STARTING AND OPERATING285
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below),
holding your vehicle in first gear (using the ERS
shift control) can help to avoid transmission
overheating. If you regularly tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then
change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter(s) as specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing." Refer to the “Mainte
-
nance Plan” for the proper maintenance inter -
vals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (Six-speed automatic only).
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Speed Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Speed Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
5
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 285
STARTING AND OPERATING287
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to
specifications at the factory without consider -
ation for the weight of the plow. Front end toe-in
should be checked and reset if necessary at the
beginning and end of the snowplow season.
This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the
vehicle is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snow -
plow equipment following the recommenda -
tions provided by the specific snowplow
manufacturer.
Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and
causes the engine to operate at higher than
normal temperatures. Therefore, when trans -
porting the plow, angle the blade completely
and position it as low as road or surface condi -
tions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h).
The operator should always maintain a safe
stopping distance and allow adequate passing
clearance.
Operating Tips
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph
(32 km/h) should be maximum operating
speed. The operator should be familiar with the
area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed
and use extreme caution when plowing unfa -
miliar areas or under poor visibility.
General Maintenance
Snowplows should be maintained in accor -
dance with the plow manufacturer's instruc -
tions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and
battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and
drivetrain damage, the following precautions
should be observed.
Operate with transfer case in 4LO when
plowing small or congested areas where
speeds are not likely to exceed 15 mph
(24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4HI.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions
should use 4LO range when plowing deep or
heavy snow for extended periods of time to
avoid transmission overheating.
Do not shift the transmission unless the
engine has returned to idle and wheels have
stopped. Make a practice of stepping on the
brake pedal while shifting the transmission.
5
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 287
310IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
F56 –15 Amp Blue Additional Diesel Content - If Equipped (DS 1500 Only)
F56 –10 Amp Red Fuel Vapor Blocker Valve - If Equipped (HD 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 RedUREA 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)
F64 –25 Amp ClearFuel Injectors / Powertrain Control Module / SRV – If
Equipped
F65 –10 Amp RedMOD Inverter (Wake Up) / Power Port / USB IP / WCPM –
If Equipped (HD Only)
Spare (DS 1500 Only)
F66 –10 Amp RedSunroof / Light and Rain Sensor Module / Inside Rearview
Mirror / Passenger Window SW / USB Port Rear / Feed for
R/A RLY #2 Coil – If Equipped
F67 –10 Amp RedCD / DVD / UCI Port – If Equipped (HD Only)
Bluetooth Hands-Free Module / CD – If Equipped (DS
1500 Only)
Cavity
Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 310
322IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION
If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector
cannot be moved out of the PARK position, you
can use the following procedure to temporarily
move the gear selector:
1. Turn the engine OFF.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal. 5. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the
access port (ringed circle) on the bottom of
the steering column, and push and hold the
override release lever up.
Gear Selector Override Access Port Location Gear Selector Override Access Port
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 322
330SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for required maintenance. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe condi -
tions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. In some extreme conditions, additional
maintenance not specified in the maintenance
schedule may be required.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.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. Replace air cleaner
filter, if necessary.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten termi -
nals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
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.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative
System Fresh Air Filter as necessary,
replacement may be more frequent if
vehicle is operated in extreme dusty condi -
tions.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated
By Oil Change Indicator System:
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 330
334SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
More frequent maintenance may be needed in
severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very
short trip driving. In some extreme conditions,
additional maintenance not specified in the
maintenance schedule may be required. At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking
the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading. Add oil only when the level is at or
below the ADD or MIN mark.
Once A Month
Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten
the terminals as required.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and automatic trans-
mission, and add as needed. At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Inspect engine air filter cleaner. Replace the
air filter cleaner, if necessary.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped
with serviceable fittings.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative System
Fresh Air Filter as necessary, replacement
may be more frequent if vehicle is operated
in extreme dusty conditions.
Inspection and service should also be
performed anytime a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Retain all receipts.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door
hinge pivot joints twice a year to prevent prema-
ture wear.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 334
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE349
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the
recommended oil quality requirements are met,
and the recommended maintenance intervals
for oil and filter changes are followed.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the
engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE
viscosity grade number should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against the addition of any additives (other than
leak detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil
is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used
oil and oil filters, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact
an authorized dealer, service station or govern -
mental agency for advice on how and where
used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer's engines have a full-flow
type disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type
for replacement. The quality of replacement
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine oil filters are high quality
oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section
for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”
maintenance interval if applicable. Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And
Replacement — Gas Engine
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or
debris, if you find evidence of either dirt or
debris you should change your air cleaner filter.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove
the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no
one is near the engine compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction
system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed.
Failure to do so can result in serious personal
injury.
7
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 349
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE351
3. Remove the air cleaner filter element from
the housing assembly.
Air Cleaner Filter
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:
Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is
present before replacing the air filter element.
1. Install the air cleaner filter element into the housing assembly with the air cleaner filter
inspection surface facing downward.
2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the housing assembly locating tabs. 3. Install screws to secure the air cleaner
cover to the housing assembly.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air condi -
tioner should be checked and serviced by an
authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling R-134a
— If Equipped
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro -
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is an ozone-friendly
substance. The manufacturer recommends
that air conditioning service be performed by an
authorized dealer or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
1 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Air Cleaner Filter Inspection Surface
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap -
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
Refer to Warranty Information Book, for
further warranty information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
7
2020_RAM_CHASSIS_CAB_OM_USA=GUID-6C67832B-7839-4CCF-BEFC-CDF988F949EA=1=en=.book Page 351