2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup Owner Manual Diesel - Page 232

232 STARTING AND OPERATING The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming effect on the coolant. WARNING! Remember to disconnect the cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause electrocution. NOTE: The block heater will require 110 Volts AC and 6.5 Amps to activate the heater element. Block Heater Usage A. Temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) • Block Heater Required for 15W-40 • Block Heater Recommended for 5W-40 B. Temperatures below - 20°F (-29°C) • Block Heater Required for 5W-40 Winter Front Usage If a winter front or cold weather cover is to be used, a percentage of the total grille opening area must be left uncovered to provide sufficient air flow to the charge air cooler and automatic transmission oil cooler. The percentage of opening must be increased with the increasing ambient air temperature and/or engine load. If the cooling fan can be heard cycling frequently, increase the size of the opening in the winter front. A suitable cold weather cover is available from your Mopar௡ dealer. Battery Blanket Usage A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°). For the same decrease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets are available from your authorized Mopar௡ dealer.