air condition Ram 2500 2020 Owner's Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING223
NOTE:
Use of Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
or Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
results in a noticeable decrease in fuel
economy.
Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel is a
blend of Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur and
Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuels
which reduces the temperature at which wax
crystals form in fuel.
The fuel grade should be clearly marked on
the pump at the fuel station.
The engine requires the use of “Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuel”. Use of incorrect fuel
could result in engine and exhaust system
damage. Refer to “Fuel Requirements” in
“Technical Specifications” for further infor -
mation.
If climatized or diesel Number 1 ULSD fuel is
not available, and you are operating below
(20°F/-6°C), in sustained arctic conditions,
Mopar Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or
equivalent) is recommended to avoid gelling
(see Fuel Operating Range Chart).

Under some circumstances increased
engine noise may be audible in the seconds
following a cold start. This is most likely to
occur when using fuel that isn't blended for
the ambient temperature present. This may
occur on an unseasonably cold day or when
a truck is fueled in a warmer climate and
driven to a colder climate. The noise can
typically be prevented by using Mopar
Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment as recom-
mended (see Fuel Operating Range Chart).

Engine Oil Usage
Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the correct engine oil
viscosity.
Winter Front Cover Usage
A Winter front or cold weather cover is to be
used in ambient temperatures below 32°F
(0°C), especially during extended idle condi -
tions. This cover is equipped with four flaps for
managing total grille opening in varying ambient
temperatures. If a Winter front or cold weather
cover is to be used the flaps should be left in the
full open position to allow air flow to the charge
air cooler and automatic transmission oil
cooler. When ambient temperatures drop below
0°F (-17°C) the four flaps need to be closed. A suitable cold weather cover is available from
your Mopar dealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the
battery temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°C).
For the same decrease in temperature, the
engine requires twice as much power to crank
at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC powered
battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery
blankets are available from your authorized
Mopar dealer.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is
cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the
engine up to operating speed slowly to allow the
oil pressure to stabilize as the engine warms up.
NOTE:
High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine
can result in excessive white smoke and poor
engine performance. No-load engine speeds
should be kept under 1,000 RPM during the
warm-up period, especially in cold ambient
temperature conditions.
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STARTING AND OPERATING225

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 1,100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the
ACCEL/RESUME switch and the idle speed
will increase to approximately 1,500 RPM.
To decrease the RPM, push and hold the
DECEL switch and the idle speed will
decrease to approximately 1,100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF
switch, or press the brake pedal.
Noise
Diesel engines can create noises that may
seem concerning. The nature of a diesel engine
is compression ignition where compressed air and fuel are mixed and ignited. Weather, baro
-
metric pressure, altitude, and temperature will
affect how fuel is ignited in the engine. Engines
will sound different from day to day or previous
model years. Clicking, ticking, or light knocking
is normal and will change from day to day, as
the engine breaks in, and can vary with changes
in ambient temperature. Clicking sound from
under the hood shortly after vehicle shutdown is
normal as actuators such as the EGR valve are
cycled. Fuel pump noise may increase during
low speed/light load conditions when ambient
temperature is above 100°F (38°C), and when
fuel tank level is below 10% which is a normal
condition of the fuel system and controls
strategy. Diesel equipped vehicles also have an
exhaust after-treatment system to reduce emis -
sions utilizing a DPF (refer to “Odor” in this
section for further information) and a Selective
Reduction Catalyst (SCR). The SCR reduces
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) using the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. DEF is injected directly into
the SCR through a dosing module. This process
will create a clicking sound and at times, will
make noise even with the vehicle shut off. This
is normal as the DEF dosing module is purging
DEF. If at any time the check engine light is on,
please visit an authorized dealer.
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 espe
-
cially important for turbocharged, charge
air-cooled engines. Refer to the following chart
for proper engine shutdown:
Driving Condition Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine
Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolLess than One
Stop and Go Medium -One
Highway Speeds MediumWarmTwo
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STARTING AND OPERATING227
Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission
gear.
Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
When the engine is at normal operating
temperature, the minimum oil pressures
required are:
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Be on the alert for changes in perfor -
mance, sounds, and visual evidence that the
engine requires service. Some important clues
are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely.
Sudden loss of power.
Unusual engine noises.
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks.
Sudden change, outside the normal oper -
ating range, in the engine operating tempera -
ture.
Excessive smoke.
Oil pressure drop.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — GAS ENGINE (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 elec -
trical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten -
sion cord.
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. The engine block heater must be plugged in at
least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the engine.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED)
The engine block heater warms engine coolant
and permits quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault inter
-
rupter protected 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
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 an authorized
Mopar dealer.
Idle 700 to 800 RPM 10 psi (69 kPa)
Full speed and load 30 psi (207 kPa)CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal
readings, shut the engine off immediately.
Failure to do so could result in immediate and
severe engine damage.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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250STARTING AND OPERATING
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster is used to alert the driver
that the front axle is fully engaged and all four
wheels are driving.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling ride
height system. The main purpose of this system
is to maintain the truck’s rear ride height level.
There are two selectable heights that can be
chosen based on your operating conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in the
ON/RUN position or the engine running with
zero vehicle speed for all user requested
changes and load leveling.
Rear Leveling Ride Height Switch

Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for
normal driving. It will automatically adjust to
maintain the rear ride height as conditions
change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the
vehicle approximately 1 inch (25 mm) for a level
truck, to be used as required while trailer
towing. It will automatically adjust to maintain
the rear ride height as conditions change.
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspen-
sion system will continue to load level after the
vehicle has been turned off for 10 minutes
without compressor activation. This allows for
easy removal of a trailer and/or load from the
back of the truck by maintaining the ride height.
After 10 minutes you will need to turn the igni -tion to the run position for the air suspension to
re-level due to addition/removal of load in the
vehicle. If the air suspension system is disabled
using the settings menu (Tire Jack Mode, Trans
-
port Mode, Alignment Mode, or Bed Lowering
Mode) the system will remain disabled when
the vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air
suspension can be accomplished via the
settings menu or driving the vehicle above
5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode, Alignment
Mode, Transport Mode and Bed Lowering
Mode.
NOTE:
Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate
Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the system.
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
system, see your authorized dealer for
service.

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STARTING AND OPERATING251
Air Suspension Modes
The air suspension system has multiple modes
to protect the system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspen -
sion system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled. This mode is
intended to be enabled with the engine running.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” (if
equipped with a touch screen radio) for further
information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
engine running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the
road, the air suspension system has a feature
which will put the vehicle below Normal Ride
Height (NRH) and disable the automatic load
leveling system. This mode is intended to be
enabled with engine running. Refer to “Instru -
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio for further
information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode
must be enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
(if equipped with a touch screen radio) for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
engine running.
Bed Lowering Mode
This setting is used to lower the rear suspension
to the lowest possible height and disable the air
suspension system. It enables easier loading/
unloading of the truck and makes it easier to
hook up trailers. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Under
-
standing Your Instrument Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio for further informa
-
tion.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system,
the vehicle will disable load leveling as required
(suspension overloaded, battery charge low,
etc.). Load leveling will automatically resume as
soon as system operation requirements are
met. See your authorized dealer if system does
not resume.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a
system error has been detected.
See your authorized dealer for system service if
normal operation does not resume.
Operation
Pushing the Alternate Trailer Height (ATH)
button once while at Normal Ride Height (NRH),
will lower the vehicle to Alternate Trailer Height
(ATH) and will illuminate the LED.
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STARTING AND OPERATING255
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER
WAGON ONLY
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics
Your vehicle has excellent on and off-road capa-
bilities. These off-road capabilities will allow you
to explore those wilderness trails where few
travel, providing a source of exciting and satis -
fying recreation. Before you venture out, you
should contact your local governmental agency
to determine the designated Off-Road Vehicle
(ORV) trails or recreation areas. You should
always tread lightly and only use established
roads, trails or ORV recreational areas.
The National Forest Service, Bureau of Land
Management, or local Department of Natural
Resources are a wealth of information and
usually have maps with marked trails.
Skid Plates And Underbody Protection
Steel skid plates protect the major driveline
components of the truck including the fuel tank,
transfer case and steering damper. In addition,
this vehicle is equipped with boxed cross
members and fore/aft rails. This additional
protection allows the vehicle to be utilized in severe off-road situations that would be consid
-
ered impassable by a normal truck.
Ramp Travel Index (RTI)
The RTI is the distance, in inches, that you can
drive your vehicle with one wheel on a
20-degree ramp without lifting any other wheel
off the ground. This distance up the ramp
divided by the wheelbase of the vehicle and
multiplied by 1,000 is the RTI. This vehicle has
an RTI of 429 (connected sway bar) or an RTI of
538 (disconnected sway bar), which means you
can articulate one front wheel 22 inches
(56 cm) or 27.5 inches (70cm) in the air while
the other three wheels remain in contact with
the ground.
Water Fording Characteristics
Water fording characteristic is the vehicle's
ability to cross a body of still water, where the
powertrain and drivetrain are safe from water
ingestion. This vehicle has high water fording
characteristics with the ability to cross a pool of
water, without stopping, 24 inches (60 cm) deep
at a maximum speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) and a
pool of water 30 inches (76 cm) deep at a maximum speed of 5 mph (8 km/h), both with an
entrance ramp angle of 1.3 degrees.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the
simultaneous use of the brake and throttle (two
footed driving). When climbing rocks, logs, or
other stepped objects, using light brake pres
-
sure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from
jerking or lurching. This technique is also used
when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on
a steep incline.
The Basics Of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving
off-road. You should be familiar with the terrain
and area before proceeding. There are many
types of surface conditions: hard packed dirt,
gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow and ice.
Every surface has a different effect on your
vehicle's steering, handling and traction.
Controlling your vehicle is one of the keys to
successful off-road driving, so always keep a
CAUTION!
The door sill height is 25 inches (63.5 cm).
Water may intrude into the interior of the
vehicle at greater depths.
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260STARTING AND OPERATING
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type
of water. Water crossings should be avoided if
possible and only be attempted when neces -
sary, in a safe responsible manner. You should
only drive through areas which are designated
and approved. You should tread lightly and
avoid damage to the environment. You should
know your vehicle's abilities and be able to
recover it if something goes wrong. You should
never stop or shut a vehicle off when crossing
deep water unless you ingested water into the
engine air intake. If the engine stalls do not
attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested
water first. The key to any crossing is low and
slow. You want to use FIRST gear in 4WD LOW
and proceed very slowly with a constant slow
speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h] maximum) and
light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not
try to accelerate through the crossing. After
crossing any water higher than the bottom of
the axle differentials, you should inspect all of
the vehicle fluids for signs of water ingestion.
Before You Cross Any Type Of Water – As you
approach any type of water you need to
determine if you can cross it safely and
responsibly. If necessary, get out and walk
through the water or probe it with a stick. You
need to be sure of its depth, approach angle,
current and bottom condition. Be careful of
murky or muddy waters, check for hidden
obstacles. Make sure you will not be
intruding on any wildlife and you can recover
the vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe
crossing is the water depth, current and
bottom conditions. On soft bottoms the
vehicle will sink in, effectively increasing the
water level on the vehicle. Be sure to
consider this when determining the depth
and the ability to safely cross.
Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or
Other Standing Water – Puddles, pools,
flooded or other standing water areas
normally contain murky or muddy waters.
These water types normally contain hidden
obstacles and make it difficult to determine
an accurate water depth, approach angle,
and bottom condition. Murky or muddy water
holes are where you want to hook up tow
straps prior to entering. This makes for a
faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery. If
you are able to determine you can safely
cross, than proceed using the low and slow
method.
Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or
Other Flowing Water – Flowing water can be
extremely dangerous. Never attempt to cross
a fast running stream or river even in shallow
water. Fast moving water can easily push
your vehicle downstream sweeping it out of
control. Even in very shallow water, a high
current can still wash the dirt out from
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the axles, transmission,
transfer case, engine or vehicle interior can
occur if you drive too fast or through too deep
of water. Water can cause permanent
damage to engine, driveline or other vehicle
components and your brakes will be less
effective once wet and/or muddy.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system
effectiveness by depositing debris onto the
radiator.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 260

STARTING AND OPERATING261
around your tires putting you and your vehicle
in jeopardy. There is still a high risk of
personal injury and vehicle damage with
slower water currents in depths greater than
the vehicle's running ground clearance. You
should never attempt to cross flowing water
which is deeper than the vehicle's running
ground clearance. Even the slowest current
can push the heaviest vehicle downstream
out of control if the water is deep enough to
push on the large surface area of the
vehicle's body. Before you proceed deter -
mine the speed of the current, the water's
depth, approach angle, bottom condition and
if there are any obstacles, then cross at an
angle heading slightly upstream using the
low and slow technique.Airing Down For Off-Road Driving
Running lower tire pressure off-road can
improve your ride comfort and vehicle traction.
Reducing the tire air pressure allows the tire to
bulge slightly, improving its surface area for
better flotation and ability to mold or form to the
ground contour. Different terrain, tires, and
vehicles require different tire pressure. Hard
surfaces like rock and heavier vehicles require
higher pressures than softer surfaces such as
sand and lighter vehicles. You will need to
experiment to determine what is right for your
situation. It is easier and faster to let air out
than it is to replace it. Start high and lower it as
required. Remember you must return the tires
to normal air pressure before driving on road or
at highway conditions. Be sure you have a way
to return the tires to their normal on road air
pressure.
Vehicle Recovery
If you drive off-road, you may encounter a situa-
tion where you will need to recover your vehicle.
Vehicle recovery should always be given consid -
eration before attempting a questionable
obstacle. You should never go off-road driving
without the ability to recover your vehicle from a
situation. Having another vehicle with you
usually works best for most situations. The first
thing to do is assess the situation. Why are you
stuck? Are you hung up on something? Would it
be easier to go forward or to go backward? Can
you still move the vehicle? Is there an anchor
point to winch to? Are you alone or do you have
another vehicle to help? Is there high risk of
vehicle damage during the recovery process?
Answering these questions will help you deter -
mine the best method of recovery. If you can still
move the vehicle slightly and the only issue is
slick ground, then rock cycling your vehicle
would be the first choice. If you have ample
room, an additional vehicle and there is low risk
of vehicle impact on the surroundings, then
using a tow strap to the vehicle tow hooks would
be fast and easy. If the vehicle is severely hung
up or in a situation where great care needs to be
taken during the recovery, then nothing can do
the job better than a winch. If you are severely
WARNING!
Never drive through fast moving deep water. It
can push your vehicle downstream, sweeping
it out of control. This could put you and your
passengers at risk of injury or drowning.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressure increases the risk of
tire damage and may cause tire unseating
with total loss of air pressure. To reduce the
risk of tire unseating, while at a reduced tire
pressure, drive at slower speeds and avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
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STARTING AND OPERATING267
(Continued)
(Continued)
General Information
Practice using your winch before you get stuck.
Some key points to remember when using your
winch are:
Always take your time to assess the situation
and plan your pull carefully.
Always take your time when using a winch.
Use the right equipment for the situation.
Always wear leather gloves and do not allow
the synthetic rope to slip through your hands
when handling the rope.
Only the operator should handle the synthetic
rope and remote control.
Think safety at all times.
Vehicle Recovery Using The Winch
Always keep hands and clothing clear of the
synthetic rope, hook and fairlead opening
during operation and when spooling.
Never wrap synthetic rope back onto itself.
Always use a choker chain, wire choker
rope or tree trunk protector on the anchor.
Never attach a recovery strap to the winch
hook to increase the length of a pull.
Never attempt to tow a vehicle with the
recovery strap attached directly to the
winch hook.
Never use bungee or kinetic straps that
develop tremendous and potentially
dangerous amounts of force when
stretched.
Always disconnect the remote control when
not in use.
Never winch when there are less than 10
wraps of synthetic rope around the winch
drum.
WARNING!
(Continued)
Always pass remote control through a
window to avoid pinching lead in door,
when using remote inside a vehicle.
Never leave the remote control plugged
into the winch while free spooling, rigging or
sitting idle.
WARNING! (Continued)
CAUTION!
Always know your winch: Take the time to
fully read and understand the included
Installation and Operations Guide, and
Basic Guide to Winching Techniques, in
order to understand your winch and the
winching operation.
Always inspect winch installation and
synthetic rope condition before operating
the winch. Frayed, kinked or damaged rope
must be replaced immediately. Loose or
damaged winch installation must be
corrected immediately.
Always be sure any element which can
interfere with safe winching operations is
removed prior to initiating winching.
Always keep remote control lead clear of
the drum, synthetic rope and rigging.
Inspect for cracks, pinches, frayed rope, or
loose connections. Replace if damaged.
Be careful not to pull the winch rope collar
through the rollers. Watch and listen to
winch for proper snugness.
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306STARTING AND OPERATING
Modes Of Operation
Standard Backup Camera view can be manually
activated by selecting “Backup Camera”
through the Controls menu within the Uconnect
screen.
Refer to “Parkview Rear Back Up Camera” in
this section for more information on activation
conditions.
Top View
The Top view will show in the Uconnect System
with Rear view and Front view in a split view
display. There are integrated ParkSense arcs in
the image at the front and rear of the vehicle.
The arcs will change color from yellow to red
corresponding the distance zones to the
oncoming object.
The fifth button of the ParkSense Camera View
screen will be changed based on the features
present in the vehicle. If not equipped with a
Cargo Camera or Trailer Reverse Guidance, the
Backup Camera soft button will be displayed. If
equipped with a Cargo Camera but no Trailer
Reverse Guidance, the Cargo Camera soft
button will be displayed, and if equipped with
both a Cargo Camera and Trailer Reverse Guid -
ance, the Cargo/Trailer Reverse Guidance soft
button will be displayed.
ParkSense Camera View

NOTE:
Front tires will display on the image when the
tires are turned.
Due to wide angle cameras in mirrors, the
image will appear distorted.
Top view will show which doors are open.
Open front doors will cancel the outside
image.
Rear View This is the Default view of the system
in REVERSE and is always paired with
the Top view of the vehicle with
optional active guidelines for the
projected path when enabled. Rear Cross Path View
Pressing the Rear Cross Path soft key
will give the driver a wider angle view
of the rear camera system. The Top
view will be disabled when this is
selected.
Front View The Front view will show you what is
immediately in front of the vehicle
and is always paired with the Top view
of the vehicle.
Front Cross Path View Pressing the Front Cross Path soft
key will give the driver a wider angle
view of the front camera system. The
Top view will be disabled when this is
selected.
Rear View Camera Pressing the Backup Camera soft key
will provide a full screen rear view with
Zoom View.
NOTE:
If the Backup Camera view was selected
through the Surround View screen, exiting out of
the Rear View Camera screen will return to the
Surround View screen. If the Backup Camera

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