ECO mode Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, both inside
and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to 30-second inter-
vals. Waiting a few minutes between such intervals will
protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the automatic
transmission into PARK and apply the parking
brake. 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. Leaving children 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
NOTE: Engine start up in very low ambient temperature
could result in evident white smoke. This condition will
disappear as the engine warms up.
CAUTION!
• The engine is allowed to crank as long as 30 seconds.
If the engine fails to start during this period, please
wait at least two minutes for the starter to cool before
repeating start procedure.
(Continued)
32 STARTING AND OPERATING

The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while main-
taining outstanding fuel economy, drivability, torque and
power ratings.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for system messages and warn-
ings.
NOTE:
•Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection system.
You may occasionally hear an audible clicking noise
from under the vehicle at a stop. This is normal opera-
tion.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after engine
shutdown to purge the DEF system. This is normal
operation and may be audible from the rear of the
vehicle.
ADDING FUEL — 1500 DIESEL MODELS
1. Open the fuel filler door. NOTE:
There is no fuel filler cap. A flapper door inside the
filler pipe seals the system.
2. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe – the nozzle opens and holds the flapper door while refuel-
ing.
Diesel Fuel And Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 45

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (3.0L Diesel,
8-Speed Transmission) Only use MOPAR ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid or equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid
may affect the function or performance of your transmis-
sion.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR BW44–44 Transfer Case
Fluid.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel Drive Models We recommend you use MOPAR GL-5 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle We recommend you use MOPAR Synthetic Gear Lubricant
SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Axles require
the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) MOPAR Limited Slip Addi-
tive (MS-10111).
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid,
SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid
is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 75

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED . . .92
▫ How To Use Remote Start ..................92
▫ Remote Start Abort Message ................93
▫ To Enter Remote Start Mode ................93
▫ To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle ...............................93 ▫
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The
Vehicle ...............................93
▫ Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped . . .94
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS .....94
2

Remote Start Abort Message
The following messages will display in the Instrument
Cluster Display if the vehicle fails to remote start or exits
remote start prematurely:
•Remote Start Aborted - Door Open
• Remote Start Aborted - Hood Open
• Remote Start Aborted - Fuel Low
• Remote Start Aborted - System Fault
The Instrument Cluster Display message stays active until
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Push and release the REMOTE START button on
the key fob twice, within five seconds. The
parking lights will flash and the horn will chirp
twice (if programmed). In cold ambient tempera-
ture conditions, the diesel vehicle may delay crank up to 30
seconds for the fuel and grid heater. Once the vehicle has
started, the engine will run for 15 minutes or 75 seconds in
extreme cold and high elevation. NOTE:
•
The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
• For security, power window and power sunroof opera-
tion (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in the
Remote Start mode.
• The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15-minute cycles) with the key fob. However, the igni-
tion switch must be cycled to the ON position before you
can repeat the start sequence for a third cycle.
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle
Push and release the REMOTE START button one time or
allow the engine to run for the entire fifteen minute cycle.
NOTE: To avoid unintentional shut downs, the system
will disable the one time push of the REMOTE START
button for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote Start
request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle
To exit Remote Start Mode and drive the vehicle before the
end of the 15-minute cycle, push and release the unlock
button on the key fob to unlock the door and disarm the
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 93

Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a derate (engine
power reduction) is activated to protect the turbocharger
during engine start up in cold ambient temperatures.
•Engine Power Reduced During Warmup — This mes-
sage will display during start up when the ambient
temperature is between 10° F (-12° C) and -10° F (-23° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Seconds) During
Warmup — This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between -10° F (-23° C)
and -25 F (-32° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes) During
Warmup — This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is -25° F (-32° C) and
below.
• Coolant Low — This telltale will turn on to indicate the
vehicle coolant level is low. See “Adding Coolant” under
the section “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for more infor-
mation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages
Your vehicle will begin displaying warning messages when
the DEF level reaches a driving range of approximately 350 miles (560 km). If the following warning message
sequence is ignored, your vehicle may be limited to a
maximum speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H) unless DEF is added.
•
DEF Low Refill Soon — This message will display
when the low level is reached, during vehicle start up,
and with increased frequency during vehicle operation.
It will be accompanied by a single chime. Approximately
5 gallons (19 Liters) of DEF is required to refill the tank
when this message is initially displayed. on pickup
applications, and approximately 7 gallons (28 Liters) are
required on chassis-cab applications.
• Speed Limited to 5 MPH in XXX mi Refill DEF — This
message will continuously display if the “DEF Low
Refill Soon” message is ignored, and the frequency of
occurance of the chime will increase unless up to
2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the tank.
• 5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or Refuel
Refill DEF — This message will continuously display
when the counter reaches zero, and will be accompanied
by a periodic chime.
• The vehicle will only be capable of a maximum speed of
5 MPH upon the first of the following conditions to
occur:
116 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING PROCEDURES
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 15-second
intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such intervals
will protect the starter from overheating.
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 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal to the floor before starting
the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch inter-
locking ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch is
fully pressed.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Start the engine with the transmission in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 121

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!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110–115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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.
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING)
The purpose of the exhaust brake (engine braking) feature
is to supply negative (braking) torque from the engine.
Typically, the engine braking is used for, but not limited to,
vehicle towing applications where vehicle braking can be
achieved by the internal engine power, thereby sparing the
mechanical brakes of the vehicle.
Benefits of the exhaust brake are:
• Vehicle driving control. •
Reduced brake fade.
• Longer brake life.
• Faster cab warm-up.
The exhaust brake feature will only function when the
driver toggles it on by pushing the exhaust brake button
until the Exhaust Brake Indicator is illuminated. Normal
(Full Strength) exhaust brake mode is indicated by a yellow
Exhaust Brake Indicator.
Once the Exhaust Brake Indicator” is illuminated and the
vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h); the exhaust
brake will automatically operate when the driver removes
Exhaust Brake Switch
138 STARTING AND OPERATING

pressure from the accelerator pedal. Exhaust braking is
most effective when the engine RPM is higher. The auto-
matic transmission will downshift more aggressively in
TOW/HAUL mode when the exhaust brake is enabled to
increase brake performance.
CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recommended
and could lead to engine damage
WARNING!
Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in
icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine
braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the
vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of
vehicle control, which may cause an accident possibly
resulting in personal injury or death.
NOTE: For optimum braking power it is recommended to
use the exhaust brake while in TOW/HAUL mode. The exhaust brake feature can also be used to reduce the
engine warm up time. To use the exhaust brake as a
warm-up device, the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 5 mph (8 km/h), the
Exhaust Brake Indicator
must be on, and the coolant temperature must be below
180°F (82°C) and ambient temperature below 60°F (16°C).
Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake (Auto)
Automatic Exhaust Brake technology delivers smoother,
less aggressive exhaust braking characteristics during
downhill descents. Although it can apply full exhaust
braking force if needed, Automatic Exhaust Brake may not
apply obvious braking if the vehicle speed is not increas-
ing. Automatic Exhaust Brake is intended to maintain
vehicle speed, while Full Exhaust Brake is intended to
reduce vehicle speed.
Automatic Exhaust Brake can be enabled by pushing the
exhaust brake button again anytime after the normal Full
Exhaust Brake has been turned on. The “Exhaust Brake
Indicator” in the instrument cluster display will change
from Yellow to Green when Automatic Exhaust Brake is
enabled. Pushing the exhaust brake button again will
toggle the exhaust brake mode to off.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 139