2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB light

112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to
pass an inspection of your vehicle's emissions
control system. Failure to pass could prevent
vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies
the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is
functioning and is not on when the
engine is running, and that the OBD II system is
ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The
OBD II system may not be ready if your vehicle was
recently serviced, recently had a depleted battery
or a battery replacement. If the OBD II system
should be determined not ready for the I/M test,
your vehicle may fail the test. Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station.
To check if your vehicle's OBD II system is ready,
you must do the following:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position,
but do not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and
then return to being fully illuminated until
you turn OFF the ignition or start the engine.
This means that your vehicle's OBD II
system is not ready and you should not
proceed to the I/M station.
The MIL will not flash at all and will remain
fully illuminated until you place the ignition
in the off position or start the engine. This
means that your vehicle's OBD II system is
ready and you can proceed to the I/M
station.
If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see
an authorized dealer or repair facility. If your
vehicle was recently serviced or had a battery
failure or replacement, you may need to do nothing
more than drive your vehicle as you normally would
in order for your OBD II system to update. A
recheck with the previously mentioned test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II system
is ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during
normal vehicle operation you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station.
The I/M station can fail your vehicle because the
MIL is on with the engine running.

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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.

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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

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120STARTING AND OPERATING
4. Place the ignition switch in the START position and crank the engine. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
5. Check that the Oil Pressure Warning Light has turned off.
6. Release the parking brake.
STARTING PROCEDURE — ENGINE
M
ANIFOLD 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. The Wait To Start Indicator Light will remain
on for a period of time that varies depending
on the engine temperature.

2. 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.
3. After the Wait To Start Indicator Light goes off, place the ignition switch in the START position.
Do not press the accelerator during starting. 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 Indicator Light 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 Mani -
fold Air Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to
19°C).”
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 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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING121
(Continued)
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
Indicator Light 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 Indicator Light 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 363.
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 five seconds and then
back to the ON/RUN position. Repeat steps 1
through 5 of “Starting Procedure – Engine Mani -
fold Air Temperature 0°F to 60°F (-18°C to
19°C).”
STARTING FLUIDS
The engine is equipped with an automatic electric
air preheating system. If the instructions in this
manual are followed, the engine should start in all
conditions.
WARNING!
Starting fluids or flammable liquids must never
be used in the Cummins® diesel engine (see
Warning label). Never pour diesel fuel,
flammable liquid, starting fluids (ether) into the
air cleaner canister, air intake piping, or
turbocharger inlet in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in a flash fire and
explosion causing serious personal injury and
engine damage.
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.
4

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122STARTING AND OPERATING
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the engine is
operating.
All message center lights are off.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
Engine oil pressure is above 10 psi (69 kPa) at
idle.
Voltmeter operation: The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling
operation is caused by the post-heat cycle of the
intake manifold heater system. The number of
cycles and the length of the cycling operation is
controlled by the engine control module. Post-heat
operation can run for several minutes, and then
the electrical system and voltmeter needle will
stabilize.
The cycling action will cause temporary dimming of
the headlamps, interior lamps, and also a
noticeable reduction in blower motor speed.
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.
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!

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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.

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128STARTING AND OPERATING
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
Úpage 186. 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.

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