2017 Ram 3500 manual transmission

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

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

A MESSAGE FROM FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC and Cummins welcome you as a Cummins
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 duty trucks in the United States
and Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel
economy, rugged durability, and high torque which per-
mits pulling heavy loads. Cummins engines power well
over half of these trucks. Now this same technology and
proven performance is yours in your truck equipped with
the Cummins turbocharged diesel engine.
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
vehicle’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 perfor-
mance chips have been used.
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 the 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.
90 INTRODUCTION

Vehicle Security Alarm System (if equipped). Then, prior to
the end of the 15-minute cycle, place the ignition to the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN
position in order to drive the vehicle.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When remote start is activated, the heated steering wheel,
and driver heated seat features will automatically turn on
in cold weather. In warm weather, the driver vented seat
feature will automatically turn on when the remote start is
activated. These features will stay on through the duration
of remote start or until the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position.
The Remote Start Comfort System can be activated and
deactivated through the Instrument Cluster Display. For
more information on Remote Start Comfort System opera-
tion refer to your Owners Manual.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins turbocharged 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.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” of the Own-
ers Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins turbocharged
diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded oper-
ating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve
final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................121
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........121
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......121
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — If Equipped ..........122
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ...................125
▫ Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66° F (19° C) .........126
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C) ......126
▫ Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............128
▫ Starting Fluids ........................ .129
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE .....130
▫ Cold Weather Precautions .................131
▫ Engine Idling ........................ .133
▫ Stopping The Engine ....................134
▫ Idle Shutdown ........................ .135
▫ Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed
(Chassis Cab Only) ..................... .136
▫ Operating Precautions ...................136
▫
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission . .136
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .137
▫ Block Heater Usage .....................138
 DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) .138
5

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED .140
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................141
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .141
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped ........................... .141
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . . .150
▫ Shifting ............................. .151
▫ Downshifting ......................... .152
▫ Reverse Shifting ....................... .153
 AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ......153
 POWER TAKE OFF OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
(CHASSIS CAB ONLY) ....................154
▫ Stationary Mode ...................... .154
▫ Mobile Mode ......................... .155
ENGINE RUNAWAY .....................156
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................157
▫ Fuel Specifications ..................... .157
▫ Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements ..............158
 ADDING FUEL — 2500/3500 DIESEL MODELS . .160
 ADDING FUEL — CHASSIS CAB MODELS .....162
▫ Fuel Filler Cap ........................ .163
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ............163
▫ Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ............163
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ...............164
▫ Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid ...............164
 DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID ..................167
▫ System Overview ...................... .168
120 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-second
intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such intervals
will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the “OFF” mode, remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in NEU-
TRAL and press the clutch pedal to the floor before starting
the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch inter-
locking ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch is
fully pressed.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Start the engine with the transmission in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically disen-
gage when the engine is running.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 121

Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66° F (19° C)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission.For vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, fully
press and hold the clutch pedal and shift into NEU-
TRAL.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and watch the instrument panel cluster lights.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
crank the engine. Do not press the accelerator during
starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a time
or starter motor damage may result. Turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait at least two
minutes for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
5. When the engine starts, release the key fob.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C)
NOTE: The temperature displayed in the instrument clus-
ter does not necessarily reflect the engine manifold air
temperature. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. When engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)
the “Wait To Start Light” will remain on indicating the
intake manifold heater system is active.
126 STARTING AND OPERATING