2015 Ram 1500 clutch

Maximum Recommended Downshifting Speeds
Gear Selection 6 to 55 to 44 to 33 to 22 to 1
Maximum
Speed 68 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 complete
stop. Press the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear 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 247

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.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to five auxiliary switches located in the
lower switch bank of the instrument panel which can be
used to power various electronic devices and PTO
(Power Take Off) – If Equipped. Connections to the
switches are found under the hood in the connectors
attached to the auxiliary Power Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the functionality of the
auxiliary switches via the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) or Driver Information Display (DID). All
switches can now be configured for ignition or battery
power, saving or not saving state across a key cycle, and
momentary or latching switch operation.For further information on using the auxiliary switches,
please refer to the Ram Body Builders Guide by accessing
www.rambodybuilder.comand choosing the appropri-
ate links.
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY)
This vehicle when equipped with PTO Prep and either
the AS69RC automatic 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/DID screen and select mobile PTO
mode. Details of the PTO selection modes and further
PTO information is available at the Ram Truck Body-
builders web site. www.rambodybuilder.com
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

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).
• 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) or
Driver Information Display (DID) will display a PTO
On message for five seconds if the above conditions are
met. Otherwise, the EVIC/DID will display a message
To Operate PTO Shift To Park indicating 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
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STARTING AND OPERATING 249

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
PTO manufacturer to ensure that their electrical (switchesand 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/DID screen. Further details are avail-
able at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders web site.
www.rambodybuilder.com www.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/
DID screen.
• (ON/OFF) switch has been activated.
• Vehicles with automatic transmission must be in PARK
or DRIVE.
• Parking brake must not be applied.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

•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. 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
accessing www.rambodybuilder.com and choosing the
appropriate links.
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 overspeeds
to a point where it destroys itself due to either mechani-
cal failure or engine seizure through lack of lubrication.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 251

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models) .......277
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB
MODELS) ........................... .278
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........279
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .280
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................284
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......288
▫ Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement .....290
▫ Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement. .292 ▫
Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel . .294
▫ Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow ....................... .295
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid ...................296
▫ Maintenance-Free Batteries ..............297
▫ Cooling System ..................... .298
▫ Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler .........303
▫ Brake System ....................... .304
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System ................305
▫ Transfer Case — If Equipped .............305
6

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a accident.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in an accident.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305

Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
AIR CLEANER
•Removal of the air cleaner.
• Removal of the air cleaner filter element from the air
cleaner housing.
• Removal of the air ducting.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
• Removal or rendering inoperative exhaust system
components including the muffler or tailpipe.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
• Removal or rendering inoperative the fan clutch.
• Removal of the fan shroud.Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as manu-
factured by the manufacturer, was designed, built and
equipped to conform at the time it left the manufactur-
er’s control with all applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control
Regulations.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed, built and
equipped by the manufacturer, and is not limited to any
particular part, component or system of the vehicle
manufactured by the manufacturer. Defects in design,
assembly or in any part, component or system of the
vehicle as manufactured by the manufacturer, which, at
the time it left the manufacturer’s control, caused noise
emissions to exceed Federal standards, are covered by
this warranty for the life of the vehicle.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE