Page 153 of 532
To secure the cup, place the cup to be held into one of the
cup wells and then push the cupholder arm toward the
cup until it is held stable.
Cup Holder Door Handle Cup Holders Automatic Transmission UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3
Page 154 of 532
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket
Seats) — Automatic Transmission
If your new Ram truck is equipped with bucket seats
there are three cup holders located on the front of the
center console. Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Manual
Transmission
Cup Holders Bucket Seat Cup Holders Manual Transmission154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 175 of 532

CAUTION!Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
NOTE: Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve
engine cooling.
NOTE: If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
14. Security Light
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON. 15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
If the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button. To reset the
Trip Odometer, press and hold the button while in trip
mode, until the Trip Odometer resets. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
4
Page 179 of 532

23. Water In Fuel Indicator—Diesel Only
Indicates there is water detected in the fuel
filter. Refer to the Maintenance section, Drain-
ing Fuel/Water Separator Filter, for water
drain procedure. (See page 410 for more infor-
mation.)
24. Low Washer Fluid Light
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
25. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
(Automatic Transmissions Only)
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g. snow plowing, off- road operation). If this light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
26. Wait To Start Indicator—Diesel Only
The Wait To Start Indicator will illuminate when
the ignition is turned to the run position and the
ambient temperature is below 66 degrees F. Follow
engine starting procedure for proper engine starting and
operating. Wait until the Wait To Start Indicator turns
OFF then start the vehicle.
27. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading when in trip mode.
28. Fuel Gauge
Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the
ON position. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179
4
Page 241 of 532

Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
NOTE: On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241
4
Page 243 of 532
STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTS Starting Procedures – Gas Engines ...........248
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ........248
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ......248
▫ Normal Starting ......................249
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................249
▫ After Starting ........................251
Starting Procedures – Diesel Engines .........251
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ........252
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ......252 ▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Airtemperature Above 66°F (19°C) .........252
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66°F (19°C) ...........253
▫ Starting Fluids .......................257
Normal Operation – Diesel Engine ..........257
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ...............258
▫ Engine Idling — In Cold Weather ..........261
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................262
▫ Engine Speed Control ..................2635
Page 244 of 532

▫ Operating Precautions ..................263
▫ Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission 263
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped .........265
Diesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking) – If
Equipped ............................265
Automatic Transmission ..................266
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive (5 Speed
545RFE) — If Equipped .................267
▫ Automatic Transmission (6 Speed AS68RC) — If
Equipped ...........................273
Manual Transmission ....................279
▫ Manual Transmission — 6 Speed (G56) ......280
▫ Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds ........280
▫ Downshifting – Gas Engine ..............281 ▫ Downshifting – Diesel Engine ............282
Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 283
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ................283
▫ Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case ..............................286
▫ Transfer Case Reminder Light ............287
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch)—If
Equipped ...........................288
▫ Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case ..............................292
Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped .......295
Power Take Off Operation – If Equipped ......296
▫ Stationary Mode ......................296244 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 248 of 532

STARTING PROCEDURES – GAS ENGINES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries. WARNING!Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.248 STARTING AND OPERATING