2023 RAM CHASSIS CAB automatic transmission fluid

4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
INSTRUMENT PANEL

MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — GASOLINE.....78

Midline Instrument Cluster Descriptions ........79

HIGHLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — GASOLINE...80

Highline Instrument Cluster Descriptions.......81

PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — GASOLINE ..82

Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gasoline ............................................................83
BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — DIESEL ........... 84
Diesel Instrument Cluster ...............................85
MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — DIESEL ...... 86
Diesel Instrument Cluster ...............................87
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — DIESEL .... 88
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Diesel ................................................................89
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ........................ 89
Instrument Cluster Display Location and
Controls .............................................................90
Oil Life Reset ....................................................92
Display Menu Items .........................................93
Diesel Messages And Warnings ......................98
Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode
Message — Electrical Load Reduction
Actions — If Equipped ................................... 101 WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ................. 102
Red Warning Lights ....................................... 103
Yellow Warning Lights ................................... 105Yellow Indicator Lights .................................. 108
Green Indicator Lights .................................. 109
White Indicator Lights ................................... 110Blue Indicator Lights ..................................... 111
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ..... 111
Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II) Cybersecurity ................................... 111
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS.......................................................... 112
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE— GASOLINE ENGINE.. 113
Automatic Transmission ............................... 113
AutoPark — Rotary Shifter and 8-Speed
Transmission Only ......................................... 113
Tip Start Feature .......................................... 115
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ — Ignition................... 115Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button ........................................................... 115
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ............................ 117
After Starting ................................................. 117 STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE....... 117
Automatic Transmission ............................... 117
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ — Ignition .................. 117
Extreme Cold Weather .................................. 119Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66°F (19°C) .......... 119
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature 0°F To 66°F
(–18°C to 19°C) ........................................... 120
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ................. 121
Starting Fluids ............................................... 121
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ......... 122
Cold Weather Precautions ............................ 122
Engine Idling ................................................. 124
Noise .............................................................. 124
Stopping The Engine ..................................... 125Idle Shutdown ............................................... 125Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed .... 126
Operating Precautions .................................. 126Cooling System Tips ...................................... 126
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Manual
Regeneration — If Equipped ......................... 127
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .......... 127
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS—
GASOLINE ENGINE .............................................. 127

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5
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE .................................................... 128
PARKING BRAKE ................................................ 128

DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING) .. 129
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.............................. 130 Ignition Park Interlock ................................... 131Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System .......................................................... 131
8-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................... 132
6-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................... 135
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ............. 139
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 140
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(8-Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ....... 140Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(6-Speed Transmission) —
If Equipped..................................................... 143
Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped..................................................... 145
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ............................ 147
POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 147
HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING .........................148
Power Steering Fluid Check .......................... 148

CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED .... 148

Cruise Control ............................................... 149
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ...................... 150 PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ....................................................... 159
ParkSense Sensors ....................................... 159
ParkSense Warning Display ......................... 159
ParkSense Display ........................................ 159Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .............. 162
Service The ParkSense Park Assist System ...162

Cleaning The ParkSense System ................. 162
ParkSense System Usage Precautions........ 162
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ............................. 163
LaneSense Operation ................................... 163Turning LaneSense On Or Off ....................... 164
LaneSense Warning Message ...................... 164Changing LaneSense Status ........................ 166
Turn Signal Activated Blind Spot Assist —
If Equipped..................................................... 166
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA............... 166
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 168
TRAILER CAMERAS — IF EQUIPPED ................. 173 Trailer Surround View Camera System —
If Equipped..................................................... 173AUX Camera — If Equipped ........................... 176
ENGINE RUNAWAY ............................................. 176
REFUELING THE VEHICLE—
GASOLINE ENGINE ............................................. 177
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................... 177
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE... 177
Diesel Exhaust Fluid...................................... 178 VEHICLE LOADING .............................................. 180
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......... 180
Payload .......................................................... 180Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)................ 180Tire Size ......................................................... 181
Rim Size ......................................................... 181
Inflation Pressure .......................................... 181Curb Weight ................................................... 181
Loading .......................................................... 181
TRAILER TOWING ................................................ 181
Common Towing Definitions......................... 181
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ............................................................ 185
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Traile
r Weight Ratings) .......................................... 186Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................... 186
Towing Requirements .................................. 186Towing Tips ................................................... 192
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED.............................. 192
Before Plowing .............................................. 192

Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability....193

Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached......................................................... 193
Operating Tips ............................................... 193General Maintenance ................................... 193

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7
SAFETY TIPS ........................................................ 321 Transporting Passengers .............................. 321Transporting Pets ......................................... 322
Connected Vehicles....................................... 322
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ........................................................... 322Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................... 323Exhaust Gas ................................................... 324Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................... 324
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ........................ 325
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ...... 326
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING.......................... 329 4500/5500 Models ...................................... 329Preparations For Jacking .............................. 329Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ................................................... 330To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped ... 332
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers —If Equipped ........ 332
JUMP STARTING .................................................. 333
Preparations For Jump Start......................... 333Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 334
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ........................... 335
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE .............................. 336 6–Speed Transmission — If Equipped ........ 336 MANUAL PARK RELEASE ................................... 337
8–Speed Transmission — If Equipped ......... 337
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................. 338
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ......................... 339
Two-Wheel Drive Models .............................. 340Four-Wheel Drive Models ............................. 340
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped .......... 341
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .................................................................. 341
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ........................ 341
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................... 342
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine ......... 344Maintenance Plan — Diesel Engine ............ 346
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 350
6.4L Gasoline Engine ................................... 3506.7L Diesel Engine ........................................ 351Checking Oil Level ......................................... 352
Adding Washer Fluid .................................... 352
Maintenance-Free Battery ............................ 352
Pressure Washing ......................................... 353 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................... 353
Engine Oil ...................................................... 353
Engine Oil Filter ............................................. 354Engine Air Cleaner Filter .............................. 355
Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................... 357
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................... 359Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......... 360
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement ... 361Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement ................................................. 362

Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel ...363

Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow ................................ 364Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ........................... 364
Body Lubrication ........................................... 364
Windshield Wiper Blades.............................. 365
Exhaust System ............................................ 367
Cooling System ............................................. 368Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler ................. 370
Brake System ............................................... 371Automatic Transmission ............................... 372
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level ..................................................... 374
Transfer Case ............................................... 374Noise Control System Required
Maintenance & Warranty ............................ 374
Fuses.............................................................. 377
Bulb Replacement ........................................ 384

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58GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Mist
When a single wipe to clear off road mist or spray
from a passing vehicle is needed, push the washer
knob, located on the end of the multifunction lever,
inward to the first detent and release. The wipers
will cycle one time and automatically shut off.
NOTE:The mist feature does not activate the washer
pump; therefore, no washer fluid will be sprayed on
the windshield. The washer function must be used
in order to spray the windshield with washer fluid.
For information on wiper care and replacement,
see Ú page 365.
RAIN SENSING WIPERS — IF EQUIPPED
This feature senses rain or snowfall on the
windshield and automatically activates the wipers.
Rotate the end of the multifunction lever to one of
five detent positions to activate this feature. The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted with
the multifunction lever. Wiper delay position 1 is
the least sensitive, and wiper delay position 5 is
the most sensitive. Position 3 should be used for
normal rain conditions. Positions 1 and 2 can be
used if the driver desires less wiper sensitivity.
Positions 4 and 5 can be used if the driver desires
more sensitivity. Place the wiper switch in the O
(off) position when not using the system.
NOTE:
The Rain Sensing feature will not operate when
the wiper switch is in the low or high-speed posi
-
tion.
The Rain Sensing feature may not function prop -
erly when ice, or dried salt water is present on
the windshield.
Use of products containing wax or silicone may
reduce Rain Sensing performance.
The Rain Sensing feature can be turned on and
off using the Uconnect system Ú page 199.
The Rain Sensing system has protection features
for the wiper blades and arms, and will not operate
under the following conditions:
Low Ambient Temperature — When the ignition
is first placed in the ON position, the Rain
Sensing system will not operate until the wiper
switch is moved, vehicle speed is greater than
0 mph (0 km/h), or the outside temperature is
greater than 32°F (0°C).
Transmission In NEUTRAL Position — When the
ignition is ON, and the transmission is in the
NEUTRAL position, the Rain Sensing system will
not operate until the wiper switch is moved,
vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h),
or the gear selector is moved out of the
NEUTRAL position.
Remote Start Mode Inhibit — On vehicles
equipped with the Remote Start system, Rain
Sensing wipers are not operational when the
vehicle is in the Remote Start mode. Once the
operator is in the vehicle and has placed the
ignition switch in the RUN position, Rain Sensing
wiper operation can resume, if it has been
selected, and no other inhibit conditions
(mentioned previously) exist.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Climate Control system allows you to regulate
the temperature, air flow, and direction of air
circulating throughout the vehicle. The controls are
located on the touchscreen, on the sides of the
touchscreen (if equipped), or on the instrument
panel below the radio.
WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to a collision. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden
icing of the windshield during freezing weather,
warm the windshield with the defroster before
and during windshield washer use.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL105
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Úpage 148.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
Trailer Brake has been disconnected
Úpage 181.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid temperature.
This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK or
NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door
is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single
chime.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the ACC system.
Contact a local authorized dealer for
service Ú page 150.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard
Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. This warning light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas
cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if
the light stays on through several typical driving
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and will not require towing.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.
3

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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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138STARTING AND OPERATING
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at
any vehicle speed. When the gear selector is in the
DRIVE position, the transmission will operate
automatically, shifting between all available gears.
Tapping the ERS “-” switch will activate ERS mode,
display the current gear in the instrument cluster,
and set that gear as the top available gear. Once in
ERS mode, tapping “-” or “+” will change the top
available gear.

Electronic Range Select

To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the
ERS “+” switch until the gear limit display
disappears from the instrument cluster.
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), simply push and
hold the ERS “-” switch. The transmission will shift
to the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.
Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes an
electronically controlled Overdrive (FIFTH and SIXTH
gears). The transmission will automatically shift into
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:

The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
The transmission fluid has reached an
adequate temperature.
The engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature.
Vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
The TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated.
The driver is not heavily pressing the acceler -
ator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying
a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission
shifting occurs, push the TOW/HAUL switch to
activate TOW/HAUL mode. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for
transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the
transmission will automatically downshift (for
engine braking) when the throttle is closed and/or
during steady braking maneuvers.

TOW/HAUL Switch

1 — GEAR “+” Switch
2 — GEAR “–” Switch
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal injury.
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while
descending steep grades, be careful not to
overspeed the engine. Apply the brakes as
needed to prevent engine overspeed.

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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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