
microbes form “slime” that will clog the fuel filtration
system and lines. Drain condensation from the supply
tank and change the line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE:When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
If the vehicle will not start, refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a very stable
product with a long shelf life. If DEF is kept in tempera-
tures between 10° and 90°F (-12° and 32°C), it will last a
minimum of one year.
DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest temperatures. For
example, DEF may freeze at temperatures at or below 12°
F (-11° C). The system has been designed to operate in
this environment.
NOTE: When working with DEF, it is important to know
that:
• Any containers or parts that come into contact with
DEF must be DEF compatible (plastic or stainless
steel). Copper, brass, aluminum, iron or non-stainless
steel should be avoided as they are subject to corrosion
by DEF.
• If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up completely.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
1. Add a substantial amount of fuel to the tank, approxi- mately 2 to 5 gal (8L to 19L).
2. Turn ignition switch to the start position to engage starter for one second, return ignition switch to run
position. This will activate in tank fuel pump for
approximately 15 seconds. Repeat this process twice.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting” proce- dure. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15
seconds at a time. Allow two minutes between the
cranking intervals.
NOTE: The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and be hazardous or explosive when mixed with
diesel fuel.
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Due to lack of lubricants in alcohol or gasoline, the
use of these fuels can cause damage to the fuel
system.
NOTE:
• 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.) •
Use of biodiesel mixture in excess of 20% can nega-
tively impact the fuel filter’s ability to separate water
from the fuel, resulting in high pressure fuel system
corrosion or damage.
• Ethanol blends are not recommended or approved for
use with your Cummins® diesel engine.
• In addition, commercially available fuel additives are
not necessary for the proper operation of your Cum-
mins® diesel engine.
Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow
The Cummins® diesel engine meets all EPA Heavy Duty
Diesel Engine Emissions Standards, resulting in one of
the lowest emitting diesel engines ever produced.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295

•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean. •
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler
The charge air cooler is positioned below the radiator and
the air conditioner condenser. Air enters the engine
through the air cleaner and passes through the turbo-
charger, where it is pressurized. This pressurized air
rapidly reaches high temperature. The air is then directed
through a hose to the charge air cooler and through
another hose to the intake manifold of the engine. The air
entering the engine has been cooled by about 50° to 100°F
(10° to 38°C). This cooling process enables more efficient
burning of fuel resulting in fewer emissions.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............116
Adding Fuel ..............................91
Air bag Light .............................17
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .104
Alarm Light ..............................17
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................115
Capacities ........................... .122
Disposal ..............................118
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .126
Axle Fluid ............................. .126
Battery .................................113
Brake Fluid ............................ .126
Brake System ........................... .120
Fluid Check .......................... .120
Master Cylinder ....................... .120
Warning Light .......................17,33 Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
..........122
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .122
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .103
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................118
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .120
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . . .17
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........118
Cooling System ...........................114
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............116
Coolant Capacity ...................... .122
Coolant Level ..........................114
Disposal of Used Coolant ..................118
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................115
Points to Remember .....................119
Pressure Cap ..........................118
Radiator Cap ..........................118
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........115,123
334 INDEX - RAM 1500

Tank Capacity......................... .122
Fueling .................................91
Gauges Speedometer ........................17,35
Tachometer .........................17,30
Voltmeter ..............................80
Information Center, Vehicle ...................41
Instrument Cluster .........................16
Intervention Regeneration Strategy ..............49
Keyless Enter-N-Go ........................77
Lights Airbag .............................17,35
Alarm .............................17,36
Anti-Lock ..........................17,30
Brake Warning .......................17,33 Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)
......17,30
Fog ...............................17,38
High Beam .........................17,34
High Beam Indicator ..................17,34
Instrument Cluster ....................17,30
Seat Belt Reminder ....................17,35
Security Alarm ...................... .17, 36
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .............36
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .17 , 30
Maintenance Procedures ....................101
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .128
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................13
Oil, Engine ............................. .102
Capacity ............................ .122
Change Interval ....................... .103
Dipstick ............................. .102
336 INDEX - RAM 1500

Disposal............................. .104
Filter ........................... .104 , 123
Filter Disposal ........................ .104
Materials Added to ..................... .104
Recommendation ...................... .102
Viscosity ............................ .103
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ...........115
Remote Starting System ......................12
Schedule, Maintenance .....................128
Seat Belts Reminder ..........................17,35
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............123
Signals, Turn .............................17
Speedometer .............................17
Starting .................................75
Automatic Transmission ...................76
Engine Block Heater ...................78,84 Remote
...............................12
Starting Procedures .........................75
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines) .............75
Tachometer ..............................17
Tip Start ................................76
Ti re s Pressure Warning Light ....................36
Transfer Case Fluid ............................... .126
Transmission
Turn Signals ..............................17
Viscosity, Engine Oil ...................... .103
Voltmeter ................................80
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) ....17
Water Separator, Diesel Fuel ..................107
INDEX - RAM 1500 337

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............300
Adding Fuel ............................ .257
Air bag Light ........................... .158
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .284
Air Filter .............................. .284
Alarm Light ............................ .159
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................151
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................299
Capacities ........................... .315
Disposal ............................. .302
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid ......................... .308
Fluid Level Check ...................... .307
Fluid Type ........................... .318
Shifting ............................. .232
Axle Fluid ............................. .318
Battery ................................ .297
Blanket .......................... .220 , 298Emergency Starting
..................... .270
Brake System ........................... .304
Fluid Check .......................... .304
Master Cylinder ....................... .304
Warning Light ..................... .159 , 167
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................232
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........315
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .315
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .282
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................301
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .303
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .151
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........301
Cooling System .......................... .298
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............300
Coolant Capacity ...................... .315
Coolant Level ......................... .298
338 INDEX - RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500