fuel type Ram 2500 2017 Owner's Manual

inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to main-
tain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunc-
tion indicator to indicate when the system is not operating
properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups
as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including
the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels
on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale afterreplacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels
allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equip-
ment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equip-
ment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become inoper-
able. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealership to have your sensor function checked.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 253

Fuel Economy
Push and release theupordown arrow button until the
Fuel Economy menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and Hold the rightarrow button to
reset Average Fuel Economy.
• Current Fuel Economy Gauge
• Average Fuel Economy Value
• Range To Empty
Trip A/Trip B
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
Trip menu item is highlighted in the instrument cluster
display. Push and release the rightarrow button to enter
the submenus of Trip A and Trip B. The Trip A or Trip B
information will display the following:
• Distance
• Average MPG
• Elapsed Time
Push and hold rightarrow button to reset all information.
Stop/Start – If Equipped
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
Stop/Start menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and release the rightarrow button to
display the Stop/Start status.
Air Suspension — If Equipped
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the Air
Suspension menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and release the rightarrow button to
display the Air Suspension status.
Trailer Tow
Push and release the upordown arrow button until the
Trailer Tow menu item is highlighted in the instrument
cluster display. Push and release the rightarrow button
and the next screen will display the following trailer trip
information:
• Trip (trailer specific) Distance: Push and hold the right
arrow button to reset the distance.
• Trailer Brake
• Output
• Type
• Gain
274 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped . . . .504
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . . .505
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ..............508
▫ Tire Markings ........................ .508
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............511
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ...........512
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ............513
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION .........518
▫ Tire Pressure ......................... .518
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ..................519
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation .....520
▫ Radial Ply Tires ....................... .520
▫ Tire Types ........................... .521
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped ..............522
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................523
▫ Tire Spinning ........................ .525
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ...................526 ▫
Life Of Tire .......................... .526
▫ Replacement Tires ..................... .527
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .........528
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS ......530
▫ Directional Tires — If Equipped .............531
▫ Dual Rear Wheels — If Equipped ...........532
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES ..........533
▫ Treadwear ........................... .533
▫ Traction Grades ....................... .534
▫ T

emperature Grades .....................534
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . . .535
▫ Premium System ...................... .536
▫ Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
3500 Series Trucks ..................... .539
▫ General Information ....................540
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................541
▫ 3.6L Engine .......................... .541
378 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫5.7L Engine .......................... .541
▫ 6.4L Engine .......................... .542
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ..................542
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ...............542
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .........543
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ......543
▫ MMT In Gasoline ...................... .543
▫ Materials Added To Fuel .................544
▫ Fuel System Cautions ....................544
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...............545
 FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .545
▫ E-85 General Information .................545
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ..................... .546
▫ Fuel Requirements .....................546
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ........546▫
Starting ............................ .547
▫ Cruising Range ....................... .547
▫ Replacement Parts ..................... .547
▫ Maintenance ......................... .547
 ADDING FUEL ........................ .548
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............549
 VEHICLE LOADING .....................549
▫ Certification Label ..................... .549
 TRAILER TOWING ..................... .551
▫ Common Towing Definitions ...............551
▫ T

railer Hitch Type and Maximum
Trailer Weight ........................ .558
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings) ..................559
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ...............559
▫ Towing Requirements ...................559
▫ Towing Tips .......................... .567
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 379

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission 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. Refer to
“Jump-Starting” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
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.
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.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
1500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grill and the
radiator, but underneath the black upper seal.
2500/3500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille by
the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not
in use for the winter months. During winter months,
remove the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the
c-clip.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 385

Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal
wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
•Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality
pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual
judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires
may look properly inflated even when they are under-
inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tem-
perature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the Winter.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 519

CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system op-
eration or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage.
• Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to be-
come inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your vehicle
to an authorized dealership to have your sensor
function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent mois-
ture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which
could damage the TPMS sensor.
NOTE:
• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care and
maintenance or to provide warning of a tire failure or
condition. •
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light.”
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in the
tire.
Premium System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.
536 STARTING AND OPERATING

Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% ethanol and 15%
unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smoking
materials lit or products that can cause spark in or near
the vehicle when removing the fuel filler tube cap (gas
cap) or filling the tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning
agent and never use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with any octane rating, or solely E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these fuels.
For best results, avoid fueling patterns alternating be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline.
When switching fuel types:
•Add 5 gallons (19 liters) or more when refueling.
• Drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at least
5 miles (8 km). Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard start-
ing and/or driveability problems during warm up.
NOTE:
•
Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM D5798). With
non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, hard starting and
rough idle following start up may be experienced even if
the above recommendations are followed, especially
when the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
• Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully
compatible with E-85 and may form deposits in your
engine. To eliminate driveability issues that may be
caused by these deposits, a supplemental gasoline addi-
tive, such as MOPAR Injector Cleanup or Techron may
be used.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formulated
engine oils. These special requirements are included in
MOPAR engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting FCA
Material Standard MS-6395. It is recommended that engine
oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of
Material Standard MS-6395 be used. MS-6395 contains
546 STARTING AND OPERATING

2500 – 3500 Models Only
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum In-
stitute (API). The manufacturer only rec-
ommends API Certified engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-
30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity — 3.6L Engines (1500 Models
Only)
MOPAR SAE 5W-20 engine oil approved to FCA Material
Standard MS-6395 or equivalent Pennzoil or Shell Helix is
recommended for all operating temperatures. This engine
oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle fuel
economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your vehicle. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: MOPAR SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to FCA
Material Standard MS-6395 may be used when SAE 5W-20
engine oil meeting MS-6395 is not available.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 641

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine
Oil, meeting the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS-6395 such as MOPAR, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer
to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 6.4L For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SN. The manufac-
turer recommends the use of Pennzoil Ultra 0W-40 or
equivalent MOPAR engine oil meeting the requirements of
FCA Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating
temperatures.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR brand Engine Oil Filters.
Spark Plugs We recommend you use MOPAR Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane, 0-15% Ethanol.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Flex Fuel (E-85) Engine – If Equipped 87 Octane, Up To 85% Ethanol.
Fuel Selection – 5.7L/6.4L Engines 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable, 0-15%
Ethanol.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 699