2022 RAM CHASSIS CAB engine

114STARTING AND OPERATING
COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
Operation in ambient temperature below 32°F
(0°C) may require special considerations. The
following charts suggest these options:
Fuel Operating Range
NOTE:Use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Fuels ONLY.

Fuel Operating Range Chart

*Number 1 ULSD Fuel should only be used where
extended arctic conditions (0°F/-18°C) exist.
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 Ú page 399.
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 isn't blended for the ambient tempera -
ture 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 recom -
mended (see Fuel Operating Range Chart).

Engine Oil Usage
For the correct engine oil viscosity Ú page 341.
Winter Front Cover Usage
A Winter front or cold weather cover is to be used
in ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C),
especially 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 temperatures drop below 0°F
(-17°C) the four flaps need to be closed. A suitable
cold weather cover is available from a 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 Volt AC powered battery
blankets will greatly increase starting capability at
low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets are
available from an authorized Mopar® dealer.

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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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120STARTING AND OPERATING
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING)
The purpose of the exhaust brake (engine braking)
feature is to supply negative (braking) torque from
the engine. Typically, the engine braking is used
for, but not limited to, vehicle towing applications
where vehicle braking can be achieved by the
internal engine power, thereby sparing the
mechanical brakes of the vehicle.
Benefits of the exhaust brake are:
Vehicle driving control.
Reduced brake fade.
Longer brake life.
Faster cab warm-up.
The exhaust brake feature will only function when
the driver toggles it on by pushing the exhaust
brake button until the Exhaust Brake Indicator is
illuminated. Normal (Full Strength) exhaust brake
mode is indicated by a yellow Exhaust Brake
Indicator.
Exhaust Brake Switch

Once the Exhaust Brake Indicator is illuminated
and the vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph
(8 km/h); the exhaust brake will automatically
operate when the driver removes pressure from
the accelerator pedal. Exhaust braking is most
effective when the engine RPM is higher. The
automatic transmission will downshift more
aggressively in TOW/HAUL mode when the exhaust
brake is enabled to increase brake performance.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving unat -
tended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
or in a location accessible to children, and do
not leave a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to
brake failure and a collision.
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on
with the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake system
serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not use the exhaust brake feature when
driving in icy or slippery conditions as the
increased engine braking can cause the rear
wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around
with the possible loss of vehicle control, which
may cause an accident possibly resulting in
personal injury or death.

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STARTING AND OPERATING121
(Continued)
(Continued)
NOTE:For optimum braking power it is recommended to
use the exhaust brake while in TOW/HAUL mode.

The exhaust brake feature can also be used to
reduce the engine warm-up time. To use the exhaust
brake as a warm-up device, the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h), the
Exhaust Brake Indicator must be on, and the coolant
temperature must be below 180°F (82°C) and
ambient temperature below 60°F (16°C).

Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake
Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake technology
delivers smoother, less aggressive exhaust
braking characteristics during downhill descents.
Although it can apply full exhaust braking force if
needed, Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake may
not apply obvious braking if the vehicle speed is
not increasing. Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake
is intended to maintain vehicle speed, while Full
Exhaust Brake is intended to reduce vehicle speed.
Automatic “Smart” Exhaust Brake can be enabled
by pushing the exhaust brake button (on the center
stack) again anytime after the normal Full Exhaust
Brake has been turned on. The “Exhaust Brake Indicator” in the instrument cluster display will
change from Yellow to Green when Automatic
“Smart” Exhaust Brake is enabled. Pushing the
exhaust brake button again will toggle the exhaust
brake mode to off.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recom
-
mended and could lead to engine damage.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and
verify that the transmission gear position indi -
cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without
blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly
indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all
vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while
the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle,
always come to a complete stop, then apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the
key fob. When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF
(key removal) position, (or, with Keyless Enter
‘n Go™, when the ignition is in the OFF posi -
tion) the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted move -
ment.
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
Never use the PARK position as a substitute
for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to
guard against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the trans -
mission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
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