parking brake Ram 2500 2017 Diesel Supplement

be noticeable at speeds below 20 mph (32 kmh). This
operating mode may last for up to an hour of idle time, or
around 20 minutes of driving time.
Your truck may have been ordered with an optional
voltage monitoring idle up feature. If a load is placed on
the electrical system while the truck is in park, this feature
will attempt to maintain normal system voltage by auto-
matically increasing engine idle speed. You may notice
several consecutive increases in idle speed, up to a maxi-
mum of 1450 RPM, as the system will attempt to utilize the
smallest increase in idle speed necessary to maintain
normal system voltage. The idle speed will return to
normal when either the electrical load is removed, or when
the brake pedal is applied.
NOTE:For instrument cluster display messages related to
the vehicle’s exhaust system, refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Idle-Up Feature — Automatic Transmission Only
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature will help
increase cylinder temperatures and provide additional cab
heat, however, excessive idling may still cause the exhaust
aftertreatment system to not properly regenerate. Extended
periods of idle time should be avoided. The Idle-Up feature uses the speed control switches to
increase engine idle speed and quickly warm the vehicle’s
interior.
1. With the transmission in PARK, the parking brake
applied, and the engine running, push the speed control
switch to the ON position, then push the SET switch.
2. The engine RPM will go up to 1100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the ACCEL/RESUME switch and
the idle speed will increase to approximately 1500 RPM.
To decrease the RPM, push and hold the DECEL switch
and the idle speed will decrease to approximately
1100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF switch, or press the brake
pedal.
Stopping The Engine
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine shutdown.
After full load operation, idle the engine three to five
minutes before shutting it down. This idle period will
allow the lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat
away from the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is especially important
for turbocharged, charge air-cooled engines.
134 STARTING AND OPERATING

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
•It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob. When
the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position, (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the
ignition is in the OFF mode) the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement 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 gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leav-
ing 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 trans-
mission gear selector.
(Continued)
140 STARTING AND OPERATING

the gear selector out of PARK (refer to “Brake/
Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section). To
drive, move the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to
the DRIVE position. Pull the gear selector toward you
when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting
out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise 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 gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual downshifts
can be made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control (refer toElectronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
in this section for further information). Pressing the ERS
(-/+) switches (on the gear selector) while in the DRIVE
position will select the highest available transmission gear,
and will display that gear limit in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Some models will display both the selected gear
limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This
is especially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
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 difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
•Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the key fob.
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 movement 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 gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leav-
ing the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob. When
the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the
ignition is in the OFF mode), the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 143

WARNING!(Continued)
•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 trans-
mission 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 (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 transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector 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 position:
•
When shifting into PARK, pull the gear selector toward
you and move it all the way counterclockwise until it
stops.
• Release the gear selector 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 gear selector
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.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
144 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 Over-
drive.
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmis-
sion 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 converter
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 always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
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.
150 STARTING AND OPERATING

You have the ability to configure the functionality of the
auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster display. All
switches can now be configured for setting the switch type
operation to latching or momentary, power source of either
battery or ignition, and ability to hold last state across key
cycles.
NOTE:Holding last state conditions are met when switch
type is set to latching and power source is set to ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary switches,
please refer to the Ram Body Builders Guide by accessing
www.rambodybuilder.comand choosing the appropriate
links.
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY)
This vehicle when equipped with PTO Prep and either the
AS69RC automatic 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
instrument cluster display and select mobile PTO mode. Details of the PTO selection modes and further PTO
information is available at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders
web site.
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:
•
Transmission in PARK position (vehicles equipped with
automatic transmission.)
• PTO switch has been activated.
• Parking brake applied (vehicles equipped with manual
transmission).
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• Vehicle engine must be running.
• No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
154 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Parking brake must not be applied.
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
• Vehicle engine must be running.
• PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle pro-
vided circuits.
The customer may choose to use the PTO while the vehicle
is moving. To do so, the PTO function must be activated
prior to taking the vehicle out of PARK. This is accom-
plished by activating the upfitter-provided PTO on/off
switch. At this point, the customer may place the vehicle in
a forward or reverse gear and have PTO operation once the
vehicle begins to move. To disengage PTO operation and
return to “standard vehicle operation” simply toggle the
on/off switch to the OFF position.
NOTE: For application specific information with respect
to PTO and pump requirements and additional vehicle
information (wiring schematics, preset idle values, engine
speed limits, and vehicle hardware and software require-
ments) please refer to the Body Builders Guide by access-
ing
rambodybuilder.comand choosing the appropriate
links.
ENGINE RUNAWAY
Diesel engine runaway is a rare condition affecting diesel
engines, where the engine consumes its own lubrication oil
and runs at higher and higher RPM until it overspeeds to
a point where it destroys itself due to either mechanical
failure or engine seizure through lack of lubrication.
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable fumes
from fuel spills or turbocharger oil leaks being sucked
into the engine, do the following to help avoid per-
sonal injury and/or vehicle damage:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire extinguisher,
direct the spray from the fire extinguisher into the
grille on the passenger side so that the spray enters the
engine air intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located behind the
passenger side headlamp and receives air through the
grille.
156 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 work-
ing 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 jumper
cables 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 transmission
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 light or yel-
low. 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.
1. Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of booster battery and the other end of the same cable to
the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
NOTE: Do not connect jumper cables to the fuses. Only
use the jump post when connecting jumper cables.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this could
establish a ground connection and personal injury
could result.
170 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using transmission seal-
ers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
68RFE transmission, or 158-176°F / 70-80°C for AS69RC
transmission). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
You can read the transmission sump temperature in theinstrument cluster display (refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instru-
ment cluster display, and operate the vehicle as required
to reach the normal operating temperature. If the trans-
mission is not functioning properly, or the vehicle
cannot be driven, see the NOTE and CAUTION below
about checking the fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE