2014 Ram 1500 tow

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 Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning Messages
There are different messages which are displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than DEF, has experienced component
failures, or when tampering has been detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the following warnings will display:
•Service DEF System See Dealer – This message will display when the fault is initially
detected and each time the vehicle is started. The message will be accompanied
by a single chime and the Malfunction Indicator Light. We recommend you drive
to your nearest authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced immediately.
If not corrected in 50 miles, vehicle will enter the “Engine Will not restart in
XXX mi Service DEF See dealer” warning stage and message.
• Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer – This message will display if the DEF system has
detected the incorrect fluid has been introduced to the DEF tank. The message will
be accompanied by a single chime. We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced immediately. If not corrected in
50 miles, vehicle will enter the Engine Will not restart in XXX mi Service DEF See
dealer warning stage and message.
• Engine Will Not Restart in XXX mi Service DEF See Dealer – This message is first
displayed if the fault detected is not serviced after 50 miles of operation. It is also
displayed at 150 miles 125 miles and 100 miles. System service is required
within the displayed mileage. The message will be displayed in the EVIC during
vehicle start up with an updated distance mileage, and it will be accompanied by
a single chime. Starting at 100 miles, remaining range will be continuously
displayed while operating the vehicle. Chimes will also accompany the 75, 50 and
25 mile remaining distances. We recommend you drive to your nearest authorized
dealer and have your vehicle serviced immediately.
• Engine Will Not Restart Service DEF System See Dealer – This message will display
if the DEF system issue detected is not serviced during the allowed period. Your
engine will not restart unless your vehicle is serviced by your authorized dealer.
This message will be displayed when under 1 mile until the engine will not start
and each time the vehicle is started. The message will be continuously displayed
and be accompanied by a single chime. Your Malfunction Indicator Light will also
be continuously illumined. We highly recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer immediately if the message appears while engine is running.
• Engine Will Not Start Service DEF System See Dealer – This message will display
when the fault detected is not serviced after the Engine will not restart Service
DEF System See Dealer message is displayed on the next subsequent restart.
Your engine will not start unless you vehicle is serviced by your authorized dealer.
The message will be accompanied by a single chime. Your Malfunction Indicator
Light will be continuously illuminated. If the message appears and you can not
start the engine, we recommend you have your vehicle towed to your nearest
authorized dealer immediately.
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DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins®turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to
its construction. 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.
Because of the construction of the Cummins
®turbocharged diesel engine, engine
run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to
achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Engine Block Heater
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), engine block heater usage is recom-
mended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to the right side and can be
located just behind the grille near the headlamp.
Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE:
The block heater will require 110 volts AC and 6.5 amps to activate the heater element.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the coolant.
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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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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning Messages
There are four different messages which are displayed if the vehicle detects that the
DEF system has been filled with a fluid other than DEF, has experienced component
failures, or when tampering has been detected. The vehicle may be limited to a
maximum speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H) if the DEF system is not serviced within less than
250 miles (402 km) of the fault being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the following warnings will display:
•Service DEF System – See Dealer — This message will display when the fault is
initially detected, each time the vehicle is started, and periodically during driving.
The message will be accompanied by a single chime. We recommend you drive to
your nearest authorized dealer and have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
• 5 MPH Max Speed in 150 mi Service DEF System See Dealer — This message will
display if the DEF system has not been serviced after the “Service DEF System –
See Dealer” message is displayed. This message will continuously display until the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be accompanied by a periodic chime. The
message will continue to countdown until it reaches zero unless the vehicle is
serviced. We recommend you drive to your nearest authorized dealer and have your
vehicle serviced immediately.
NOTE:
Under some circumstances this mileage counter may start with a value of less than
150 miles (241 km). For example, if recurring faults are detected in a time interval
of less than 40 hours, the counter may restart at the value where it stopped when a
previous fault was temporarily remedied, or at a minimum of 50 miles (80 km).
• 5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or Refuel Service DEF See Dealer — This
message will continuously display when the mileage counter reaches zero, and will
be accompanied by a periodic chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a maximum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of the
following conditions to occur: • If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
• If the vehicle is idled for an extended period of time, approximately one hour orgreater.
• If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank has increased.
• 5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See Dealer — This message will continuously
display, and will be accompanied by a periodic chime. Although the vehicle can be
started and placed in gear, the vehicle will only operate at a maximum speed of
5 MPH. Your vehicle will require towing, see your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
When this message is displayed, the engine can still be started. However, the vehicle
will only operate at a maximum speed of 5 MPH.
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- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of an onboard diagnostic system called
OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.
The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving
cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage
to the engine control system. It also could affect fuel economy and driveability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced above, can reach higher tempera-
tures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or
park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
turned off.
- Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light
remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system.
We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the BRAKE warning light
is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to
restore the benefits of Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
- 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
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position. If the light is either not on during
starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” of your Owner’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
The Air Bag System is designed to be maintenance free.
- 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).
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- 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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
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
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. 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.
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