2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab battery

vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a good
connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
WARNING!
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
•During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting to jump start.
3. Take care that the clamps from one cable do not
inadvertently touch clamps from the other cable. Do not
lean over the battery when making connection. The
negative connection must provide good electrical con-
ductivity and current carrying capacity. 4. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start,
cables must be disconnected in the following order:
a. Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
b. Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post
on booster battery.
c. Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
•Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
•Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
•Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
94 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for necessary precautions
and operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts DC or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
5
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 95

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL
1 — Battery6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 7 — Integrated Power Module
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped) 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Air Cleaner Filter
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 99

CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to the exhaust
system could occur soon with continued operation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid – Chassis Cab Only
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known simply by
the name of its active component, UREA—is a key
component of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems,
which help diesel vehicles meet stringent emission regu-
lations. DEF is a liquid reducing agent that reacts with
engine exhaust in the presence of a catalyst to convert
smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless ni-
trogen and water vapor.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
You can receive assistance in locating DEF by calling
866-RAM-INFO (866-726-4636).
Maintenance-Free Batteries
The top of the maintenance-free batteries are perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging
system.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Also, if a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do not
use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
114 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
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 Volt AC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized MOPARdealer.
Cooling System
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 is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 115

Adding Fuel............................ 83
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter) ............................. 104,129
Air Filter .............................. 104
Airbag Light ............................ 24
Alarm Light ............................ 17
Anti-Lock Warning Light ................... 21
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .............. 116,117
Capacities .......................... 133
Disposal ........................... 119
Automatic Transmission .................... 64
Adding Fluid ....................... 125
Fluid Level Check .................... 124
Fluid Type ...................... 124,136
Shifting ............................ 54
Axle Fluid ............................. 136
Battery ............................... 114
Blanket .......................... 43,115Emergency Starting
.................... 92
Brake Fluid ............................ 136
Brake System ........................... 121
Fluid Check ........................ 121
Master Cylinder ..................... 121
Warning Light ....................... 19
Brake/Transmission Interlock ................ 53
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 133
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 133
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ 103
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 118
Charge Air Cooler ....................... 121
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................. 23
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 118
Cooling System ......................... 115
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 117
164 INDEX

INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING
EQUIPMENTSpecial design considerations are incorporated into this vehi-
cle’s electronic system to provide immunity to radio frequency
signals. Mobile two-way radios and telephone equipment must
be installed properly by trained personnel. The following must
be observed during installation.
The positive power connection should be made directly to the
battery and fused as close to the battery as possible. The
negative power connection should be made to body sheet
metal adjacent to the negative battery connection. This con-
nection should not be fused.
Antennas for two-way radios should be mounted on the roof or
the rear area of the vehicle. Care should be used in mounting
antennas with magnet bases. Magnets may affect the accu-
racy or operation of the compass on vehicles so equipped.The antenna cable should be as short as practical and routed
away from the vehicle wiring when possible. Use only fully
shielded coaxial cable.
Carefully match the antenna and cable to the radio to ensure a
low Standing Wave Ratio (SWR).
Mobile radio equipment with output power greater than nor-
mal may require special precautions.
All installations should be checked for possible interference
between the communications equipment and the vehicle’s
electronic systems.