ECO mode Ram 2500 2020 Workshop Manual

SAFETY203
back into the retractor. As the webbing
retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This
means the seat belt is now in the Automatic
Locking mode.
6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is locked, you should not be able to pull
out any webbing. If the retractor is not

locked, repeat step 5.
7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child
restraint while you push the child restraint
rearward and downward into the vehicle
seat.
8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the seating position has a top tether
anchorage, connect the tether strap to the
anchorage and tighten the tether strap. See
the section “Installing Child Restraints
Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for direc -
tions to attach a tether anchor.
9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling back and forth on the child
seat at the belt path. It should not move
more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any direc -
tion. Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so
check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if
necessary.
Installing A Child Restraint With A Cinching
Latch Plate (CINCH) — If Equipped:
Child restraint systems are designed to be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap
belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt.

1. Place the child seat in the center of the
seating position. If the second row seat can
be reclined, you may recline the seat and/
or raise the head restraint (if adjustable) to
get a better fit. If the rear seat can be
moved forward and rearward in the
vehicle, you may wish to move it to its
rear-most position to make room for the child seat. You may also move the front
seat forward to allow more room for the
child seat.

2. Next, pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to pass it through the belt
path of the child restraint. Do not twist the
belt webbing in the belt path.
3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
4. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child
restraint while you push the child restraint
rearward and downward into the vehicle seat.
5. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the seating position has a top tether
anchorage, connect the tether strap to the
anchorage and tighten the tether strap. See
the section “Installing Child Restraints
Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for direc -
tions to attach a tether anchor.
6. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling back and forth on the child seat at
the belt path. It should not move more than
1 inch (25.4 mm) in any direction.
WARNING!
Improper installation or failure to properly
secure a child restraint can lead to failure
of the restraint. The child could be badly
injured or killed.
Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s
directions exactly when installing an infant
or child restraint.
4

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SAFETY209
(Continued)
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately.
Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must
be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt
or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning light will turn on for four
to eight seconds as a bulb check when the igni -
tion switch is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light
is either not on during starting, stays on, or
turns on while driving, have the system
inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. After the bulb check, this light will illu -
minate with a single chime when a fault with the
Air Bag System has been detected. It will stay on until the fault is removed. If the light comes on
intermittently or remains on while driving, have
an authorized dealer service the vehicle imme
-
diately.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode
and place the blower control on high speed. You
should be able to feel the air directed against
the windshield. See an authorized dealer for
service if your defroster is inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. Only use a floor mat that does not inter -
fere with the operation of the accelerator, brake
or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat that is
securely attached using the floor mat fasteners
so it cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals or
impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or
stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to
interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To
prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
ALWAYS securely attach your floor mat
using the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT
install your floor mat upside down or turn
your floor mat over. Lightly pull to confirm
mat is secured using the floor mat
fasteners on a regular basis.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR
MAT FROM THE VEHICLE before
installing any other floor mat. NEVER install
or stack an additional floor mat on top of an
existing floor mat.
4

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210SAFETY
(Continued)
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam indi -
cator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that
cannot be properly attached and secured to
your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be
replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year
of your vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the accel-
erator, the brake, and the clutch pedal (if
present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of
any pedal, or is not secure to the floor,
remove the floor mat from the vehicle and
place the floor mat in your trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on
the passenger’s side floor area.
WARNING! (Continued)
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle
control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects
could change the position of the floor mat
and may cause interference with the accel -
erator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet
to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for inter -
ference with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 210

211
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GAS ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10-second intervals. Waiting a few
seconds between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK
position. Apply the brake before shifting into any
driving range.
NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal
must be pressed to shift out of PARK.
If equipped with an 8-speed transmission,
starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL is not
possible unless the Manual Park Release has
been activated. For the Manual Park Release
operation refer to Manual Park Release in “In
Case Of Emergency”.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition
switch briefly to the START position and release
it. The starter motor will continue to run and will
automatically disengage when the engine is
running.
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition

Keyless Push Button Ignition

WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the keyless ignition node is in the
"OFF" mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended 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 gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil -
dren, and do not leave the ignition of 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.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
WARNING! (Continued)
5

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212STARTING AND OPERATING
This feature allows the driver to operate the igni -
tion switch with the push of a button, as long as
the Remote Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go key fob is
in the passenger compartment.
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE
START/STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically after 10
seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the
ENGINE START/STOP button again.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing
the accelerator pedal. To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push
and release the ENGINE START/STOP
button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held
for two seconds or three short pushes in a
row with the vehicle speed above 5 mph
(8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The
ignition will remain in the ACC mode until
the gear selector is in PARK and the button
is pushed twice to the OFF mode.
4. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed
once with the vehicle speed above 5 mph
(8 km/h), the instrument cluster will display
a “Vehicle Not In Park ” message and the
engine will remain running. Never leave a
vehicle out of the PARK position, or it could
roll.
NOTE:
If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the
ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once with the vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h),
the engine will shut off and the ignition will
remain in the ACC position. If vehicle speed
drops below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h), the vehicle
may AutoPark. See AutoPark section for further
details.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has three modes:
OFF, ACC, and RUN. To change the ignition
modes without starting the vehicle and use the
accessories, follow these directions:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place the ignition to the ACC mode.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to place the ignition to the RUN
mode.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
mode.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 212

STARTING AND OPERATING215
(Continued)
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.
Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or
−30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these tempera -
tures, use of an externally powered electric engine block heater (available from your autho
-
rized dealer) is recommended.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and
it will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 25-second intervals. Waiting a few
minutes between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission in the
NEUTRAL or PARK position. Apply the brake
before shifting to any driving range.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at
a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying
again.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build up may cause serious injury or
death.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the keyless ignition node is in the
“OFF” mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended 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 gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil -
dren, and do not leave the ignition of 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.
WARNING! (Continued)
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216STARTING AND OPERATING
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition
switch briefly to the START position and release
it. The starter motor will continue to run and will
automatically disengage when the engine is
running.
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition

Keyless Push Button Ignition

This feature allows the driver to operate the igni -
tion switch with the push of a button, as long as
the Remote Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go key fob is
in the passenger compartment.
Normal Starting
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically after
25 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, remove
your foot from the brake pedal and push the
ENGINE START/STOP button again.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or
pressing the accelerator pedal.
Under cold weather conditions, the engine
may not immediately crank if the “Wait To
Start” telltale is illuminated. This is normal
operation. For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go, the vehicle will automat
-
ically crank when the “Wait To Start” time has
elapsed. See the section “Starting Procedure
Engine Manifold Air Temperature 0°F to
66°F (18°C to 19°C)” for more information.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP
button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed
once, the instrument cluster will display a
“Vehicle Not In Park” message and the
engine will remain running. Never leave a
vehicle out of the PARK position, or it could
roll.
4. If the gear selector is in NEUTRAL, and the vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h),
pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once will turn the engine off. The ignition will
remain in the ACC mode.

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STARTING AND OPERATING217
5. If the vehicle speed is above 5 mph (8 km/h),
the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held
for two seconds (or three short pushes in a
row) to turn the engine off. The ignition will
remain in the ACC mode (NOT the OFF mode)
if the engine is turned off when the transmis -
sion is not in PARK.
NOTE:
If the ignition is left in the ACC or ON/RUN
(engine not running) mode and the transmis -
sion is in PARK, the system will automatically
time out after 30 minutes of inactivity and the
ignition return to the OFF mode.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has three posi -
tions, OFF, ACC, RUN. To change the ignition
switch positions without starting the vehicle and
use the accessories follow these steps:

1. Starting with the ignition in the OFF posi -
tion:

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to change the ignition to the ACC position. 3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a
second time to change the ignition to the
RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
position.
Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure —
Engine Manifold Air Temperature 0° F To
66° F (–18° C to 19° C)
NOTE:
The temperature displayed in the instrument
cluster does not necessarily reflect the engine
manifold air temperature. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
When engine temperatures fall below 66°F
(19°C) the “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on
indicating the intake air heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” proce -
dure except:

1. Pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button with the driver’s foot on the brake will
move the ignition from OFF or ACC to RUN, and will illuminate the “Wait To Start” tell
-
tale. The engine will not immediately crank,
this is normal operation.

2. The “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on for a period of time that varies depending on
the engine temperature.
3. While the “Wait to Start” telltale is on, the instrument cluster will additionally display a
gauge or bar whose initial length represents
the full “Wait to Start” time period. Its length
will decrease until it disappears when the
“Wait to Start” time has elapsed.
4. After the engine “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, the engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains
on, DO NOT START the engine before you
drain the water from the fuel filters to avoid
engine damage. Refer to “Draining Fuel/
Water Separator Filter” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for further information.
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228STARTING AND OPERATING
The block heater must be plugged in at least
one hour to have an adequate warming effect
on the coolant.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
Block Heater Usage
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),
engine block heater usage is recommended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F
(-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GAS ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contributes
to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle accelera-
tion in low gear can be detrimental and should
be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving type
lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with
anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the recom
-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions”.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera -
tion. This should be considered a normal part of
the break-in and not interpreted as a problem.
Please check your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during the break in period. Add
oil as required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction.
Normal operation is allowed, providing the
following recommendations are followed:
Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for
prolonged periods.
Use the appropriate transmission gear to
prevent engine lugging.
Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera
-
ture indicators.
Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
Vary throttle position at highway speeds
when carrying or towing significant weight.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before
driving. Damage to the 110–115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING229
(Continued)
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before
the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel
economy and power may be seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” of the Owners Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins®
Turbo Diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced
by loaded operating conditions which allow the
engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during
the first 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK.
The foot-operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
park brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
Parking Brake Release

When the parking brake is applied with the igni -
tion switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is
detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before placing
the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make
it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied
whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi
-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally
injured.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil -
dren, and do not leave 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.
5

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