2020 RAM CHASSIS CAB overheating

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.
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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.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY321
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the
booster battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) end of the jumper
cable to the negative (-) post of the booster
battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)
jumper cable to a good engine ground
(exposed metal part of the discharged
vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and
the fuel injection system.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few
minutes, and then start the engine in the
vehicle with the discharged battery. 6. Once the engine is started, remove the
jumper cables in the reverse sequence.
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

1. Disconnect the negative
(-)
end of the
jumper cable from the engine ground of
the vehicle with the discharged battery.

2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable from the negative (-) post of
the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable from the positive (+) post
of the vehicle with the discharged battery. If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and
charging system inspected at an authorized
dealer.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans
-
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the
negative (-) post of the discharged battery.
The resulting electrical spark could cause the
battery to explode and could result in
personal injury. Only use the specific ground
point, do not use any other exposed metal
parts.
CAUTION!
Do not connect jumper cable to any of the
fuses on the positive battery terminal. The
resulting electrical current will blow the fuse.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices,
etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough
without engine operation, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade
battery life and/or prevent the engine from
starting.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY325
NOTE:
For trucks equipped with an 8–speed trans -
mission, shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE
can only be achieved at wheel speeds of
5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the trans -
mission remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more
than two seconds, you must press the brake
pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
Push the “ESC OFF” switch, to place the Elec -
tronic Stability Control (ESC) system in
“Partial Off” mode, before rocking the
vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in “Safety” for further information.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the
“ESC OFF” switch again to restore “ESC On”
mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle
and tires. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer
than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels
too fast may lead to transmission over -
heating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
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382SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability Safety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the
stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling
of sluggish response or over responsiveness in
the steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may
cause erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
abnormal wear patterns and reduced tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace -
ment.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfort -
able ride. Overinflation produces a jarring and
uncomfortable ride.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping
distance. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never overload
them.WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle
to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.

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506
Dipsticks Power Steering
..................................229Disabled Vehicle Towing..........................326DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................365Do Not Disturb......................................496Door Ajar.............................................111Door Ajar Light......................................111Door LocksAutomatic...........................................29Doors....................................................25Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter..........354Driver’s Seat Back Tilt...............................30DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..........................................292Dual Rear Wheels.................. 317, 391, 398
E
Electric Brake Control System...................121Anti-Lock Brake System.......................120Electronic Roll Mitigation..............124, 127Electrical Power Outlets.............................78Electronic Range Select (ERS)........... 211, 217Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...............124Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light.....110Electronically Shifted Transfer Case...219, 222Emergency Braking................................204Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................324
Hazard Warning Flasher...................... 294Jacking............................................ 314Jump Starting................................... 319Emission Control System Maintenance....... 119Engine........................................ 343, 344Air Cleaner....................................... 349Block Heater..................................... 190Break-In Recommendations................. 202Compartment.................................... 344Compartment Identification.................. 343Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 407, 410Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 180, 401Fails To Start.................................... 186Flooded, Starting............................... 186Fuel Requirements............................. 399Identifcation..................................... 344Idling.............................................. 197Jump Starting................................... 319Oil.................................. 347, 407, 410Oil Filler Cap............................. 343, 348Oil Filter........................................... 349Oil Reset............................................ 93Oil Selection..................................... 347Oil Synthetic..................................... 349Overheating...................................... 321Runaway.......................................... 267Starting........................................... 184Engine Oil Viscosity................................ 348Enhanced Accident Response
Feature....................................... 158, 328
Entry System, Illuminated.......................... 49Ethanol............................................... 400Exhaust Brake...................................... 203Exhaust Gas Cautions.................... 180, 401Exhaust System.................... 180, 362, 371Exterior Lighting...................................... 44Exterior Lights................................ 44, 182
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
....................................... 349Air Conditioning........................... 64, 352Engine Fuel.............................. 354, 407Engine Oil........................ 349, 407, 410Engine Oil Disposal............................ 349FlashersTurn Signals....................... 47, 117, 182Flash-To-Pass......................................... 46Flat Tire Stowage.................................. 318Fluid Capacities.................................... 405Fluid Leaks.......................................... 182Fluid Level ChecksBrake............................................. 367Power Steering.................................. 229Fluids And Lubricants..................... 407, 410Fog Lights..................................... 47, 303Fold Flat Load Floor................................. 76Fold-Flat Seats....................................... 30Forward Collision Warning....................... 129Four Wheel Drive.................................. 218

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509
Methanol
.............................................400Mirrors..................................................40Electric Powered..................................41Heated..............................................43Memory.............................................32Outside..............................................41Rearview.................................... 40, 294Trailer Towing......................................42Modifications/Alterations Vehicle..............................................11Monitor, Tire Pressure System..................132Mopar Accessories.................................413Mopar Parts.........................................502MP3 Control.........................................481Multi-Function Control Lever.......................44
N
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS)............258New Vehicle Break-In Period.....................202Noise ControlMaintenance.....................................371Tampering Prohibited..........................372Noise Emission Warranty.................371, 372
O
Occupant Restraints...............................141Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................399Oil Change Indicator...............................335Oil Filter, Change...................................349Oil Filter, Selection.................................349
Oil Pressure Light.................................. 110Oil Reset............................................... 93Oil, Engine........................... 347, 407, 410Capacity.......................................... 405Change Interval................................. 347Dipstick........................................... 345Disposal.......................................... 349Filter............................... 349, 407, 410Filter Disposal................................... 349Identification Logo..................... 347, 348Materials Added To............................ 349Pressure Warning Light....................... 110Recommendation.............................. 347Synthetic......................................... 349Viscosity.......................................... 348Onboard Diagnostic System..................... 118Operating Precautions............................ 118Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................... 11, 503Outside Rearview Mirrors.......................... 41Overdrive............................................. 212Overdrive OFF Switch............................. 212Overheating, Engine............................... 321
P
Paint Care........................................... 393Panic Alarm............................................ 14Parking Brake....................................... 204ParkSense System, Rear................. 246, 250Passive Entry.......................................... 26
Pedals, Adjustable................................... 39Pets................................................... 179Placard, Tire And Loading Information........ 379PowerDistribution Center (Fuses).................. 306Door Locks......................................... 26Mirrors.............................................. 41Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)....... 78, 80Seats................................................ 31Sliding Rear Window............................. 66Steering.................................... 41, 229Take-Off Adapter............................... 228Take-Off Operation............................. 228Windows........................................... 64Power SeatsDown................................................ 31Forward............................................. 31Rearward........................................... 31Recline.............................................. 31Tilt................................................... 31Up.................................................... 31Power Steering Fluid.............................. 409Pregnant Women And Seat Belts.............. 149Preparation For Jacking.......................... 314PTO (Power Take-Off)............................. 228
R
Radial Ply Tires..................................... 384Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap). 363, 365Radio Operation.................................... 483
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