2015 Ram Cargo Van Owner's Manual

Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection. Use of the air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended, because it
may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes, in
fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 431

Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed.
Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen
from the air. Refer to “Air Conditioning” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for filter replacement instructions.
432 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips Chart
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 433

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

POWER STEERING .....................458
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............459
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .460
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .462
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .463
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............463
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............465
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............466
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........467
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..............471
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................472
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............475
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .475▫
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........479
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........481
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........482
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........487
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... .487
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................488
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .490
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .490
▫ Tire Types .......................... .491
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped .............493
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ...............493
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... .496
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. .496
436 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫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