fuel Ram Cargo Van 2014 Owner's Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................441
▫ Automatic Transmission ................441
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .441
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................442
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start ..............442
▫ After Starting ....................... .443
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .443
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............444
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............446 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .446
▫ Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode .............447
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission .........448
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .449
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........457
▫ Acceleration ........................ .457
▫ Traction ........................... .457
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............458
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................458
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................458
5

▫Life Of Tire ........................ .496
▫ Replacement Tires .....................497
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......498
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....500
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .501
▫ Base System ........................ .504
▫ Premium System — If Equipped ...........506
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................510
▫ 3.6L Engine ......................... .510
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................511
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............511
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......512
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................512 ▫
Materials Added To Fuel ................513
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................513
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............514
 FLEXIBLE FUEL — IF EQUIPPED ...........514
▫ E-85 General Information ...............514
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................515
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................516
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .............517
▫ Starting ........................... .517
▫ Cruising Range ...................... .517
▫ Replacement Parts ....................518
▫ Maintenance ....................... .518
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STARTING AND OPERATING 439

ADDING FUEL ....................... .518
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............518
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............520
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................520
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............520
TRAILER TOWING .....................523
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............523
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .534
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................536
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .536
▫ Recreational Towing — All Models .........537
440 STARTING AND OPERATING

3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengageautomatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure
(Steps 1–3 above).
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
pressed to shift out of PARK.
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 (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If The Engine Fails To Start
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 can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
442 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the
engine for more than 15 second intervals at one time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key
fob is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the
accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release
the accelerator pedal and the key fob once the engine is
running smoothly. If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15–
second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 443

Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode
The Fuel Economy (ECON) mode can improve the vehi-
cle’s overall fuel economy during normal driving condi-
tions. Press the “econ” switch in the center stack of the
instrument panel and a green light will indicate the
ECON mode is engaged.When the Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode is engaged, the
vehicle control systems will change the following:
•
The transmission will upshift sooner and downshift
later.
• The transmission will skip select gears during shifts to
allow the engine to operate at lower speeds.
• The torque converter clutch may engage at lower
engine speeds and remain on longer.
• The engine idle speed will be lower.
• The overall driving performance will be more conser-
vative.
• Some ECON mode functions may be temporarily
inhibited based on temperature and other factors.
Fuel Economy Mode Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 447

started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
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 down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (described below) to select a
lower gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear range will improve performance and extend trans-
mission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 453

Transmission Gear Position Display123456D
Actual Gear(s) Allowed 1 1–2 1–3 1–4 1–5 1–6 1–6
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), tap the shift lever to the
left (-) repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The transmission
will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature. •
The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
456 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the
right or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation also increases
tire rolling resistance resulting in higher fuel consump-
tion.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride. Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of
sluggish response or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
•
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side
door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality
pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual
488 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures have
been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equip-
ment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Us-
ing aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to be-
come inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your
vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the TPMS sensor. NOTE:
•
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, using an accurate tire pressure
gage, even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing Telltale Light.”
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STARTING AND OPERATING 503