2017 Ram 2500 battery

You have the ability to configure the functionality of the
auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster display. All
switches can now be configured for setting the switch type
operation to latching or momentary, power source of either
battery or ignition, and ability to hold last state across key
cycles.
NOTE:Holding last state conditions are met when switch
type is set to latching and power source is set to ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary switches,
please refer to the Ram Body Builders Guide by accessing
www.rambodybuilder.comand choosing the appropriate
links.
POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY)
This vehicle when equipped with PTO Prep and either the
AS69RC automatic six-speed or G-56 manual six-speed
transmissions, will allow for an aftermarket upfit with a
transmission driven PTO (power take off). The customer
will have the ability to operate the PTO in either a
“stationary” or “mobile” mode. The vehicles will be factory
set to the “stationary” mode. To select ’mobile mode’ You
will need to enter the commercial vehicle menu on the
instrument cluster display and select mobile PTO mode. Details of the PTO selection modes and further PTO
information is available at the Ram Truck Bodybuilders
web site.
rambodybuilder.com
AS69RC Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
The PTO drive gear (part of the AS69RC) operates at torque
converter turbine speed. The turbine speed will be less
than engine speed when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged and will be same as engine speed when the torque
converter clutch is engaged.
Stationary Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet the
following conditions:
•
Transmission in PARK position (vehicles equipped with
automatic transmission.)
• PTO switch has been activated.
• Parking brake applied (vehicles equipped with manual
transmission).
• Brake pedal must not be applied.
• Vehicle engine must be running.
• No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present.
154 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 work-
ing 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 transmission
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 light or yel-
low. 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.
1. Attach one jumper cable to the positive terminal of booster battery and the other end of the same cable to
the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
NOTE: Do not connect jumper cables to the fuses. Only
use the jump post when connecting jumper cables.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this could
establish a ground connection and personal injury
could result.
170 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

2. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to negative(-) post of booster battery. Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to a good ground on the engine block of
the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure a
good connection is made, free of dirt and grease.
NOTE:
• Take care that the clamps from one cable do not inad-
vertently touch clamps from the other cable.
• Do not lean over the battery when making connection. •
The negative connection must provide good electrical
conductivity and current carrying capacity.
WARNING!
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
• During cold weather when temperatures are below
freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery
may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting because the
battery could rupture or explode. The battery tem-
perature must be brought up above freezing point
before attempting to jump start.
3. After the engine is started or if the engine fails to start, cables must be disconnected in the following order:
• Disconnect the negative cable at the engine ground.
• Disconnect the negative cable at the negative post on
booster battery.
• Disconnect the cable from the positive post of both
batteries.
Positive Jumping Location
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 171

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
•Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent.
• Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion.
• Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or of
immobilized vehicle.
With Portable Starting Unit
There are many types of these units available. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for necessary precautions and
operation.
CAUTION!
It is very important that the starting unit operating
voltage does not exceed 12 Volts DC or damage to
battery, starter motor, alternator, or electrical system
may occur.
172 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL — SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models)
1 — Battery7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Battery 11 — Engine Oil Fill
6 — Aux Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner Filter
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL — SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB MODELS)
1 — Battery7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Power Distribution Center
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Battery 11 — Engine Oil Fill
6 — Aux Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner Filter
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 175

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be grass
or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust sys-
tem. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known simply by
the name of its active component, UREA—is a key compo-
nent of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, which
help diesel vehicles meet stringent emission regulations.
DEF is a liquid reducing agent that reacts with engine
exhaust in the presence of a catalyst to convert smog-
forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and
water vapor.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
You can receive assistance in locating DEF in the United
States by calling 866-RAM-INFO (866-726-4636). In Canada
call 1–800–465–2001 (English) or 1–800–387–9983 (French)
Maintenance-Free Batteries
The top of the maintenance-free batteries are permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
NOTE:Replacement batteries should both be of equal
capacity to prevent damage to the vehicle’s charging
system.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery
that the positive cable is attached to the positive post
and the negative cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked (+) positive and negative (-)
and are identified on the battery case. Also, if a “fast
charger” is used while the battery is in vehicle, discon-
nect both vehicle battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to
provide starting voltage.
190 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°). For the same decrease
in temperature, the engine requires twice as much power to
crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 Volt AC powered
battery blankets will greatly increase starting capability at
low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets are available
from your authorized MOPAR dealer.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed
and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C
condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation
of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water
from a garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C
condenser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but not
running), check the cooling system pressure cap for proper
vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of engine
coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock. The
radiator drain cock is located in the lower radiator tank. If
the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze)
will begin to drain from the coolant expansion bottle. DO
NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN
THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 191