2021 RAM 1500 Owners Manual - NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE

NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE

Observe the following when the diesel engine is operating.

All message center lights are off.

Use “Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuels (ULSD)” ONLY.

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*Number 1 ULSD Fuel should only be used where extended arctic conditions below (0°F/-18°C) exist.

Use of Climatized ULSD Fuel 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 crys- tals 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 page 471.

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).

For the correct engine oil viscosity page 475.

A Winter front or cold weather cover can 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 in the full open position to allow air flow to the cooling module 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.

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, 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. Refer to the following chart for proper engine shutdown.

Under certain conditions the engine fan will run after the engine is turned off. These conditions are under high load and high temperature conditions.

If the low oil pressure warning light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when the light turns on.

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.

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All engine failures give some warning before the parts fail. Some important observations 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