2014 Ram 1500 brake

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF
The Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED See Instructions:
• Automatic transmission
in PARK
•
Manual transmission in
gear (NOT in NEUTRAL)
• Transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer.
If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK, manual transmission in gear (not in NEUTRAL).
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the Key Fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
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Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move, even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, with the engine running. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. If the transfer case is in 4WD AUTO (if equipped), press a selector button or rotate the selector switch to shift the transfer case into the 2WD or 4WD LOCK position.
• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N).
• With electronic shift transfer case, press and hold the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button. Some models have a small, recessed "N" button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. Other models have a rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will blink while the
shift is in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to
NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N)
light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in DRIVE or manual transmis- sion in first gear.
10. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go™, press and hold the ENGINE
START/STOP button until the engine shuts off.
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11. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT inNeutral). On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will automatically select PARK
when the engine is turned off.
12. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then cycle the key or the Keyless Enter-N-Go™ button to the RUN position and back to the OFF position.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 4 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met prior to pressing the
NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. Depress the clutch pedal
on a manual transmission.
• With manual shift transfer case, shift the transfer case lever to the desired position.
•
With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, press and hold the
transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button until the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns
off. After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N)
button. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the transfer case will
shift to the position indicated by the selector switch.
• With electronic shift transfer case with pushbutton selector switch, press and hold the switch for the desired transfer case position, until the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light turns off and the desired position indicator light turns on.
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NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N), turning the engine OFF is not
required, but may be helpful to avoid gear clash. With the 8-speed automatic
transmission, the engine must remain running, since turning the engine OFF will
shift the transmission to PARK (and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL for the
transfer case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine OFF. Shift automatic transmission into PARK. On 8-speedtransmissions the shifter will automatically select PARK when the engine is
turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on a manual transmission).
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.
11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions), and check that the vehicle operates normally.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the button to shift out of NEUTRAL (N), and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met before pressing the button or
are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
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DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to itsconstruction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions 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 indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying 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.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The recommended
viscosity and quality grades are shown under “FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES”, under
“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” in this User Guide. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Normal Starting Procedure
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
4. The system will take over and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after 30 seconds.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
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DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING)
The Exhaust Brake switch is located on the switch bank below the audio system. This
switch is used to enable exhaust brake modes.
• Pressing the exhaust brake switch once will enable full strength exhaust brakemode, indicated by a yellow icon in the EVIC. This mode applies full exhaust
braking when the accelerator pedal is released. This is most useful for slowing the
vehicle.
• Pressing the exhaust brake switch again will enable the Smart Brake feature, indicated by a green icon in the EVIC. This feature is intended to maintain the
vehicle speed present when the accelerator pedal is released. However, when the
brakes are applied, full exhaust braking is still enabled to slow the vehicle.
• A third press of the brake switch will turn the exhaust brake off, and will extinguish the exhaust brake icon in the EVIC.
NOTE:
In general, higher engine speeds result in higher exhaust braking force. For optimum
braking power, it is recommended to use the exhaust brake while in TOW/HAUL
mode.
CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recommended and could lead to engine
damage.
WARNING!
Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as
the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to
swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause a collision
possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
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IDLE-UP FEATURE (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ONLY)
• The Idle-Up Feature uses the speed control switches to increase engine idle speedand quickly warm the vehicle’s interior. This feature must be enabled by your
dealer. See your local dealer.
• With the transmission in PARK, the parking brake applied, and the engine running, push the speed control ON/OFF switch on, then push the SET switch.
•
The engine RPM will go up to 1100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold
the RESUME/ACCEL switch and the idle speed will increase to approximately
1500 RPM. To decrease the RPM, push and hold the SET/DECEL switch and the idle
speed will decrease to approximately 1100 RPM.
• To cancel the Idle Up Feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF switch or push the brake pedal.
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.
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WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking
brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid
level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected.
If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to
a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level
in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on
until the cause is corrected.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake
Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch
from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake
is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree
of brake application.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
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