is ajar
Brake pedal is not pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then 
Shift to Gear ” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be 
displayed in the instrument cluster, causing the 
“AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift to Gear ” 
message to not be seen. In these cases, the gear 
selector must be returned to “P” to select desired 
gear.
WARNING!
Driver inattention could lead to failure to place 
the vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL 
CHECK that your vehicle is in PARK by verifying 
that a solid (not blinking) “P” is indicated in 
the instrument cluster display and near the 
gear selector. If the “P” indicator is blinking, 
your vehicle is not in PARK. As an added 
precaution, always apply the parking brake 
when exiting the vehicle.
AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not 
designed to replace the need to shift your 
vehicle into PARK. It is a back up system and 
should not be relied upon as the primary 
method by which the driver shifts the vehicle 
into PARK.
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STARTING AND OPERATING143
(Continued)
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the 
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage 
ONLY when vehicle speed is 
1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to 
P” will be displayed in the instrument cluster if 
vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h).
4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the 
vehicle in 4WD LOW.
The message “ AutoPark Disabled ” will be 
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Additional customer warnings will be given when 
all of these conditions are met:
Vehicle is not in PARK
Driver’s door is ajar
Vehicle is in 4WD LOW The message “
AutoPark Not Engaged” will be 
displayed in the instrument cluster. A warning 
chime will continue until you shift the vehicle into 
PARK or the driver’s door is closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
 that your vehicle is in 
PARK by looking for the "P" in the instrument 
cluster display and near the gear selector. As an 
added precaution, always apply the parking brake 
when exiting the vehicle.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START 
If the engine fails to start after you have followed 
the “Normal Starting” procedure, it may be 
flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to 
the floor and hold it there while the engine is 
cranking. This should clear any excess fuel in case 
the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 
10 seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, 
release the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, 
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal 
Starting” procedure. If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, 
but not have enough power to continue running 
when the ignition button/key is released. If this 
occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator 
pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the 
accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key once 
the engine is running smoothly.
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h), the 
transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the 
vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h). 
A vehicle left in the NEUTRAL position can roll. As 
an added precaution, always apply the parking 
brake when exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into 
the throttle body air inlet opening in an 
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result 
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to 
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto -
matic transmission cannot be started this 
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic 
converter and once the engine has started, 
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, 
booster cables may be used to obtain a start 
from a booster battery or the battery in 
another vehicle. This type of start can be 
dangerous if done improperly  Ú page 384.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank 
the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time. 
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
4
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144STARTING AND OPERATING  
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 
10 second period of engine cranking with the 
accelerator pedal held to the floor, wait 10 to 
15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” 
procedure.
NORMAL STARTING USING ENGINE 
START/S TOP B
UTTON — DIESEL 
E
NGINE    
Observe the instrument panel telltales when 
starting the engine.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is 
obtained without pumping or pressing the accel -
erator pedal.
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK (P).
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing  the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
NOTE:A delay of the start, up to five seconds is possible 
under very cold conditions. The Wait to Start 
telltale will be illuminated during the pre-heat 
process. When the engine Wait To Start light goes 
off the engine will automatically crank. 3. The system starts the vehicle. If the vehicle 
fails to start, the starter will disengage 
automatically after 25 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine  prior to the engine starting, push the button 
again.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is 
obtained without pumping or pressing the accel -
erator pedal.
To Turn Off The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button
1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push  and release the ENGINE START/STOP button. 
The ignition will return to the OFF position.
 2. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE 
START/STOP button must be held for two 
seconds or three short pushes in a row with 
the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition will 
remain in the ACC position until the gear 
selector is in PARK and the button is pushed 
twice to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the  ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once 
with the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h), the instrument cluster will display a “ Vehicle 
Not In Park ” message and the engine will 
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of 
the PARK position, or it could roll.NOTE:If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the ENGINE 
START/STOP button is pushed once with the 
vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h), the engine 
will shut off and the ignition will remain in the ACC 
position. If vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph 
(1.9 km/h), the vehicle may AutoPark  
Ú page 142.
CAUTION!
If the Water in Fuel Indicator Light remains on, 
DO NOT START the engine before you drain the 
water from the fuel filter to avoid engine damage  
Úpage 412.
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STARTING AND OPERATING145
(Continued)
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With 
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or 
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar 
to an ignition switch. It has three positions: OFF, 
ACC, and ON/RUN. To change the ignition modes 
without starting the vehicle and use the 
accessories, follow these directions:
1. Start with the ignition in the OFF position.
2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to 
place the ignition to the ACC position.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a  second time to place the ignition to the ON/
RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third  time to return the ignition to the OFF position.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION (BELOW 
–22°F O
R −30°C) 
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, 
use of an externally powered electric engine block 
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is 
recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it 
will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING FLUIDS — DIESEL ENGINE 
O
NLY
The engine is equipped with a glow plug preheating 
system. If the instructions in this manual are 
followed, the engine should start in all conditions 
and no type of starting fluid should be used.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked 
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up 
may cause serious injury or death.
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure 
the wireless ignition node is in the OFF posi -
tion, remove the key fob from the vehicle and 
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing 
children to be in a vehicle unattended is 
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or 
others could be seriously or fatally injured. 
Children should be warned not to touch the 
parking brake, brake pedal or the gear 
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, 
or in a location accessible to children, and do 
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped 
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could operate power 
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
4
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146STARTING AND OPERATING  
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the diesel engine is 
operating.
All message center lights are off.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
Engine Oil Pressure telltale is not illuminated.
Voltmeter operation:
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at 
various engine temperatures. This is caused by the 
glow plug heating system. The number of cycles 
and the length of the cycling operation is controlled 
by the engine control module. Glow plug heater 
operation can run for several minutes, once the 
heater operation is complete the voltmeter needle 
will stabilize.
COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
Operation in ambient temperature below 32°F 
(0°C) may require special considerations. The 
following charts suggest these options:
Fuel Operating Range
NOTE:Use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Fuels  ONLY.
Fuel Operating Range Chart
*Number 1 ULSD Fuel should only be used where 
extended arctic conditions below (0°F/-18°C) 
exist.
NOTE:
Use of Climatized ULSD Fuel or Number 1 ULSD 
Fuel results in a noticeable decrease in fuel 
economy.
Climatized ULSD Fuel is a blend of Number 2 
ULSD and Number 1 ULSD Fuels which reduces 
the temperature at which wax crystals form in 
fuel.
The fuel grade should be clearly marked on the 
pump at the fuel station.
The engine requires the use of ULSD Fuel. Use 
of incorrect fuel could result in engine and 
exhaust system damage  Ú page 469.
If Climatized or diesel Number 1 ULSD Fuel is 
not available, and you are operating below 
(20°F/-6°C), in sustained arctic conditions, 
Mopar® Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or 
equivalent) is recommended to avoid gelling 
(see Fuel Operating Range Chart).
Engine Oil Usage
For the correct engine oil viscosity  Ú page 473.
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STARTING AND OPERATING147
Winter Front Cover
Winter Front Cover
A Winter front or cold weather cover can be used in 
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C), 
especially during extended idle conditions. This 
cover is equipped with four flaps for managing 
total grille opening in varying ambient 
temperatures. If a Winter front or cold weather 
cover is to be used the flaps should be in the full 
open position to allow air flow to the cooling 
module and automatic transmission oil cooler. 
When ambient temperatures drop below 0°F 
(-17°C) the four flaps need to be closed. A suitable 
cold weather cover is available from a Mopar® 
dealer.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is 
cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the engine 
up to operating speed slowly to allow the oil 
pressure to stabilize as the engine warms up.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the 
engine at moderate speeds for five minutes before 
full loads are applied.
ENGINE IDLING
Avoid prolonged 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, cylinder head valves, turbochargers, 
and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can 
enter the crankcase, diluting the oil and causing 
rapid wear to the engine.
4
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148STARTING AND OPERATING  
STOPPING THE ENGINE
After full load operation, idle the engine for a few minutes before shutting it down. This idle period will allow the lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat 
away from the turbocharger. Refer to the following chart for proper engine shutdown.
NOTE:Under certain conditions the engine Stop/Start functionality may be temporarily disabled and the engine fan will run after the engine is turned off to protect the 
engine. These conditions are under high load and high temperature conditions.
 Driving Condition  Load Turbocharger Temperature  Idle Time (min.) 
Before Engine Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolNone
Stop and Go Medium 0.5
Highway Speeds MediumWarm 1.0
City Traffic Maximum GCWR 1.5
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR 2.0
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR Hot2.5
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