2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB automatic transmission

114STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off
the engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an
8-speed transmission
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Ignition is switched from ON/RUN to ACC
NOTE:For Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ equipped vehicles, the
engine will turn off and the ignition switch will
change to ACC position. After 30 minutes the
ignition switches to OFF automatically, unless the
driver turns the ignition switch OFF. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the
vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle may
AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an
8-speed transmission
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
Driver’s door is ajar
Brake pedal is not pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged Shift To P Then
Shift To Gear ” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be
displayed in the instrument cluster, causing the
“AutoPark Engaged Shift To P Then Shift To Gear ”
to not be seen. In these cases, the shifter must be
returned to “P” to select desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLY when vehicle speed is
1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed Is Too High To Shift
To P ” will be displayed in the instrument cluster if
vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h). 4WD Low — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the
vehicle in 4WD LOW.
The message “
AutoPark Disabled ” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Additional customer warnings will be given when
all of these conditions are met:Vehicle is not in PARK
Driver’s door is ajar
Vehicle is in 4WD Low range
The message “ AutoPark Not Engaged” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. A warning
chime will continue until you shift the vehicle into
PARK or the driver’s door is closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in
PARK by looking for the “P” in the instrument
cluster display and near the shifter. As an added
precaution, always apply the parking brake when
exiting the vehicle.
AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not
designed to replace the need to shift your
vehicle into PARK. It is a back up system and
should not be relied upon as the primary
method by which the driver shifts the vehicle
into PARK.
WARNING!WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h),
the transmission will default to NEUTRAL until
the vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h). A vehicle left in the NEUTRAL
position can roll. As an added precaution, always
apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 114

STARTING AND OPERATING115
TIP START FEATURE
Do not press the accelerator. Place the ignition
switch briefly to the START position and release it.
The starter motor will continue to run and will
automatically disengage when the engine is
running.
KEYLESS ENTER ‘N GO™ — IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button, as long as
the Remote Start/Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ key fob is
in the passenger compartment.
NORMAL STARTING USING ENGINE
START/S TOP B
UTTON
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing
the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically after 10
seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the ENGINE
START/STOP button again.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the accel -
erator pedal.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held for two
seconds or three short pushes in a row with
the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition will
remain in the ACC position until the gear
selector is in PARK and the button is pushed
twice to the OFF position.
4. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once
with the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h), the instrument cluster will display a “ Vehicle
Not In Park ” message and the engine will
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of
the PARK position, or it could roll.NOTE:If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the ENGINE
START/STOP button is pushed once with the
vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h), the engine
will shut off and the ignition will remain in the ACC
position. If vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h), the vehicle may AutoPark
Ú page 113.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot Off The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar
to an ignition switch. It has three positions: OFF,
ACC, and RUN. To change the ignition positions
without starting the vehicle and use the
accessories, follow these directions:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF position.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place the ignition to the ACC position.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to place the ignition to the ON/
RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF position.
4

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116STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Extended Park Starting
NOTE:Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle
has not been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery to ensure a full battery charge
during the crank cycle.

2. Place the ignition to the START position and release it when the engine starts. For Keyless
Enter ‘n Go ignition systems, press and hold
the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE
START/STOP button once.
3. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, wait 10 to 15 seconds to allow the starter to
cool, then repeat the Extended Park Starting
procedure.
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the starter to cool for at least
10 minutes, then repeat the Extended Park
Starting procedure.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed
the “Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle
has not experienced an Extended Park condition
as defined previously, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold
it there while the engine is cranking. This should
clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for
10 seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs,
release the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run,
but not have enough power to continue running
when the ignition button/key is released. If this
occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator
pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key once
the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10
second period of engine cranking with the
accelerator pedal held to the floor, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a
time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto-
matic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started,
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly Ú page 334.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!

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STARTING AND OPERATING117
(Continued)
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures,
use of an externally powered electric engine block
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is
recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it
will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten
your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more than
25-second intervals. Waiting two minutes between
such intervals will protect the starter from
overheating.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in the
NEUTRAL or PARK position. Apply the brake before
shifting to any driving range.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Place the ignition
switch briefly to the START position and release it.
The starter motor will continue to run and will
automatically disengage when the engine is
running.
KEYLESS ENTER ‘N GO™ — IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button, as long as
the Remote Start/Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ key fob is
in the passenger compartment.
Normal Starting
USING THE ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON

1. The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically after 25
seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, remove your foot
from the brake pedal and push the ENGINE
START/STOP button again.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key fob and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector. Do not leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition of 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.
WARNING!
4

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118STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing
the accelerator pedal.
Under cold weather conditions, the engine may
not immediately crank if the Wait to Start Indi -
cator Light is illuminated. This is normal opera -
tion. For vehicles equipped with Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™, the vehicle will automatically
crank when the “Wait to Start” time has elapsed
Ú page 120.
TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE USING ENGINE
START/STOP BUTTON

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push
and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once,
the instrument cluster will display a “Vehicle
Not In Park” message and the engine will
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of
the PARK position, or it could roll.
4. If the gear selector is in NEUTRAL, and the vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h), pushing
the ENGINE START/STOP button once will turn
the engine off. The ignition will remain in the
ACC position. 5. If the vehicle speed is above 5 mph (8 km/h),
the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held
for two seconds (or three short pushes in a
row) to turn the engine off. The ignition will
remain in the ACC position (NOT the OFF
position) if the engine is turned off when the
transmission is not in PARK.
NOTE:If the ignition is left in the ACC or ON/RUN (engine
not running) position and the transmission is in
PARK, the system will automatically time out after
30 minutes of inactivity and the ignition return to
the OFF position.
ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON FUNCTIONS —
WITH DRIVER’S FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL
(IN PARK OR NEUTRAL POSITION)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar
to an ignition switch. It has three positions: OFF,
ACC, and RUN. To change the ignition switch
positions without starting the vehicle and use the
accessories follow these steps:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF position.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to change the ignition to the ACC position. 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 89. When
engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C) the
Wait To Start Indicator Light will remain on indi -
cating 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 Indicator Light.
The engine will not immediately crank, this is
normal operation.

2. The Wait To Start Indicator Light will remain on for a period of time that varies depending on
the engine temperature.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

STARTING AND OPERATING119
3. While the Wait To Start Indicator Light 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 Indicator Light 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 Indicator Light 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 Indicator Light 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.
NOTE:The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords
are available from an authorized Mopar® dealer.
A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housings
aid in preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a
built-in thermostat.
An intake air heater system both improves
engine starting and reduces the amount of
white smoke generated by a warming engine.
NORMAL STARTING PROCEDURE —
E
NGINE MANIFOLD AIR TEMPERATURE
A
BOVE 66°F (19°C)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when
starting the engine.

1. Always apply the parking brake.

2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission.
3. Place the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position and watch the instrument panel
cluster lights.
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 360.
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.
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 Úpage 360.
4

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 119

STARTING AND OPERATING123
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 413.
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 unseason -
ably 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
recommended (see Fuel Operating Range
Chart).
Engine Oil Usage
For the correct engine oil viscosity Ú page 353.
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.
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 accelerator pedal.
Automatic transmission is in PARK.
Vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
Applying the accelerator pedal 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.
4

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124STARTING AND OPERATING
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 89.
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.

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.

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 124