2016 Ram 3500 heating

When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below), holding your
vehicle in first gear (using the ERS shift control) can help
to avoid transmission overheating.
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of
continuous operation, then change the automatic trans-
mission fluid and filter(s) as specified forpolice, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. Refer to the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (6-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
710 STARTING AND OPERATING

When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and drive-
train damage, the following precautions should be ob-
served.
•Operate with transfer case in 4LO when plowing small
or congested areas where speeds are not likely to
exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in
4HI.
• Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use 4LO
range when plowing deep or heavy snow for extended
periods of time to avoid transmission overheating. •
Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has
returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a
practice of stepping on the brake pedal while shifting
the transmission.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 715

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
upper switch bank just below the radio.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed while preventing vehicle motion with the
brakes.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 727

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of clutch or transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation. Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC
Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
(Continued)
776 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 817

Hazard Warning Flasher..................727
Jump Starting ......................... .771
Tow Hooks ........................... .777
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........795
Engine ............................. .791, 792
Air Cleaner .......................... .802
Block Heater ......................... .486
Break-In Recommendations ................117
Compartment ......................... .790
Compartment Identification .........790, 791, 792
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................866
Exhaust Gas Caution .................119,680
Flooded, Starting ...................... .480
Fuel Requirements ...................675, 864
Jump Starting ......................... .771
Oil .......................... .798, 864, 866
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .801
Oil Filter ............................ .802
Oil Selection ...................... .799, 864Oil Synthetic
......................... .802
Overheating .......................... .727
Engine Oil Viscosity ....................800, 801
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................800
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............81
Entry System, Illuminated ....................24
Ethanol ............................ .677, 681
Event Data Recorder ........................84
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................119,680
Exhaust System .......................119,816
Exterior Lighting ......................... .171
Exterior Lights .......................... .122
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .802
Engine Oil ........................ .802, 866
Engine Oil Disposal .....................802
Flashers Turn Signal .....................122, 181, 326
10
INDEX 901

Multi-Function Control Lever.................181
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) .............212
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................117
Occupant Restraints ........................52
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................675
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ...........570, 593
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ...........570, 593
Oil, Engine ......................... .798, 866
Capacity ............................ .864
Change Interval ....................... .799
Dipstick ............................. .798
Disposal ............................. .802
Filter ............................ .802, 866
Filter Disposal ........................ .802
Identification Logo ..................... .800
Pressure Warning Light ................302, 305
Recommendation ....................799, 864 Synthetic
............................ .802
Viscosity ...................... .800, 801, 864
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .802
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .802
Oil Pressure Light ..................... .302, 305
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................793
Operating Precautions ..................... .793
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................138
Overdrive .......................... .509, 520
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................509, 520
Overhead Console ........................ .215
Overheating, Engine ...................... .727
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,890
Paint Care ............................. .833
Panic Alarm ..............................29
Parking Brake ........................... .616
ParkSense System, Rear ..................194, 203
10
INDEX 907