2017 Ram 2500 ESP

the gear selector out of PARK (refer to “Brake/
Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section). To
drive, move the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to
the DRIVE position. Pull the gear selector toward you
when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting
out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual downshifts
can be made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control (refer toElectronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
in this section for further information). Pressing the ERS
(-/+) switches (on the gear selector) while in the DRIVE
position will select the highest available transmission gear,
and will display that gear limit in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Some models will display both the selected gear
limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This
is especially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through underdrive first, second, and third gears,
direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth and sixth gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions. When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Operation” in this section for further information) to select
a lower gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear range will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the powertrain controller will modify the transmis-
sion shift schedule and expand the range of torque con-
verter clutch engagement. This is done to prevent trans-
mission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in danger
of overheating, the “Transmission Temperature Warning
Light” may illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 145

will automatically downshift (for engine braking) when the
throttle is closed and/or during steady braking maneu-
vers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.WARNING!
Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driving in
icy or slippery conditions. The increased engine brak-
ing can cause the rear wheels to slide, and the vehicle
to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle
control, which may cause an accident possibly result-
ing in personal injury or death.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 149

NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage (and 68RFE-
equipped trucks will not shift to sixth gear), until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually
after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting properly when cold. This is normal. Using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Over-
drive.
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmis-
sion into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid
partially draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds after starting the engine.MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle
unattended without having the parking brake fully
applied. The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch
pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal
wear on the clutch.
NOTE: During cold weather, you may experience in-
creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid warms
up. This is normal.
150 STARTING AND OPERATING

•PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle pro-
vided circuits.
The instrument cluster will display a PTO Onmessage for
five seconds if the above conditions are met. Otherwise, the
instrument cluster will display a message To Operate PTO
Shift To Park indicating what operator action should be
taken to engage the PTO mode.
The customer has the choice to operate the PTO by utilizing
the cruise control switches or by utilizing a remote control
(provided by the PTO supplier). To operate the feature
using the cruise control switches, the customer must first
activate the PTO switch which will turn on the PTO. In
order to increase or decrease the engine idle speed, to
optimize the PTO function, the “RESUME/ACCEL” and
“DECEL” cruise switches can be used respectively. To
disengage PTO operation and return to “standard vehicle
operation” simply toggle the PTO switch to the OFF
position.
The torque converter clutch (TCC) will automatically en-
gage at engine speeds above 1,200 RPM (engine speed) in
PTO stationary mode. Once engaged, the TCC will remain
applied and will not disengage until the engine speed falls
below 1,000 RPM. TCC engagement is desirable for certain
types of PTO applications (Automatic Transmission Only). To operate the PTO via a remote switch, the customer must
make sure the above conditions are met. It is vital for
proper operation that the PTO and remote have been
installed correctly, paying special attention to ensure the
vehicle provided wiring has been connected properly. This
is the responsibility of the installer of the PTO and
switches/remote system. It is the responsibility of the PTO
manufacturer to ensure that their electrical (switches and
remote) system is compatible with the vehicle’s electrical
architecture and software functionality.
NOTE:
Single set speed can be programmed via the PTO
menu on the instrument cluster display. Further details are
available at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders web site located
at
rambodybuilder.com
Mobile Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet the
following conditions:
• Mobile mode is activated via the menu on the instru-
ment cluster display.
• (ON/OFF) switch has been activated.
• Vehicles with automatic transmission must be in PARK
or DRIVE.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 155

•Parking brake must not be applied.
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
• Vehicle engine must be running.
• PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle pro-
vided circuits.
The customer may choose to use the PTO while the vehicle
is moving. To do so, the PTO function must be activated
prior to taking the vehicle out of PARK. This is accom-
plished by activating the upfitter-provided PTO on/off
switch. At this point, the customer may place the vehicle in
a forward or reverse gear and have PTO operation once the
vehicle begins to move. To disengage PTO operation and
return to “standard vehicle operation” simply toggle the
on/off switch to the OFF position.
NOTE: For application specific information with respect
to PTO and pump requirements and additional vehicle
information (wiring schematics, preset idle values, engine
speed limits, and vehicle hardware and software require-
ments) please refer to the Body Builders Guide by access-
ing
rambodybuilder.comand choosing the appropriate
links.
ENGINE RUNAWAY
Diesel engine runaway is a rare condition affecting diesel
engines, where the engine consumes its own lubrication oil
and runs at higher and higher RPM until it overspeeds to
a point where it destroys itself due to either mechanical
failure or engine seizure through lack of lubrication.
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable fumes
from fuel spills or turbocharger oil leaks being sucked
into the engine, do the following to help avoid per-
sonal injury and/or vehicle damage:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire extinguisher,
direct the spray from the fire extinguisher into the
grille on the passenger side so that the spray enters the
engine air intake.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located behind the
passenger side headlamp and receives air through the
grille.
156 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•To avoid DEF spillage, and possible damage to the
DEF tank from overfilling, do not “top off” the DEF
tank after filling.
• DO NOT OVERFILL. DEF will freeze below 12ºF
(-11ºC). The DEF system is designed to work in
temperatures below the DEF freezing point, how-
ever, if the tank is overfilled and freezes, the system
could be damaged.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•When DEF is spilled, clean the area immediately
with water and use an absorbent material to soak up
the spills on the ground.
• Do not attempt to start your engine if DEF is acci-
dentally added to the diesel fuel tank as it can result
in severe damage to your engine, including but not
limited to failure of the fuel pump and injectors.
• Never add anything other than DEF to the tank –
especially any form of hydrocarbon such as diesel
fuel, fuel system additives, gasoline, or any other
petroleum-based product. Even a very small amount
of these, less than 100 parts per million or less than
1 oz. per 78 gallons (295 liters) will contaminate the
entire DEF system and will require replacement. If
owners use a container, funnel or nozzle when refill-
ing the tank, it should either be new or one that is
has only been used for adding DEF. MOPAR pro-
vides an attachable nozzle with its DEF for this
purpose.
3. Stop filling the DEF tank immediately when any of the following happen: DEF stops flowing from the fill bottle
into the DEF tank, DEF splashes out the filler neck, or a
DEF pump nozzle automatically shuts off.
Filling The DEF Tank
166 STARTING AND OPERATING

the same engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS.90032) throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze)
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•We recommend using MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant
10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive
Technology) that meets the requirements of FCA Mate-
rial Standard MS.90032.
• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F (37°C)
are anticipated. Please contact your authorized dealer
for assistance.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (anti-
freeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system. NOTE:
•
It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-
erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed
to be added to the system, please contact your local
authorized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage.
If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as pos-
sible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 193