2013 Ram 1500 ignition

Cold Start Procedure
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. If the Wait To Start
light appears
in the cluster, wait for the light to turn off before starting.
• In extremely cold weather below 0°F (-18°C) it may be beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before attempting to start the engine. This can be
accomplished by turning the ignition OFF for at least five seconds and then back
ON after the “Wait To Start Light” has turned off, but before the engine is started.
However, excessive cycling of the manifold heaters will result in damage to the
heater elements or reduced battery voltage.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual Diesel Supplement on the DVD for further details.
Engine Idling
• Avoid prolonged engine idling. Long periods of idling may be harmful to your engine because combustion chamber temperatures can drop so low that the fuel
may not burn completely.
• Incomplete combustion allows carbon and varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves, and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
• If the engine is allowed to idle, under some conditions the idle speed may increase to 900 RPM then return to normal idle speed. This is normal operation.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving. Damage to the 110–115 volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING)
• The exhaust brake feature will only function when the driver presses the exhaustbrake switch.
• The switch is located on the switch bank below the audio system.
• Your vehicle is also equipped with the Smart Brake feature.
• This feature will automatically provide a variable amount of engine braking in an attempt to maintain a constant vehicle speed.
• The Smart Brake is activated by pressing the exhaust brake switch twice. The first press activate the full strength brake, second press activates the Smart Brake and
third press turns the brake off.
• The Smart Brake target vehicle speed is set when either the vehicle brake or the throttle pedal is released.
• Exhaust braking is most effective when the engine RPM is higher.
NOTE:
For optimum braking power, it is recommended to use the exhaust brake while in
TOW/HAUL mode.
DIESEL
121

ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR
Draining Fuel/Water Separator
•
If the “Water in Fuel” indicator lightis illuminated and an audible chime is
heard five times, you should stop the engine and drain the water from the separator.
• The drain is located on the bottom of the Fuel Filter and Water Separator assembly which is located on the driver's side of the engine.
• Turn the drain valve (located on the side of the filter) counterclockwise 1/4 turn, then turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position to allow any accumulated
water to drain.
• When clean fuel is visible, close the drain and switch the ignition to OFF.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
Fuel Filter Replacement
• With the engine off and a drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose, open the water drain valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel and water into the
approved container.
• Close the water drain valve and remove the lid using a socket or strap wrench; rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove the used o-ring and discard it.
• Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local regulations.
• Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing and install the new o-ring into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
• Install a new filter in the housing. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated. Do not pre-fill the filter housing with fuel.
• Install the lid onto the housing and tighten to 22.5 ft lbs (30.5 N·m). Do not overtighten the lid.
• Start the engine and confirm no leaks are present.
The engine mounted filter housing is equipped with a No-Filter-No-Run (NFNR)
feature. Engine will not run if:
1. No filter is installed.
2.
Inferior/Non-approved filter is used. Use of OEM filter is required to ensure vehicle
will run.
CAUTION!
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
•Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new fuel filter. There is a possibility
debris could be introduced into the fuel filter during this action. It is best to install
the filter dry and allow the in-tank lift pump to prime the fuel system.
•If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO NOT START the engine
before you drain water from the fuel filter to avoid engine damage.
DIESEL
123

UNDERBODY MOUNTED FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR
Draining Fuel/Water Separator
•
If the “Water in Fuel” indicator lightis illuminated and an audible chime is
heard five times, you should stop the engine and drain the water from the separator.
• The drain is located on the bottom of the Fuel Filter and Water Separator assembly which is located in front of the rear axle above the drive shaft. The best access to
this water drain valve is from under the vehicle.
• Turn the drain valve (located on the side of the filter) counterclockwise 1 full turn, then turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position to allow any accumulated
water to drain.
• When clean fuel is visible, close the drain and switch the ignition to OFF.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
Underbody Fuel Filter Replacement
• With the engine off and a drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose, open the water drain valve 1 full turn counterclockwise and completely drain fuel and water into
the approved container.
• Close the water drain valve and remove the lid using a socket or strap wrench; rotate counterclockwise for removal. Remove the used o-ring and discard it.
• Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and dispose of according to your local regulations.
• Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing and install the new o-ring into ring groove on the filter housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
• Install a new filter in the housing. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated. Do not pre-fill the filter housing with fuel.
• Start the engine and confirm no leaks are present.
The underbody mounted filter housing will cause the engine not to run if:
1. No filter is installed.
NOTE:
• Using a fuel filter that does not meet the manufacturer's filtration and water separating requirements can severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
• The WIF sensor is re-usable. Service kit comes with new o-ring for filter canister and WIF sensor.
DIESEL
124

- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
•
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• The SERV 4WD light monitors the electric shift four-wheel drive system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the four-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly and that service is required.
• For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
•If an “oil change” message (shown as "Change Oil Soon" and "Oil Change Needed")
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
• This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
133

Preparations
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever into PARK. On four-wheel drive vehicles, shift the transfercase to the 4L position.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
• Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position. For example, if the right front wheel is being changed, block the left rear wheel.
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Instructions
1. Remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools from storage.
2.
Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but
do not remove, the wheel nuts by turn-
ing them counterclockwise one turn
while the wheel is still on the ground.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
137

JUMP-STARTING
• If your vehicle has a discharged bat-tery it can be jump-started using a set
of jumper cables and a battery in an-
other vehicle or by using a portable
battery booster pack.
•
Jump-starting can be dangerous if done
improperly so please follow the proce-
dures in this section carefully.
NOTE:
When using a portable battery booster
pack follow the manufacturer’s operating
instructions and precautions.
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.
• Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition to OFF.
• Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
• If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
Jump-Starting Procedure
• Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the
discharged vehicle.
• Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable to the positive (+)post
of the booster battery.
• Connect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable to the negative (-)post of the
booster battery.
• Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper cable to a good engine ground
(exposed metal part of the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and
the fuel injection system.
• Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
148

Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
• Disconnect the negative(-)jumper cable from the engine ground of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
• Disconnect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable from the negative (-)post of
the booster battery.
• Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable from the positive (+)
post of the booster battery.
• Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable from the positive (+)post of
the discharged vehicle.
• If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle you should have the battery and charging system inspected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
• Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other booster source with a
system voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.
• Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
•
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw power from
the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually,
if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to
degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
WARNING!
• When temperatures are below the freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because the battery could
rupture or explode and cause personal injury. Battery temperature must be
brought above the freezing point before attempting a jump-start.
•
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever 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 severely 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.
• Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground
connection and personal injury could result.
• Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
149

Maintenance Chart – Gasoline EngineMileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary.
XX X X X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces.
If gear oil leakage is suspected, check the
fluid level. If using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing,
change axle fluid. XX X X X X XInspect the brake linings, parking brake function.
XX X X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine).** X
Replace the top row (intake side) of spark
plugs (4.7L Engine).** XX X X X
Replace the side row (exhaust side) of spark
plugs (4.7L Engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (5.7L engine).** X X X X X
Replace the ignition cables (4.7L Engine). X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
170