RAM 5500 Chassis Cab (2021 year). Manual in english — page 8

122

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

C

OLD

W

EATHER

O

PERATION

(B

ELOW

–22°F O

R

−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.

A

FTER

S

TARTING

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 a few

minutes between such intervals will protect the

starter from overheating.

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!



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

children 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 mode. A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or

move the vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

123

A

UTOMATIC

T

RANSMISSION

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.

K

EYLESS

E

NTER

-N-G

O

— I

GNITION

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.

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" telltale is illuminated. This is normal

operation. For vehicles equipped with

Keyless Enter-N-Go, the vehicle will automat

-

ically crank when the "Wait to Start" time has

elapsed

Ú

page 126.

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 mode.

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 mode.

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 mode (NOT the OFF

mode) 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) mode and the transmis

-

sion is in PARK, the system will automatically

time out after 30 minutes of inactivity and the

ignition return to the OFF mode.

4

124

STARTING AND OPERATING

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, 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 90. When

engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)

the “Wait To Start” telltale 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" telltale.

The engine will not immediately crank, this

is normal operation.

2. The “Wait to Start" telltale will remain on for

a period of time that varies depending on

the engine temperature.

3. While the "Wait to Start" telltale 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” telltale 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.

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 375.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

125

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" telltale 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” telltale 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 Manifold Air Temperature 0°F To 66°F

(–18°C to 19°C).”

E

XTREME

C

OLD

W

EATHER

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 hous

-

ings 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.

N

ORMAL

S

TARTING

P

ROCEDURE

—

E

NGINE

M

ANIFOLD

A

IR

T

EMPERATURE

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 position

and watch the instrument panel cluster

lights.

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.

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 375.

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.

4

126

STARTING AND OPERATING

S

TARTING

P

ROCEDURE

— E

NGINE

M

ANIFOLD

A

IR

T

EMPERATURE

0°F T

O

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 90. When

engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)

the “Wait To Start” telltale 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” telltale will remain on

for a period of time that varies depending

on the engine temperature.

2. While the “Wait to Start” telltale 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” telltale 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” telltale goes out, reset the

intake air heater by turning the ignition switch

to the OFF position for at least five seconds

and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 5 of

“Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air

Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C).”

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 375.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

127

S

TARTING

P

ROCEDURE

— E

NGINE

M

ANIFOLD

A

IR

T

EMPERATURE

B

ELOW

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 off

for at least five seconds and then back ON after

the “Wait to Start” telltale 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

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” telltale 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 ON.

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 378.



If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is

left ON for more than two minutes after the

“Wait to Start” telltale goes out, reset the

intake air heater by turning the ignition switch

to the OFF position for at least five seconds

and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 5 of

“Starting Procedure – Engine Manifold Air

Temperature 0°F to 60°F (-18°C to 19°C).”

4

128

STARTING AND OPERATING

S

TARTING

F

LUIDS

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.

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.

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.



Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing

children 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 mode. A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or

move the vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

129

C

OLD

W

EATHER

P

RECAUTIONS

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”.

4

130

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:



Use of Climatized ULSD or Number 1 ULSD

Fuel results in a noticeable decrease in fuel

economy.



Climatized ULSD Fuel is a blend of Number 2

ULSD and Number 1 ULSD Fuels which

reduces the temperature at which wax crystals

form in fuel.



The fuel grade should be clearly marked on

the pump at the fuel station.



The engine requires the use of “ULSD Fuel”.

Use of incorrect fuel could result in engine

and exhaust system damage

Ú

page 433.



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 temperature present. This may

occur on an unseasonably cold day or when a

truck is fueled in a warmer climate and driven

to a colder climate. The noise can typically be

prevented by using Mopar Premium Diesel

Fuel Treatment as recommended (see Fuel

Operating Range Chart).

Engine Oil Usage

For the correct engine oil viscosity

Ú

page 367.

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 Volts 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

131

Your vehicle is equipped with an engine

warm-up protection feature that may limit

engine performance after cold starting at low

ambient temperatures. The length of time

engine speed is limited is dependent upon

engine coolant temperature. Engine speed may

be briefly limited to 1,000 RPM after starting

with coolant temperature below freezing

conditions, and may be limited to 1,000 RPM

for up to approximately two minutes under more

severe cold conditions.

NOTE:

If ambient temperatures are low and the

coolant temperature is below 180°F (82°C),

the engine idle speed will slowly increase to

1,000 RPM after two minutes of idle, if the

following conditions are met:



Foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal.



Automatic transmission is in PARK.



Vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).



Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle.



Operating the exhaust brake at idle will

greatly improve warm-up rate and will help

keep the engine close to operating tempera

-

ture during extended idle.

E

NGINE

I

DLING

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 90.

4

132

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

N

OISE

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. Fuel pump noise may

increase during low speed/light load conditions

when ambient temperature is above 100°F

(38°C), and when fuel tank level is below 10%.

This is a normal condition of the fuel system and

controls strategy. If at any time the check

engine light is on, please visit an authorized

dealer.

STARTING AND OPERATING

133

S

TOPPING

T

HE

E

NGINE

Idle the engine a few minutes before routine shutdown. After full load operation, idle the engine three to five minutes before shutting

it down. This idle period will allow the lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from the combustion chamber, bearings, internal

components, and turbocharger. This is especially important for turbocharged, charge air-cooled engines. Refer to the following chart for proper

engine shutdown:

I

DLE

S

HUTDOWN

This feature can be enabled so that the truck will automatically shutdown when the truck has been idling for a set period of time when the engine is at

operating temperature. Idle time can be set in 5 minute increments between

5 and 60 minutes. See an authorized dealer to enable this feature.
NOTE:

The idle shut down timer is disabled while the PTO (Power Take-off) is active.

Driving Condition

Load

Turbocharger Temperature

Idle Time (min.) Before Engine Shutdown

Stop and Go

Empty

Cool

Less than One

Stop and Go

Medium

-

One

Highway Speeds

Medium

Warm

Two

City Traffic

Maximum GCWR

-

Three

Highway Speeds

Maximum GCWR

-

Four

Uphill Grade

Maximum GCWR

Hot

Five

4

134

STARTING AND OPERATING

P

ROGRAMMABLE

M

AXIMUM

V

EHICLE

S

PEED

This feature allows the owner to set a maximum

vehicle speed for the vehicle. The 2500 and

3500 Series maximum vehicle speed can be set

between 40 mph to 87 mph (64 km/h to

140 km/h). The 4500/5500 Series maximum

vehicle speed can be set between 40 mph to

85 mph (64 km/h to 136 km/h). See an

authorized dealer to enable this feature.

NOTE:

DO NOT set the maximum vehicle speed to a

value greater than what the vehicle tires are

rated for.

O

PERATING

P

RECAUTIONS

Avoid Overheating The Engine

The temperature of the engine coolant

(antifreeze: a mixture of 50% ethylene-glycol and

50% water) must not exceed the normal range

of the temperature gauge 240°F (116°C) with a

21 psi (145 kPa) coolant pressure cap.
Usually the engine coolant (antifreeze)

temperature indicated during operation will be

to the left of center in the normal range of the

gauge.

Avoid Low Coolant Temperature Operation

Continual operation at low engine coolant

(antifreeze) temperature below the normal

range on the gauge 140°F (60°C) can be

harmful to the engine. Low engine coolant

(antifreeze) temperature can cause incomplete

combustion which allows carbon and varnish

to form on piston rings and injector nozzles.

Also, the unburned fuel can enter the

crankcase, diluting the lubricating oil and

causing rapid wear to the engine.

C

OOLING

S

YSTEM

T

IPS

To reduce potential for engine and transmission

overheating in high ambient temperature

conditions, take the following actions:



City Driving — When stopped, shift the trans

-

mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine

idle speed.



Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.



Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission

gear.



Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.

STARTING AND OPERATING

135

Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil Pressure

When the engine is at normal operating temperature, the minimum oil pressures required are:

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed

Parts

All engine failures give some warning before the

parts fail. Be on the alert for changes in

performance, sounds, and visual evidence that the

engine requires service. Some important clues are:



Engine misfiring or vibrating severely.



Sudden loss of power.



Unusual engine noises.



Fuel, oil or coolant leaks.



Sudden change, outside the normal operating

range, in the engine operating temperature.



Excessive smoke.



Oil pressure drop.

D

IESEL

P

ARTICULATE

F

ILTER

(DPF)

M

ANUAL

R

EGENERATION

- I

F

E

QUIPPED

On equipped Chassis Cabs, a manual

regeneration can be enable through the

instrument cluster. The manual regeneration

will allow the DPF to complete a regeneration,

lowering the soot level without having to drive

the vehicle. The vehicle must be in PARK to

access this feature, and the fuel level must be

over 12.5% full. A message displaying the time

left on the regeneration will appear on the

instrument cluster, and the instrument cluster

will display the soot level

Ú

page 90.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and

permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect

the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC

electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire

extension cord.
Gas Engine Only
The engine block heater cord is routed through

the grille by the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a

tethered strap. It also has a c-clip that is used

for storage when not in use for the Winter

months. During Winter months, remove the

heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the

c-clip.

Idle 700 to 800 RPM

10 psi (69 kPa)

Full speed and load

30 psi (207 kPa)

CAUTION!

If oil pressure falls to less than normal

readings, shut the engine off immediately.

Failure to do so could result in immediate and

severe engine damage.

4

136

STARTING AND OPERATING

The engine block heater must be plugged in at

least one hour to have an adequate warming

effect on the engine.

Diesel Engine Only
The engine block heater warms engine coolant

and permits quicker starts in cold weather.

Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault

interrupter protected 110–115 Volt AC

electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire

extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under

the hood to the right side and can be located

just behind the grille near the headlamp.

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.

The block heater must be plugged in at least

one hour to have an adequate warming effect

on the coolant.

NOTE:

The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and

6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.

Block Heater Usage
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),

engine block heater usage is recommended.
For ambient temperatures below –20°F

(-29°C), engine block heater usage is required.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —

GASOLINE ENGINE

A long break-in period is not required for the

engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in

your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles

(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),

speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are

desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration

within the limits of local traffic laws contributes

to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle

acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and

should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the

factory is a high-quality energy conserving type

lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent

with anticipated climate conditions under

which vehicle operations will occur. For the

recommended viscosity and quality grades

Ú

page 440.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block

heater cord before driving. Damage to the

110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause

electrocution.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block

heater cord before driving. Damage to the

110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause

electrocution.

STARTING AND OPERATING

137

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera

-

tion. This should be considered a normal part of

the break-in and not interpreted as a problem.

Please check your oil level with the engine oil

indicator often during the break in period. Add

oil as required.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —

DIESEL ENGINE

The Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine does not

require a break-in period due to its construction.

Normal operation is allowed, providing the

following recommendations are followed:



Warm up the engine before placing it under

load.



Do not operate the engine at idle for

prolonged periods.



Use the appropriate transmission gear to

prevent engine lugging.



Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera

-

ture indicators.



Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.



Vary throttle position at highway speeds

when carrying or towing significant weight.

NOTE:

Light duty operation such as light trailer towing

or no load operation will extend the time before

the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel

economy and power may be seen at this time.

For additional vehicle break-in requirements

Ú

page 205.

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

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight

Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may result.

4