2019 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING 247
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With Driver’s
Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or NEUTRAL Posi-
tion)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has three modes: OFF, ACC, and RUN. To
change the ignition modes without starting the vehicle and
use the accessories, follow these directions:
1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.
2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place the ignition to the ACC mode.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to place the ignition to the RUN mode.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF mode. AutoPark — Rotary Shifter and 8-Speed Transmission
Only
AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist in placing the
vehicle in PARK should the situations on the following
pages occur. It is a back up system and should not be relied
upon as the primary method by which the driver shifts the
vehicle into PARK.
The conditions under which AutoPark will engage are
outlined on the following pages.
WARNING!
• Driver inattention could lead to failure to place the vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in PARK by verifying that a solid
(not blinking) “P” is indicated in the Instrument
Cluster Display and near the gear selector. If the "P"
indicator is blinking, your vehicle is not in PARK. As
an added precaution, always apply the parking brake
when exiting the vehicle.
• AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not designed to replace the need to shift your vehicle into PARK. It is
a back up system and should not be relied upon as the
primary method by which the driver shifts the vehicle
into PARK.
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248 STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off the
engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 8-speedtransmission
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle Speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Ignition switched from RUN to ACC
NOTE:
For Keyless Go equipped vehicles, The engine will turn off
and the ignition switch will change to ACC mode. After
30 minutes the ignition switches to OFF automatically,
unless the driver turns the ignition switch OFF. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the
vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle may Auto
-
Park.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 8-speed transmission
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
• Driver’s door is ajar
• Brake Pedal is not depressed
The MESSAGE “ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift to
Gear ” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be displayed in the
instrument cluster, causing the “ AutoPark Engaged Shift to
P then Shift to Gear ” to not be seen. In these cases, the shifter
must be returned to “P” to select desired gear.

STARTING AND OPERATING 249
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the vehicle
may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLYwhen vehicle speed is 1.2 MPH
(1.9 km/h) or less.
The MESSAGE “ Vehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to
P ”will be displayed in the instrument cluster if vehicle speed
is above 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h).
4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the vehicle in
4WD LOW.
The MESSAGE “ AutoPark Disabled ” will be displayed in
the instrument cluster. Additional customer warnings will be given when all of
these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Driver’s Door is ajar
• Vehicle is in 4WD LOW range
The MESSAGE “
AutoPark Not Engaged ” will be displayed
in the instrument cluster. A warning chime will continue
until you shift the vehicle into PARK or the Driver’s Door is
closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in
PARK by looking for the "P" in the Instrument Cluster
Display and near the shifter. As an added precaution, always
apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while the engine is cranking. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 10
seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, release the
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h), the
transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the vehicle
speed drops below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km). A vehicle left in
the NEUTRAL position can roll. As an added precaution,
always apply the parking brake when exiting the
vehicle.
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250 STARTING AND OPERATING
accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds,
then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the ignition
button/key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with
the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release
the accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key once the
engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10 second
period of engine cranking with the accelerator pedal held to
the floor, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
WARNING!
• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious
personal injury.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis -
sion cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or
the battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Starting
Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine
for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds
before trying again.

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.
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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 253
(Continued)
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving unattended children in
a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children, and do not leave 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.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged beforedriving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a
collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or injury.
Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING! (Continued)
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254 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is
not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally
and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop
before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis -
sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle.• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should
never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob.
When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position, (or, with Keyless Enter-N-Go, when the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode) the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted move -
ment.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move -
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting
the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)