overheating Ram 3500 2020 User Guide

336STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
[ERS] shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select [ERS]
shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Speed Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Speed Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions: City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans
-
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from
the vehicle, the air suspension system can be
used. Refer to “Air Suspension System” in
“Starting And Operating” for further
information.
NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system.

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338STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to
specifications at the factory without
consideration for the weight of the plow. Front
end toe-in should be checked and reset if
necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven
tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the
vehicle is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and
snowplow equipment following the
recommendations provided by the specific
snowplow manufacturer.OVER THE ROAD OPERATION WITH
S
NOWPLOW ATTACHED
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and
causes the engine to operate at higher than
normal temperatures. Therefore, when
transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or
surface conditions permit. Do not exceed
40 mph (64 km/h). The operator should always
maintain a safe stopping distance and allow
adequate passing clearance.
OPERATING TIPS
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph
(32 km/h) should be maximum operating
speed. The operator should be familiar with the
area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed
and use extreme caution when plowing
unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Snowplows should be maintained in
accordance with the plow manufacturer's
instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and
battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and
drivetrain damage, the following precautions
should be observed.
Operate with transfer case in 4LO when
plowing small or congested areas where
speeds are not likely to exceed 15 mph
(24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4HI.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions
should use 4LO range when plowing deep or
heavy snow for extended periods of time to
avoid transmission overheating.
Do not shift the transmission unless the
engine has returned to idle and wheels have
stopped. Make a practice of stepping on the
brake pedal while shifting the transmission.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY379
4. Using the screwdriver or similar tool, push
the Manual Park Release lever locking tab
(just below the middle of the lever) to the
right.

Manual Park Release Pull Tether

5. While holding the locking tab in the disengaged position, pull the tether strap to
rotate the lever rearward, until it locks in
place pointing towards the driver's seat.
Release the locking tab and verify that the
Manual Park Release lever is locked in the
released position.
6. The vehicle is now out of PARK and can be towed. Release the parking brake only when
the vehicle is securely connected to a tow
vehicle. To Reset The Manual Park Release:

1. Push the locking tab to the right, to unlock
the lever.

2. Rotate the Manual Park Release lever forward to its original position, until the
locking tab snaps into place to secure the
lever.
3. Pull gently on the tether strap to confirm that the lever is locked in its stowed
position.

Manual Park Release Pull Strap

4. Re-install the access cover.IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
6

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY381
(Continued)
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing
service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable,
disabled vehicles may also be towed as
described under “Recreational Towing” in the
“Starting And Operating” section. NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with the Air Suspension
System must be placed in Transport mode,
before tying them down (from the body) on a
trailer or flatbed truck. If the vehicle cannot be
placed in Transport mode (for example, engine
will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the
axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these
instructions may cause fault codes to be set
and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for more informa
-
tion.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels
too fast may lead to transmission over -
heating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
CAUTION! (Continued)
6

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE417
Under normal operating conditions, the
catalytic converter will not require
maintenance. However, it is important to keep
the engine properly tuned to ensure proper
catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage. NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching
odor may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans
-
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri -
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor -
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.7

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE435
(Continued)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg
and there will be five 68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340
(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4. NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. The following table shows examples
on how to calculate total load, cargo/
luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Safety
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping
distance. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never overload
them.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
7

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554 Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming
..................... 412Differential, Limited Slip................................ 270Disabled Vehicle Towing................................ 381Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 420Do Not Disturb............................................... 545Door Ajar........................................................ 133Door Ajar Light............................................... 133Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 30Doors............................................................... 26Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 409Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 33DrivingOff-Pavement............................................ 261Off-Road.................................................... 261Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water..................................... 343Dual Rear Wheels................................ 445, 452
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 145Anti-Lock Brake System............................. 144Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 149, 153Electrical Power Outlets................................... 86Electronic Range Select (ERS)............. 238, 243Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................146Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 132Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.... 246, 250Emergency Braking........................................ 231
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 380Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 346Jump Starting........................................... 375Emission Control System Maintenance........ 143Engine......................................... 396, 397, 398Air Cleaner................................................ 403Block Heater.................................... 220, 229Break-In Recommendations..................... 230Compartment.................................. 397, 398Compartment Identification...................... 396Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 461, 464Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 209, 456Fails To Start............................................ 216Flooded, Starting...................................... 216Fuel Requirements.......................... 454, 459Identifcation.................................... 397, 398Idling........................................................ 226Jump Starting........................................... 375Oil..................................401, 459, 461, 464Oil Filler Cap.................................... 396, 402Oil Filter.................................................... 403Oil Reset................................................... 115Oil Selection.................................... 401, 459Oil Synthetic............................................. 403Overheating.............................................. 379Runaway................................................... 319Starting..................................................... 214Engine Oil Viscosity....................................... 402
Enhanced Accident Response Feature...189, 384

Entry System, Illuminated................................54Ethanol.......................................................... 454Exhaust Brake............................................... 232Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 209, 456Exhaust System..........................209, 416, 425Exterior Lighting...............................................48Exterior Lights........................................ 48, 212
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 403Air Conditioning................................. 69, 406Engine Fuel............................................... 409Engine Oil............................... 403, 461, 464Engine Oil Disposal................................... 403FlashersTurn Signals.............................. 51, 141, 212Flash-To-Pass...................................................50Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 372Fluid Capacities................................... 459, 460Fluid Leaks.................................................... 212Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 421Fluid, Brake................................................... 463Fluids And Lubricants........................... 461, 464Fog Lights.............................................. 51, 355Fold Flat Load Floor.........................................84Fold-Flat Seats.................................................33Forward Collision Warning............................ 160Four Wheel Drive........................................... 246

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557
Manual Park Release
............................................. 378Service...................................................... 551Media Hub..................................................... 538Memory Seat................................................... 31Memory Settings............................................. 31Methanol....................................................... 454Mirrors............................................................. 42Electric Powered......................................... 44Heated........................................................ 46Memory....................................................... 31Outside........................................................ 44Rearview..................................... 42, 43, 346Trailer Towing.............................................. 46Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................ 12Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 163Mopar Parts................................................... 550MP3 Control.................................................. 538Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 48
N
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS)............... 309New Vehicle Break-In Period.......................... 230Noise ControlMaintenance............................................. 425Tampering Prohibited................................ 426Noise Emission Warranty..................... 425, 426
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 172Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 454Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road).......... 261, 344Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement).......... 261, 344Oil Change Indicator..................................... 390Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 403Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 403Oil Pressure Light.......................................... 132Oil Reset....................................................... 115Oil, Engine................................... 401, 461, 464Capacity........................................... 459, 460Change Interval........................................ 401Dipstick.................................................... 399Disposal................................................... 403Filter....................................... 403, 461, 464Filter Disposal........................................... 403Identification Logo.................................... 402Materials Added To.................................. 403Pressure Warning Light............................ 132Recommendation............................ 401, 459Synthetic.................................................. 403Viscosity.......................................... 402, 459Onboard Diagnostic System.......................... 142Operating Precautions.................................. 142Operator ManualOwner's Manual..................................12, 551Outside Rearview Mirrors................................ 44
Overdrive....................................................... 244Overdrive OFF Switch.................................... 244Overheating, Engine...................................... 379
P
Paint Care..................................................... 447Panic Alarm......................................................15Parking Brake............................................... 231ParkSense System, Rear...................... 296, 301Passive Entry....................................................28Pedals, Adjustable...........................................42Perform Service Indicator, Reset.................. 390Pets............................................................... 209Pickup Box................................................90, 92Pinch Protection...............................................73Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 433PowerDistribution Center (Fuses)....................... 358Door Locks...................................................27Mirrors.........................................................44Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)..........86, 88Seats...........................................................35Side Steps...................................................27Sliding Rear Window....................................71Steering.......................................................44Sunroof........................................................72Windows......................................................7011

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