engine overheat RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owners Manual

6
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 273
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 273
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...274
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 281
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................281 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ..........................................284
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 292
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....292
Important Safety Precautions ...................293Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 293Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...302Child Restraints..........................................312
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 330
Transporting Passengers ..........................330
Transporting Pets ......................................330
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................330 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................332 Exhaust Gas ...............................................333Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................333
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .......................334
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 335
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ........................339
4500/5500 Models .................................. 339Preparations For Jacking........................... 339
Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ............................................... 340 To Stow The Flat Or Spare —
If Equipped ................................................ 343 Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ... 343
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 344
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 344Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 345
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .........................346
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 347
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 348
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................349
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................350 Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 351
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 351Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 352
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................. 352
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................352
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE ................................................................ 353
Maintenance Plan ..................................... 354
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 357
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel.......................................................... 357 Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel ......................................................... 358 Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine ....................................................... 359
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 364
6.4L Engine ............................................... 364
6.7L Engine ................................................ 365
Checking Oil Level ..................................... 366
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 366Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 366Pressure Washing...................................... 367
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................. 367
Engine Oil .................................................. 368
Engine Oil Filter.......................................... 369
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................... 369
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................... 371
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............... 374Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter....... 375Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement.............................................. 376

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE29
STEERING WHEEL
TILT STEERING COLUMN
This feature allows you to tilt the steering
column upward or downward. The tilt lever is
located on the steering column, below the
multifunction lever.
Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to
unlock the steering column. With one hand
firmly on the steering wheel, move the steering
column up or down, as desired. Release the
lever to lock the steering column firmly in place.

Tilt Steering Lever

HEATED STEERING WHEEL — IF EQUIPPED

The steering wheel contains a heating element
that helps warm your hands in cold weather.
The heated steering wheel has only one
temperature setting. Once the heated steering
wheel has been turned on, it will stay on until
the operator turns it off. The heated steering
wheel may not turn on when it is already warm.
The heated steering wheel control button is
located on the center instrument panel below
the touchscreen, as well as within the climate or
controls screen of the touchscreen.
Press the heated steering wheel button
once to turn the heating element on.
Press the heated steering wheel button a
second time to turn the heating element off. NOTE:
The engine must be running for the heated
steering wheel to operate.
For information on use with the Remote Start
system, see Ú
page 21.
WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while
driving. Adjusting the steering column while
driving or driving with the steering column
unlocked, could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury or death.
WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the
skin because of advanced age, chronic
illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medica -
tion, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other phys -
ical conditions must exercise care when
using the steering wheel heater. It may
cause burns even at low temperatures,
especially if used for long periods.
Do not place anything on the steering wheel
that insulates against heat, such as a
blanket or steering wheel covers of any type
and material. This may cause the steering
wheel heater to overheat.
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE37
Front Heated Seats
The heated seats control buttons are located on
the center instrument panel below the
touchscreen, and are also located within the
climate or controls screen of the touchscreen.
Push the heated seat button once to turn
the HI setting on.
Push the heated seat button a second
time to turn the MED setting on.
Push the heated seat button a third time
to turn the LO setting on.
Push the heated seat button a fourth time
to turn the heating elements off. NOTE:
The engine must be running for the heated
seats to operate.
The level of heat selected will stay on until
the operator changes it.
For information on use with the Remote Start
system, see Ú page 21.
Rear Heated Seats
On some models, the two outboard rear seats
are equipped with heated seats. The heated
seat switches for these seats are located on the
rear of the center console.
There are two heated seat switches that allow
the rear passengers to operate the seats
independently. You can choose from HI, MED,
LO, or OFF heat settings. Amber indicator lights
in each switch indicate the level of heat in use.
Push the heated seat button once to turn
the HI setting on.
Push the heated seat button a second
time to turn the MED setting on.
Push the heated seat button a third time
to turn the LO setting on.
Push the heated seat button a fourth time
to turn the heating elements off.
NOTE:
The level of heat selected will stay on until
the operator changes it.
Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be
felt within two to five minutes.
The engine must be running for the heated
seats to operate.
VENTILATED SEATS — IF EQUIPPED
Front Ventilated Seats

Located in the seat cushion are small fans that
draw the air from the passenger compartment
and move air through fine perforations in the seat
cover to help keep the driver and front passenger
cooler in higher ambient temperatures. The fans
operate at three speeds, HI, MED and LO.

Do not place anything on the seat or seat -
back that insulates against heat, such as a
blanket or cushion. This may cause the seat
heater to overheat. Sitting in a seat that has
been overheated could cause serious
burns due to the increased surface
temperature of the seat.
WARNING! (Continued)
2

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 37

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE65
CLIMATE VOICE RECOGNITION
Adjust vehicle temperatures hands-free and
keep everyone comfortable while you keep
moving ahead.
Push the VR button on the steering wheel. After
the beep, say one of the following commands:
“Set driver temperature to 70 degrees ”
“Set passenger temperature to 70 degrees ”

Did you know: Voice Command for Climate may only
be used to adjust the interior temperature of your
vehicle. Voice Command will not work to adjust the
heated seats or steering wheel if equipped.

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.
Winter Operation

To ensure the best possible heater and defroster
performance, 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

For information on maintaining the Climate
Control system when the vehicle is being stored
for an extended period of time, see
Ú
page 427.

Window Fogging

Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild,
rainy, and/or humid weather. To clear the
windows, select Defrost 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 an authorized
dealer to service your cabin air filter, and to
have it replaced when needed.
Operating Tips Chart
WEATHER CONTROL SETTINGS
Hot Weather And
Vehicle Interior Is Very Hot Set the mode control
to , on, and blower on high. Roll down the
windows for a minute to flush out the hot air.
Adjust the controls as needed to achieve comfort.
Warm Weather Turn on and set the
mode control to the position.
Cool Sunny Operate in position.
2

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82GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
6. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range. 7. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in
the fuel tank when the ignition is in the
ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. It is recommended to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the hood
yourself, Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph
Ú
page 383.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “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 the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.

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84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú page 90.

Premium Instrument Cluster Display

The display always shows one of the main
menu item after ignition on. 3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range. 5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in
the fuel tank when the ignition is in the
ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. It is recommended to call an authorized
dealer for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, Follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph
Ú
page 383.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “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 the “H,” turn the engine off
immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

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86GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
DIESEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Engine Coolant Temperature
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature. The gauge pointer will likely
show higher temperatures when driving
in hot weather, up mountain grades, or in
heavy stop and go traffic. If the red
Warning Light turns on while driving,
safely bring the vehicle to a stop, and
turn off the engine. DO NOT operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected. 3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú
page 90.

Base Instrument Cluster Display

The display always shows one of the main
menu item after ignition on.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. It is recommended to call
an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats.
CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads greater “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 the
“h,” turn the engine off immediately and call
an authorized dealer for service.

1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 86

108GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two seconds.
The light should then turn off unless the parking
brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the
light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.

The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position. NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the hood is ajar/open and not fully
closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning
(A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service Ú
page 346.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly.
If it stays on while the engine is
running, there may be a malfunction
with the charging system. Contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer.
A chime will sound when this light turns on.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.

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118 (Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in the
PARK position. 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.
If equipped with an eight-speed transmis
-
sion, starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL is not
possible unless the Manual Park Release has
been activated. For the Manual Park Release
operation information Ú page 348.
TIP START FEATURE
Do not press the accelerator. Place 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
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.
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 chil -
dren 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 chil-
dren, 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)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

122STARTING AND OPERATING

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
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally powered
electric engine block heater (available from
an authorized dealer) is recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and
it will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 25-second intervals. Waiting a few
minutes between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
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!
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob and lock your 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 chil -
dren), 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.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 122