RAM Trucks 1500 User manual

Chrysler Group LLC
OWNER’S MANUAL
2015
2015 RAM TRUCK Diesel Supplement
15D241-226-AD Fourth Edition Printed in U.S.A.
RAM TRUCK
DIESEL SUPPLEMENT

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-
drinking driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public trans-
portation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident.
Your perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are
slower, and your judgment is impaired when you
have been drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler Group LLC reserves the right to make changes
in design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2014 Chrysler Group LLC

RAM DIESEL SUPPLEMENT
RAM 1500 ..................................................................3
RAM 2500 / 3500 / 4500 / 5500 .......................................135
INDEX .....................................................................337

RAM 1500

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................7
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ............................11
3UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4STARTINGANDOPERATING ..................................................71
5MAINTAININGYOURVEHICLE ................................................97
6MAINTENANCESCHEDULE ..................................................127
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
!A MESSAGE FROM CHRYSLER GROUP LLC ....8
1

A MESSAGE FROM CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Chrysler Group LLC welcomes you as a turbocharged
diesel-powered truck owner. Your diesel truck will
sound, feel, drive, and operate differently from a
gasoline-powered truck. It is important that you read and
understand this manual.
Almost 100% of the heavy trucks in the United States and
Canada are diesel-powered because of the fuel economy,
rugged durability, and high torque which permits pulling
heavy loads.
You may find that some of the starting, operating, and
maintenance procedures are different. However, they are
simple to follow and careful adherence to them will
ensure that you take full advantage of the features of this
engine.
NOTE:
•Some aftermarket products may cause severe engine/
transmission and/or exhaust system damage. Your
vehicle’s Powertrain Control Systems can detect and
store information about vehicle modifications that
increase horsepower and torque output such as
whether or not performance-enhancing powertrain
components, commonly referred to as downloaders,
power boxes, or performance chips have been used.
•Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to
the vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning Sys-
tem.
This information cannot be erased and will stay in the
system’s memory even if the modification is removed.
This information can be retrieved by Chrysler Group
LLC, and service and repair facilities, when servicing
8INTRODUCTION

your vehicle. This information may be used to determine
if repair will be covered by New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
There is a probability that the use of a “performance
chip” will prohibit the engine from starting. In this
instance, the vehicle will need to be serviced by a
authorized dealer in order to return the vehicle to it’s
factory settings.
1
INTRODUCTION 9

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
!REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM ..............12
▫How To Use Remote Start ................12
!ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ....13
2

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to start the engine conve-
niently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
•The vehicle must be equipped with an automatic
transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
•Obstructions between the vehicle and the RKE trans-
mitter may reduce this range.
•The Remote Start system will wait for the “Wait To
Start” amber telltale to extinguish before cranking the
engine. This allows time for the engine pre-heat cycle
to pre-heat the cylinder air, and is normal in cold
weather. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Dis-
play (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information on the “Wait To Start”
amber telltale and the pre-heat cycle.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
•Shift lever in PARK
•Doors closed
•Hood closed
•HAZARD switch off
•BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
•Battery at an acceptable charge level
•RKE PANIC button not pressed
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•Fuel meets minimum requirement
•System not disabled from previous remote start event
•Vehicle security alarm not active
•Water In Fuel Indicator Light is not illuminated
•“Wait To Start” telltale is not illuminated
WARNING!
•Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Mon-
oxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless. Carbon
Monoxide is poisonous and can cause serious in-
jury or death when inhaled.
•Keep Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters
away from children. Operation of the Remote Start
System, windows, door locks or other controls
could cause serious injury or death.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The diesel engine does not require a break-in period due
to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, provid-
ing 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 indica-
tors.
•Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

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.
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.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown under “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts”,
under “Maintaining Your Vehicle” in this manual. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
!INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .................16
▫Instrument Cluster Descriptions ............17
!INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .................29
▫Instrument Cluster Descriptions ............30
!ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) ...............................41
▫Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays — 3.5” Display .................42
▫Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages ......49
▫Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages. .51
▫Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages ............................52
▫EVIC/DID Displays.....................53
▫Oil Life Reset .........................54
▫Vehicle Information (Customer Information
Features) ............................56
!DRIVER INFORMATION DISPLAY (DID) ......57
▫Driver Information Display (DID) —
7” Display ..........................196
3

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
16 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in Revolutions
Per Minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is
not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
3. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part
of an Onboard Diagnostic (OBDII) system
which monitors the emissions and engine con-
trol system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
3
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 17

Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
4. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light — If Equipped
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
18 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL