lock RAM CHASSIS CAB 2019 Manual PDF

244
(Continued)STARTING AND OPERATINGSTARTING THE ENGINE
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 "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. • 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. WARNING! (Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING 245
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK position.
Apply the brake before shifting into any driving range.
NOTE:
• This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift inter -
locking system. The brake pedal must be pressed to shift
out of PARK.
• If equipped with an 8-speed transmission, starting the
vehicle in NEUTRAL is not possible unless the Manual
Park Release has been activated. For the Manual Park
Release operation refer to Manual Park Release in “In Case
Of Emergency”.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition switch briefly
to the START position and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run and will automatically disengage when the
engine is running. Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition
Keyless Push Button 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 compart -
ment. 5

250 STARTING AND OPERATING
accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds,
then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure. 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.
Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.WARNING!
• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious
personal injury.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis -
sion 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
Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 251
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a stan -
dard 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. ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri -
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom -
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution. CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result. 5

STARTING AND OPERATING 253
(Continued)When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access
to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving unattended children in
a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a
location accessible to children, and do not leave 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. • Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a
collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or injury.
Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately. WARNING! (Continued)
5

254 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)(Continued)AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 reverse. 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.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle
is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop
before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis -
sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle. • Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those
in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should
never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob.
When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position, (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode) the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted move -
ment.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move -
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it
is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting
the vehicle. WARNING! (Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING 255
NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
Ignition Park Interlock
Vehicles With Pushbutton Start:
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF mode. This helps the driver
avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing the
transmission in PARK. This system also locks the transmis -
sion in PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.
NOTE:
The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC mode (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition is
OFF (not in ACC mode) before exiting 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 transmission 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 (in 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.
CAUTION!
• 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. WARNING! (Continued)
5

256 STARTING AND OPERATING
Vehicles With Mechanical Key:
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF (key removal) position. The
key can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition
is in the OFF position, and the transmission is locked in
PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF position. If the
vehicle's battery becomes discharged, the key will be
trapped in the ignition even when the gear selector is in
PARK. Recharge the battery to allow key removal.
NOTE:
If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key fob in
the ignition to warn you that this safety feature is inoperable.
The engine can be started and stopped but the key fob cannot
be removed until you obtain service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. For vehicles
with 8-speed transmission, to shift the transmission out of
PARK, the engine must be running and the brake pedal must
be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift
from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds. For vehicles with
6-speed transmission, to shift the transmission out of PARK,
the ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode (engine running
or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
Six–Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Chassis Cab models may use the AS66RC transmission
(which is equipped with a Power Take-Off (PTO) access
cover on the side of the transmission case).
The transmission gear position display (located in the instru -
ment cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. The gear
selector is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must press the brake pedal to move 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 precise
shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-cali -
brating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may
be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and preci -
sion shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilome -
ters).

STARTING AND OPERATING 257
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. Pushing the ERS (-/+) switches (on the steering
wheel) 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. Refer to "Electronic
Range Select (ERS) Operation" in this section for further
information. Some models will display both the selected gear
limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal 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 exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the transmis -
sion 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 precaution,
turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
NOTE:
On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is
in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the key fob. 5

258 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)(Continued)WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move -
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it
is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting
the vehicle.
• 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 reverse. 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. • Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those
in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should
never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob.
When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode), the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted move -
ment.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion 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 transmission gear
selector. WARNING! (Continued)