Page 241 of 360

NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage (and
68RFE-equipped trucks will not shift to sixth gear),
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher when the torque
converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting properly when cold. This is
normal. Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control, when the transmission is sufficiently warm,
will demonstrate that the transmission is able to shift
into and out of Overdrive.•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
Page 246 of 360

To shift out of REVERSE bring the vehicle to a complete
stop and press the clutch. Shifting out of REVERSE prior
to a complete stop may cause high shift effort.
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY)
This vehicle when equipped with either the AS69RC auto-
matic six-speed or G-56 manual six-speed transmissions,
will allow for an aftermarket upfit with a transmission
driven PTO (power take off). The customer will have the
ability to operate the PTO in either a “stationary” or
“mobile” mode. The vehicles will be factory set to the
“stationary” mode. To select ’mobile mode’ You will need
to enter the commercial vehicle menu on the EVIC screen
and select mobile PTO mode. Details of the PTO selection
modes and further PTO information is available at the Ram
Truck Bodybuilders web site. www.rambodybuilder.com
AS69RC Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
The PTO drive gear (part of the AS69RC) operates at
torque converter turbine speed. The turbine speed will be
less than engine speed when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged and will be same as engine speed when
the torque converter clutch is engaged.
Stationary Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet
the following conditions:
•Be in PARK position (vehicles equipped with auto-
matic transmission.)
•PTO switch has been activated.
•Parking brake applied (vehicles equipped with
manual transmission).
244 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 247 of 360

•Brake pedal must not be applied.
•Vehicle engine must be running.
•No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
•PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle
provided circuits.
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will
display aPTO Onmessage for five seconds if the above
conditions are met. Otherwise, the EVIC will display a
messageTo Operate PTO Shift To Parkindicating what
operator action should be taken to engage the PTO mode.
The customer has the choice to operate the PTO by
utilizing the cruise control switches or by utilizing a
remote control (provided by the PTO supplier). To oper-
ate the feature using the cruise control switches, the
customer must first activate the PTO switch which will
turn on the PTO. In order to increase or decrease the
engine idle speed, to optimize the PTO function, the“RESUME/ACCEL” and “DECEL” cruise switches can
be used respectively. To disengage PTO operation and
return to “standard vehicle operation” simply toggle the
PTO switch to the OFF position.
The torque converter clutch (TCC) will automatically
engage at engine speeds above 1,200 RPM (engine speed)
in PTO stationary mode. Once engaged, the TCC will
remain applied and will not disengage until the engine
speed falls below 1,000 RPM. TCC engagement is desir-
able for certain types of PTO applications (Automatic
Transmission Only).
To operate the PTO via a remote switch, the customer
must make sure the above conditions are met. It is vital
for proper operation that the PTO and remote have been
installed correctly, paying special attention to ensure the
vehicle provided wiring has been connected properly.
This is the responsibility of the installer of the PTO and
switches/remote system. It is the responsibility of the
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
Page 282 of 360
•Electronically-heated DEF lines
•DEF control module
•NOx sensors
•NH3 sensor
•Temperature sensors
•SCR catalyst
The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while
maintaining outstanding fuel economy, drivability,
torque and power ratings.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for system
messages and warnings.NOTE:
•Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection system.
You may occasionally hear an audible clicking noise.
This is normal operation.
•The DEF pump will run for a period of time after
engine shutdown to purge the DEF system. This is
normal operation.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 321 of 360

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
68RFE transmission, or 158-176°F / 70-80°C for AS69RC
transmission). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
You can read the transmission sump temperature in the
EVIC display (see Electronic Vehicle Information Center
[EVIC] for further information).
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
Page 358 of 360

Tip Start................................203
Ti re s
Pressure Warning Light...................160
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................266
Torque Converter Clutch....................238
Towing................................261
Guide...............................266
Weight...............................266
Traction Control..........................317
Trailer Towing...........................261
Cooling System Tips.....................278
Hitches..............................265
Minimum Requirements..................267
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................266
Wiring...............................275
Trailer Towing Guide.......................266
Trailer Weight............................266
Transfer Case
Fluid................................330Transmission
Automatic............................227
Fluid................................330
Manual..........................203 , 239
Shifting..............................225
Turn Signals.............................155
Viscosity, Engine Oil.......................294
Voltmeter...............................214
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .154
Water Separator, Diesel Fuel..................300
356 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500