2022 RAM CHASSIS CAB engine coolant

96GETTING 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 system is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle is
disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated 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 Air Conditioning (A/C)
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately and call for service
Ú page 322.
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
electrical 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 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.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

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110STARTING AND OPERATING
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to change the ignition to the RUN
position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF position.
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ 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 Ú page 81. 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”
procedure except:

1. Pushing the engine start button with the driver’s foot on the brake will move the
ignition from OFF or ACC to RUN, and will
illuminate the "Wait to Start" telltale. The
engine will not immediately crank, this is
normal operation.

2. The “Wait to Start" telltale will remain on for a period of time that varies depending on the
engine temperature. 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 6 of “Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™ Starting Procedure – Engine Mani -
fold Air Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to
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.
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 Ú page 347.
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.

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112STARTING AND OPERATING
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
to the ON/RUN position. Repeat steps 1 through
5 of “Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C).”
STARTING PROCEDURE — ENGINE
M
ANIFOLD 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 to OFF
position for at least five seconds and then back to
the ON/RUN position after the “Wait to Start”
telltale has turned off, but before the engine is
started. However, excessive 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.

1. If the engine stalls after the initial start, the
ignition must be turned to the OFF position for
at least five seconds and then to the ON/RUN
position to recycle the intake air heater.

NOTE:Excessive white smoke and poor engine perfor -
mance will result if intake air heater is not recycled.
2. Heat generated by the intake air heater dissipates rapidly in a cold engine. If more than
two minutes pass between the time the “Wait to Start” telltale turns off and the engine is
started, recycle the intake air heater by turning
the ignition switch to the OFF position for at
least five seconds and then back to the ON/
RUN position.
3. If the vehicle is driven and vehicle speed exceeds 19 mph (31 km/h) before the intake
air heater post-heat (after start) cycle is
complete, the intake air heater will shut off.
4. If the engine is cranked for more than 10 seconds, the post-heat cycle will turn off.
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.
When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel or the fuel gels at low temperatures, air is
pulled into the fuel system. If your engine has
run out of fuel Ú page 350.
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
to the ON/RUN position. Repeat steps 1 through
5 of “Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F to 60°F (-18°C to 19°C).”

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STARTING AND OPERATING115
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 approximately
two minutes under more severe cold conditions.
NOTE:If ambient temperatures are low and the coolant
temperature is below 180°F (82°C), the engine
idle speed will slowly increase to 1,000 RPM after
two minutes of idle, if the following conditions are
met:
Foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal.
Automatic transmission is in PARK.
Vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle.
Operating the exhaust brake at idle will greatly
improve warm-up rate and will help keep the
engine close to operating temperature during
extended idle.
ENGINE IDLING
Avoid prolonged idling. Long periods of idling may
be harmful to your engine because combustion
chamber temperatures can drop so low that the
fuel may not burn completely. Incomplete
combustion allows carbon and varnish to form on
piston rings, engine valves, and injector nozzles.
Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.
If the engine is allowed to idle or the truck is driven
on low engine speed drive cycles for more than two
hours, the system will automatically enter an
emissions operating mode that will increase the
engine idle speed to 900 RPM (1,050 RPM for
Chassis Cab). While in this mode, which is
designed to help maintain the Diesel Particulate
Filter, the engine idle speed will return to normal
when the brake pedal is applied. A small change in
engine tone or a slight change in engine
performance while accelerating may also be
noticeable at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h). This operating mode may last for up to an hour of
idle time, or around 20 minutes of driving time.
Your truck may have been ordered with an optional
voltage monitoring idle up feature. If a load is
placed on the electrical system while the truck is in
PARK, this feature will attempt to maintain normal
system voltage by automatically increasing engine
idle speed. You may notice several consecutive
increases in idle speed, up to a maximum of
1,450 RPM, as the system will attempt to utilize
the smallest increase in idle speed necessary to
maintain normal system voltage. The idle speed
will return to normal when either the electrical load
is removed, or when the brake pedal is applied.
NOTE:For instrument cluster display messages related to
the vehicle's exhaust system Ú
page 81.
Idle-Up Feature
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature will
help increase cylinder temperatures and provide
additional cab heat, however, excessive idling may
still cause the exhaust after-treatment system to
not properly regenerate. Extended periods of idle
time should be avoided.
The Idle-Up feature uses the Cruise Control buttons
to increase engine idle speed and quickly warm the
vehicle's interior.
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116STARTING AND OPERATING

1. With the transmission in PARK, the parking brake applied, and the engine running, turn
on the Cruise Control, then push the SET (-)
button.

2. The engine RPM will go up to 1,100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the RES (+)
button and the idle speed will increase to
approximately 1,500 RPM. To decrease the
RPM, push and hold the SET (-) button and the
idle speed will decrease to approximately
1,100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL button, push the ON/OFF button, or
press the brake pedal.
NOISE
Diesel engines can create noises that may seem
as a concern. The nature of a diesel engine is
compression ignition where compressed air and
fuel are mixed and ignited. Weather, barometric
pressure, altitude and temperature will affect how
fuel is ignited in the engine. Engines will sound
different from day to day or previous model years.
Clicking, ticking, or light knocking is normal and will
change from day to day, as the engine breaks in,
and can vary with changes in ambient
temperature; this is normal. Diesel equipped
vehicles also have an exhaust after treatment
system to reduce emissions utilizing a Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) and a Selective Reduction
Catalyst (SCR). The SCR reduces Nox using the
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system. DEF is injected directly into the SCR through an dosing module.
This process will create a clicking sound and at
times, will make noise even with the vehicle shut
off. This is normal as the DEF dosing module is
purging DEF. If at any time the check engine light is
on, please visit an authorized dealer.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine
shutdown. After full load operation, idle the engine
three to five minutes before shutting it down. This
idle period will allow the lubricating oil and coolant
to carry excess heat away from the combustion
chamber, bearings, internal components, and
turbocharger. This is especially important for
turbocharged, charge air-cooled engines. Refer to
the following chart for proper engine shutdown:
Driving Condition
Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine
Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolLess than One
Stop and Go Medium -One
Highway Speeds MediumWarmTwo
City Traffic Maximum GCWR -Three
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR -Four
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR HotFive

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STARTING AND OPERATING117
IDLE SHUTDOWN
This feature can be enabled so that the truck will
automatically shutdown when the truck has been
idling for a set period of time when the engine is at
operating temperature. Idle time can be set in
5 minute increments between 5 and 60 minutes.
See an authorized dealer to enable this feature.
NOTE:The idle shut down timer is disabled while the PTO
(Power Take-off) is active.
PROGRAMMABLE MAXIMUM VEHICLE
S
PEED
This feature allows the owner to set a maximum
vehicle speed for the vehicle. The 2500 and
3500 Series maximum vehicle speed can be set
between 40 mph to 87 mph (64 km/h to
140 km/h). The 4500/5500 Series maximum
vehicle speed can be set between 40 mph to
85 mph (64 km/h to 136 km/h). See an
authorized dealer to enable this feature.
NOTE:DO NOT set the maximum vehicle speed to a value
greater than what the vehicle tires are rated for.
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Overheating The Engine
The temperature of the engine coolant (antifreeze:
a mixture of 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% water)
must not exceed the normal range of the
temperature gauge 240°F (116°C) with a 21 psi
(145 kPa) coolant pressure cap.
Usually the engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature indicated during operation will be to
the left of center in the normal range of the gauge.
Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation
Continual operation at low engine coolant
(antifreeze) temperature below the normal range
on the gauge 140°F (60°C) can be harmful to the
engine. Low engine coolant (antifreeze)
temperature can cause incomplete combustion
which allows carbon and varnish to form on piston
rings and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel
can enter the crankcase, diluting the lubricating oil
and causing rapid wear to the engine.
COOLING SYSTEM TIPS
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating in high ambient temperature
conditions, take the following actions:
City Driving — When stopped, shift the transmis -
sion into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle
speed.
Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.
Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission
gear.
Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
When the engine is at normal operating
temperature, the minimum oil pressures required
are:
Idle 700 to 800 RPM 10 psi (69 kPa)Full speed and load 30 psi (207 kPa)
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.
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118STARTING AND OPERATING
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed
Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Be on the alert for changes in
performance, sounds, and visual evidence that the
engine requires service. Some important clues 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.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
M
ANUAL REGENERATION — IF EQUIPPED
On equipped Chassis Cabs, a manual regeneration
can be enable through the instrument cluster. The
manual regeneration will allow the DPF to
complete a regeneration, lowering the soot level
without having to drive the vehicle. The vehicle
must be in PARK to access this feature, and the
fuel level must be over 12.5% full. A message
displaying the time left on the regeneration will
appear on the instrument cluster, and the
instrument cluster will display the soot level
Ú page 81.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed behind the
front bumper and accessible through the right hole
of the air dam.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at
least one hour to have an adequate warming effect
on the engine.
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.
NOTE:The block heater will require 110 Volt AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
Block Heater Usage
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),
engine block heater usage is recommended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F (-29°C),
engine block heater usage is required.
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 404.
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
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral
Oil in the engine or damage may result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING119
(Continued)
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 Cummins® Turbo 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.
Use the appropriate transmission gear to
prevent engine lugging.
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.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements
Ú
page 177.
Because of the construction of the Cummins®
Turbo Diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by
loaded operating conditions which allow the
engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during
the first 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
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 parking brake, firmly push the parking
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.
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.
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