2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner Manual Diesel - Page 208

208 STARTING AND OPERATING • After the WAIT TO START light goes off, turn the ignition key to START. Do not press the accelerator during starting. • Check to see that there is oil pressure. • Allow the engine to idle at fast idle for about three minutes until the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle. • Release the parking brake and drive. NOTE: Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at low coolant temperatures to improve engine warm-up. NOTE: If the engine stalls or if the ignition switch is left On for more than 2 minutes after the WAIT TO START light goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the ignition switch to Off and the back On. Repeat steps 3 through 7 of the normal starting procedure. For Extremely Cold Weather Starting (Engine Temperature Below 0°F (- 18°C) In extremely cold weather below 0°F (- 18°C) it may be beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before attempting to start the engine. This can be accomplished by turning the ignition OFF and then back ON after the WAIT TO START light has gone off, but before the engine is started. However, repeated cycling of the manifold heaters 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. • If the engine stalls after the initial start, the ignition must be turned to the OFF position and then to the ON position to recycle the manifold heaters. NOTE: Excessive white smoke and poor engine performance will result if manifold heaters are not recycled.