ESP Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name FCA
US LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the name FCA
Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-
drinking driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public trans-
portation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident.
Your perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are
slower, and your judgment is impaired when you
have been drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
FCA US LLC reserves the right to make changes in design
and specifications, and/or make additions to or improve-
ments to its products without imposing any obligation
upon itself to install them on products previously manu-
factured.
Copyright © 2016 FCA US LLC

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 “Starting And Operating” for further information.
• 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).
Engine Oil Usage
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for the correct engine oil viscosity.
Winter Front Usage
A winter front or cold weather cover is to be used in
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C), especially during
extended idle conditions. 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 in the full open position to
allow air flow to the charge air cooler and automatic
transmission oil cooler. When ambient temperatures drop
Winter Front Cover
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 37

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Never add anything other than DEF to the tank –
especially any form of hydrocarbon such as diesel
fuel, fuel system additives, gasoline, or any other
petroleum-based product. Even a very small amount
of these, less than 100 parts per million or less than
1 oz. per 78 gallons (295 liters) will contaminate the
entire DEF system and will require replacement. If
owners use a container, funnel or nozzle when refill-
ing the tank, it should either be new or one that is
has only been used for adding DEF. MOPAR pro-
vides an attachable nozzle with its DEF for this
purpose.
3. Stop filling the DEF tank immediately when any of the following happen: DEF stops flowing from the fill bottle
into the DEF tank, DEF splashes out the filler neck, or a
DEF pump nozzle automatically shuts off.
4. Reinstall cap onto DEF tank. Filling The Def Tank In Cold Climates
Since DEF will begin to freeze at 12°F (-11°C), your vehicle
is equipped with an automatic DEF heating system. This
allows the DEF injection system to operate properly at
temperatures below 12°F (-11°C). If your vehicle is not in
operation for an extended period of time with tempera-
tures below 12°F (-11°C), the DEF in the tank may freeze. If
the tank is overfilled and freezes, it could be damaged.
Therefore, do not overfill the DEF tank.
Extra care should be taken when filling with portable
containers to avoid overfilling. Note the level of the DEF
gauge in your instrument cluster. You may safely add a
maximum of 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of DEF from portable
containers when your DEF gauge is reading ½ full.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 51

•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (anti-
freeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
NOTE:
• It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-
erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed
to be added to the system, please contact your local
authorized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as pos-
sible.Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 67

•5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or Refuel
Service DEF See Dealer — This message will continu-
ously display when the mileage 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:
• If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
• If the vehicle is idled for an extended period of time,
approximately one hour or greater.
• If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank
has increased.
• 5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See Dealer —
This message will continuously display, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. Although the vehicle
can be started and placed in gear, the vehicle will only
operate at a maximum speed of 5 MPH. Your vehicle
will require towing, see your authorized dealer for
service.
NOTE: When this message is displayed, the engine can
still be started. However, the vehicle will only operate at a
maximum speed of 5 MPH. •
Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This message will
display when the fault is initially detected, each time the
vehicle is started, and periodically during driving. The
message will be accompanied by a single chime. We
recommend you drive to your nearest authorized dealer
and have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Ram Active Air
system that provides enhanced performance, especially
when towing under demanding hot or high altitude con-
ditions. If the Instrument Cluster Display displays the
message “Active Airbox Service Required See Dealer”,
vehicle performance may be reduced until service is per-
formed by an authorized RAM dealer.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 “Starting And Operating” for further information.
• 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).
Engine Oil Usage
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” 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 conditions. 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 de-
crease 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.
132 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 perfor-
mance. No-load engine speeds should be kept under 1,200
RPM during the warm-up period, especially in cold ambi-
ent temperature conditions.
Your vehicle is equipped with a turbo speed limiter, this
feature limits the engine speed to 1,200 RPM when engine
coolant temperatures are below 70°F (21°C). This feature is
designed to protect the turbocharger from damage and will
only operate in PARK or NEUTRAL.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine at
moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are
applied.
NOTE: If ambient temperatures are low and the coolant
temperature is below 180°F (82°C), the engine idle speed
will slowly increase to 1,000 RPM after two minutes of idle,
if the following conditions are met:
• Foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal. •
Automatic transmission is in PARK.
• Vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
• Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle.
• Operating the exhaust brake at idle will greatly improve
warm up rate and will help keep the engine close to
operating temperature during extended idle.
Engine Idling
Avoid prolonged idling, long periods of idling may be
harmful to your engine because combustion chamber tem-
peratures can drop so low that the fuel may not burn
completely. Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves, and injector
nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is driven on low
engine speed drive cycles for more than 2 hours, the
system will automatically enter an emissions operating
mode that will increase the engine idle speed to 900 RPM
(1050 RPM for Chassis Cab). While in this mode, which is
designed to help maintain the diesel particulate filter, the
engine idle speed will return to normal when the brake
pedal is applied. A small change in engine tone or a slight
change in engine performance while accelerating may also5
STARTING AND OPERATING 133

be noticeable at speeds below 20 mph (32 kmh). This
operating mode may last for up to an hour of idle time, or
around 20 minutes of driving time.
Your truck may have been ordered with an optional
voltage monitoring idle up feature. If a load is placed on
the electrical system while the truck is in park, this feature
will attempt to maintain normal system voltage by auto-
matically increasing engine idle speed. You may notice
several consecutive increases in idle speed, up to a maxi-
mum of 1450 RPM, as the system will attempt to utilize the
smallest increase in idle speed necessary to maintain
normal system voltage. The idle speed will return to
normal when either the electrical load is removed, or when
the brake pedal is applied.
NOTE:For instrument cluster display messages related to
the vehicle’s exhaust system, refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Idle-Up Feature — Automatic Transmission Only
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature will help
increase cylinder temperatures and provide additional cab
heat, however, excessive idling may still cause the exhaust
aftertreatment system to not properly regenerate. Extended
periods of idle time should be avoided. The Idle-Up feature uses the speed control switches to
increase engine idle speed and quickly warm the vehicle’s
interior.
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 1100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the ACCEL/RESUME switch and
the idle speed will increase to approximately 1500 RPM.
To decrease the RPM, push and hold the DECEL switch
and the idle speed will decrease to approximately
1100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF switch, or press the brake
pedal.
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 especially important
for turbocharged, charge air-cooled engines.
134 STARTING AND OPERATING

the gear selector out of PARK (refer to “Brake/
Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section). To
drive, move the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to
the DRIVE position. Pull the gear selector toward you
when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting
out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual downshifts
can be made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control (refer toElectronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
in this section for further information). Pressing the ERS
(-/+) switches (on the gear selector) while in the DRIVE
position will select the highest available transmission gear,
and will display that gear limit in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Some models will display both the selected gear
limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This
is especially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through underdrive first, second, and third gears,
direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth and sixth gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions. When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Operation” in this section for further information) to select
a lower gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear range will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the powertrain controller will modify the transmis-
sion shift schedule and expand the range of torque con-
verter clutch engagement. This is done to prevent trans-
mission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in danger
of overheating, the “Transmission Temperature Warning
Light” may illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 145