manual transmission Ram 2500 2014 Diesel Supplement

The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
The shift lever is mounted on the right side of the steering
column. You must press the brake pedal to move the shift
lever out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting into RE-
VERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.
The transmission shift lever has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual down-
shifts can be made using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (refer toElectronic Range Select (ERS)
Operationin this section for further information). Press-
ing the ERS (-/+) switches (on the shift lever) while in the
DRIVE position will select the highest available transmis-
sion gear, and will display that gear in the instrument
cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage (and
68RFE-equipped trucks will not shift to sixth gear),
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher when the torque
converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting properly when cold. This is
normal. Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control, when the transmission is sufficiently warm,
will demonstrate that the transmission is able to shift
into and out of Overdrive.•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 239

CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch
pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause
abnormal wear on the clutch.
NOTE:During cold weather, you may experience in-
creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid
warms up. This is normal.
Shifting
Truck models with manual transmission are equipped
with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch
pedal must be fully pressed to start the vehicle.
Shift Pattern
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.
This transmission has a “creeper” first gear which should
be used to start from a standing position when carrying a
payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the clutch can
result from starting in second or third gear with a loaded
vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched in second
gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do not skip a gear.
NOTE:When loaded, pulling a trailer or on a grade, the
truck should always start in first gear and not skip gears.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
Maximum Recommended Up-Shift Speeds
Gear Selection 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
Maximum
Speed7 mph
(11 km/h)15 mph
(24 km/h)25 mph
(40 km/h)40 mph
(64 km/h)45 mph
(72 km/h)
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 241

To shift out of REVERSE bring the vehicle to a complete
stop and press the clutch. Shifting out of REVERSE prior
to a complete stop may cause high shift effort.
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY)
This vehicle when equipped with either the AS69RC auto-
matic six-speed or G-56 manual six-speed transmissions,
will allow for an aftermarket upfit with a transmission
driven PTO (power take off). The customer will have the
ability to operate the PTO in either a “stationary” or
“mobile” mode. The vehicles will be factory set to the
“stationary” mode. To select ’mobile mode’ You will need
to enter the commercial vehicle menu on the EVIC screen
and select mobile PTO mode. Details of the PTO selection
modes and further PTO information is available at the Ram
Truck Bodybuilders web site. www.rambodybuilder.com
AS69RC Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
The PTO drive gear (part of the AS69RC) operates at
torque converter turbine speed. The turbine speed will be
less than engine speed when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged and will be same as engine speed when
the torque converter clutch is engaged.
Stationary Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet
the following conditions:
•Be in PARK position (vehicles equipped with auto-
matic transmission.)
•PTO switch has been activated.
•Parking brake applied (vehicles equipped with
manual transmission).
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
•To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing,
do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from
battery vent holes. Always wear eye protection
when working with batteries.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e., do
not use a 24 Volt power source.
NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12 Volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumpercables to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If the
indicator (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
CAUTION!
Use the jump start procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If the charge indicator (if equipped) has a
green dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
282 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped........318
▫Automatic Transmission — If Equipped......318
▫Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty...........................322
FLUID CAPACITIES....................327FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE
PARTS ..............................328
▫Engine.............................328
▫Chassis............................330
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Selection of Lubricant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Selection of Lubricant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/2 in (12
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicleis on level ground, enough lubricant should be added to
bring the level to 1/4 in (6 mm) below the bottom of the
filler hole.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Selection of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR® BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (2500/
3500)We recommend you use Synthetic, GL-5 SAE 75W-85. Limited slip additive
is not required for Limited-Slip Rear Axles.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (4500/
5500)We recommend you use Synthetic, GL-5 SAE 75W-85. Limited slip additive
is not required for Limited-Slip Rear Axles.
Clutch Linkage We recommend you use MOPAR® Multi-Purpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2
E.P. or equivalent.
Manual Transmission (G-56) – If
EquippedWe recommend you use MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid
or equivalent licensed ATF+4® product.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331

Mileage or time passed (which-
ever comes first):
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
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
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
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s) if using your ve-
hicle for any of the following: po-
lice, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing (68RFE transmission only).XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter(s).X
Change the manual transmission
fluid if using your vehicle for any
of the following: police, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing.XX
Replace Crankcase Ventilation
Filter (CCV).XX
7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 341