overheating Ram 2500 2020 User Guide

328STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the
vehicle before launching a boat (or any other
device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connect) into water.
Be sure to reconnect once clear from water
area.

Four-Pin Connector Seven-Pin Connector

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
[ERS] shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select [ERS]
shift control) on more severe grades.1 — Female Pins
2 — Male Pin
3 — Ground
4 — Park
5 — Left Stop/Turn
6 — Right Stop/Turn
1 — Battery
2 — Backup Lamps
3 — Right Stop/Turn
4 — Electric Brakes
5 — Ground
6 — Left Stop/Turn
7 — Running Lamps

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 328

STARTING AND OPERATING329
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Speed Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Speed Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from
the vehicle, the air suspension system can be
used. Refer to “Air Suspension System” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa
-
tion.
NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a
factory installed option. These packages
include components necessary to equip your
vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:
Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain
and follow the recommendations contained
within the current Body Builders Guide. See
your authorized dealer, installer or snowplow
manufacturer for this information. There are
unique electrical systems that must be
connected to properly ensure operator safety
and prevent overloading vehicle systems.
Before Plowing
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and
proper fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for
excessive wear. The cutting edge should be
¼ to ½ inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground
in snow plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected
and functioning properly.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could
adversely affect performance of the airbag
system in a collision. Do not expect that the
airbag will perform as described earlier in this
manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.
5

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 329

330STARTING AND OPERATING
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications
visit www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current
Body Builders Guide.

1. The maximum number of occupants in the
truck should not exceed two.

2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addi -
tion of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snow -
plow system, all aftermarket accessories,
driver, passengers, options, and cargo, must
not exceed either the Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings.
These weights are specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on the driver's
side door opening.
NOTE:
Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to
specifications at the factory without consider -
ation for the weight of the plow. Front end toe-in should be checked and reset if necessary at the
beginning and end of the snowplow season.
This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the
vehicle is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snow
-
plow equipment following the recommenda -
tions provided by the specific snowplow
manufacturer.
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and
causes the engine to operate at higher than
normal temperatures. Therefore, when trans -
porting the plow, angle the blade completely
and position it as low as road or surface condi -
tions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h).
The operator should always maintain a safe
stopping distance and allow adequate passing
clearance.
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph
(32 km/h) should be maximum operating
speed. The operator should be familiar with the
area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed and use extreme caution when plowing unfa
-
miliar areas or under poor visibility.
General Maintenance
Snowplows should be maintained in accor -
dance with the plow manufacturer's instruc -
tions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and
battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and
drivetrain damage, the following precautions
should be observed.
Operate with transfer case in 4LO when
plowing small or congested areas where
speeds are not likely to exceed 15 mph
(24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4HI.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions
should use 4LO range when plowing deep or
heavy snow for extended periods of time to
avoid transmission overheating.
Do not shift the transmission unless the
engine has returned to idle and wheels have
stopped. Make a practice of stepping on the
brake pedal while shifting the transmission.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 330

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY367
To Reset The Manual Park Release:

1. Push the locking tab to the right, to unlock
the lever.

2. Rotate the Manual Park Release lever forward to its original position, until the
locking tab snaps into place to secure the
lever.
3. Pull gently on the tether strap to confirm that the lever is locked in its stowed posi-
tion.
4. Re-install the access cover.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes. NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then
shift back and forth between DRIVE (D) and
REVERSE (R), while gently pressing the acceler
-
ator. Use the least amount of accelerator pedal
pressure that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels or racing the
engine.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
6

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 367

368IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
NOTE:
For trucks equipped with an 8–speed trans-
mission, shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE
can only be achieved at wheel speeds of
5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the trans -
mission remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more
than two seconds, you must press the brake
pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
Push the “ESC OFF” switch, to place the Elec -
tronic Stability Control (ESC) system in
“Partial Off” mode, before rocking the
vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in “Safety” for further information.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the
“ESC OFF” switch again to restore “ESC On”
mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle
and tires. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer
than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h),
or drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels
too fast may lead to transmission over -
heating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
CAUTION! (Continued)

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 368

428SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability Safety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the
stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling
of sluggish response or over responsiveness in
the steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may
cause erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
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 replace -
ment.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfort -
able ride. Overinflation produces a jarring and
uncomfortable ride.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle
handling, and increase your stopping distance.
Use tires of the recommended load capacity for
your vehicle. Never overload them.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle
to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 428

542
Differential, Limited Slip
................................ 264
Disabled Vehicle Towing................................ 369
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
....................... 414
Do Not Disturb............................................... 532
Door Ajar........................................................ 133
Door Ajar Light............................................... 133Door LocksAutomatic
.................................................... 31
Doors............................................................... 27Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 403
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 32
DrivingOff-Pavement
............................................ 255
Off-Road.................................................... 255Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..................................... 335
Dual Rear Wheels................................ 437, 444
E
Electric Brake Control System
....................... 145
Anti-Lock Brake System............................. 144
Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 149, 153
Electrical Power Outlets................................... 88Electronic Range Select (ERS)............. 236, 241
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................146
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 132
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.............. 244
Emergency Braking........................................ 229
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck
..................... 367
Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 338
Jump Starting........................................... 362
Emission Control System Maintenance........ 142
Engine......................................... 391, 392, 393
Air Cleaner................................................ 398Block Heater.................................... 218, 227
Break-In Recommendations..................... 228
Compartment.................................. 392, 393Compartment Identification...................... 391
Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 452, 454
Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 208, 448
Fails To Start............................................ 214
Flooded, Starting...................................... 214Fuel Requirements.......................... 446, 451
Identifcation.................................... 392, 393
Idling........................................................ 224
Jump Starting........................................... 362Oil..................................396, 451, 452, 454
Oil Filler Cap.................................... 391, 397
Oil Filter.................................................... 398
Oil Reset................................................... 119
Oil Selection.................................... 396, 451
Oil Synthetic............................................. 398
Overheating.............................................. 367
Runaway................................................... 312
Starting..................................................... 212
Engine Oil Viscosity....................................... 397
Enhanced Accident Response
Feature
................................................ 189, 371
Entry System, Illuminated................................55
Ethanol.......................................................... 446
Exhaust Brake............................................... 230
Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 208, 448
Exhaust System..........................208, 410, 419Exterior Lighting...............................................49
Exterior Lights........................................ 49, 210
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 398
Air Conditioning................................. 70, 401
Engine Fuel............................................... 403
Engine Oil...............................398, 452, 454
Engine Oil Disposal................................... 398
FlashersTurn Signals
.............................. 52, 140, 210
Flash-To-Pass...................................................51
Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 350
Fluid Capacities............................................ 451
Fluid Leaks.................................................... 210
Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 415
Fluid, Brake................................................... 454
Fluids And Lubricants........................... 452, 454
Fog Lights.............................................. 52, 376
Fold Flat Load Floor.........................................86
Fold-Flat Seats.................................................32

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 542

545
Manual Park Release
............................................. 366
Service...................................................... 539
Media Hub..................................................... 525
Memory Seat................................................... 35
Methanol....................................................... 446
Mirrors............................................................. 43Electric Powered......................................... 45
Heated........................................................ 47
Memory....................................................... 35Outside........................................................ 45
Rearview..................................... 43, 44, 338
Trailer Towing.............................................. 46
Modifications/AlterationsVehicle
........................................................ 12Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 163
Mopar Parts................................................... 538
MP3 Control.................................................. 525
Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 49
N
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS)
............... 302
New Vehicle Break-In Period.......................... 228
Noise ControlMaintenance............................................. 419
Tampering Prohibited................................ 420
Noise Emission Warranty..................... 419, 420
O
Occupant Restraints
..................................... 171
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 446
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road).......... 255, 336
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement).......... 255, 336
Oil Change Indicator..................................... 385
Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 398Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 398
Oil Pressure Light.......................................... 132
Oil Reset....................................................... 119Oil, Engine................................... 396, 452, 454
Capacity.................................................... 451
Change Interval........................................ 396
Dipstick.................................................... 394
Disposal................................................... 398Filter....................................... 398, 452, 454
Filter Disposal........................................... 398
Identification Logo........................... 396, 397
Materials Added To.................................. 398Pressure Warning Light............................ 132
Recommendation............................ 396, 451
Synthetic.................................................. 398
Viscosity.......................................... 397, 451
Onboard Diagnostic System.......................... 141
Operating Precautions.................................. 141
Operator ManualOwner's Manual
..................................12, 539
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................45
Overdrive....................................................... 242
Overdrive OFF Switch.................................... 242
Overheating, Engine...................................... 367
P
Paint Care
..................................................... 439
Panic Alarm......................................................15
Parking Brake............................................... 229
ParkSense System, Rear...................... 289, 294Passive Entry....................................................28
Pedals, Adjustable...........................................43
Perform Service Indicator, Reset.................. 385
Pets............................................................... 208
Pickup Box................................................92, 94
Pinch Protection...............................................74
Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 426
PowerDistribution Center (Fuses)
....................... 354
Door Locks...................................................27
Mirrors.........................................................45
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)..........88, 90
Seats...........................................................34
Side Steps...................................................28Sliding Rear Window....................................72
Steering.......................................................45
Sunroof........................................................72
Windows......................................................7011

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 545