2012 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab heater

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 279
▫Normal Starting..................... 279
▫Automatic Transmission............... 279
▫Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or29°C)............... 280
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 280
▫After Starting....................... 281
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 281Automatic Transmission................. 282
▫Key Ignition Park Interlock............. 284
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 284
▫Six–Speed Automatic Transmission
(5.7L Engine) — If Equipped............ 284
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 294
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case –
If Equipped........................ 294
▫Shifting Procedure – Manually Shifted
Transfer Case....................... 296
5

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.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
(Continued)
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key
fob is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the
accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release
the accelerator pedal and the key fob once the engine is
running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
3500 Models — 5.7L Engine Only
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille
by the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not
in use for the winter months. During winter months,
remove the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on
the c-clip.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 281

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

Preparations For Jump-Start
The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the
engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
NOTE:The positive battery post is covered with a
protective cap. Lift up on the cap to gain access to the
positive battery post.WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories.
Positive Battery Post
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 393

Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 396
Hazard Warning Flasher............... 380
Jump Starting....................... 392
Tow Hooks......................... 397
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 407
Engine............................... 405
Air Cleaner......................... 413
Block Heater........................ 281
Break-In Recommendations.............. 78
Compartment Identification............. 405
Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 454
Exhaust Gas Caution................ 79,345
Flooded, Starting..................... 280
Jump Starting....................... 392
Oil ............................410,454
Oil Filler Cap....................... 412
Oil Selection........................ 411
Oil Synthetic........................ 412Temperature Gauge................... 190
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 61
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Event Data Recorder...................... 64
Exhaust Gas Caution................... 79,345
Exhaust System....................... 79,419
Exterior Lighting........................ 148
Exterior Lights.......................... 82
Filters
Air Cleaner......................... 413
Engine Fuel........................ 454
Engine Oil.......................412,454
Engine Oil Disposal................... 412
Flashers
Turn Signal.................... 82,153,190
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 392
Flooded Engine Starting................... 280
Fluid Capacities......................... 453
490 INDEX

Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 180
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 351
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 350
Guide, Body Builders...................... 6
GVWR ............................... 348
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™).............. 93
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water...................... 306
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 380
Head Restraints......................... 139
Headlights............................ 447
Automatic......................... 148
Cleaning........................... 439
High Beam......................... 154
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch...... 154
Lights On Reminder.................. 152
Passing............................ 154Switch ............................ 148
Heated Mirrors....................... 91,180
Heated Seats........................... 133
Heater............................... 263
Heater, Engine Block..................... 281
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 154
Hitches
TrailerTowing ....................... 353
Hoisting .............................. 392
Hood Release.......................... 145
Hub Caps............................. 387
Ignition............................... 14
Key ............................. 12,14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 16
Infant Restraint.......................... 65
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 336
492 INDEX