2017 Ram 3500 engine

A MESSAGE FROM FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC welcomes you as a turbocharged diesel-
powered truck owner. Your diesel truck will sound, feel,
drive, and operate differently from a gasoline-powered
truck. It is important that you read and understand this
manual.
Almost 100% of the heavy trucks in the United States and
Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel economy,
rugged durability, and high torque which permits pulling
heavy loads.
You may find that some of the starting, operating, and
maintenance procedures are different. However, they are
simple to follow and careful adherence to them will ensure
that you take full advantage of the features of this engine.
NOTE:
•Some aftermarket products may cause severe engine/
transmission and/or exhaust system damage. Your ve-
hicle’s Powertrain Control Systems can detect and store
information about vehicle modifications that increase
horsepower and torque output such as whether or not
performance-enhancing powertrain components, com-
monly referred to as downloaders, power boxes, or
performance chips have been used. •
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to the
vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning System.
This information cannot be erased and will stay in the
system’s memory even if the modification is removed. This
information can be retrieved by FCA US LLC, and service
and repair facilities, when servicing your vehicle. This
information may be used to determine if repair will be
covered by New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
There is a probability that the use of a “performance chip”
will prohibit the engine from starting. In this instance, the
vehicle will need to be serviced by a authorized dealer in
order to return the vehicle to its factory settings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine MOPAR® parts, and cares about your
satisfaction.
8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM ...............10
▫ How To Use Remote Start ..................10 
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS .....11
2

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM
This system uses the key fob to start the engine
conveniently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
• The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic trans-
mission to be equipped with Remote Start.
• Obstructions between the vehicle and the key fob may
reduce this range.
• The Remote Start system will wait for the “Wait To Start”
amber telltale to extinguish before cranking the engine.
This allows time for the engine pre-heat cycle to pre-heat
the cylinder air, and is normal in cold weather. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information on the “Wait
To Start” amber telltale and the pre-heat cycle.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
• Gear selector in PARK
• Doors closed
• Hood closed
• HAZARD switch off
• BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
• Battery at an acceptable charge level
• PANIC button not pushed
• Fuel meets minimum requirement
• System not disabled from previous remote start event
• Vehicle security alarm not active
• Water In Fuel Indicator Light is not illuminated
• “Wait To Start” telltale is not illuminated
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Monox-
ide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Carbon
Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious injury
or death when inhaled.
• Keep Remote Keyless Entry key fobs away from
children. Operation of the Remote Start System,
windows, door locks or other controls could cause
serious injury or death.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to
its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing
the following recommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine
lugging. •
Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying
or towing significant weight.
NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or
no load operation will extend the time before the engine is
at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. The recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades are shown under
“Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts”, under “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” in this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
1. Tachometer•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000). 2. Instrument Cluster Display
•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Instrument Cluster Display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Instrument Cluster
14 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

3. Speedometer•Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel filler door is located.
5. DEF Gauge •The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of Diesel
Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) is required to maintain normal vehicle operation
and emissions compliance. If something is wrong with
the gauge, a DEF Warning Message or Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) will be displayed. More infor-
mation is available in the Instrument Cluster Display
section under the heading of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Warning Messages.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle.” Follow the warnings under the “Cooling Sys-
tem Pressure Cap” paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H”, turn the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
• The gauge may take up to five seconds to update after
adding a gallon or more of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to
the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to the DEF
system, the gauge may not update to the new level. See
your authorized dealer for service.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 15

1. Tachometer•Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. Engine Coolant Temperature •This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. The
gauge pointer will likely show higher temperatures
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
in heavy stop and go traffic. If the red Warning Light
turns on while driving, safely bring the vehicle to a
stop, and turn off the engine. DO NOT operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for
service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle.” Follow the warnings under the “Cooling Sys-
tem Pressure Cap” paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H”, turn the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
3. Oil Pressure Gauge •The pointer should always indicate some oil pressure
when the engine is running. A continuous high or low
reading under normal driving conditions may indicate
a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer •Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel filler door is located.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 17

6. Instrument Cluster Display•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Instrument Cluster Display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7. DEF Gauge •The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of Diesel
Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) is required to maintain normal vehicle operation
and emissions compliance. If something is wrong with
the gauge, a DEF Warning Message or Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) will be displayed. More infor-
mation is available in the Instrument Cluster Display
section under the heading of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Warning Messages.
NOTE:
• The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed with a large
amount of full reserve. So the level sensor will indicate a
full reading even before the tank is completely full. To
put it another way, there’s additional storage capacity in
the tank above the Full mark that’s not represented in
the gauge. You may not see any movement in the
reading – even after driving up to 2,000 miles in some
cases. •
The gauge may take up to five seconds to update after
adding a gallon or more of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to
the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to the DEF
system, the gauge may not update to the new level. See
your authorized dealer for service.
• The DEF gauge may also not immediately update after a
refill if the temperature of the DEF fluid is below 12F
(-11C). The DEF line heater will possibly warm up the
DEF fluid and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is possible
that the gauge may not reflect the new fill level for
several drives.
• Outside temperature can affect DEF consumption. In
cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and below, the DEF gauge
needle can stay on a fixed position and may not move
for extended periods of time. This is a normal function of
the system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
(Continued)
18 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL