2013 Ram 1500 heating

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

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
upper switch bank just below the radio.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 571

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE (with automatic transmission) or 2nd gear
and REVERSE (with manual transmission), while gently
pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount of accel-
erator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking
motion, without spinning the wheels or racing the en-
gine.
NOTE:For trucks equipped with 8-speed automatic
transmission, shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can
only be achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph or less.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: Press the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the ESC
Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
616 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 617

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion. •
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 647

Engine................................ .631
Air Cleaner .......................... .640
Block Heater ......................... .351
Break-In Recommendations ................119
Compartment ......................... .630
Compartment Identification ................630
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................691
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................121
Flooded, Starting ...................... .345
Fuel Requirements ..................... .521
Jump Starting ......................... .612
Oil................................. .637
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .639
Oil Selection .......................... .638
Oil Synthetic ......................... .639
Overheating .......................... .571
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............76
Entry System, Illuminated ....................22
Ethanol ............................... .522Event Data Recorder
........................83
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................... .121
Exhaust System .......................... .121
Exterior Lighting ......................... .162
Exterior Lights .......................... .124
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .640
Engine Oil ........................... .640
Engine Oil Disposal .....................639
Flashers Turn Signal .......................... .124
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ .585
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .529
Engine Oil ........................... .528
Fuel Requirements ..................... .526
Maintenance .......................... .529
Replacement Parts ...................... .529
718 INDEX

Dipstick............................. .637
Disposal ............................. .639
Filter ............................... .640
Filter Disposal ........................ .639
Identification Logo ..................... .638
Recommendation ...................... .638
Synthetic ............................ .639
Viscosity ............................ .639
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .640
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................633
Operating Precautions ..................... .633
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................133
Overdrive .............................. .374
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................... .374
Overhead Console ........................ .194
Overheating, Engine ...................... .266
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4Paint Care
............................. .661
Panic Alarm ..............................28
Parking Brake ........................... .467
Park Sense System, Rear ....................184
Passing Light ........................... .172
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .179
Personal Settings ......................... .285
Pets ...................................119
Pets, Transporting .........................119
Pickup Box ............................. .229
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........489
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ................668
Door Locks ............................36
Mirrors ............................. .136
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........208
Seats ............................... .141
Sliding Rear Window ....................226
Steering ............................. .465
724 INDEX