tow Ram 2500 2016 Diesel Supplement

Blue Telltale Indicator Light
High Beam Indicator Light
Blue TelltaleLight What It Means
High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator shows that the high beam headlights are on. Push the multifunction control
lever away from you to switch the headlights to high beam. Pull the lever toward you to
switch the headlights back to low beam. Pull the lever toward you for a temporary high
beam on,
flash to pass scenario.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227

zero, and will be accompanied by a periodic chime.
The message will continue to countdown until it
reaches zero unless the vehicle is serviced. We recom-
mend you drive to your nearest authorized dealer and
have your vehicle serviced immediately.
NOTE: Under some circumstances this mileage counter
may start with a value of less than 150 miles (241 km). For
example, if recurring faults are detected in a time interval
of less than 40 hours, the counter may restart at the value
where it stopped when a previous fault was temporarily
remedied, or at a minimum of 50 miles (80 km).
• 5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or Refuel
Service DEF See Dealer — This message will continu-
ously display when the mileage counter reaches zero,
and will be accompanied by a periodic chime. •
The vehicle will only be capable of a maximum speed
of 5 MPH upon the first of the following conditions to
occur:
• If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
• If the vehicle is idled for an extended period of time,
approximately one hour or greater.
• If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank
has increased.
• 5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See Dealer —
This message will continuously display, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. Although the ve-
hicle can be started and placed in gear, the vehicle will
only operate at a maximum speed of 5 MPH. Your
vehicle will require towing, see your authorized dealer
for service.
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This message
will display when the fault is initially detected, each
time the vehicle is started, and periodically during
driving. The message will be accompanied by a single
chime. We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible.
NOTE: When this message is displayed, the engine can
still be started. However, the vehicle will only operate at
a maximum speed of 5 MPH.
RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Ram Active
Air system that provides enhanced performance, espe-
cially when towing under demanding hot or high alti-
tude conditions. If the EVIC/DID displays the message
“Active Airbox Service Required See Dealer”, vehicle
performance may be reduced until service is performed
by an authorized RAM dealer.
Fuel Filter Life Reset
The cluster will display the “Service Fuel Filter” message
when the fuel filter maintenance life is less than 5%. To
check the remaining fuel filter life, go to the “Fuel Filter
Life” screen in the “Vehicle Info” menu. When this
message appears, dealers should replace both frame
mounted and engine mounted fuel filters.
NOTE: Use the steering wheel EVIC controls for the
following procedure(s)
Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Press and release the DOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info”.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239

9. Selectable Gauge (Trans Temp, Oil Temp, Oil Life,Trailer Brake, Current MPG, Fuel Filter Life, Turbo
Boost, Exhaust Brake, Battery Voltage)
10. Main Menu Items (Digital Speedometer, Vehicle Info, Fuel Economy, Trip A, Trip B, Trailer Tow, Audio,
Stored Messages, Screen Setup, Vehicle Settings)
11. Selectable Gauge (Trans Temp, Oil Temp, Oil Life, Trailer Brake, Current MPG, Fuel Filter Life, Turbo
Boost, Exhaust Brake, Battery Voltage)
The main display area will normally display the main
menu or the screens of a selected feature of the main
menu. The main display area also displays “pop up”
messages that consist of approximately 60 possible warn-
ing or information messages. These pop up messages fall
into several categories: •
Five Second Stored Messages
When the appropriate conditions occur, this type of
message takes control of the main display area for five
seconds and then returns to the previous screen. Most of
the messages of this type are then stored (as long as the
condition that activated it remains active) and can be
reviewed from the “Messages” main menu item. As long
as there is a stored message, an “i” will be displayed in
the DID’s compass/outside temp line. Examples of this
message type are “Right Front Turn Signal Lamp Out”
and “Low Tire Pressure”.
• Unstored Messages
This message type is displayed indefinitely or until the
condition that activated the message is cleared. Examples
of this message type are “Turn Signal On” (if a turn signal
is left on) and “Lights On” (if driver leaves the vehicle).
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243

only operate at a maximum speed of 5 MPH. Your
vehicle will require towing, see your authorized dealer
for service.
• Engine Will Not Restart Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will display if DEF system
issue detected is not serviced during the allowed
period. Your engine will not restart unless your vehicle
is serviced by your authorized dealer. This message
will be displayed when under 1 mile until engine will
not start and each time the vehicle is started, and will
be continuously displayed. The message will be ac-
companied by a single chime. Your Malfunction Indi-
cator Light will be continuously illumined. We highly
recommend you drive to your nearest authorized
dealer if the message appears while engine is running.
NOTE: When this message is displayed, the engine can
still be started. However, the vehicle will only operate at
a maximum speed of 5 MPH.RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Ram Active
Air system that provides enhanced performance, espe-
cially when towing under demanding hot or high alti-
tude conditions. If the DID displays the message “Active
Airbox Service Required See Dealer”, vehicle perfor-
mance may be reduced until service is performed by an
authorized RAM dealer.
Fuel Filter Life Reset
The cluster will display the “Service Fuel Filter” message
when the fuel filter maintenance life is less than 5%. To
check the remaining fuel filter life, go to the “Fuel Filter
Life” screen in the “Vehicle Info” menu. When this
message appears, dealers should replace both frame
mounted and engine mounted fuel filters.
NOTE: Use the steering wheel EVIC controls for the
following procedure(s)
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR dealer.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110–115 Volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
NOTE: The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and 6.5
Amps to activate the heater element.
Block Heater Usage
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine
block heater usage is recommended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine
block heater usage is required.
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING)
The purpose of the exhaust brake (engine braking) fea-
ture is to supply negative (braking) torque from the
engine. Typically, the engine braking is used for, but not
limited to, vehicle towing applications where vehicle
braking can be achieved by the internal engine power,
thereby sparing the mechanical brakes of the vehicle.
Benefits of the exhaust brake are:
• Vehicle driving control.
• Reduced brake fade.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 281

The automatic transmission will downshift more aggres-
sively in TOW/HAUL mode when the exhaust brake is
enabled to increase brake performance.
CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recom-
mended and could lead to engine damage
WARNING!
Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in
icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine
braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the
vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of
vehicle control, which may cause an accident possi-
bly resulting in personal injury or death.
NOTE: For optimum braking power it is recommended
to use the exhaust brake while in TOW/HAUL mode. The exhaust brake feature can also be used to reduce the
engine warm up time. To use the exhaust brake as a
warm-up device, the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 5 mph (8 km/h), the
Exhaust Brake Indicator
must be on, and the coolant temperature must be below
180°F (82°C) and ambient temperature below 60°F (16°C).
Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake
Automatic Exhaust Brake technology delivers smoother,
less aggressive exhaust braking characteristics during
downhill descents. Although it can apply full exhaust
braking force if needed, Automatic Exhaust Brake may
not apply obvious braking if the vehicle speed is not
increasing. Automatic Exhaust Brake is intended to main-
tain vehicle speed, while Full Exhaust Brake is intended
to reduce vehicle speed.
Automatic Exhaust Brake can be enabled by pushing the
exhaust brake button again anytime after the normal Full
Exhaust Brake has been turned on. The “Exhaust Brake
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STARTING AND OPERATING 283

Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/
OFF (key removal) position. The key fob can only be
removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF position, and the transmission is locked in
PARK whenever the ignition switch is in the LOCK/OFF
position.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmission
out of PARK, the ignition switch must be turned to the
ON/RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Chassis Cab models (with automatic transmission) use
the AS69RC transmission (which is equipped with a
Power Take-Off [PTO] access cover on the side of the
transmission case). Pickup models may use either the
AS69RC transmission, or the 68RFE transmission (which
has no PTO access cover).
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
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it diffi-
cult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
NOTE:On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position.WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others
if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the
shift lever out of PARK with the brake pedal
released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children), and do not
leave the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go™) in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you
must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain. The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:
•
When shifting into PARK, pull the shift lever toward
you and move it all the way counterclockwise until it
stops.
• Release the shift lever and make sure it is fully seated
in the PARK gate.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever
will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
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