2016 Ram 3500 manual transmission

A MESSAGE FROM FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC welcomes you as a turbocharged diesel-
powered truck owner. Your diesel truck will sound, feel,
drive, and operate differently from a gasoline-powered
truck. It is important that you read and understand this
manual.
Almost 100% of the heavy trucks in the United States and
Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel economy,
rugged durability, and high torque which permits pulling
heavy loads.
You may find that some of the starting, operating, and
maintenance procedures are different. However, they are
simple to follow and careful adherence to them will
ensure that you take full advantage of the features of this
engine.NOTE:
•
Some aftermarket products may cause severe engine/
transmission and/or exhaust system damage. Your
vehicle’s Powertrain Control Systems can detect and
store information about vehicle modifications that
increase horsepower and torque output such as
whether or not performance-enhancing powertrain
components, commonly referred to as downloaders,
power boxes, or performance chips have been used.
• Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to
the vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning Sys-
tem.
This information cannot be erased and will stay in the
system’s memory even if the modification is removed.
This information can be retrieved by FCA US LLC, and
service and repair facilities, when servicing your vehicle.
8 INTRODUCTION

mounted on the steering wheel. Refer to “Driver Infor-
mation Display– If Equipped” in the Owner’s Manual for
further information.
Vehicle Information (Customer Information
Features)
Vehicle Information Submenus
•Battery Voltage
Displays the actual battery voltage.
• Fuel Filter Life
Displays the life of the fuel filter.
• Oil Pressure
Displays the actual oil pressure.
• Oil Temperature
Displays the actual oil temperature. •
Trans Temperature
Displays the actual transmission sump temperature.
• Coolant Temp
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
• Tire Pressure Monitor System
Displays the actual tire pressure.
• Engine Hours
Displays the actual engine hours.
Gauge Summary (Coolant Temp, Trans Temp, Oil Temp,
Oil Pressure)
42 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

A MESSAGE FROM FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC and Cummins welcome you as a Cummins
turbocharged diesel-powered truck owner. Your diesel
truck will sound, feel, drive, and operate differently from
a gasoline-powered truck. It is important that you read
and understand this manual.
Almost 100% of the heavy duty trucks in the United
States and Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel
economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-
mits pulling heavy loads. Cummins engines power well
over half of these trucks. Now this same technology and
proven performance is yours in your truck equipped
with the Cummins turbocharged diesel engine.
You may find that some of the starting, operating, and
maintenance procedures are different. However, they are
simple to follow and careful adherence to them will
ensure that you take full advantage of the features of this
engine.NOTE:
Some aftermarket products may cause severe
engine/transmission and/or exhaust system damage.
Your vehicle’s Powertrain Control Systems can detect
and store information about vehicle modifications that
increase horsepower and torque output such as whether
or not performance-enhancing powertrain components,
commonly referred to as downloaders, power boxes, or
performance chips have been used.
This information cannot be erased and will stay in the
system’s memory even if the modification is removed.
This information can be retrieved by FCA US LLC, and
service and repair facilities, when servicing your vehicle.
This information may be used to determine if repair will
be covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
There is a probability that the use of a “performance
chip” will prohibit the engine from starting. In this
instance, the vehicle will need to be serviced by a
authorized dealer in order to return the vehicle to it’s
factory settings.
134 INTRODUCTION

Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When remote start is activated, the heated steering
wheel, and driver heated seat features will automatically
turn on in cold weather. In warm weather, the driver
vented seat feature will automatically turn on when the
remote start is activated. These features will stay on
through the duration of remote start or until the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
The Remote Start Comfort System can be activated and
deactivated through the EVIC/DID. For more informa-
tion on Remote Start Comfort System operation refer to
your Owners Manual.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine does not re-
quire a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, providing the following recommen-
dations are followed:•
Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 141

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................196
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......196
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....197
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ........197
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ..................202
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) ........202
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) .....204
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ............206▫
Starting Fluids ....................... .207
 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE . . .208
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................209
▫ Engine Idling ....................... .212
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................213
▫ Idle Shutdown ....................... .214
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed (Chassis
Cab Only) .......................... .214
▫ Operating Precautions ..................215
5

▫Cooling System Tips — Automatic
Transmission ........................ .215
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .217
▫ Block Heater Usage ....................217
 DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE
BRAKING) .......................... .218
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................ .220
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............222
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .222
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ........................ .222
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .234
▫ Shifting ............................ .235▫
Downshifting ....................... .236
▫ Reverse Shifting ..................... .238
 AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED .....238
 POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ..................239
▫ Stationary Mode ..................... .240
▫ Mobile Mode ........................ .241
 ENGINE RUNAWAY ....................242
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................243
▫ Fuel Specifications ....................244
▫ Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements .............245

ADDING FUEL — 2500/3500 DIESEL MODELS . . .248
 ADDING FUEL — CHASSIS CAB MODELS . . .251
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the “OFF” mode, re-
move the key fob from the vehicle and lock the
vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or
in a location accessible to children, and do not
leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode.
A child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal to the floor before
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

ignition switch to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 7 of
“Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure – Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 66° F (19° C).”
Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and
operation:
•The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed
in the water jacket of the engine just above and behind
the oil filter. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE: The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR dealer. •
A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housings aid in
preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
• A heated intake air system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66° F (19° C)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission. For vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, fully
press and hold the clutch pedal and shift into NEU-
TRAL.
202 STARTING AND OPERATING