2007 RAM CHASSIS CAB engine

a manual transmission. Models with manual transmis-
sion are equipped with a clutch interlocking cranking
system. The clutch must be fully depressed to start the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and look at
the instrument panel cluster lamps.
CAUTION!If WATER IN FUEL indicator light remains on DO
NOT START engine before you drain water from the
fuel filter to avoid engine damage. See Section 7 —
Maintaining Your Vehicle, for water drain proce-
dures.
4. Turn the ignition key to START and crank the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting. CAUTION!Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time as starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least two minutes before trying
again.
5. When the engine starts, release the key.
6. Check to see that there is oil pressure.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66°F (19°C)
NOTE: The temperature displayed on the overhead
console (if equipped) does not necessarily reflect the
engine manifold air temperature. When certain engine
temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C) the lamp will remain
on indicating the intake manifold heater system is active. STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

Follow the steps in the Normal Starting Procedure ex-
cept:
CAUTION!Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn key to
OFF and wait at least 2 minutes for starter to cool
before repeating start procedure.
• The WAIT TO START light will remain on for a period
of time (length of time depends on engine tempera-
ture).
• After the WAIT TO START light goes off, turn the
ignition key to START. Do not press the accelerator
during starting.
• After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil
pressure. • Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until
the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat
cycle.
• Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE: Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 rpm at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
NOTE: If the engine stalls or if the ignition switch is left
On for more than 2 minutes after the WAIT TO START
light goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the
ignition switch to Off for at least 5 seconds and then back
On. Repeat steps 3 through 7 of the normal starting
procedure.
For Extremely Cold Weather Starting — Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 0°F (- 18°C)
In extremely cold weather below 0°F (- 18°C) it may be
beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before254 STARTING AND OPERATING

attempting to start the engine. This can be accomplished
by turning the ignition OFF for at least 5 seconds and
then back ON after the WAIT TO START light has gone
off, but before the engine is started. However, repeated
cycling of the manifold heaters will result in damage to
the heater elements or reduced battery voltage.
NOTE: If multiple pre-heat cycles are used before
starting, additional engine run time may be required to
maintain battery state of charge at a satisfactory level.
• If the engine stalls after the initial start, the ignition
must be turned to the OFF position for at least 5
seconds and then to the ON position to recycle the
manifold heaters.
NOTE: Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor-
mance will result if manifold heaters are not recycled.
• Heat generated by the manifold heaters dissipates
rapidly in a cold engine. If more than two minutes pass between the time the WAIT TO START light goes
OFF and the engine is started, recycle the manifold
heaters by turning the ignition OFF for at least 5
seconds and then back ON.
• If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds 19
mph (31 km) before the manifold heater post-heat
(after start) cycle is complete, the manifold heaters will
shut off.
• If the engine is started before the WAIT TO START
light turns off, the preheat cycle will turn off.
• If the engine is cranked for more than 10 seconds, the
post-heat cycle will turn off.
NOTE: Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1000 rpm at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up. STARTING AND OPERATING 255
5

NOTE: When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel or the fuel gels at low temperatures, air is pulled into
the fuel system.
You may try priming as described below.
1. Add a substantial quantity of fuel to the tank (5 to 10
gallons) or eliminate the gelled fuel condition.
2. Crank the engine for 1 to 2 seconds. If the engine does
not start, then release the key or starter button back to the
RUN position (do not turn the key back to the OFF
position). The electric fuel transfer pump will continue to
run and purge air from the system for about 20 seconds.
After 20 seconds, attempt to start the engine again.
3. Start the engine using the Normal Starting Procedure.
4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start. WARNING!Do not open the high pressure fuel system when
cranking the engine or with the engine running.
Engine operation causes high fuel pressure. High
pressure fuel spray can cause serious injury or death.
NOTE: The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.256 STARTING AND OPERATING

Starting Fluids
WARNING!STARTING FLUIDS or flammable liquids are
NEVER TO BE USED in the Cummins Diesel (see
Warning label). Never pour diesel fuel, flammable
liquid, starting fluids (ether) into the air cleaner
canister, air intake piping, or turbocharger inlet in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in a
flash fire and explosion causing serious personal
injury and engine damage.
The engine is equipped with an automatic electric air
preheating system. If the instructions in this manual are
followed, the engine should start in all conditions. WARNING!Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
NORMAL OPERATION – DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is operating.
• All message center lights are off.
• Check Engine Lamp is off.
• Engine Oil Pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at idle.
• Low Oil Pressure light is off.
• Voltmeter Operation:
• The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation if
certain engine temperatures are below 66°F (19°C).
This cycling operation is caused by the post-heat STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5

cycle of the intake manifold heater system. The
number of cycles and the length of the cycling
operation is controlled by the engine control mod-
ule, this time will not exceed 150 seconds. The
needle should then stabilize at the approximate
operation point.
• The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of
the headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable
reduction in blower motor speed.
Cold Weather Precautions
Operation in ambient temperature below 32°F (0°C) may
require special considerations. The following charts sug-
gest these options:
Fuel Operating Range
NOTE: Use “Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuels” ONLY. *No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used
where extended arctic conditions (-10°F/-23°C) exist.
NOTE:
• Use of Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel or
Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel results in a
noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
• Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel is a blend of
Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur and Number 1 Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuels which reduces the temperature at
which wax crystals form in fuel.258 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE: The engine requires the use of “Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuel” . Use of incorrect fuel could result in
engine and exhaust system damage. Refer to Fuel Re-
quirements in this section for further details on fuel
recommendations.
Engine Block Heater
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground–fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to
the right side and can be located just behind the grille
near the headlamp.
NOTE: The engine block heater cord is a factory in-
stalled option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater
cords are available from your authorized Mopar  dealer. The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
WARNING!Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110–115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
NOTE: The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
Block Heater Usage
A. Temperatures below 0°F (-18°C)
• Block Heater Required for 15W-40
• Block Heater Recommended for 5W-40
B. Temperatures below - 20°F (-29°C)
• Block Heater Required for 5W-40 STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

Winter Front Usage
If a winter front or cold weather cover is to be used, a
percentage of the total grille opening area must be left
uncovered to provide sufficient air flow to the charge air
cooler and automatic transmission oil cooler. The per-
centage of opening must be increased with the increasing
ambient air temperature and/or engine load. If the
cooling fan can be heard cycling frequently, increase the
size of the opening in the winter front. A suitable cold
weather cover is available from your Mopar  dealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°). For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much
power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized Mopar  dealer. Arctic Operation
Where there are no provisions to keep the engine warm
when it is operating in ambient temperatures consistently
below (-10°F/-23°C), use 5W-40 synthetic engine oil and
fuel that meets the requirements in Section 7, “Mainte-
nance Procedures,” Engine Oil Selection.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold.
When starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to
operating speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to
stabilize as the engine warms up.
NOTE: High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine
can result in excessive white smoke and poor engine
performance. No-load engine speeds should be kept
under 1,200 rpm during the warm-up period, especially
in cold ambient temperature conditions.260 STARTING AND OPERATING