2017 Ram 1500 block heater

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................381
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .381
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................382
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............382
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .382
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ..................384
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................384
▫ After Starting ......................... .385
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .385
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............386
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................387
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .387 ▫
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ......................... .388
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission —
1500 Models Only (If Equipped) ............395
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission —
2500/3500 Models Only ..................405
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .414
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped .......................... .414
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) — If Equipped ........417
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Five-Position Switch) — If Equipped ........422
▫ Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case (Eight Speed Transmission Only) —
If Equipped ......................... .427
5

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 changethe 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.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while the engine is cranking. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 10
seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, release the
accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
(Continued)
384 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery
or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to
“Jump-Starting” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the ignition
button/key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking
with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor.
Release the accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key
once the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10 second
period of engine cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
1500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grill and the
radiator, but underneath the black upper seal.
2500/3500 Models
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille by
the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not
in use for the winter months. During winter months,
remove the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the
c-clip.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 385

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,
or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob. When
the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position, (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the
ignition is in the OFF mode) the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
(Continued)
386 STARTING AND OPERATING

additional requirements, developed during extensive fleet
testing, to provide additional protection to FCA US LLC
engines.
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), an increase in the time it
takes for your engine to start may be experienced, and a
deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations) until
the engine is fully warmed up. These issues may be
improved with the use of seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel.
NOTE:Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) may
improve engine start time when using E-85 fuel when the
ambient temperature is less than 32°F (0°C).
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter than
gasoline, an increase in fuel consumption will be experi-
enced. The miles per gallon (mpg)/kilometers per liter and
the driving range will decrease by approximately 30%,
compared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
All fuel and engine components in your Flexible Fuel
Vehicle (FFV) are designed to be compatible with ethanol.
Ethanol compatible service components are required.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixtures greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will make it more difficult for your engine to
start under cold conditions, may affect drivability, and
could cause engine damage.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 547

KeyFob................................32
Remote................................32
Remote Keyless Entry ......................32
Door Locks, Automatic .......................34
Door Opener, Garage ....................... .175
Driving Off-Pavement .......................... .457
Off-Road ............................. .457
Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .472
Dual Rear Wheels ...................... .532, 581
E-85 Fuel ............................... .545
Electrical Power Outlets ..................... .184
Electric Rear Window Defrost ..................200
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case . . . .417, 422, 427, 432
Electronic Brake Control System ................495
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................495
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................504
Traction Control System ....................500
Electronic Range Select (ERS) ............393, 401, 410
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........154
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............500
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........246
Emergency Brake .......................... .492Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................621
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................580
Jump Starting .......................... .618
Tow Hooks ............................ .623
Emission Control System Maintenance ............637
Engine .............................. .634, 635
Air Cleaner ............................ .643
Block Heater ........................... .385
Break-In Recommendations ..................94
Compartment .......................... .633
Compartment Identification ...........633, 634, 635
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .698
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................95, 545
Flooded, Starting ........................ .384
Fuel

Requirements ....................541, 697
Jump Starting .......................... .618
Oil ........................... .640, 697, 698
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .642
Oil Filter .............................. .642
Oil Selection ........................ .641, 697
Oil Synthetic ........................... .642
Overheating ........................... .580
Engine Oil Viscosity .....................641, 642
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................641
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INDEX 719

Fuel, Flexible............................. .545
Fuses .................................. .679
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............175, 180
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................549, 637
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .542
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .541
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .542
Gear Ranges .......................... .396, 405
Gear Select Lever Override ....................623
General Information ........................ .540
Glass Cleaning ........................... .677
Grocery Bag Retainer ....................... .200
Gross Axle Weight Rating .....................552
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................551
Guide, Body Builders .........................6
GVWR ................................. .550
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or
Shallow Standing Water ....................472
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................... .580
Headlights .............................. .690
Automatic ............................ .139
Cleaning .............................. .677High Beam
............................ .147
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...........147
Passing ............................... .147
Switch ............................... .139
Head Restraints ........................... .129
Heated Mirrors .........................115,200
Heater ................................. .330
Heater, Engine Block ....................... .385
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch .....147
Hill Descent Control ....................... .505
Hill Descent Control Indicator .................505
Hill Start Assist ........................... .498
Hitches Trailer Towing .......................... .558
Hoisting ................................ .618
HomeLink

(Garage Door Opener) ...............175
Hood Release ............................ .136
Hub Caps ............................... .617
Ignition ..................................15
Key.................................11,15
Ignition Key Removal ........................15
Illuminated Entry ...........................21
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ......................17
Inside Rearview Mirror ...................104, 110
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INDEX 721