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Engine idling — in cold weather – Dodge 2006 Ram Pickup 3500 User Manual

Page 262

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If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine
at moderate speeds for 5 minutes before full loads are
applied.

Engine Idling — In Cold Weather
Avoid prolonged idling in ambient temperatures below
0°F. 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 and injector nozzles. Also, the
unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting the oil
and causing rapid wear to the engine.

NOTE:

An optional driver-controlled high idle speed is

available on automatic transmission equipped vehicles
with speed control. This feature allows the driver to
select an elevated idle speed between 1100 and 1500
rpms. Your dealer can enable this feature.

NOTE:

• If ambient temperatures are low and the coolant

temperature is below 200°F (93°C), the engine idle
speed will slowly increase to 1000 RPM after 2 minutes
of idle, if the following conditions are met:

• foot is off brake pedal and throttle pedal
• automatic transmission is in Park (P)
• vehicle speed is zero
• Applying the throttle will cancel fast idle
• If the engine is equipped with an aftermarket exhaust

brake (manual transmissions only), operating the ex-
haust brake at idle will greatly improve warm up rate
and will help keep the engine close to operating
temperature during extended idle.

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STARTING AND OPERATING