2017 Ram 3500 fuel

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

Shifting
Truck models with manual transmission are equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch pedal
must be fully pressed to start the vehicle.
Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator pedal.This transmission has a “creeper” first gear which should
be used to start from a standing position when carrying a
payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the clutch can result
from starting in second or third gear with a loaded vehicle.
An unloaded vehicle may be launched in second gear. Use
each gear in numerical order – do not skip a gear.
NOTE:
When loaded, pulling a trailer or on a grade, the
truck should always start in first gear and not skip gears.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily loaded
or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift speeds
may not apply.
Shift Pattern
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•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

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in
your vehicle. Federal law requires that you must fuel this
vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15
ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits the use of Low Sulfur
Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum) to avoid
damage to the emissions control system.
For most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting
ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for Test-
ing and Materials) specification D-975 Grade S15 will
provide good performance. If the vehicle is exposed to
extreme cold (below 20°F or -7°C), or is required to operate
at colder-than-normal conditions for prolonged periods,
use climatized No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel
fuel with 50% No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better
protection from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel
filters.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent.
They can be unstable under certain conditions and
hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator drain
provided on both fuel filters. If you buy good quality fuel
and follow the cold weather advice above, fuel condition-
ers should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer
improved cold-starting and warm-up performance.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filter(s) to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fuel Specifications
The Cummins diesel engine has been developed to take
advantage of the high energy content and generally lower
cost No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or No. 2 Ultra Low
Sulfur climatized diesel fuels. Experience has shown that it
also operates on No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuels or
other fuels within specification.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 157

NOTE:
•If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gasoline on
your diesel vehicle, Do not start the vehicle. If you
restart your vehicle you risk damaging the engine and
fuel system. Please call your local dealer for service.
• A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 may be used with your Cummins
diesel engine. (Chassis Cab models not configured with
B20 capability.)
• A maximum blend of 20% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-7467 may be used with your Cummins
diesel engine. (Pickup models and Chassis Cab models
configured with B20 Capability.)
• In addition, commercially available fuel additives are
not necessary for the proper operation of your Cummins
diesel engine. However, if seasonably adjusted fuel is
not available and you are operating below 20°F (-6°C),
MOPAR Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or equivalent)
may be beneficial to avoid fuel gelling.
• No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used
where extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements
Chassis Cab Models
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM specifi-
cation D975 may be used with your Cummins diesel
engine. If operation with biodiesel blends greater than 5%
but not greater than 20% (B6-B20) is desired, the truck must
first be reconfigured by an authorized Ram dealer and the
provisions in the following section must be adhered to.
Pickup Models And Chassis Cab Models Ordered
With B20 Option
Your vehicle has been validated and approved for the use
of biodiesel in blends up to 20% (B20) provided that you
comply with the requirements outlined below. It is impor-
tant that you understand and comply with these require-
ments. Failure to comply with Oil Change requirements for
vehicles operating on biodiesel blends up to B20 will result
in premature engine wear. Such wear is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable resources
typically derived from animal fat, rapeseed oil (Rapeseed
Methyl Ester (RME) base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl Ester
(SME or SOME) base). Biodiesel fuel has inherent limita-
tions which require that you understand and adhere to the
158 STARTING AND OPERATING

following requirements if you use blends of biodiesel
greater then 5% but not greater than 20% (B6-B20). There
are no unique restrictions for the use of B5. Use of blends
greater than 20% is not approved. Use of blends greater
than 20% can result in engine damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fuel Quality — Must Comply With ASTM
Standards
The quality of biodiesel fuel may vary widely. Only fuel
produced by a BQ9000 supplier to the following specifica-
tions may be blended to meet biodiesel blend (B6–B20) fuel
meeting ASTM specification D-7467:
•Pretrodiesel fuel meeting ASTM specification D-975 and
biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting ASTM specification
D-6751.
Fuel Oxidation Stability — Must Use Fuel Within
Six Months Of Manufacture
Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability which can result
in long term storage problems. Fuel produced to approved
ASTM standards, if stored properly, provides for protec-
tion against fuel oxidation for up to six months.
Fuel Water Separation — Must Use MOPAR/
Cummins Approved Fuel Filter Elements
You must use MOPAR/Cummins approved fuel filter
elements in both your engine mounted filter and frame
mounted filter.
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and water
accelerates microbial growth. Your MOPAR/Cummins fil-
tration system is designed to provide adequate fuel water
separation capabilities.
Bio-Diesel Fuel Properties — Low Ambient
Temperatures
Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient tempera-
tures, which may pose problems for both storage and opera-
tion. Precautions can be necessary at low ambient tempera-
tures, such as storing the fuel in a heated building or a heated
storage tank, or using cold temperature additives.
Fuel In Oil Dilution — Must Adhere To Required
Oil Change Interval
Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been observed with the
use of biodiesel fuel. Fuel in oil must not exceed 5%. To
ensure this limit is met your oil change interval must be
maintained to the following schedule:
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STARTING AND OPERATING 159

•Ram PickUp 2500/3500 Only — 15,000 Miles*
• Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab — 12,500 Miles*
(*unless otherwise notified with a oil service message)
CAUTION!
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) pickup or 12,500 miles
(20 000 km) chassis cab if operation occurs with greater
than 5% biodiesel blends. Oil change intervals should
not exceed 6 months in either case. Failure to comply
with these Oil Change requirements for vehicles op-
erating on biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in
premature engine wear. Such wear is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• B20 Biodiesel capable: The engine may suffer severe
damage if operated with concentrations of Biodiesel
higher than 20%.
ADDING FUEL — 2500/3500 DIESEL MODELS
1. Open the fuel filler door.
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
NOTE: There is no fuel filler cap. A flapper door inside the
filler pipe seals the system.
2.
Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe – the nozzle
opens and holds the flapper door while refueling.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel – when the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off the fuel tank is full.
4. Remove the fuel nozzle and close the fuel door.
Diesel Fuel And Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
160 STARTING AND OPERATING

Emergency Fuel Can Refueling
Most fuel cans will not open the flapper door.
A funnel is provided to open the flapper door to allow
emergency refueling with a fuel can.
1. Retrieve fuel funnel from the jack kit located under thefront passenger seat. 2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel
nozzle.
Diesel Fuel And DEF Fluid Filler Door
Fuel Fill Funnel Location 2500/3500 Models
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