Normal Operation — Diesel Engine
Observe the following when the diesel engine is operating:
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All message center lights are off.
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Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
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Engine Oil Pressure telltale is not illuminated.
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Voltmeter operation.
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at various engine temperatures. This is caused by the glow plug heating system. The number of cycles and the length of the cycling operation is controlled by the engine control module. Glow plug heater operation can run for several minutes. Once the heater operation is complete the voltmeter needle will stabilize.
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:
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Use of Climatized ULSD Fuel or Number 1 ULSD fuel results in a noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
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Climatized ULSD fuel is a blend of Number 2 ULSD fuel and Number 1 ULSD fuel which reduces the temperature at which wax crystals form in fuel.
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The fuel grade should be clearly marked on the pump at the fuel station.
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The engine requires the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel. Use of incorrect fuel could result in engine and exhaust system damage .
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If climatized or 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).
ENGINE OIL USAGE
See Engine Fluids and Lubricants for the correct engine oil viscosity .
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.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine at moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are applied.
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, cylinder head valves, turbocharger, and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
After full load operation, idle the engine for a few minutes before shutting it down. This idle period will allow the lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from the turbocharger.
Note:
Refer to the following chart for proper engine shutdown.
| Driving Condition | Load | Turbocharger Temperature | Idle Time (min.) Before Engine Shutdown |
|
Stop and Go |
Empty |
Cool |
None |
|
Stop and Go |
Medium |
0.5 |
|
|
Highway Speeds |
Medium |
Warm |
1.0 |
|
City Traffic |
Maximum GCWR |
1.5 |
|
|
Highway Speeds |
Maximum GCWR |
2.0 |
|
|
Uphill Grade |
Maximum GCWR |
Hot |
2.5 |
Note:
Under certain conditions, the Stop/Start functionality may be temporarily disabled and the engine fan will run after the engine is turned off to protect the engine. These conditions are under high load and high temperature conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM TIPS — AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
To reduce the potential for engine and transmission overheating in high ambient temperature conditions, take the following actions:
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City Driving — When stopped, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and increase engine idle speed.
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Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.
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Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission gear.
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Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
Note:
If the coolant temperature is too high, the A/C will automatically turn off.
DO NOT OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH LOW OIL PRESSURE
If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely stopped, restart the engine and monitor the lamp. If the lamp is still illuminated, shut the engine off, contact an authorized dealer, and do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. If the lamp is no longer illuminated, the engine can be operated, but should be taken to an authorized dealer as soon as possible for further inspection.
Note:
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not show how much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
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.
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:
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Engine misfiring or vibrating severely
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Sudden loss of power
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Unusual engine noises
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Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
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Sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in the engine operating temperature
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Excessive smoke
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Oil pressure drop
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