STARTING AND OPERATING 251
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a stan-
dard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
Gasoline Engine Only
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille by
the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered
strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not in
use for the Winter months. During Winter months, remove
the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the c-clip.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one hour
to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri -
mental and should be avoided.
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. For the recom -
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.
5
252 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as a problem. Please check your oil level with the engine oil
indicator often during the break in period. Add oil as
required.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake
is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park brake,
firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.Parking Brake Release
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster
will illuminate.
NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will flash. If
vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake before attempting
to move the vehicle.
• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
STARTING AND OPERATING 365
CAUTION!
• Always check the depth of the standing water before driving through it. Never drive through standing water
that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims mounted
on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path that is under water and if there are any obstacles in the way
before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always inspect
your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle,
etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky
or foamy in appearance) after driving through standing
water. Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any
fluid appears contaminated, as this may result in
further damage. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 385
F50–20 Amp Yellow Air Suspension Control Module – If Equipped
F51 –10 Amp Red Ignition Node Module / Keyless Ignition Node Module,
Radio Frequency Hub Module / Electric Steering
Column Lock - If Equipped
F52 –5 Amp Tan Battery Sensor
F53 –20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow – Left Turn/Stop Lights - If Equipped
F54 –20 Amp Yellow Non Memory Adjustable Pedals - If Equipped
F56 –15 Amp Blue Additional Diesel Content - If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
F57 –20 Amp Yellow TCM/PCM / Solenoid Trans Pressure SW (RFE Trans
Only) – If Equipped (HD Only)
Transmission (DS 1500 Only)
F58 –10 Amp Red Bed Lighting (LED) – If Equipped (HD Only)
F60 –15 Amp Blue Underhood Lamp / TCM – If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
F61 –10 Amp Red UREA Sensor / PM Sensor – If Equipped (DS 1500 LD
Diesel & Cummins Diesel)
F62 –10 Amp Red Air Conditioning Clutch
F63 –20 Amp Yellow Ignition Coils (Gas), Ignition Coils Capacitors (Gas) /
Short Runner Valve Actuator / Urea Heater Control
Unit (DS 1500 LD Diesel) / RLY Coil Feed-SCR (DS 1500
LD Diesel)
Cavity Cartridge Fuse
Micro FuseDescription
6
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 387
F74–20 Amp Yellow Brake Vacuum Pump Gas/Diesel – If Equipped (DS 1500
Only)
F74 –10 Amp Red Backup Alarm – If Equipped (HD Only)
F75 –10 Amp Red ATMM / Coil-SCR Module RLY– If Equipped
(HD Only)
Coolant Temperature Valve – If Equipped
(DS 1500 Only)
F76 –10 Amp Red Electronic Stability Control (HD Only)
Brake System Module / Stop Lamp Switch / Electric
Park Brake / Clutch Pedal Switch (DS 1500 Only)
F77 –10 Amp Red Drivetrain Control Module / Front Axle Disconnect
Module / TCM (HD Only)
Drivetrain Control Module / ELSD / Front Axle
Disconnect Module / Transmission Control Relay /
RDM / Power Take Off Unit – If Equipped (DS 1500
Only)
F78 –10 Amp Red Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module /
Electric Power Steering (DS 1500 Only)
F78 –15 Amp Blue Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module /
AEB RACM MOD / Feed To AUX PDC Relay Coils (HD
Only)
F79 –15 Amp Blue ID / Clearance Lights
Cavity Cartridge Fuse
Micro FuseDescription
6
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 411
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusualwear or damage. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis -
sion (six-speed only), and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following pages for
required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped with serviceable fittings.
7
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 441
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear posi-
tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in
each position), ending with the transmission in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there is
a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. Note
that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if the
actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level should
be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes on the
dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the fluid
level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to bring
it to the proper level. Do not overfill. Use ONLY the spec -
ified fluid (see "Fluids And Lubricants" for fluid specifica -
tions). After adding any quantity of oil through the
dipstick tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil
to fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below the oper -
ating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two
“COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at
60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting the fluid level after a trans
-
mission service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and
adjust as required, once the transmission reaches normal
operating temperature.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below the oper -
ating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two
COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at 68-86°F
/ 20-30°C. Only use the COLD region of the dipstick as a
rough reference when setting the fluid level after a transmis -
sion service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and
adjust as required, once the transmission reaches normal
operating temperature. CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50 °F (10 °C) it may not
register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the
fluid.
7
591
Auto Unlock, Doors ................................................................ 269
Automatic Door Locks ............................................................. 37
Automatic Headlights .............................................................. 68
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ................................ 89
Automatic Transmission ................................................ 265, 442 Adding Fluid ....................................................................... 442Fluid And Filter Change .................................................... 442
Fluid Change........................................................................ 442
Fluid Level Check ....................................................... 439, 440
Fluid Type .................................................................... 439, 486
Shifting.................................................................................. 256
Special Additives................................................................. 439
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ...................... 269
Auxiliary Driving Systems .................................................... 174
Axle Fluid................................................................. 442, 443, 486
Axle Lubrication.............................................................. 442, 443 B
Back-Up .................................................................................... 326
Back-Up Camera ..................................................................... 326
Battery............................................................................... 148, 417 Charging System Light....................................................... 148
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ............................................ 19
Battery Saver Feature ............................................................... 71 Belts, Seat ................................................................................. 241
Body Builders Guide ................................................................ 14
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............................................... 428 B-Pillar Location ......................................................................450
Brake Assist System ................................................................163
Brake Control System .............................................................162
Brake Fluid .......................................................................438, 486
Brake System....................................................................438, 476 Fluid Check ..........................................................................438
Master Cylinder ...................................................................438Parking ..................................................................................252
Warning Light......................................................................146
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..............................................256
Bulb Replacement ...................................................................371
Bulbs, Light ......................................................................243, 371 C
Cab Top Clearance Lights ......................................................379
Camera...................................................................................... 326
Camera, Rear....................................................................326, 330
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............................483
Capacities, Fluid ......................................................................483
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..................................................................415, 419
Power Steering .....................................................................284
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...............................................436
Car Washes ..............................................................................471
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...........................................240, 482
Cargo Light ................................................................................71 Cellular Phone .........................................................................555
11