2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab transmission

A MESSAGE FROM CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Chrysler Group LLC and Cumminswelcome you as a
Cummins turbocharged diesel-powered truck owner.
Your diesel truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate
differently from a gasoline-powered truck. It is important
that you read and understand this manual.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States and Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel
economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-
mits pulling heavy loads. Cummins engines power well
over half of these trucks. Now this same technology and
proven performance is yours in your truck equipped
with the Cummins turbocharged diesel engine.
You may find that some of the starting, operating, and
maintenance procedures are different. However, they are
simple to follow and careful adherence to them will
ensure that you take full advantage of the features of this
engine. NOTE:
Some aftermarket products may cause severe
engine/transmission and/or exhaust system damage.
Your vehicle’s Powertrain Control Systems can detect
and store information about vehicle modifications that
increase horsepower and torque output such as whether
or not performance-enhancing powertrain components,
commonly referred to as downloaders, power boxes, or
performance chips have been used.
This information cannot be erased and will stay in the
system’s memory even if the modification is removed.
This information can be retrieved by Chrysler Group
LLC, and service and repair facilities, when servicing
your vehicle. This information may be used to determine
if repair will be covered by New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
4 INTRODUCTION

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the key fob. If the steering wheel is moved approxi-
mately a half turn in either direction and the key fob is
not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key fob. Turn
the steering wheel slightly in either direction until the
lock engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key fob into the ignition switch and start the
engine. If the key fob is difficult to turn, move the wheel
slightly to the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve-
niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 328 ft (100 m).
NOTE:
•The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic
transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
•The remote start system will wait for the “Wait To Start
Light” to extinguish before cranking the engine. This
allows time for the intake heater to pre-heat the
incoming air, and is normal operation in cold weather.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center/EVIC
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Information Center (EVIC)/Customer-Programmable
Features (System Setup)” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel”.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cumminsturbocharged diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, providing the following recommen-
dations are followed:
•Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
•Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
•Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
•Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
•Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” of the
Owners Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins turbo-
charged diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by
loaded operating conditions which allow the engine
parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first
6,000 miles (10 000 km).
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

14. Odometer/Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Display
Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, 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 two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the TRIP ODOMETER button.
To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom-
eter to be reset then push and hold the button for
approximately two seconds until the display resets.15. Shift Lever Indicator
This display indicator shows the transmission shift lever
selection.
16. High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam. Push the multifunction lever forward to
switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
17. Voltmeter
When the engine is running, the gauge indicates the
electrical system voltage. The pointer should stay within
the normal range if the battery is charged. If the pointer
moves to either extreme left or right and remains there
during normal driving, the electrical system should be
serviced.
18 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Service DEF System Engine Will Not Start – See
Dealer— This message will continuously display
when the mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. The engine will not
restart after it has been turned off, your vehicle will
require towing, see your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE: When this message is displayed, the engine will
no longer start after it has been turned off.
Vehicle Information (Customer Information
Features)
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Vehicle
Info” displays in the EVIC and press the SELECT button.
Press the UP and DOWN button to scroll through the
available information displays, then press SELECT to
display anyone of the following choices.
•DEF Fluid Level – Chassis Cab Only
Displays the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) fluid level.
•Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
•Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
•Trans Temperature
Displays the actual transmission sump temperature.
•Engine Hours
Displays the hours of engine operation.
30 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures ..................... 34
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ........ 34
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ...... 34
▫ Extreme Cold Weather .................. 35
▫
Normal Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66°F (19°C)
......... 35
▫ Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C To 19°C) .... 37
▫ Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ............ 38▫
Starting Fluids ....................... 40
 Normal Operation – Diesel Engine .......... 41
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ............... 41
▫ Engine Idling ........................ 44
▫ Stopping The Engine ................... 45
▫ Idle Shutdown (Chassis Cab Only) ......... 46
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) .................... 46
▫ Snow Plow Mode ..................... 47
4

▫Operating Precautions .................. 47
▫ Cooling System Tips – Automatic
Transmission ........................ 48
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ......... 49
▫ Block Heater Usage .................... 50
 Diesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking)
— If Equipped ......................... 50
 Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ....... 52
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock .............. 53
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 53
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped (Ram Truck Only) ........... 54
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped (Chassis Cab Only) .......... 64
Manual Transmission — If Equipped ......... 75
▫ Shifting ............................ 75
▫ Downshifting ........................ 76
▫ Reverse Shifting ...................... 78
 Power Take Off Operation — If Equipped
(Chassis Cab Only) ...................... 78
▫ Stationary Mode ...................... 79
▫ Mobile Mode ........................ 80
▫ Power Take Off – Aftermarket Installation .... 81
 Engine Runaway ....................... 81
 Fuel Requirements ...................... 82
▫ Fuel Specifications .................... 83
 Adding Fuel .......................... 83
32 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
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 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous 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 shift lever. Do not leave the key
in the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL and press 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 pressed.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
34 STARTING AND OPERATING