2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB fuel

STARTING AND OPERATING139
The TOW/HAUL Indicator Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL
mode has been activated. Pushing the switch a
second time restores normal operation. Normal
operation is always the default at engine start-up.
If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must be
pushed each time the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has
been included in the automatic transmission on
your vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter
engages automatically at calibrated speeds. This
may result in a slightly different feeling or response
during normal operation in the upper gears. When
the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically
disengages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage,
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant
are warm (usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km)
of driving). Because engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is
not shifting properly when cold; this is normal.
Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control, when the transmission is sufficiently
warm, will demonstrate that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will
not cause damage to the transmission. The
torque converter will refill within five seconds
after starting the engine.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to six auxiliary switches located in
the lower switch bank of the instrument panel
which can be used to power various electronic
devices and Power Take Off (PTO). If equipped, it
will take the place of the sixth auxiliary switch.
Connections to the switches are found under the
hood in the connectors attached to the auxiliary
Power Distribution Center.
You have the ability to configure the functionality of
the auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster
display. All switches can now be configured for
setting the switch type operation to latching or
momentary, power source of either battery or
ignition, and ability to hold last state across key
cycles.
NOTE:Holding last state conditions are met when switch
type is set to latching and power source is set to
ignition.
For further information on using the auxiliary
switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builder’s
Guide by accessing
https://
www.ramtrucks.com/ram-commercial/
body-builders-guide.html
and choosing the
appropriate links.
WARNING!
Do not use the TOW/HAUL feature when driving
in icy or slippery conditions. 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.4

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STARTING AND OPERATING141
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed
to be driven in the two-wheel drive position (2WD)
for normal street and highway conditions on dry
hard surfaced roads. Driving the vehicle in
two-wheel drive will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in
two-wheel drive.
When additional traction is required, the transfer
case 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions can be
used to maximize torque to the front driveshaft,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This is accomplished by pushing the
desired position on the four-wheel drive control
switch.
For specific shifting instructions Ú page 144.
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Driving in the 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions
on dry, hard surfaced roads may cause increased
tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
NOTE:The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located in
the center of the four-wheel drive Control Switch
and is pushed by using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. The transfer case N (Neutral) position is to
be used for recreational towing only Ú page 194.Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD
and 4WD LOW) are located in the instrument
cluster and indicate the current and desired
transfer case selection. When you select a
different transfer case position, the indicator lights
will do the following:
If All Of The Following Shift Conditions Are Met:


1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and
remain on.
If One Or More Of The Following Shift Conditions
Are Not Met:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. The transfer case will not shift.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new
transfer case position have been met. To retry the selection, push the current position, wait five
seconds, and retry selection Ú
page 144.
The SERV 4WD Warning Light monitors the
electronically shifted four-wheel drive system. If
this light remains on after engine start-up or
illuminates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning properly
and that service is required.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that of
the two-wheel drive or 4WD HIGH positions at a
given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference in
tire size can cause damage to the drivetrain.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the SERV 4WD Warning Light
is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake
may allow the vehicle to roll which may cause
personal injury or death.4

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176STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
AUX CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two AUX
Cameras, which display a rearview image from the
trailer on the touchscreen.
NOTE:Two Aux Cameras are only available on vehicles
with NAV equipped radios if the vehicle is not
equipped with a Center High Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) and Surround View Camera system.
Activation
The AUX Camera is activated by first pressing the
Backup Camera or Cargo Camera (if equipped)
button on the touchscreen, followed by the AUX
button located in the upper left corner of the rearview display. On vehicles with Surround View
Camera (if equipped), the AUX Camera can be
activated when the vehicle is in REVERSE by first
pressing the More Cams button in the Surround
view screen, followed by the AUX tab. The AUX
camera can also be activated when the vehicle is
in REVERSE by pressing the AUX button.
If equipped with two AUX Cameras, you can switch
between each camera by pressing the AUX 1 or
AUX 2 buttons on the Trailer Camera display.
Deactivation
The AUX Camera is deactivated by pressing the
touchscreen X button in the upper right corner of
the touchscreen. This will return the display back
to the previously displayed screen.
NOTE:
If the AUX button is pressed and no AUX Camera
is connected, the touchscreen will display a blue
screen along with the message “Camera
System Unavailable.” The screen can be exited
out by pressing the touchscreen X button in the upper right hand corner. This will return the
display back to the previously displayed screen.
Zoom View is not available with the AUX Camera
feature.
The display will always default to the Trailer
Camera display AUX 1.
ENGINE RUNAWAY
Diesel engine runaway is a rare condition affecting
diesel engines, where the engine consumes its
own lubrication oil and runs at higher and higher
RPM until it overspeeds to a point where it destroys
itself due to either mechanical failure or engine
seizure through lack of lubrication.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, Trailer Surround
View should only be used as a parking aid. The
Trailer Surround View Camera is unable to
view every obstacle or object in your drive
path.
To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must be
driven slowly when using Trailer Surround
View to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is seen. It is recommended that the
driver look frequently over his/her shoulder
when using Trailer Surround View.
AUX 1 Camera Button
AUX 2 Camera Button
WARNING!
In case of engine runaway due to flammable
fumes from fuel spills or turbocharger oil leaks
being sucked into the engine, do the following to
help avoid personal injury and/or vehicle
damage:
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Using a CO2 or dry chemical type fire extin
-
guisher, direct the spray from the fire extin -
guisher into the grille on the passenger side so
that the spray enters the engine air intake.

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STARTING AND OPERATING177
REFUELING THE VEHICLE— GASOLINE
ENGINE
If the fuel filler cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is the correct one for this vehicle.

1. Remove the fuel cap by rotating it counter -
clockwise.

2. Insert the refueling nozzle into the filler pipe.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel.
NOTE:
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off,
the fuel tank is full.
Wait five seconds before removing the fuel
nozzle to allow excess fuel to drain from the
nozzle.
4. Remove the refueling nozzle, reinstall the fuel cap.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap a quarter turn until you hear
one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened. If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the
Malfunction Indicator Light will come on. Be sure
the gas cap is tightened every time the vehicle is
refueled.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that
the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a loose gASCAP indicator will display in
the instrument cluster telltale display area
Ú
page 89. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and
push the RIGHT button to turn off the message. If
the problem continues, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started.
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE
If the fuel filler cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is the correct one for this vehicle.

1. Remove the fuel cap by rotating it counter -
clockwise.

2. Insert the refueling nozzle into the filler pipe.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel.
The inlet for the engine air intake is located
behind the passenger side headlamp and
receives air through the grille.
WARNING!WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the gas cap is removed
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine
is running. This is in violation of most state
and federal fire regulations and may cause
the MIL to turn on.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emissions
control system could result from using an
improper fuel tank filler tube cap (fuel filler
cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities
into the fuel system. Also, a poorly-fitted after
-
market cap can cause the Malfunction Indi -
cator Light (MIL) to illuminate due to fuel
vapors escaping from the system.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
MIL to turn on.
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
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178STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off,
the fuel tank is full.
Wait five seconds before removing the fuel
nozzle to allow excess fuel to drain from the
nozzle.
4. Remove the refueling nozzle, reinstall the fuel cap.
NOTE:
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a
“clicking” sound. This is an indication that the
fuel filler cap is properly tightened.
Make sure that the fuel filler cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective Catalytic
Reduction (SCR) system to meet the very stringent
diesel emissions standards required by the
Environmental Protection Agency.
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce levels
of NOx (oxides of nitrogen emitted from engines)
that are harmful to our health and the environment
to a near-zero level. A small quantity of Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is injected into the exhaust
upstream of a catalyst where, when vaporized, it
converts smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) into
harmless nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O), two
natural components of the air we breathe. You can
operate with the comfort that your vehicle is
contributing to a cleaner, healthier world
environment for this and generations to come.
System Overview
This vehicle is equipped with a Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) injection system and a Selective Catalytic
Reduction (SCR) catalyst to meet the emission
requirements.
The DEF injection system consists of the following
components:
DEF tank
DEF pump
DEF injector
Electronically-heated DEF lines
DEF control module
NOx sensors
Temperature sensors
SCR catalyst
UQS Sensor
For system messages and warnings Ú page 89.
NOTE:
Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection
system. You may occasionally hear an audible
clicking noise. This is normal operation.
The DEF pump will run for a period of time after
engine shutdown to purge the DEF system. This
is normal operation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a very
stable product with a long shelf life. If DEF is kept
in temperatures between 10° and 90°F (-12° and
32°C), it will last a minimum of one year.
DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest
temperatures. For example, DEF may freeze at
temperatures at or below 12°F (-11°C). The
system has been designed to operate in this
environment.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.

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STARTING AND OPERATING179
NOTE:When working with DEF, it is important to know
that:
Any containers or parts that come into contact
with DEF must be DEF compatible (plastic or
stainless steel). Copper, brass, aluminum, iron
or non-stainless steel should be avoided as they
are subject to corrosion by DEF.
If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up
completely.
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
The DEF gauge (located on the instrument cluster)
will display the level of DEF remaining in the tank
Úpage 89.
NOTE:
Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed, load,
etc.) will effect the amount of DEF that is used in
your vehicle.
Another factor is that outside temperature can
affect DEF consumption. In cold conditions,
12°F (-11°C) and below, the DEF gauge needle
can stay on a fixed position and may not move
for extended periods of time. This is a normal
function of the system.
There is an electric heater inside the DEF tank
that automatically works when necessary. If the
DEF supply does freeze, the truck will operate
normally until it thaws.
DEF FILL PROCEDURE
NOTE:
For the correct fluid type Ú page 419.
Remove cap from DEF tank (located on drivers side
of the vehicle or in fuel door).

DEF Filler Cap And Fuel Fill Chassis Cab Models

NOTE:
The DEF gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of DEF to
the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to the
DEF system, the gauge may not update to the
new level. See an authorized dealer for service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
heater will possibly warm up the DEF fluid and
allow the gauge to update after a period of run
time. Under very cold conditions, it is possible
that the gauge may not reflect the new fill level
for several drives.
At 40°F (4°C) you could see some increase in
the DEF gauge due to the tank thawing. The
gauge and level sensor are working properly and
are just updating with proper thawed DEF.
Excessive overfilling of the DEF tank can result
in a MIL lamp/fault code and inaccurate level
readings.
Refilling With Nozzles
You can fill up at any DEF distributor.
Proceed as follows:
Insert the DEF nozzle in the filler tube, start
refilling and stop refilling at the first shut-off (the
shut-off indicates that the DEF tank is full). DO
NOT proceed with the refilling, to prevent
spillage of DEF.
Extract the nozzle.
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
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180STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Refilling With Containers
Proceed as follows:
Check the expiration date.

Read the advice for use on the label before
pouring the content of the bottle into the DEF tank.

After the indication appears on the instrument
cluster display
Úpage 89 fill the DEF tank with
no more than 6 gal (22 L).
Stop filling the DEF tank immediately if DEF
splashes or wells back in the filler neck.
Reinstall cap onto DEF filler tube.
Filling The Def Tank In Cold Climates
Since DEF will begin to freeze at 12°F (-11°C),
your vehicle is equipped with an automatic DEF
heating system. This allows the DEF injection
system to operate properly at temperatures below
12°F (-11°C). If your vehicle is not in operation for
an extended period of time with temperatures
below 12°F (-11°C), the DEF in the tank may
freeze. If the tank is overfilled and freezes, it could
be damaged. Therefore, do not overfill the DEF
tank. Extra care should be taken when filling with
portable containers to avoid overfilling. Note the
level of the DEF gauge in your instrument cluster.
You may safely add a maximum of 2 gal (7.5 L) of
DEF from portable containers when your DEF
gauge is reading ½ full.VEHICLE LOADING
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your
vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle,
options and cargo. The label also specifies
maximum capacities of front and rear axle systems
(GAWR). Total load must be limited so GVWR and
front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
PAYLOAD
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable
load weight a truck can carry, including the weight
of the driver, all passengers, options and cargo.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the
front and rear axles. The load must be distributed
in the cargo area so that the GAWR of each axle is
not exceeded.
CAUTION!
To avoid DEF spillage, and possible damage to
the DEF tank from overfilling, do not “top off”
the DEF tank after filling.
DO NOT OVERFILL. DEF will freeze below 12ºF
(-11ºC). The DEF system is designed to work in
temperatures below the DEF freezing point,
however, if the tank is overfilled and freezes,
the system could be damaged.
When DEF is spilled, clean the area immedi -
ately with water and use an absorbent mate -
rial to soak up the spills on the ground.
Do not attempt to start your engine if DEF is
accidentally added to the diesel fuel tank as it
can result in severe damage to your engine,
including but not limited to failure of the fuel
pump and injectors.

Never add anything other than DEF to the
tank – especially any form of hydrocarbon
such as diesel fuel, fuel system additives,
gasoline, or any other petroleum-based
product. Even a very small amount of these,
less than 100 parts per million or less than
1 oz. per 78 gal (295 L) will contaminate the
entire DEF system and will require replace -
ment. If owners use a container, funnel or
nozzle when refilling the tank, it should either
be new or one that has only been used for
adding DEF. Mopar® provides an attachable
nozzle with its DEF for this purpose.

CAUTION!

23_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 180

STARTING AND OPERATING181
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components
in the system with the lowest load carrying capacity
(axle, springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or
suspension components sometimes specified by
purchasers for increased durability does not
necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
TIRE SIZE
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
RIM SIZE
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire
size listed.
INFLATION PRESSURE
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
CURB WEIGHT
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total
weight of the vehicle with all fluids, including
vehicle fuel, at full capacity conditions, and with no
occupants or cargo loaded into the vehicle. The
front and rear curb weight values are determined
by weighing your vehicle on a commercial scale
before any occupants or cargo are added.
LOADING
The actual total weight and the weight of the front
and rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be
determined by weighing it when it is loaded and
ready for operation.

The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a
commercial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not
been exceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the
vehicle should then be determined separately to be
sure that the load is properly distributed over the front
and rear axles. Weighing the vehicle may show that the
GAWR of either the front or rear axle has been
exceeded but the total load is within the specified
GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to rear
or rear to front as appropriate until the specified weight
limitations are met. Store the heavier items down low
and be sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow
all loose items securely before driving.

Improper weight distributions can have an adverse
effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles
and the way the brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow your
load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and
recommendations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will
assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo
and tongue weight. The total load must be limited
so that you do not exceed the GVWR Ú page 180.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight
of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation"
condition.WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, maximum Payload or maximum front and
rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
4

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