CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and wait at least
two minutes for the starter to cool before repeating
start procedure.
5. When the engine starts, release the key fob.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
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.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. The “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on for a period of time that varies depending on the engine tempera-
ture.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
2. While theWait To Start” telltale is on, the EVIC/DID
will additionally display a gauge or bar whose initial
length represents the full Wait To Starttime period.
Its length will decrease until it disappears when the
Wait To Start time has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
3. After the “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, turn the ignition switch to the START position. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time or starter motor damage may result. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and wait at least
two minutes for the starter to cool before repeating
start procedure.
4. After engine start-up, check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
5. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
6. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger
at low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-
up.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING
JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
•To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing,
do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from
battery vent holes. Always wear eye protection
when working with batteries.
• Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e., do
not use a 24 Volt power source.
NOTE: Replacement batteries should both be of equal
size to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging system.
Your vehicle is equipped with two 12 Volt batteries. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery with jumper cables to start a vehicle’s engine because its batteries are
discharged, the following procedure should be used:
Set the parking brake and place an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for a manual transmission).
Turn off lights, heater and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator (if equipped) in both batteries. If the
indicator (if equipped) is light or yellow on either battery,
replace that battery.
CAUTION!
Use the jump start procedure only when the charge
indicator (if equipped) in both batteries is dark in the
center. Do not attempt jump starting when either
battery charge indicator (if equipped) is bright or
yellow. If the charge indicator (if equipped) has a
green dot in the center, failure to start is not due to a
discharged battery and cranking system should be
checked.
326 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
•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. To guarantee optimum performance of the system, keep
the surfaces of the charge air cooler, condenser and
radiator clean and free of debris. Periodically check the
hoses leading to and from the charge air cooler for cracks
or loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and reduced
engine performance.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates
system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap.
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!(Continued)
accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty
All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. (4 535 kg) Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and manufactured for sale and use in the
United States are required to comply with the Federal
Government’s Exterior Noise Regulations. These vehicles
can be identified by the Noise Emission Control Label
located in the operator’s compartment.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............140
Adding Fuel .............................114
Air Bag Light .............................25
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .128
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................28
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................139
Capacities ........................... .146
Disposal ............................. .142
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .150
Axle Fluid ............................. .150
Battery .................................30
Charging System Light ....................30
Brake Fluid ............................ .150
Brake System ........................... .144
Fluid Check .......................... .144
Master Cylinder ....................... .144Warning Light
..........................26
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........146
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .146
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .127
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................142
Charge Air Cooler ........................ .144
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........142
Cooling System .......................... .138
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............140
Coolant Capacity ...................... .146
Coolant Level ......................... .138
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................142
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................139
Points To Remember .....................143
Pressure Cap ......................... .142
Radiator Cap ......................... .142
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........139 , 147
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 391
Cruise Light..............................58
Diesel Fuel ............................. .108
Diesel Fuel Requirements ....................108
Bulk Storage Of ........................117
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming ...............135
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................142
Door Ajar ...............................35
Door Ajar Light ...........................35
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ...........131
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........32
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......63
Engine ................................ .124
Air Cleaner .......................... .128
Block Heater ...................... .100 , 107
Break-In Recommendations .................13
Compartment ......................... .124Coolant (Antifreeze)
.....................147
Identification ......................... .124
Idling .............................. .104
Oil............................. .126 , 147
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .127
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .128
Engine Fuel .......................... .131
Engine Oil ....................... .128 , 147
Engine Oil Disposal .....................128
Flashers Turn Signal ............................57
Fluid Capacities ......................... .146
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .144
Fluid, Brake ............................ .150
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........147
Fog Lights ...............................46
392 INDEX - RAM 1500
Fuel.................................. .108
Adding ..............................114
Diesel ........................... .108 , 147
Filter ............................... .131
Light .................................43
Requirements ......................... .108
Specifications ......................... .109
Tank Capacity ......................... .146
Fueling .................................114
Gauges Voltmeter ............................ .102
Information Center, Vehicle ...................63
Instrument Cluster .........................17
Intervention Regeneration Strategy ..............71
Keyless Enter-N-Go ........................99 Lights
AirBag ...............................25
Brake Warning ..........................26
Cruise .............................58,60
Engine Temperature Warning ................29
Fog ..................................46
Low Fuel ..............................43
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........36
Park ..............................56,58
Seat Belt Reminder .......................24
Security Alarm ..........................28
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .............40
Turn Signal ............................57
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .29 , 57
Maintenance Procedures ....................125
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .152
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......36
8
INDEX - RAM 1500 393