engine Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2017 Workshop Manual

Economy Mode
If ECONOMY mode is desired, push the A/C button to
turn off the LED indicator and the A/C compressor. Rotate
the temperature control knob to the desired temperature.
Also, make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level or Floor
modes.
Stop/Start System — If Equipped
While in an Autostop, the Climate Controls system may
automatically adjust airflow to maintain cabin comfort.
Customer settings will be maintained upon return to an
engine running condition.CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth and a
mild washing solution, wiping parallel to the heat-
ing elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking
with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive
window cleaners on the interior surface of the win-
dow.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 281

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped
Automatic Operation
1. Push the AUTO button on the front ATC panel and theword “AUTO” will illuminate in the front ATC display,
along with two temperatures for the driver and front
passenger. The system will then automatically regulate
the amount of airflow.
2. Adjust the temperature you would like the system to maintain, by adjusting the driver, passenger, and rear
temperatures. Once the desired temperature is dis-
played, the system will achieve and automatically main-
tain that comfort level.
3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is not necessary to change the settings. You will experience
the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the system to
function automatically.
NOTE:
• It is not necessary to move the temperature settings. The
system automatically adjusts the temperature, mode and
fan speed to provide comfort as quickly as possible. To provide you with maximum comfort in the automatic
mode, during cold start-ups, the blower fan will remain on
low until the engine warms up. The fan will engage
immediately if the Defrost mode is selected, or by changing
the front blower knob setting.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC display will
be turned off when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
NOTE:
The system will not automatically sense the pres-
ence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield. DEFROST mode
must be manually selected to clear the windshield and side
glass.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 291

Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Use of the air Recirculation mode during
Winter months is not recommended, because it may cause
window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e.,
vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor dam-
age when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select De-
frost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed. Do
not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen from
the air. Contact your authorized dealer to service your
Cabin air filter, and to have it replaced when needed.
292 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................321
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .321
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................321
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............322
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .322
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or 29°C) . .323
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................323
▫ After Starting ......................... .324
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .....325
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............325
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................326
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .327
▫ Six–Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ......................... .327
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ....................336
▫ Stationary Mode ...................... .336
▫ Mobile Mode ......................... .337
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .338
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped . .338
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Four-Position
Switch) — If Equipped ..................342
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ..............346
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........347
▫ Acceleration .......................... .347
▫ Traction ............................. .347
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............348
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................348
5

▫Life Of Tire .......................... .383
▫ Replacement Tires ..................... .384
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .........385
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS ......386
▫ Dual Rear Wheels ..................... .387
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ..................388
▫ Treadwear ........................... .388
▫ Traction Grades ....................... .389
▫ Temperature Grades .....................389
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . . .389
▫ Base System — If Equipped ...............391
▫ Premium System ...................... .392
▫ Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS) Chassis
Cab — If Equipped .....................394
▫ General Information .....................396
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................396
▫ 6.4L Engine .......................... .396▫
Reformulated Gasoline ..................396
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ...............397
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .........397
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ......398
▫ MMT In Gasoline ...................... .398
▫ Materials Added To Fuel .................398
▫ Fuel System Cautions ....................399
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...............399
 ADDING FUEL ........................ .400
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............400
 VEHICLE

LOADING .....................401
▫ Certification Label ..................... .401
 TRAILER TOWING ..................... .403
▫ Common Towing Definitions ...............403
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ................407
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ............................ .407
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 319

STARTING PROCEDURES
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.
WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the OFFmode, 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.
• 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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is obtained
without pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal. Cycle
the ignition to the START position and release when the
engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds,
cycle the ignition to the OFF position, wait five seconds,
then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the gear selector in the NEUTRAL or
PARK. 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 321

Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Cycle 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.
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition
This feature allows the driver to operate
the ignition 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
To Turn On The Engine 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 10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the 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 switch will return to the OFF position.
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
switch position will remain in the ACC position until the
gear selector is in PARK and the button is pushed twice
to the OFF position. 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
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

Park” message and the engine will remain running.
Never leave a vehicle out of the PARK position, or it
could roll.
NOTE: If the ignition switch is left in the ACC or RUN
(engine not running) position and the transmission is in
PARK, the system will automatically time out after 30
minutes of inactivity and the ignition will switch to the
OFF position.
Idle Shutdown — 6.4L Engine Only
This feature can be enabled so that the truck will automati-
cally shutdown when the truck has been idling for a set
period of time when the engine is at operating tempera-
ture. Idle time can be set in 5 minute increments between 5
and 60 minutes. See your local authorized dealer to enable
this feature.
NOTE: The idle shut down timer is disabled while the PTO
is active.
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 positions, 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 position:
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.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or 29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while the engine is cranking. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 10
seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, release the
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 323

accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
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!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery
or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to
“Jump-Starting” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
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.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
Gasoline Engine Only
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille by
the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not
in use for the Winter months. During Winter months,
remove the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the
c-clip.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,
or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 325