engine RAM CHASSIS CAB 2020 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING291
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N (Neutral)
button, and must continue to be met until the
shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met before pushing the
N (Neutral) button or are no longer met
during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light
will flash continuously until all requirements
are met or until the N (Neutral) button is
released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for
a shift to take place and for the position indi -
cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is
not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop,
leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine, and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever to the desired posi -
tion.
With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, push and hold the
transfer case N (Neutral) button until the
N (Neutral) indicator light turns off. After
the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off,
release the N (Neutral) button. After the
N (Neutral) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position indi -
cated by the selector switch.
With electronic shift transfer case with push-button selector switch, push and
hold the switch for the desired transfer
case position, until the N (Neutral) indi -
cator light turns off and the desired posi -
tion indicator light turns on.
NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case N (Neutral),
turning the engine off is not required, but may
be helpful to avoid gear clash. With 8-speed
automatic transmission, the engine must
remain running, since turning the engine off will
shift the transmission to PARK (and the trans -
mission must be in NEUTRAL for the transfer
case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine off. Shift automatic trans- mission into PARK. On 8-speed transmis -
sions the shifter will automatically select
PARK when the engine is turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal.
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING293
(Continued)
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving
through shallow standing water, consider the
following Cautions and Warnings before doing
so.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not
exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it. Never drive
through standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine
can cause it to lock up and stall out, and
cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)
5

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306IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Power Distribution Center
The Power Distribution Center is located in the
engine compartment near the battery. This
center contains cartridge fuses, micro fuses,
relays, and circuit breakers. A description of
each fuse and component may be stamped on
the inside cover, otherwise the cavity number of
each fuse is stamped on the inside cover that
corresponds to the following chart.

Power Distribution Center Location
If a general protection fuse for safety
systems (air bag system, braking system),
power unit systems (engine system, trans-
mission system) or steering system blows,
contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING! (Continued)
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
F0180 Amp Black –Rad Fan Control Module – If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
F02 60 Amp Yellow –ABS Pump Motor (HD Only)
F03 60 Amp Yellow –Rad Fan – If Equipped
F04 50 Amp Red 400W Inverter – If Equipped (HD Only)
F05 40 Amp Green
50 Amp Red (Special
Services Vehicle (SSV)) –
Compressor For Air Suspension – If Equipped
F06 40 Amp Green –ABS Pump Motor (DS 1500 Only)
Steering Torque Overlay Module (STOM) (HD Only)
F07 40 Amp Green –Starter Solenoid
F08 20 Amp Blue (DS 1500 LD/
Cummins Diesel)40 Amp Green –
–
NOX Sensor – If Equipped
Aux Relay Output- SSV Only

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308IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
F2220 Amp Blue –Engine Control Module GPEC / Heavy Duty / Other – If
Equipped
F22 25 Amp White (Cummins
Diesel) –
PCM – If Equipped
F23 30 Amp Pink –CBC Feed # 1
F24 30 Amp Pink –Driver Door Module
F25 30 Amp Pink –Front Wiper
F26 30 Amp Pink –Antilock Brakes / Stability Control Module / Valves – If
Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
F28 20 Amp Blue –Trailer Tow Backup Lights – If Equipped
F29 20 Amp Blue –Trailer Tow Parking Lights – If Equipped
F30 30 Amp Pink –Trailer Tow Receptacle / Trailer Tow (Separate E-Brake)/
Trailer Tow (BUX)
F31 30 Amp Pink –Diesel Heater Control – If Equipped (DS 1500 LD Diesel)
F31 20 Amp Blue –Aux App SSV Only - If Equipped
F32 ––Aux Feed, Special Services Vehicle-If Equipped (DS 1500
Only)
F33 20 Amp Blue –Trans Control Module – If Equipped (HD Only)
Aux Feed, SSV Only (DS 1500 Only)
F34 30 Amp Pink –Vehicle System Interface Module #2 – If Equipped (HD
Only)
SSV (DS 1500 Only)
F35 30 Amp Pink –Sunroof – If Equipped
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description

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312IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
F78 –10 Amp RedEngine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module /
Electric Power Steering (DS 1500 Only)
F78 –15 Amp BlueEngine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module / AEB
RACM MOD / Feed To AUX PDC Relay Coils/ HRLS (HD
Only)
F79 –15 Amp Blue ID / Clearance Lights
F80 –10 Amp RedUniversal Garage Door Opener / Compass / Anti-Intrusion
Module (DS 1500 Only)
ASSY Overhead Console / SW Assist / SW 911 – If
Equipped (HD Only)
F81 –20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow Right Turn / Stop Lights - If Equipped
F82 –10 Amp Red Steering Column Control Module / Cruise Control
F83 ––No Connection
F84 –15 Amp Blue ASBM / HVAC / ICS / Rear Heated Seat Switches
F85 –10 Amp Red Airbag Module
F86 –10 Amp Red Airbag Module
F87 –10 Amp RedAir Suspension / ITBM / Steering Column Control Module
/ MOD Gateway CAN-C Trailer TPM (HD Only)
Air Suspension / Trailer Tow / DC/DC Converter (Voltage
Stabilizer) / Steering Column Control Module / Occupant
Classification Sensor (DS 1500 Only)
F88 –15 Amp Blue Instrument Panel Cluster
CavityCartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description

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314IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
F101–20 Amp Yellow Rear Heated Seat Right (HD Only)
F102 –
20 Amp Yellow Rear Heated Seat Left / Run RLY #3 Coil (HD Only)
F103 –10 Amp Red HeadLamp AFLS (HD Only)
F104 –20 Amp Yellow Power Outlets (Instrument Panel / Center Console) / Trunk
– If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
UCI Port / USB Rear (HD Only)
Cavity
Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
CAUTION!
When installing the power distribution
center cover, it is important to ensure the
cover is properly positioned and fully
latched. Failure to do so may allow water to
get into the power distribution center and
possibly result in an electrical system
failure.
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important
to use only a fuse having the correct
amperage rating. The use of a fuse with a
rating other than indicated may result in a
dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must
be corrected.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side
of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull
far enough off the road to avoid the danger
of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
Being under a jacked-up vehicle is
dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the
jack and fall on you. You could be crushed.
Never put any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
Never start or run the engine while the
vehicle is on a jack.
The jack is designed to be used as a tool for
changing tires only. The jack should not be
used to lift the vehicle for service purposes.
The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
WARNING! (Continued)

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY315
(Continued)
4500/5500 Models
These vehicles do not come equipped with a
jack.
NOTE:
Jacking and tire changing on 4500/
5500 models should be performed by an autho -
rized dealer, or knowledgeable service
personnel with the appropriate heavy duty
equipment, like a tire service company.
Preparations For Jacking

1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.

2. Place the gear selector into PARK. On four-wheel drive vehicles, shift the transfer
case to the 4L position.
3. Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
4. Apply the parking brake. 5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel
diagonally opposite the jacking position. For
example, if the driver’s front wheel is being
changed, block the passenger’s rear wheel.

Wheel Blocked

NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking Instructions 4500 And 5500 Series
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of
the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far
enough off the road to avoid being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings
to help prevent personal injury or damage to
your vehicle:
Always park on a firm, level surface as far
from the edge of the roadway as possible
before raising the vehicle.
Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
Apply the parking brake firmly and set the
transmission in PARK.
Block the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be raised.
Never start or run the engine with the
vehicle on a jack.
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it
is on a jack.
Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a
jack. If you need to get under a raised
vehicle, take it to a service center where it
can be raised on a lift.
6

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320IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Preparations For Jump Start
The battery in your vehicle is located in the front
of the engine compartment, behind the left
headlight assembly.
NOTE:
The positive battery post may be covered with a
protective cap if equipped. Lift up on the cap to
gain access to the positive battery post. Do not
jump off fuses. Only jump directly off positive
post which has a positive (+) symbol on or
around the post.

Positive Battery Post
1. Apply the parking brake, shift the auto
-
matic transmission into PARK and turn the
ignition OFF.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unneces -
sary electrical accessories.
3. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables’ reach, apply the parking brake and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
Jump Starting Procedure
Connecting The Jumper Cables

1. Connect the positive
(+) end of the jumper
cable to the positive (+)
post of the
discharged vehicle.

NOTE:
Do not jump off fuses. Only jump directly off
positive post.
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan
whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can
be injured by moving fan blades.
Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,
watch bands and bracelets that could
make an inadvertent electrical contact. You
could be seriously injured.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can
burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as
this could establish a ground connection and
personal injury could result.
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump starting procedure
could result in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY321
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the
booster battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) end of the jumper
cable to the negative (-) post of the booster
battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)
jumper cable to a good engine ground
(exposed metal part of the discharged
vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and
the fuel injection system.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few
minutes, and then start the engine in the
vehicle with the discharged battery. 6. Once the engine is started, remove the
jumper cables in the reverse sequence.
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

1. Disconnect the negative
(-)
end of the
jumper cable from the engine ground of
the vehicle with the discharged battery.

2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable from the negative (-) post of
the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable from the positive (+) post
of the vehicle with the discharged battery. If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and
charging system inspected at an authorized
dealer.
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.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the
negative (-) post of the discharged battery.
The resulting electrical spark could cause the
battery to explode and could result in
personal injury. Only use the specific ground
point, do not use any other exposed metal
parts.
CAUTION!
Do not connect jumper cable to any of the
fuses on the positive battery terminal. The
resulting electrical current will blow the fuse.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices,
etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough
without engine operation, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade
battery life and/or prevent the engine from
starting.
6

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322IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
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.
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION
If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector
cannot be moved out of the PARK position, you
can use the following procedure to temporarily
move the gear selector:

1. Turn the engine OFF.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal. 5. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the
access port (ringed circle) on the bottom of
the steering column, and push and hold the
override release lever up.

Gear Selector Override Access Port Location Gear Selector Override Access Port
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
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.

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