98GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Right Side — If Equipped
None
Range (Default Setting)
Average MPG
Menu Icon
Coolant Temperature
Oil Temperature
Transmission Temperature
Oil Life
Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped
Lower Left — If Equipped
None
Compass
Outside Temp
Time
Range To Empty
Average MPG
Current MPG
Trip A Distance
Trip B Distance
Trailer Trip
Trailer Brake
Oil Pressure
Coolant Temperature
Oil Temperature
Battery Voltage (Default Setting)
Transmission Temperature
Oil Life
Exhaust Brake — If Equipped
Turbo Boost — If Equipped
Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped
Lower Right — If Equipped
None
Compass
Outside Temp
Time
Range To Empty
Average MPG
Current MPG
Trip A Distance
Trip B Distance
Trailer Trip
Trailer Brake
Oil Pressure (Default Setting)
Coolant Temperature
Oil Temperature
Battery Voltage
Transmission Temperature
Oil Life
Exhaust Brake — If Equipped
Turbo Boost — If Equipped
Fuel Filter Life — If Equipped
Restore Defaults
Cancel (Default Setting)
Right Arrow button
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 98
110GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This warning light warns of an over -
heated engine condition. If the engine
coolant temperature is too high, this
indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound. If the temperature reaches
the upper limit, a continuous chime will sound
for four minutes or until the engine is able to
cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on,
turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tempera -
ture reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly. If
it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the elec -
trical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the
engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil
temperature to return to normal levels.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the Electronic
Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the vehicle
is running, the light will either stay on or flash
depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle
the ignition when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is
placed in the PARK position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service
as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 110
182SAFETY
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam indi -
cator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle
control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects
could change the position of the floor mat
and may cause interference with the accel -
erator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet
to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for inter -
ference with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 182
190STARTING AND OPERATING
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 Start" time period. Its length
will decrease until it disappears when the
"Wait to Start" time has elapsed.
4. After the engine “Wait to Start” telltale goes off, the engine will automatically crank. 5. After engine start-up, check to see that
there is oil pressure.
6. 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 will 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” telltale goes out, reset the
intake air heater by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least 5
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps 1
through 7 of “Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting
Procedure – Engine Manifold Air Tempera -
ture Below 66°F (19°C).”
Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is equipped
with several features designed to assist cold
weather starting and operation:
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 hous -
ings aid in preventing fuel gelling. It is
controlled by a built-in thermostat.
An intake air heater system both improves
engine starting and reduces the amount of
white smoke generated by a warming engine.
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 “Draining Fuel/
Water Separator Filter” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for further information.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 25
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.
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 190
STARTING AND OPERATING191
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 transmis -
sion.
3. Place the ignition switch in the ON position and watch the instrument panel cluster
lights. 4. Place the ignition switch in the START posi
-
tion and crank the engine. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
5. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
6. 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
cluster does not necessarily reflect the engine
manifold air temperature. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
When engine temperatures fall below 66°F
(19°C) the “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on
indicating the intake air heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” proce -
dure except:
1. The “Wait to Start” telltale will remain on for a period of time 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 Start” time 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 the engine before you
drain the water from the fuel filters to avoid
engine damage. Refer to “Draining Fuel/
Water Separator Filter” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for further information.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 25
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
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 191
192STARTING AND OPERATING
3. After the “Wait to Start” telltale goes off,
place the ignition switch in the START posi -
tion. Do not press the accelerator during
starting.
4. After engine start-up, check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
5. 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.
Automatic equipped vehicles with optional
Keyless Enter-N-Go – If the ENGINE START/
STOP 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 abort the start
process before it completes, the driver’s foot
should be fully removed from the brake pedal
prior to pushing the start button again in
order for the ignition to move directly to off.
If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is
left ON for more than two minutes after the
“Wait To Start” telltale goes out, reset the
intake air heater by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least five
seconds and then back ON. Repeat steps 1
through 5 of “Starting Procedure – Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Below 66°F
(19°C).”
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C)
In extremely cold weather below 0°F (-18°C) it
may be beneficial to cycle the intake air heater
twice before attempting to start the engine. This
can be accomplished by turning the ignition OFF
for at least five seconds and then back ON after
the “Wait to Start” telltale has turned off, but
before the engine is started. However, exces
-
sive cycling of the intake air heater will result in
damage to the heater elements or reduced
battery voltage.
NOTE:
If multiple pre-heat cycles are used before
starting, additional engine run time may be
required to maintain battery state of charge at
a satisfactory level.
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 “Draining Fuel/
Water Separator Filter” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for further information.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 25
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.
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 192
194STARTING AND OPERATING
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is oper -
ating.
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 oper -
ation is caused by the post-heat cycle of the
intake manifold heater system. The number of
cycles and the length of the cycling operation is
controlled by the engine control module.
Post-heat operation can run for several
minutes, and then the electrical 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.
Cold Weather Precautions
Operation in ambient temperature below 32°F
(0°C) may require special considerations. The
following charts suggest these options:
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 remove
the key fob and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat
-
tended 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.
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 194
196STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
Use of Climatized ULSD or Number 1 ULSD
Fuel results in a noticeable decrease in fuel
economy.
Climatized ULSD Fuel is a blend of Number 2
ULSD and Number 1 ULSD Fuels which
reduces the temperature at which wax crystals
form in fuel.
The fuel grade should be clearly marked on the
pump at the fuel station.
The engine requires the use of “ULSD Fuel”.
Use of incorrect fuel could result in engine and
exhaust system damage. Refer to “Fuel
Requirements” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information.
If climatized or diesel Number 1 ULSD fuel is
not available, and you are operating below
(20°F/-6°C), in sustained arctic conditions,
Mopar Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment (or
equivalent) is recommended to avoid gelling
(see Fuel Operating Range Chart).
Under some circumstances increased engine
noise may be audible in the seconds following
a cold start. This is most likely to occur when
using fuel that isnt blended for the ambient
temperature present. This may occur on an
unseasonably cold day or when a truck is fueled in a warmer climate and driven to a
colder climate. The noise can typically be
prevented by using Mopar Premium Diesel
Fuel Treatment as recommended (see Fuel
Operating Range Chart)..
Engine Oil Usage
Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the correct engine oil
viscosity.
Winter Front Cover Usage
A winter front or cold weather cover is to be used in
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C), espe
-
cially during extended idle conditions. This cover is
equipped with four flaps for managing total grille
opening in varying ambient temperatures. If a
winter front or cold weather cover is to be used the
flaps should be left in the full open position to allow
air flow to the charge air cooler and automatic
transmission oil cooler. When ambient tempera -
tures drop below 0°F (-17°C) the four flaps need
to be closed. A suitable cold weather cover is avail -
able from your Mopar dealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the
battery temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°C). For
the same decrease in temperature, the engine
requires twice as much power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 Volts AC powered battery
blankets will greatly increase starting capability at
low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets are
available from an authorized Mopar dealer.
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 performance. No-load engine speeds
should be kept under 1,000 RPM during the
warm-up period, especially in cold ambient
temperature conditions.
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine warm
up protection feature that may limit engine
performance after cold starting at low ambient
temperatures. The length of time engine speed
is limited is dependent upon engine coolant
temperature. Engine speed may be briefly
limited to 1,000 RPM after starting with coolant
temperature below freezing conditions, and
may be limited to 1,000 RPM for up to approxi
-
mately 2 minutes under more severe cold
conditions.
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 196