2015 Ram Cargo Van fuel

Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. DTE cannot be reset through the RIGHT arrow
button.NOTE:
Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a “LOW FUEL” message. This display will continue
until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a significant
amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the “LOW
FUEL” message and a new DTE value will display.
Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
This display shows the instantaneous MPG in bar graph
form while driving. This will monitor the gas mileage in
real-time as you drive and can be used to modify driving
habits in order to increase fuel economy.
Vehicle Speed
Push and release the UP or DOWN button until “Vehicle
Speed” displays highlighted in the EVIC and push the
Average Fuel Economy Display
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 315

4. Rear Temperature Control — If Equipped
Provides temperature control for the rear cabin. Turn left
for cooler or right for warmer temperature settings in the
rear cabin.
5. Right Front Temperature Control
Provides right front seat occupant with independent
temperature control. Turn left for cooler or right for
warmer temperature settings.
6. Mix ModeAir is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort,
while reducing moisture on the windshield. 7. Front Defrost Mode
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use Defrost mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor may operate in
Mix and Defrost, even if the A/C button is not pushed.
This dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield.
To improve fuel economy, use these modes only when
necessary.
8. Electronic Rear Window Defrost
Push this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). An indicator in the button will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes.
414 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................439
▫ Automatic Transmission ................439
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .439
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................440
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start ..............440
▫ After Starting ....................... .441
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .442
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............442
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............444 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .444
▫ Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode .............445
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission .........446
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .447
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........455
▫ Acceleration ........................ .455
▫ Traction ........................... .455
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............456
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................456
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................456
5

▫Life Of Tire ........................ .497
▫ Replacement Tires .....................498
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......500
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....501

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . . .502
▫ Base System ........................ .505
▫ Premium System — If Equipped ...........507
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................511
▫ 3.6L Engine ..........................511
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................512
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............512
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......513
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................513 ▫
Materials Added To Fuel ................514
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................514
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............515
 FLEXIBLE FUEL — IF EQUIPPED ...........516
▫ E-85 General Information ...............516
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................516
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................516
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .......517
▫ Starting ........................... .518
▫ Cruising Range ...................... .518
▫ Replacement Parts ....................518
▫ Maintenance ....................... .5185
STARTING AND OPERATING 437

ADDING FUEL ....................... .519
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............519
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............520
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................521
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............521
 TRAILER TOWING .....................524 ▫
Common Towing Definitions .............524
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .535
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................537
▫
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . . .537
▫ Recreational Towing — All Models .........538
438 STARTING AND OPERATING

soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running.
3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure
(Steps 1–3 above).
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
pressed to shift out of PARK.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F Or 29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If The Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
440 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the
engine for more than 15 second intervals at one time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again. If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key
fob is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the
accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release
the accelerator pedal and the key fob once the engine is
running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15–
second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 441

Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode
The Fuel Economy (ECON) mode can improve the vehi-
cle’s overall fuel economy during normal driving condi-
tions. Press the “econ” switch in the center stack of the
instrument panel and a green light will indicate the
ECON mode is engaged.When the Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode is engaged, the
vehicle control systems will change the following:
•
The transmission will upshift sooner and downshift
later.
• The transmission will skip select gears during shifts to
allow the engine to operate at lower speeds.
• The torque converter clutch may engage at lower
engine speeds and remain on longer.
• The engine idle speed will be lower.
• The overall driving performance will be more conser-
vative.
• Some ECON mode functions may be temporarily
inhibited based on temperature and other factors.
Fuel Economy Mode Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 445