2017 Ram 3500 engine

below 0°F (-17°C) the four flaps need to be closed. A
suitable cold weather cover is available from your MOPAR
dealer.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold. When
starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to operating
speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to stabilize as the
engine warms up.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine at
moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are
applied.
Engine Idling
Avoid prolonged idling, long periods of idling may be
harmful to your engine because combustion chamber tem-
peratures can drop so low that the fuel may not burncompletely. Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, cylinder head valves, and
injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the
crankcase, diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.
Stopping The Engine
After full load operation, idle the engine for a few minutes
before shutting it down. This idle period will allow the
lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from
the turbocharger.
NOTE:
Refer to the following chart for proper engine
shutdown.
Driving Condition LoadTurbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before
Engine Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolNone
Stop and Go Medium 0.5
Highway Speeds MediumWarm 1.0
City Traffic Maximum GCWR 1.5
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Driving ConditionLoadTurbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before
Engine Shutdown
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR 2.0
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR Hot2.5
NOTE: Under certain conditions the engine fan will run
after the engine is turned off. These conditions are under
high load and high temperature conditions.
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission
To reduce the potential for engine and transmission over-
heating in high ambient temperature conditions, take the
following actions:
• City Driving — When stopped, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
• Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.
• Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission gear.
• Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
NOTE: If the coolant temperature is too high the A/C will
automatically turn off.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil Pressure
If the low oil pressure warning light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine as soon
as possible. A chime will sound when the light turns on.
NOTE: Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much oil is in the
engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the
hood.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings, shut
the engine off immediately. Failure to do so could
result in immediate and severe engine damage.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 39

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the parts fail.
Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds, and
visual evidence that the engine requires service. Some
important clues are:
•Engine misfiring or vibrating severely.
• Sudden loss of power.
• Unusual engine noises.
• Fuel, oil or coolant leaks.
• Sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature.
• Excessive smoke.
• Oil pressure drop.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater cord to a
ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt AC electri-
cal outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
Its use is recommended for environments that routinely fall
below -10°F (-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has
not been running for long periods of time and should be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its use is required for
cold starts with temperatures under -20°F (-28°C).
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving. Dam-
age to the 110–115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
NOTE: The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
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
40 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
filter.
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 the fuel filter housing. If you buy good quality
fuel and follow the cold weather advice above, fuel condi-
tioners 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
This 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.
NOTE:
• If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gasoline on
your diesel vehicle, do not start the engine. Damage to
the engine and fuel system could occur. Please call your
authorized dealer for service.
• A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 may be used with your diesel engine
without any adjustments to regular service schedules.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 41

•Commercially available fuel additives are not necessary
for the proper operation of your diesel engine.
• No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used
where extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.
Biodiesel Fuel Requirements
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM specifi-
cation D975 is recommended for use with your diesel
engine. If frequent operation with biodiesel blends that are
between 6% and 20% (B6–B20) is desired, the maintenance
schedule is subject to shorter intervals.
The oil and filter change along with fuel filter replacement
is subject to shorter intervals when operating your engine
on biodiesel greater than 5%. Do not use biodiesel greater
than 20%.
For regular use of biodiesel blends between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20) it is important that you understand and comply
with these requirements. Refer to the “Maintenance Chart”
in the “Maintenance Schedules” section for further direc-
tion.
CAUTION!
Failure to comply with Oil Change requirements for
vehicles operating on biodiesel blends between 6%
and 20% (B6–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 limitations which require that
you understand and adhere to the following requirements
if you use blends of biodiesel between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20). There are no unique restrictions for the use of B5.
CAUTION!
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.
42 STARTING AND OPERATING

suggested schedule. When operating on biodiesel between
6% and 20%, fuel filter replacement intervals must not
exceed 20,000 Miles (40,233 km).
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km) or 6 months, if regular
operation occurs with 6% - 20% biodiesel blends. Under no
circumstances should fuel filter intervals exceed 20,000
miles (40,233 km), if regular operation occurs with 6% -
20% biodiesel blends. Failure to comply with these Oil
Change and fuel filter requirements for vehicles operating
on biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in premature
engine wear. Such wear is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. The engine may suffer severe damage if
operated with concentrations of biodiesel higher than 20%.
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduc-
tion system to meet the very stringent diesel emissions
standards required by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce levels of NOx
(oxides of nitrogen emitted from engines) that are harmful
to our health and the environment to a near-zero level.
Small quantities of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is injected into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst where, when
vaporized, it converts smog-forming nitrogen oxides
(NOx) into harmless nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O),
two natural components of the air we breathe. You can
operate with the comfort that your vehicle is contributing
to a cleaner, healthier world environment for this and
generations to come.
System Overview
This vehicle is equipped with a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
injection system and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
catalyst to meet the emission requirements.
The DEF injection system consists of the following compo-
nents:
•
DEF tank
• DEF pump
• DEF injector
• Electronically-heated DEF lines
• NOx sensors
• Temperature sensors
• SCR catalyst
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The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while main-
taining outstanding fuel economy, drivability, torque and
power ratings.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for system messages and warn-
ings.
NOTE:
•Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection system.
You may occasionally hear an audible clicking noise
from under the vehicle at a stop. This is normal opera-
tion.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after engine
shutdown to purge the DEF system. This is normal
operation and may be audible from the rear of the
vehicle.
ADDING FUEL — 1500 DIESEL MODELS
1. Open the fuel filler door. 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 refuel-
ing.
Diesel Fuel And Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
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STARTING AND OPERATING 45

NOTE:Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper door
open.
3. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
4. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting back in the jack kit.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and may cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to
turn on.
• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off”
the fuel tank after filling.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause severe
damage to the engine fuel system. Proper maintenance of
the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
Emergency Fuel Fill Location
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