Maximum Recommended Downshifting Speeds
Gear Selection 6 to 5 5 to 4 4 to 3 3 to 2 2 to 1
Maximum
Speed68 mph
(109 km/h)50 mph
(80 km/h)32 mph
(51 km/h)19 mph
(31 km/h)10 mph )
(16 km/h
CAUTION!
If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift
at too high of a vehicle speed, these conditions may
cause the engine to overspeed if too low of a gear is
selected and the clutch pedal is released. Damage to
the clutch and the transmission can result from
skipping a gear while downshifting or downshifting
at too high of a vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal
is held pressed (i.e., not released).
Reverse Shifting
To shift into REVERSE (R), bring the vehicle to a com-
plete stop. Press the clutch and pause briefly to allow thegear train to stop rotating. Beginning from the NEUTRAL
(N) position, move the shift lever in one quick smooth
motion straight across and into the REVERSE (R) area
(the driver will feel a firm “click” as the shifter passes the
“knock-over”). Complete the shift by pulling the shift
lever into REVERSE (R).
The “knock-over” prevents the driver from accidentally
entering the REVERSE (R) shift area and warns the driver
that they are about to shift the transmission into RE-
VERSE (R). Due to this feature, a slow shift to REVERSE
(R) can be perceived as a high shift effort.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 243
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
•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
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STARTING AND OPERATING 245
PTO manufacturer to ensure that their electrical (switches
and remote) system is compatible with the vehicle’s
electrical architecture and software functionality.
NOTE:
Single set speed can be programmed via the
PTO menu on the EVIC screen. Further details are
available at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders website.
www.rambodybuilder.comwww.ramtrucks.com.
Mobile Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet
the following conditions:
•Mobile mode is activated via the menu on the EVIC
screen.
•(ON/OFF) switch has been activated.
•Vehicles with automatic transmission must be in PARK
or DRIVE.
•Parking brake must not be applied.•Brake pedal must not be applied.
•No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
•Vehicle engine must be running.
•PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle
provided circuits.
The customer may choose to use the PTO while the
vehicle is moving. To do so, the PTO function must be
activated prior to taking the vehicle out of PARK. This is
accomplished by activating the upfitter-provided PTO
on/off switch. At this point, the customer may place the
vehicle in a forward or reverse gear and have PTO
operation once the vehicle begins to move. To disengage
PTO operation and return to “standard vehicle opera-
tion” simply toggle the on/off switch to the OFF position.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:For application specific information with respect
to PTO and pump requirements and additional vehicle
information (wiring schematics, preset idle values, en-
gine speed limits, and vehicle hardware and software
requirements) please refer to the Body Builders Guide by
accessingwww.rambodybuilder.comand choosing the
appropriate links.
Power Take Off — Aftermarket Installation
If you did not order the PTO (Power Take Off) Prep
Package from the factory and want to convert your
vehicle, refer to the Body Builder’s Guide at
www.rambodybuilder.comor contact the manufacturer
directly at (866) 205–4102 (toll free).
ENGINE RUNAWAY
Diesel engine runaway is a rare condition affecting diesel
engines, where the engine consumes its own lubrication
oil and runs at higher and higher RPM until it overspeedsto a point where it destroys itself due to either mechani-
cal failure or engine seizure through lack of lubrication.
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable fumes
from fuel spills or turbocharger oil leaks being
sucked into the engine, do the following to help
avoid personal injury and/or vehicle damage:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire extinguisher,
direct the spray from the fire extinguisher into the
grille on the passenger side so that the spray enters
the engine air intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located behind
the passenger side headlamp and receives air
through the grille.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 247
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filter(s) to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
Fuel Specifications
The Cummins® diesel engine has been developed to take
advantage of the high energy content and generally
lower cost No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or No. 2
Ultra Low Sulfur climatized diesel fuels. Experience has
shown that it also operates on No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur
diesel fuels or other fuels within specification.NOTE:
•If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gasoline on
your diesel vehicle, Do not start the vehicle. If you
restart your vehicle you risk damage the engine and
fuel system. Please call your local dealer for service.
•A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 may be used with your Cummins®
diesel engine. (Chassis Cab models not configured
with B20 capability.)
•A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-7467 may be used with your Cum-
mins® diesel engine. (Pickup models and Chassis Cab
models configured with B20 Capability.)
•In addition, commercially available fuel additives are
not necessary for the proper operation of your Cum-
mins® diesel engine.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 249
•No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used
where extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.
Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements
Chassis Cab Models
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM speci-
fication D975 may be used with your Cummins diesel
engine. If operation with Biodiesel blends greater than
5% but not greater than 20% (B6-B20) is desired, the truck
must first be reconfigured by an authorized Ram dealer
and the provisions in the following section must be
adhered to.
Pickup Models And Chassis Cab Models Ordered
With B20 Option
Your vehicle has been validated and approved for the use
of Biodiesel in blends up to 20% (B20) provided that youcomply with the requirements outlined below. It is im-
portant that you understand and comply with these
requirements. Failure to comply with Oil Change require-
ments for vehicles operating on biodiesel blends up to
B20 will result in premature engine wear. Such wear is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable resources
typically derived from animal fat, rapeseed oil (Rapeseed
Methyl Ester (RME) base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl
Ester (SME or SOME) base). Biodiesel fuel has inherent
limitations which require that you understand and ad-
here to the following requirements if you use blends of
Biodiesel greater then 5% but not greater than 20%
(B6-B20). There are no unique restrictions for the use of
B5. Use of blends greater than 20% is not approved. Use
of blends greater than 20% can result in engine damage.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING
Fuel Quality — Must Comply With ASTM
Standards
The quality of Biodiesel fuel may vary widely. Only fuel
produced by a BQ9000 supplier to the following specifi-
cations may be blended to meet Biodiesel blend (B6–B20)
fuel meeting ASTM specification D-7467:
•Pretrodiesel fuel meeting ASTM specification D-975
and Biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting ASTM specification
D-6751.
Fuel Oxidation Stability — Must Use Fuel Within
Six Months Of Manufacture
Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability which can
result in long term storage problems. Fuel produced to
approved ASTM standards, if stored properly, provides
for protection against fuel oxidation for up to six months.
Fuel Water Separation — Must Use MOPAR®/
Cummins® Approved Fuel Filter Elements
You must use MOPAR®/Cummins® approved fuel filter
elements in both your engine mounted filter and frame
mounted filter.
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and water
accelerates microbial growth. Your MOPAR®/
Cummins® filtration system is designed to provide ad-
equate fuel water separation capabilities.
Bio-Diesel Fuel Properties — Low Ambient
Temperatures
Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient tem-
peratures, which may pose problems for both storage and
operation. Precautions can be necessary at low ambient
temperatures, such as storing the fuel in a heated build-
ing or a heated storage tank, or using cold temperature
additives.
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