2016 Ram 2500 automatic transmission

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Only use MOPAR ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front Axle – 1500 Four-Wheel Drive
Models We recommend you use MOPAR GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE
75W-85.
Rear Axle We recommend you use MOPAR Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140
(MS-8985). Limited-Slip Rear Axles require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml)
MOPAR Limited Slip Additive (MS-10111).
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be
used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is
acceptable.
150 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve-
niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
• The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic
transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
• The Remote Start system will wait for the “Wait To
Start” telltale to extinguish before cranking the engine.
This allows time for the intake heater to pre-heat the
incoming air, and is normal operation in cold weather.
Refer to “Wait To Start” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel”.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
• Transmission in PARK
• Doors closed
• Hood closed
• HAZARD switch off
• BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pushed)
• Ignition key removed from ignition switch
• Battery at an acceptable charge level
• RKE PANIC button not pushed
170 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Yellow Telltale Indicator Lights
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:The battery voltage may show a fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold
heater system. The number of cycles and the length of the
cycling operation is controlled by the engine control
module. Post-heat operation can run for several minutes,
and then the electrical system and voltmeter needle will
stabilize.
• Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
• Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
• Trans Temperature
Displays the actual automatic transmission sump tem-
perature. •
Engine Hours
Displays the total hours of engine operation, and the
hours in drive and at idle.
• Oil Life
Displays the percentage of oil filter life remaining, and
the miles since the last reset.
• Fuel Filter Life
Displays the percentage of fuel filter life remaining, and
the miles since the last reset.
NOTE: Refer to Fuel Filter Life Reset in this section for
further information.
• Exhaust Brake
Displays the actual exhaust brake power.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................260
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......261
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....261
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ........261
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ..................265
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) ........266
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) .....267
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ............269▫
Starting Fluids ....................... .271
 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE . . .272
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................273
▫ Engine Idling ....................... .275
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................277
▫ Idle Shutdown ....................... .278
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) ....................278
▫ Operating Precautions ..................279
5

▫Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission ........................ .279
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .280
▫ Block Heater Usage ....................281
 DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) ....................281
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .284
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............286
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .286
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .......................... .286
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .298
▫ Shifting ............................ .299▫
Downshifting ....................... .300
▫ Reverse Shifting ..................... .302
 AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED .....302
 POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ..................303
▫ Stationary Mode ..................... .304
▫ Mobile Mode ........................ .305
 ENGINE RUNAWAY ....................306
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................307
▫ Fuel Specifications ....................308
▫ Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements .............309
 ADDING FUEL — 2500/3500 DIESEL
MODELS ........................... .312
 ADDING FUEL — CHASSIS CAB MODELS . . .315
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is fully pressed.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Start the engine with the transmission in the NEUTRAL
or PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped
This feature allows the driver to oper-
ate the ignition switch with the push
of a button, as long as the Remote
Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go Key Fob is
in the passenger compartment.
Normal Starting
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will
disengage automatically after 25 seconds.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 261

NOTE:If the ignition switch is left in the ACC or RUN
(engine not running) position and the transmission is in
PARK, the system will automatically time out after 30
minutes of inactivity and the ignition will switch to the
OFF position.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver ’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has three positions, OFF, ACC, RUN.
To change the ignition switch positions without starting
the vehicle and use the accessories follow these steps:
1. Starting with the ignition in the OFF position:
2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to change the ignition to the ACC position. 3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time
to change the ignition to the RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF position.
Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure — Engine
Manifold Air Temperature 0° F To 66° F (–18° C to
19° C)
NOTE: The temperature displayed in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver information
Display (DID) does not necessarily reflect the engine
manifold air temperature. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” or Driver Information Dis-
play (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information. When engine temperatures fall
below 66°F (19°C) the “Wait To Start Light” will remain
on indicating the intake manifold heater system is active.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 263