2013 Ram 1500 auto battery

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 controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to save fuel and
reduce emissions. The system will stop the engine auto-
matically during a vehicle stop if the required conditions
are met. Releasing the brake pedal will automatically
re-start the vehicle.
Automatic Mode
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every normal
customer engine start. It will remain in STOP/START
NOT READY until you drive forward with a vehicle
speed greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). At that time, the
system will go into STOP/START READY and if all other
conditions are met, can go into an STOP/START AUTO
STOP ACTIVE “Autostop” mode.
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

•HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower
speed
• Engine has not reached normal operating temperature
• Battery discharged
• The transmission is not in DRIVE
• Hood is open
• Vehicle is in 4LO transfer case mode
Other factors which can inhibit AutoStop include: fuel
level, accelerator pedal input, engine temp too high and
steering angle.
It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven several
times without the STOP/START system going into a
STOP/START READY state under more extreme condi-
tions of the items listed above.To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode
While in DRIVE the engine will start when the brake
pedal is released or the throttle pedal is depressed. The
transmission will automatically reengage upon engine
restart. During this transition the brakes will hold the
vehicle to avoid undesired vehicle movement.
Conditions that will cause the engine to start automati-
cally while in Autostop mode
The Engine Will Start Automatically When:
• The transmission selector is moved from DRIVE to
REVERSE or NEUTRAL
• To maintain cabin temperature near the HVAC settings
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode
• Autostop time exceeds 5 minutes
• Battery voltage drops too low
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
– IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, pull the parking brake release
handle. When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument
cluster will illuminate.Parking Brake Release
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 467

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The “DRIVE” range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include an adaptive drive strategy
to avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shiftingdoes occur while in DRIVE, select
“TOW/HAUL” mode or select a lower gear using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) switches.
NOTE:Using “TOW/HAUL” mode or a lower gear
range while operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and extend trans-
mission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build
up. This action will also provide better engine braking.
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 555

Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow equip-
ment following the recommendations provided by the
specific snowplow manufacturer.
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)
should be maximum operating speed. The operator
should be familiar with the area and surface to be
cleaned. Reduce speed and use extreme caution when
plowing unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.
General Maintenance
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance with the
plow manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and battery
terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and drivetrain
damage, the following precautions should be observed.
•Operate with transfer case in 4L when plowing small or
congested areas where speeds are not likely to exceed
15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4H.
• Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use 4L
range when plowing deep or heavy snow for extended
periods of time to avoid transmission overheating.
• Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has
returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a
practice of stepping on the brake pedal while shifting
the transmission.
560 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 rings, watch
bands and bracelets that could 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 Post6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 613

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, see ”Manual Park Release” or “Shift Lever
Override” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic transmission out of PARK
for towing.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFthe ground using a flatbed. If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmis-
sion is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km)
for 6-speed transmission, or 30 miles (48 km) for
8-speed transmission.
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than 15
miles (24 km), for 6-speed transmission, or 30 miles
(48 km) for 8-speed transmission, tow with the rear
wheels OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow
the vehicle on a flatbed, or with the front wheels raised
and the rear wheels on a towing dolly, or (when using a
suitable steering wheel stabilizer to hold the front wheels
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 625

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.7L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter6 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Battery 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 631