
STARTING AND OPERATING149
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil 
Pressure
If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Light turns on while 
driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine 
as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely 
stopped, restart the engine and monitor the lamp. 
If the lamp is still illuminated, shut the engine off, 
contact an authorized dealer, and do not operate 
the vehicle until the cause is corrected. If the lamp 
is no longer illuminated, the engine can be 
operated, but should be taken to an authorized 
dealer as soon as possible for further inspection.
NOTE:Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is 
corrected. This light does not show how much oil is 
in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked 
under the hood.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed 
Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the 
parts fail. Some important observations are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely
Sudden loss of power
Unusual engine noises
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
Sudden change, outside the normal operating 
range, in the engine operating temperature
Excessive smoke
Oil pressure drop
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
Engine Block Heater Cord Location
 The engine block heater warms engine coolant and 
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the 
heater cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 
110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, 
three-wire extension cord.
For diesel engines, its use is recommended for 
environments that routinely fall below -10°F 
(-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has not 
been running for long periods of time and should 
be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its use is 
required for cold starts with temperatures under 
-20°F (-28°C).
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, 
use of an externally powered electric engine block 
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is 
recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the 
hood on the passenger side of the vehicle next to 
the engine coolant reservoir.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings, 
shut the engine off immediately. Failure to do so 
could result in immediate and severe engine 
damage.WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block 
heater cord before driving. Damage to the 
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause 
electrocution.
4
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150STARTING AND OPERATING  
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS — 
GASOLINE ENGINE 
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 detrimental 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 recommended viscosity and 
quality grades  Ú page 473.
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.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS — 
DIESEL ENGINE
The diesel engine does not require a break-in 
period due to its construction. Normal operation is 
allowed, providing the following recommendations 
are followed:
Warm up the engine before placing it under 
load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged 
periods.
Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature 
indicators.
Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when 
carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or 
no load operation will extend the time before the 
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy 
and power may be seen at this time. 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 recommended viscosity and 
quality grades  Ú
page 473.
NOTE:NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS 
MUST NEVER BE USED.
PARKING BRAKE  
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)  
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers 
simple operation, and some additional features 
that make the parking brake more convenient and 
useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent 
the vehicle from rolling while parked. Before 
leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking 
brake is applied. Also, be certain to leave the 
transmission in PARK.
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
Manually, by applying the parking brake switch.
Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake 
feature in the Customer Programmable 
Features section of the Uconnect settings.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral 
Oil in the engine or damage may result.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 150   

174STARTING AND OPERATING  
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no 
longer operational, it is still possible to steer the 
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a 
substantial increase in steering effort, espe -
cially at low speeds and during parking maneu -
vers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized 
dealer for service.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES 
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by 
shutting off four of the engine's eight cylinders 
during light load and cruise conditions. The system 
is automatic with no driver inputs or additional 
driving skills required.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full 
functionality after a battery disconnect.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function, included with eTorque 
equipped vehicles, is developed to save fuel and 
reduce emissions. The system will stop the engine 
automatically as the vehicle decelerates at low 
speeds if the required conditions are met.  Releasing the brake pedal or shifting out of DRIVE 
will automatically restart the engine.
Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a 
heavy-duty motor generator and an additional 
hybrid electric battery to store energy from vehicle 
deceleration used to expand engine off energy 
storage and for engine startup after a stop, as well 
as providing engine torque assist when conditions 
are met to enable this.
AUTOSTOP MODE
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every 
normal customer engine start. It will remain in 
STOP/START NOT READY until you drive forward 
with a vehicle speed greater than 2 mph (3 km/h). 
At that time, the system will go into STOP/START 
READY and if all other conditions are met, the 
system may go into STOP/START AUTOSTOP 
ACTIVE Autostop mode.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following 
Must Occur:
1. The system must be in STOP/START READY 
state. A STOP/START READY message will be 
displayed in the instrument cluster within the 
Stop/Start section 
  Ú
page 114.
2. The vehicle must be decelerating and likely  coming to a complete stop.
3. The transmission gear selector must be in  DRIVE and the brake pedal pressed. The engine will shut down, the tachometer will 
move to the zero position and the stop/start 
telltale will illuminate indicating you are in an 
Autostop. While in an Autostop, the Climate 
Controls system may automatically adjust airflow 
to maintain cabin comfort. Customer settings will 
be maintained upon return to an engine running 
condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES 
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check 
many safety and comfort conditions to see if they 
are fulfilled. In following situations, the engine will 
not Autostop:
Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
Driver’s door is not closed
The vehicle is on a steep grade
Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an 
acceptable cabin temperature has not been 
achieved
HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower 
speed
Engine has not reached normal operating 
temperature
Engine or exhaust temperature is too high
The battery is charging
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 174   

176STARTING AND OPERATING  
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If there is a malfunction in the Stop/Start system, 
the system will not shut down the engine. A 
“SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM” message will 
appear in the instrument cluster display  
Úpage 128.
The system will need to be checked by an 
authorized dealer.
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED 
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cruise 
Control system, or the Adaptive Cruise Control 
(ACC) system:
Cruise Control will keep your vehicle at a 
constant preset speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will adjust the 
vehicle speed up to the preset speed to main -
tain a distance with the vehicle ahead.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with ACC, if ACC is not 
enabled, Fixed Speed Cruise Control will not 
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be 
aware of the feature selected.
Only one Cruise Control feature can operate at a 
time. For example, if Fixed Speed Cruise Control 
is enabled, Adaptive Cruise Control will be 
unavailable, and vice versa.
CRUISE CONTROL
When engaged, the Cruise Control takes over 
accelerator operations at speeds greater than 
20 mph (32 km/h).
The Cruise Control buttons are located on the right 
side of the steering wheel.
Cruise Control Buttons
To Activate
Push the on/off button to activate the Cruise 
Control. The cruise indicator light in the instrument 
cluster display will illuminate. To turn the system 
off, push the on/off button a second time. The 
cruise indicator light will turn off. The system 
should be turned off when not in use.
1 — SET (+)/Accel
2 — CANC/Cancel
3 — SET (-)/Decel
4 — On/Off
5 — RES/Resume
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the 
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your 
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and 
you could lose control and have an accident. Do 
not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on 
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or 
slippery.
WARNING!
Leaving the Cruise Control system on when not 
in use is dangerous. You could accidentally set 
the system or cause it to go faster than you 
want. You could lose control and have an 
accident. Always ensure the system is off when 
you are not using it.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 176   

226STARTING AND OPERATING  
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper 
fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper 
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for exces -
sive wear. The cutting edge should be ¼ to
½ inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in 
snow plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected and 
functioning properly.
SNOWPLOW PREP PACKAGE MODEL 
A
VAILABILITY
For Information about snowplow applications visit 
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body 
Builder’s Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the 
truck should not exceed two.
2. The total GVWR, Front GAWR or the Rear  GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition  of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow 
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, 
passengers, options, and cargo, must not exceed 
either the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or  Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings. These weights 
are specified on the Safety Compliance 
Certification Label on the driver's side door 
opening.
NOTE:Detach the snowplow when transporting 
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to 
specifications at the factory without consideration 
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 snowplow 
equipment following the recommendations 
provided by the specific snowplow manufacturer.
OVER THE ROAD OPERATION WITH 
S
NOWPLOW ATTACHED
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and 
causes the engine to operate at higher than 
normal temperatures. Therefore, when 
transporting the plow, angle the blade completely 
and position it as low as road or surface conditions 
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 unfamiliar areas or 
under poor visibility.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance 
with the plow manufacturer's instructions.
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 4WD LOW when 
plowing small or congested areas where speeds 
are not likely to exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). 
At higher speeds operate in 4WD HIGH.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions should 
use 4WD LOW 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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230STARTING AND OPERATING  
If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, 
the engine should be started and left running for 
a minimum of 60 seconds (with all the doors 
closed) at least once every 24 hours. This 
process allows the air suspension to adjust the 
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for 
temperature effects.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral) 
Use the following procedure to prepare your 
vehicle for normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving 
it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift  the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push  and hold the recessed transfer case N 
(Neutral) button (at the center of the transfer 
case switches).
5. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off,  release the N (Neutral) button.
6. Turn the engine off. The transmission will  automatically select PARK when the engine is 
turned off.
7. Release the brake pedal. 8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Start the engine.
11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the 
brake pedal, and check that the vehicle 
operates normally.NOTE:
Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be 
met before pushing the button to shift out of 
N (Neutral), and must continue to be met until 
the shift has been completed. If any of these 
requirements are not met before pushing the 
button or are no longer met during the shift, the 
N (Neutral) indicator light will flash continuously 
until all requirements are met or until the button 
is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a 
shift to take place and for the position indicator 
lights to be operable. If the ignition is not in the 
ON/RUN mode, the shift will not take place and 
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light 
indicates that shift requirements have not been 
met.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES 
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other 
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to 
pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon 
occurs when there is a difference in the surface 
traction under the rear (driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is 
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden 
pulling of the rear wheels. You could lose control 
of the vehicle and possibly have a collision. 
Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there 
is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, 
loose sand, etc.).
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 230   

STARTING AND OPERATING231
(Continued)
DRIVING THROUGH WATER 
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to 
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through 
shallow standing water, consider the following 
Cautions and Warnings before doing so.
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where 
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm 
run-off). Flowing water can wear away the road 
or path's surface and cause your vehicle to sink 
into deeper water. Furthermore, flowing and/or 
rising water can carry your vehicle away swiftly. 
Failure to follow this warning may result in 
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your 
passengers, and others around you.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your 
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 
5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through 
standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your 
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which increases 
stopping distances. Therefore, after driving 
through standing water, drive slowly and 
lightly press on the brake pedal several times 
to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result in 
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your 
passengers, and others around you.
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 compo -
nents. 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.
CAUTION!
4
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 231   

MULTIMEDIA291
Working Vehicle Conditions
The vehicle must be off or in ACC mode.
The vehicle has been started with the key fob 
within the last 14 days.
The vehicle must be in PARK or at a standstill.
The vehicle’s security system has been armed 
and not triggered since the last vehicle start.
The doors, hood, and trunk/liftgate are closed.
The vehicle’s check engine light must be off.
The vehicle must have at least a quarter tank of 
fuel, along with oil and battery power.
The vehicle’s hazard lights must be off.
If equipped, the vehicle must have an automatic 
transmission.
The vehicle must be in an open area with cell 
tower reception.
Your mobile device must have a cellular or Wi-Fi 
connection.
If the Panic button has been pressed, the 
vehicle must be started at least once after 
alarming the system.
NOTE:The SiriusXM Guardian™ Customer Care agents 
are not authorized for Remote Vehicle Start 
services. Contact the Uconnect Care Team for 
assistance.
Remote Horn & Lights 
Description
It is easy to locate a vehicle in a dark, crowded or 
noisy parking area by activating the horn and 
lights. It may also help if you need to draw attention 
to your vehicle for any reason.
If you want, you can set up push notifications every 
time a command is sent to turn on the horn and 
lights.
Working Vehicle Conditions
The vehicle must in PARK or at a standstill.
The vehicle must be in an open area with cell 
tower reception.
Your mobile device must have a cellular or Wi-Fi 
connection.
NOTE:The Remote Horn & Lights feature is designed to 
be loud and get noticed. Please keep in mind the 
surroundings when using this feature. You are 
responsible for compliance with local laws, rules 
and ordinances in the location of your vehicle 
when using Remote Horn & Lights.
Assist — If Equipped
Description
Vehicles equipped with the SiriusXM Guardian™ 
connected services feature may contain an ASSIST 
button in the vehicle. Once your SiriusXM 
Guardian™ connected services have been 
activated, the ASSIST button can connect you 
directly to a Customer Care call center (if 
equipped). You will be directed to one of the four 
services below:
Roadside Assistance  — If you get a flat tire or 
need a tow, you’ll be connected to someone 
who can help anytime.
Connected Services  — Contact the SiriusXM 
Guardian™ Customer Care call center to acti -
vate your services, renew after your trial has 
expired, for in-vehicle support for your SiriusXM 
Guardian™ connected services, or help 
answering any general questions surrounding 
your connected services.
Uconnect Care — In-vehicle support for all 
non-connected Uconnect system features, such 
as radio and Bluetooth® connections.
Vehicle Care  — Total support for your vehicle.
5
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 291