2017 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab light

Water in Fuel Indicator Light — If Equipped
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Water in Fuel Indicator Light
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illuminate when there is water detected in the fuel fil-
ters. If this light remains on, DO NOT start the vehicle before you drain the water from the fuel
filters to prevent engine damage.
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator Light
The Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator will illuminate if the vehicle is low on Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Refer to “Starting And Operating” for further information.
108 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Exhaust System — Regeneration Required Now —
Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at Highway
Speeds to Remedy will be displayed in the Instrument
Cluster Display if the exhaust particulate filter reaches
80% of its maximum storage capacity. Under conditions
of exclusive short duration and low speed driving
cycles, your Cummins diesel engine and exhaust after-
treatment system may never reach the conditions re-
quired to remove the trapped PM. If this occurs, the
“Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at Highway
Speeds to Remedy” message will be displayed in the
Instrument Cluster Display. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting you of this
condition
• By simply driving your vehicle at highway speeds for as
little as 45 minutes, you can remedy the condition in the
particulate filter system and allow your Cummins diesel
engine and exhaust after-treatment system to remove
the trapped PM and restore the system to normal
operating condition.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process Exhaust
Filter XX% Full — Indicates that the Diesel Particulate
Filter (DPF) is self-cleaning. Maintain your current driv-
ing condition until regeneration is completed. •
Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed — This
message indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
self-cleaning is completed. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting you of this
condition.
• Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer Now — This
message indicates regeneration has been disabled due to
a system malfunction. At this point the engine Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) will register a fault code,
the instrument panel will display a MIL light.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to the exhaust
system could occur soon with continued operation.
• Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See Dealer —
This message indicates the PCM has derated the engine
to limit the likelihood of permanent damage to the
after-treatment system. If this condition is not corrected
and a dealer service is not performed, extensive exhaust
after-treatment damage can occur. To correct this condi-
tion it will be necessary to have your vehicle serviced by
your local authorized dealer.
114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Keyless Enter-N-Go 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.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. Pushing the engine start button with the driver ’s foot on the brake will move the ignition from OFF or ACC to
RUN, and will illuminate the Wait To Starttelltale. The
engine will not immediately crank, this is normal op-
eration.
2. The “Wait To Start telltale will remain on for a period of
time that varies depending on the engine temperature. 3. While the
Wait to Start telltale is on, the instrument
cluster will additionally display a gauge or bar whose
initial length represents the full Wait to Starttime
period. Its length will decrease until it disappears when
the Wait to Start time has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START 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. After the engine “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, the engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
The engine may automatically crank when the “Wait
To Start” time has elapsed. To abort the automatic
starting process, ensure the driver ’s foot is fully re-
moved from the brake pedal prior to pushing the
START/STOP button to cycle the ignition off.
124 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oilpressure.
6. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
7. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1,000
RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbocharger at
low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-up.
• The engine may not automatically crank after the engine
Wait To Start telltale goes off if a door or the hood is
ajar.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for
more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start Light”
goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least five seconds and
then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 7 of “Keyless
Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66° F (19° C).”Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins diesel engine is equipped with several
features designed to assist cold weather starting and op-
eration:
• The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed in
the water jacket of the engine just above and behind the
oil filter. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet
with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
NOTE: The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR dealer.
• A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housings aid in
preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
• A heated intake air system both improves engine start-
ing and reduces the amount of white smoke generated
by a warming engine.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 125

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

Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. The “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on for a period oftime that varies depending on the engine temperature.
2. While the Wait To Start” telltale is on, the instrument
cluster will additionally display a gauge or bar whose
initial length represents the full Wait To Starttime
period. Its length will decrease until it disappears when
the Wait To Start time has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START 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.
3. After the “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, turn the ignition switch to the START position. 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.
4. After engine start-up, check that the oil pressure warn- ing light has turned off.
5. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
6. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1,000 RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbo-
charger at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
• Automatic equipped vehicles with optional Keyless
Enter-N-Go – If the start button is pushed once while in
park with the ignition off and driver ’s foot on the brake
pedal, the vehicle will automatically crank and start
after the Wait to Start time has elapsed. If it is desired to
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STARTING AND OPERATING 127

WARNING!(Continued)
•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.
• 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.
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is operating.
• All message center lights are off.
• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
• Engine oil pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at idle.
• Voltmeter operation:
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at various
engine temperatures. This cycling operation is caused by
the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold heater system.
The number of cycles and the length of the cycling opera-
tion is controlled by the engine control module. Post-heat
operation can run for several minutes, and then the elec-
trical system and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of the
headlamps, interior lamps, and also a noticeable reduction
in blower motor speed.
130 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
NOTE:High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine can
result in excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor-
mance. No-load engine speeds should be kept under 1,200
RPM during the warm-up period, especially in cold ambi-
ent temperature conditions.
Your vehicle is equipped with a turbo speed limiter, this
feature limits the engine speed to 1,200 RPM when engine
coolant temperatures are below 70°F (21°C). This feature is
designed to protect the turbocharger from damage and will
only operate in PARK or NEUTRAL.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine at
moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are
applied.
NOTE: If ambient temperatures are low and the coolant
temperature is below 180°F (82°C), the engine idle speed
will slowly increase to 1,000 RPM after two minutes of idle,
if the following conditions are met:
• Foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal. •
Automatic transmission is in PARK.
• Vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
• Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle.
• Operating the exhaust brake at idle will greatly improve
warm up rate and will help keep the engine close to
operating temperature during extended idle.
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 burn
completely. Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves, and injector
nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is driven on low
engine speed drive cycles for more than 2 hours, the
system will automatically enter an emissions operating
mode that will increase the engine idle speed to 900 RPM
(1050 RPM for Chassis Cab). While in this mode, which is
designed to help maintain the diesel particulate filter, the
engine idle speed will return to normal when the brake
pedal is applied. A small change in engine tone or a slight
change in engine performance while accelerating may also5
STARTING AND OPERATING 133