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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. Refer to “Fuel
Requirements” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information.
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 isnt 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
Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the correct engine oil
viscosity.
Winter Front Cover Usage
A winter front or cold weather cover is to be used in
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C), espe
-
cially 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 tempera
-
tures drop below 0°F (-17°C) the four flaps need
to be closed. A suitable cold weather cover is avail
-
able from your 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.
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 approxi
-
mately 2 minutes under more severe cold
conditions.
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