fuel tank Ram 2500 2017 Diesel Supplement

Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup — This mes-
sage will display during start up when the ambient
temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F (-23° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds) During
Warmup — This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between -10° F (-23° C)
and -25 F (-32° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes) During
Warmup — This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is -25° F (-32° C) and
below.
• Coolant Low — This telltale will turn on to indicate the
vehicle coolant level is low. See “Adding Coolant” under
the section “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for more infor-
mation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages
Your vehicle will begin displaying warning messages when
the DEF level reaches a driving range of approximately 350 miles (560 km). If the following warning message
sequence is ignored, your vehicle may be limited to a
maximum speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H) unless DEF is added.
•
DEF Low Refill Soon — This message will display
when the low level is reached, during vehicle start up,
and with increased frequency during vehicle operation.
It will be accompanied by a single chime. Approximately
5 gallons (19 Liters) of DEF is required to refill the tank
when this message is initially displayed. on pickup
applications, and approximately 7 gallons (28 Liters) are
required on chassis-cab applications.
• Speed Limited to 5 MPH in XXX mi Refill DEF — This
message will continuously display if the “DEF Low
Refill Soon” message is ignored, and the frequency of
occurance of the chime will increase unless up to
2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the tank.
• 5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or Refuel
Refill DEF — This message will continuously display
when the 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:
116 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•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.
• Add a minimum of 2 gallons (9.5 Liters) of DEF to the
tank in order to avoid vehicle operation at a maximum
speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H).
NOTE: A minimum of 2 gallons (9.5 Liters) may be
required to restore normal vehicle operation. Although the
vehicle will start normally and can be placed in gear after
this message has been initially displayed, extreme caution
should be utilized since the vehicle will only be capable of
maneuvering at a maximum speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages
There are five different messages which are displayed if the
vehicle detects that the DEF system has been filled with a
fluid other than DEF, has experienced component failures,
or when tampering has been detected. The vehicle may be
limited to a maximum speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H) if the
DEF system is not serviced within less than 200 miles
(322 km) of the fault being detected. When the DEF system needs to be serviced the following
warnings will display:
•
Service DEF System 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.
• 5 MPH Max Speed in 150 mi Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will display if the DEF system
has not been serviced after the “Service DEF System –
See Dealer” message is displayed. This message will
continuously display until the mileage counter reaches
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 recommend 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).
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117

•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 vehicle
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.
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. •
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.
RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Ram Active Air
system that provides enhanced performance, especially
when towing under demanding hot or high altitude con-
ditions. If the Instrument Cluster Display displays the
message “Active Airbox Service Required See Dealer”,
vehicle performance may be reduced until service is per-
formed by an authorized RAM dealer.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:
•If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gasoline on
your diesel vehicle, Do not start the vehicle. If you
restart your vehicle you risk damaging the engine and
fuel system. Please call your local dealer for service.
• A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 may be used with your Cummins
diesel engine. (Chassis Cab models not configured with
B20 capability.)
• A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-7467 may be used with your Cummins
diesel engine. (Pickup models and Chassis Cab models
configured with B20 Capability.)
• In addition, commercially available fuel additives are
not necessary for the proper operation of your Cummins
diesel engine. However, if seasonably adjusted fuel is
not available and you are operating below 20°F (-6°C),
MOPAR Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or equivalent)
may be beneficial to avoid fuel gelling.
• No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used
where extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements
Chassis Cab Models
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM specifi-
cation D975 may be used with your Cummins diesel
engine. If operation with biodiesel blends greater than 5%
but not greater than 20% (B6-B20) is desired, the truck must
first be reconfigured by an authorized Ram dealer and the
provisions in the following section must be adhered to.
Pickup Models And Chassis Cab Models Ordered
With B20 Option
Your vehicle has been validated and approved for the use
of biodiesel in blends up to 20% (B20) provided that you
comply with the requirements outlined below. It is impor-
tant that you understand and comply with these require-
ments. Failure to comply with Oil Change requirements for
vehicles operating on biodiesel blends up to B20 will result
in premature engine wear. Such wear is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable resources
typically derived from animal fat, rapeseed oil (Rapeseed
Methyl Ester (RME) base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl Ester
(SME or SOME) base). Biodiesel fuel has inherent limita-
tions which require that you understand and adhere to the
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following requirements if you use blends of biodiesel
greater then 5% but not greater than 20% (B6-B20). There
are no unique restrictions for the use of B5. Use of blends
greater than 20% is not approved. Use of blends greater
than 20% can result in engine damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fuel Quality — Must Comply With ASTM
Standards
The quality of biodiesel fuel may vary widely. Only fuel
produced by a BQ9000 supplier to the following specifica-
tions may be blended to meet biodiesel blend (B6–B20) fuel
meeting ASTM specification D-7467:
•Pretrodiesel fuel meeting ASTM specification D-975 and
biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting ASTM specification
D-6751.
Fuel Oxidation Stability — Must Use Fuel Within
Six Months Of Manufacture
Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability which can result
in long term storage problems. Fuel produced to approved
ASTM standards, if stored properly, provides for protec-
tion against fuel oxidation for up to six months.
Fuel Water Separation — Must Use MOPAR/
Cummins Approved Fuel Filter Elements
You must use MOPAR/Cummins approved fuel filter
elements in both your engine mounted filter and frame
mounted filter.
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and water
accelerates microbial growth. Your MOPAR/Cummins fil-
tration system is designed to provide adequate fuel water
separation capabilities.
Bio-Diesel Fuel Properties — Low Ambient
Temperatures
Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient tempera-
tures, which may pose problems for both storage and opera-
tion. Precautions can be necessary at low ambient tempera-
tures, such as storing the fuel in a heated building or a heated
storage tank, or using cold temperature additives.
Fuel In Oil Dilution — Must Adhere To Required
Oil Change Interval
Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been observed with the
use of biodiesel fuel. Fuel in oil must not exceed 5%. To
ensure this limit is met your oil change interval must be
maintained to the following schedule:
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STARTING AND OPERATING 159

•Ram PickUp 2500/3500 Only — 15,000 Miles*
• Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab — 12,500 Miles*
(*unless otherwise notified with a oil service message)
CAUTION!
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) pickup or 12,500 miles
(20 000 km) chassis cab if operation occurs with greater
than 5% biodiesel blends. Oil change intervals should
not exceed 6 months in either case. Failure to comply
with these Oil Change requirements for vehicles op-
erating on biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in
premature engine wear. Such wear is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• B20 Biodiesel capable: The engine may suffer severe
damage if operated with concentrations of Biodiesel
higher than 20%.
ADDING FUEL — 2500/3500 DIESEL MODELS
1. Open the fuel filler door.
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
NOTE: There is no fuel filler cap. A flapper door inside the
filler pipe seals the system.
2.
Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe – the nozzle
opens and holds the flapper door while refueling.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel – when the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off the fuel tank is full.
4. Remove the fuel nozzle and close the fuel door.
Diesel Fuel And Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
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NOTE:Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper door
open.
3. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
4. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting back in the jack kit.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off”
the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and may cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to
turn on.
• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
ADDING FUEL — CHASSIS CAB MODELS
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off”
the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
Emergency Fuel Fill Location
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•Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.
• Make sure that the fuel filler cap is tightened each time
the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is on a truck bed. You could be burned.
Always place fuel containers on the ground while
filling.
Fuel Filler Cap
If the fuel filler cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control system
could result from using an improper fuel tank filler
tube cap. A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into
the fuel system.
WARNING!
• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel filler cap is removed or the
tank filled.
• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause severe
damage to the engine fuel system. Proper maintenance of
the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with water
will promote the growth of “microbes.” These microbes
form “slime” that will clog the fuel filtration system and
lines. Drain condensation from the supply tank and change
the line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE: When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of fuel,
air is pulled into the fuel system.
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If the vehicle will not start, refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a very stable
product with a long shelf life. If DEF is kept in tempera-
tures between 10° and 90°F (-12° and 32°C), it will last a
minimum of one year.
DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest temperatures.
For example, DEF may freeze at temperatures at or below
12° F (-11° C). The system has been designed to operate in
this environment.
NOTE:When working with DEF, it is important to know
that:
• Any containers or parts that come into contact with DEF
must be DEF compatible (plastic or stainless steel). Copper, brass, aluminum, iron or non-stainless steel
should be avoided as they are subject to corrosion by
DEF.
• If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up completely.
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid
The DEF gauge (located on the instrument cluster) will
display the level of DEF remaining in the tank. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster” and “Instrument Cluster Descrip-
tions” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information.
NOTE:
•Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed, load, etc.)
will effect the amount of DEF that is used in your
vehicle.
• Another factor is that outside temperature can affect
DEF consumption. In cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and
below, the DEF gauge needle can stay on a fixed position
and may not move for extended periods of time. This is
a normal function of the system.
164 STARTING AND OPERATING

•There is an electric heater inside the DEF tank that
automatically works when necessary. And if the DEF
supply does freeze, the truck will operate normally until
it thaws.
DEF Fill Procedure
NOTE: Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the correct fluid type.
1. Remove cap from DEF tank (located on drivers side of the vehicle or in fuel door).
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
2. Insert DEF fill adapter/nozzle into DEF tank filler neck.
DEF Filler Cap Chassis Cab Models
DEF Filler Cap And Fuel Fill 1500/2500/3500 Models
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