heater Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

•The DEF gauge may also not immediately update after a
refill if the temperature of the DEF fluid is below 12F
(-11C). The DEF line heater will possibly warm up the
DEF fluid and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is possible
that the gauge may not reflect the new fill level for
several drives. •
Outside temperature can affect DEF consumption. In
cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and below, the DEF gauge
needle can stay on a fixed position and may not move
for extended periods of time. This is a normal function of
the system.
Instrument Cluster
104 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

6. Instrument Cluster Display•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Instrument Cluster Display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7. DEF Gauge •The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of Diesel
Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) is required to maintain normal vehicle operation
and emissions compliance. If something is wrong with
the gauge, a DEF Warning Message or Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) will be displayed. More infor-
mation is available in the Instrument Cluster Display
section under the heading of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Warning Messages.
NOTE:
• The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed with a large
amount of full reserve. So the level sensor will indicate a
full reading even before the tank is completely full. To
put it another way, there’s additional storage capacity in
the tank above the Full mark that’s not represented in
the gauge. You may not see any movement in the
reading – even after driving up to 2,000 miles in some
cases. •
The gauge may take up to five seconds to update after
adding a gallon or more of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to
the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to the DEF
system, the gauge may not update to the new level. See
your authorized dealer for service.
• The DEF gauge may also not immediately update after a
refill if the temperature of the DEF fluid is below 12F
(-11C). The DEF line heater will possibly warm up the
DEF fluid and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is possible
that the gauge may not reflect the new fill level for
several drives.
• Outside temperature can affect DEF consumption. In
cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and below, the DEF gauge
needle can stay on a fixed position and may not move
for extended periods of time. This is a normal function of
the system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
(Continued)
106 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................121
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........121
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......121
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ..........122
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ...................125
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) .........126
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) ......126
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............128
▫ Starting Fluids ........................ .129
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE .....130
▫ Cold Weather Precautions .................131
▫ Engine Idling ........................ .133
▫ Stopping The Engine ....................134
▫ Idle Shutdown ........................ .135
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) ..................... .136
▫ Operating Precautions ...................136
▫
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission . .136
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .137
▫ Block Heater Usage .....................138
 DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) .138
5

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 clus-
ter does not necessarily reflect the engine manifold air
temperature. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. When engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)
the “Wait To Start Light” will remain on indicating the
intake manifold heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. Pushing the engine start 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 Starttelltale. The
engine will not immediately crank, this is normal op-
eration.
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 Starttime
period. Its length will decrease until it disappears when
the Wait to Start time has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
4. After the engine “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, the engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
The engine may automatically crank when the “Wait
To Start” time has elapsed. To abort the automatic
starting process, ensure the driver ’s foot is fully re-
moved from the brake pedal prior to pushing the
START/STOP button to cycle the ignition off.
124 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oilpressure.
6. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
7. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger at
low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-up.
• The engine may not automatically crank after the engine
Wait To Start telltale goes off if a door or the hood is
ajar.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for
more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start Light”
goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least five seconds and
then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 7 of “Keyless
Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66° F (19° C).”Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and op-
eration:
• The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed in
the water jacket of the engine just above and behind the
oil filter. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet
with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE: The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR dealer.
• A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housings aid in
preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
• A heated intake air system both improves engine start-
ing and reduces the amount of white smoke generated
by a warming engine.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 125

Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66° F (19° C)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission.For vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, fully
press and hold the clutch pedal and shift into NEU-
TRAL.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and watch the instrument panel cluster lights.
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
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
crank the engine. Do not press the accelerator during
starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a time
or starter motor damage may result. Turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait at least two
minutes for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
5. When the engine starts, release the key fob.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C)
NOTE: The temperature displayed in the instrument clus-
ter does not necessarily reflect the engine manifold air
temperature. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. When engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)
the “Wait To Start Light” will remain on indicating the
intake manifold heater system is active.
126 STARTING AND OPERATING

Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. The “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on for a period oftime that varies depending on the engine temperature.
2. 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 Starttime
period. Its length will decrease until it disappears when
the Wait To Start time has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
3. After the “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, turn the ignition switch to the START position. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a time
or starter motor damage may result. Turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait at least two
minutes for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
4. After engine start-up, check that the oil pressure warn- ing light has turned off.
5. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
6. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1,000 RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbo-
charger at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
• Automatic equipped vehicles with optional Keyless
Enter-N-Go – If the start button is pushed once while in
park with the ignition off and driver ’s foot on the brake
pedal, the vehicle will automatically crank and start
after the Wait to Start time has elapsed. If it is desired to
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 127

abort the start process before it completes, the driver ’s
foot should be fully removed from the brake pedal prior
to pushing the start button again in order for the ignition
to move directly to off.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for
more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start” telltale
goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least five seconds and
then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 5 of “Starting
Procedure – Engine Manifold Air Temperature Below
66°F (19°C).”
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C)
In extremely cold weather below 0°F (-18°C) it may be
beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before at-
tempting to start the engine. This can be accomplished by
turning the ignition OFF for at least five seconds and then
back ON after the “Wait To Start” telltale has turned off,
but before the engine is started. However, excessive cycling
of the manifold heaters will result in damage to the heater
elements or reduced battery voltage.
NOTE:If multiple pre-heat cycles are used before start-
ing, additional engine run time may be required to
maintain battery state of charge at a satisfactory level. 1. If the engine stalls after the initial start, the ignition must
be turned to the OFF position for at least five seconds
and then to the ON position to recycle the manifold
heaters.
NOTE: Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor-
mance will result if manifold heaters are not recycled.
2. Heat generated by the manifold heaters dissipates rap- idly in a cold engine. If more than two minutes pass
between the time the “Wait To Start” telltale turns off
and the engine is started, recycle the manifold heaters
by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position for at
least five seconds and then back ON.
3. If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds 19 mph (31 km/h) before the manifold heater post-heat
(after start) cycle is complete, the manifold heaters will
shut off.
4. If the engine is started before the “Wait To Start” telltale turns off, the preheat cycle will turn off.
5. If the engine is cranked for more than 10 seconds, the post-heat cycle will turn off.
128 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1,000 RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbo-
charger at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
• When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of fuel or the
fuel gels at low temperatures, air is pulled into the fuel
system. If your engine has run out of fuel, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has
Run Out Of Fuel” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for
more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start” telltale
goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least five seconds and
then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 5 of “Starting
Procedure – Engine Manifold Air Temperature Below
66°F (19°C).”Starting Fluids
WARNING!
Starting fluids or flammable liquids must never be
used in the Cummins diesel engine (see Warning
label). Never pour diesel fuel, flammable liquid, start-
ing fluids (ether) into the air cleaner canister, air intake
piping, or turbocharger inlet in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in a flash fire and explosion
causing serious personal injury and engine damage.
The engine is equipped with an automatic electric air
preheating system. If the instructions in this manual are
followed, the engine should start in all conditions.
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.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 129

WARNING!(Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended 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 children, 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.
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is operating.
• All message center lights are off.
• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
• Engine oil pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at idle.
• Voltmeter operation:
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at various
engine temperatures. This cycling operation is caused by
the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold heater system.
The number of cycles and the length of the cycling opera-
tion is controlled by the engine control module. Post-heat
operation can run for several minutes, and then the elec-
trical system and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of the
headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable reduction
in blower motor speed.
130 STARTING AND OPERATING