engine Ram 1500 2018 Repair Manual

to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Own-
er’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspen-
sion system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s
Manual for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off
the ground, the air suspension system has a
feature which will put the vehicle into Entry/
Exit height and disable the automatic loadleveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this
mode must be enabled. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension sys-
tem, the vehicle will disable load leveling as
required (suspension overloaded, battery
charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automati-
cally resume as soon as system operation
requirements are met. See your authorized
dealer if system does not resume. NOTE:
If towing with air suspension refer to “Trailer
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(2500/3500 MODELS) — IF
EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling
ride height system. The main purpose of this
system is to maintain the truck’s rear ride
height level. There are two selectable heights
that can be chosen based on your operating
conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in
ON/RUN position or the engine running with
zero vehicle speed for all user requested
changes and load leveling.
STARTING AND OPERATING
174

Normal Ride Height (NRH)– This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is meant
for normal driving. It will automatically adjust
to maintain the rear ride height as conditions
change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the
vehicle approximately 1 in (25 mm) for a
level truck, to be used as required while
trailer towing. It will automatically adjust to
maintain the rear ride height as conditions
change.
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspen-
sion system will load level (lower/exhaust
only) for up to 10 minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. This allows for easy removal of a trailer and/or load from the back of the truck
by maintaining the ride height. After 10 min-
utes you will need to turn the ignition to the
run position for the air suspension to main-
tain ride height. If the air suspension system
is disabled using the settings menu (Tire Jack
Mode, Transport Mode or Alignment Mode)
the system will remain disabled when the
vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air
suspension can be accomplished via the set-
tings menu or driving the vehicle above
5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode or Align-
ment Mode and 16 mph (26 km/h) for Trans-
port Mode.
NOTE:
• Most 3500 models will not lower to Alter-
nate Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
• Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
Ignition OFF Behavior
For a predetermined amount of time after the
ignition is off the air suspension may adjust
to maintain a proper appearance.
Refer to your Owner’s Manual for further
information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the sys-
tem. To avoid personal injury or damage to
the system, see your authorized dealer for
service.
Air Suspension Modes
The air suspension system has multiple
modes to protect the system in unique situa-
tions:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspen-
sion system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled. This mode
is intended to be enabled with engine run-
ning. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” if
equipped with a touch screen radio, in your
Owner’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.Alt Trailer Height Button
175

Transport Mode
To assist with flat bed towing, the air suspen-
sion system has a feature which will put the
vehicle below Normal Ride Height (NRH) and
disable the automatic load leveling system.
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Mul-
timedia” if equipped with a touch screen
radio, in your Owner’s Manual for further
information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this
mode must be enabled. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Multimedia” if equipped with a touch
screen radio, in your Owner’s Manual for
further information.NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension sys-
tem, the vehicle will disable load leveling as
required (suspension overloaded, battery
charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automati-
cally resume as soon as system operation
requirements are met. See your authorized
dealer if system does not resume.
SPEED CONTROL
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than
25 mph (40 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the
right side of the steering wheel.
Speed Control Buttons
1 — Push Cancel
2 — Push On/Off
3 — Push Resume/Accel
4 — Push Set/Decel
STARTING AND OPERATING
176

REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS
ENGINE
The fuel filler cap (gas cap) is located behind
the fuel filler door, on the left side of the
vehicle. Open the fuel door and remove the
fuel cap by turning it counter-clockwise.
NOTE:
When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler
door.
WARNING!
• Never have any smoking materials lit inor near the vehicle when the gas cap is
removed or the tank is being filled.
• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the
engine is running.
• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped
into a portable container that is inside of
a vehicle. You could be burned. Always
place gas containers on the ground while
filling.
CAUTION!
• Damage to the fuel system or emissionscontrol system could result from using
an improper fuel tank filler tube cap.
• A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
• A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause
the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)”
to turn on.
• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do
not “top off” the fuel tank after filling.
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts
off, the fuel tank is full.
NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “click- ing” sound. This is an indication that the
gas cap is tightened properly. The MIL in
the instrument cluster may turn on if the
gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the
vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
Static electricity can cause an ignition of
flammable liquid, vapor or gas in any ve-
hicle or trailer. To reduce risk of serious
injury or death when filling containers:
• Always place container on the ground before filling.
• Keep the pump nozzle in contact with
the container when you are filling it.
• Use only approved containers for flam-
mable liquid.
• Do not leave container unattended while
filling.
• A static electric charge could cause a
spark and fire hazard.
181

Materials Added To Fuel
Designated TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline
contains a higher level
of detergents to fur-
ther aide in minimiz-
ing engine and fuel
system deposits. When
available, the usage of
Top Tier Detergent gasoline is recommended.
Visit www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning
agents should be avoided. Many of these
materials intended for gum and varnish re-
moval may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients. These can harm fuel system gas-
ket and diaphragm materials.
REFUELING THE VEHICLE—
1500 DIESEL MODELS
1. Open the fuel filler door.NOTE:
There is no fuel filler cap. A flapper door
inside the filler pipe seals the system. 2. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler
pipe – the nozzle opens and holds the
flapper door while refueling.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel – when the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off the fuel tank is
full.
4. Remove the fuel nozzle and close the fuel door.
Emergency Fuel Can Refueling
Most fuel cans will not open the flapper door.
A funnel is provided to open the flapper door
to allow emergency refueling with a fuel can.
1. Retrieve fuel funnel from the jack kit located under the front passenger seat.
Fill Locations
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill
Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
STARTING AND OPERATING
182

2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe openingas the fuel nozzle.
NOTE:
Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold
flapper door open. 3. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
4. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off
prior to putting back in the jack kit.
WARNING!
• Never have any smoking materials lit inor near the vehicle when the fuel door is
open or the tank is being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is run-
ning. This is in violation of most state
and federal fire regulations and may
cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light”
to turn on.
• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always
place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do
not “top off” the fuel tank after filling.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective
Catalytic Reduction system to meet the very
stringent diesel emissions standards required
by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce
levels of NOx (oxides of nitrogen emitted from
engines) that are harmful to our health and
the environment to a near-zero level. Small
quantities of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is
injected into the exhaust upstream of a cata-
lyst where, when vaporized, it converts smog-
forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless
nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O), two
natural components of the air we breathe.
You can operate with the comfort that your
vehicle is contributing to a cleaner, healthier
world environment for this and generations to
come.
System Overview
This vehicle is equipped with a Diesel Ex-
haust Fluid (DEF) injection system and a
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst
to meet the emission requirements.
Fill Locations And Funnel Useage
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill
Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
3 — Emergency Diesel Fuel Fill Funnel
183

The DEF injection system consists of the
following components:
• DEF tank
• DEF pump
• DEF injector
• Electronically-heated DEF lines
• NOx sensors
• Temperature sensors
• SCR catalyst
The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst
enable the achievement of diesel emissions
requirements; while maintaining outstanding
fuel economy, drivability, torque and power
ratings.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
system messages and warnings.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injec-tion system. You may occasionally hear an
audible clicking noise from under the ve-
hicle at a stop. This is normal operation. • The DEF pump will run for a period of time
after engine shutdown to purge the DEF
system. This is normal operation and may
be audible from the rear of the vehicle.
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid
The DEF gauge (located on the instrument
cluster) will display the level of DEF remain-
ing in the tank. Refer to “Instrument Cluster”
and “Instrument Cluster Descriptions” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:
• Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed,load, etc.) will effect the amount of DEF
that is used in your vehicle.
• Another factor is that outside temperature can affect DEF consumption. In cold con-
ditions, 12° F (-11° C) and below, the DEF
gauge needle can stay on a fixed position
and may not move for extended periods of
time. This is a normal function of the sys-
tem. • There is an electric heater inside the DEF
tank that automatically works when neces-
sary. And if the DEF supply does freeze, the
truck will operate normally until it thaws.
DEF Fill Procedure
NOTE:
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Techni-
cal Specifications” for the correct fluid type.
1. Remove cap from DEF tank (located on
drivers side of the vehicle or in fuel door).
STARTING AND OPERATING
184

2. Insert DEF fill adapter/nozzle into DEFtank filler neck. NOTE:
• The DEF gauge may take up to five seconds to update after adding a gallon
or more of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
to the DEF tank. If you have a fault
related to the DEF system, the gauge
may not update to the new level. See
your authorized dealer for service.
• The DEF gauge may also not immedi- ately update after a refill if the tempera-
ture of the DEF fluid is below 12F
(-11C). The DEF line heater will possi-
bly warm up the DEF fluid and allow the
gauge to update after a period of run
time. Under very cold conditions, it is
possible that the gauge may not reflect
the new fill level for several drives.
CAUTION!
•To avoid DEF spillage, and possible dam-
age to the DEF tank from overfilling, do
not “top off” the DEF tank after filling.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT OVERFILL. DEF will freeze be-
low 12ºF (-11ºC). The DEF system is
designed to work in temperatures below
the DEF freezing point, however, if the
tank is overfilled and freezes, the system
could be damaged.
• When DEF is spilled, clean the area immediately with water and use an ab-
sorbent material to soak up the spills on
the ground.
• Do not attempt to start your engine if DEF is accidentally added to the diesel
fuel tank as it can result in severe dam-
age to your engine, including but not
limited to failure of the fuel pump and
injectors.
Fill Locations
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill
Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
185

2. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the fillerpipe – the nozzle opens and holds the
flapper door while refueling.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel – when the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off the fuel tank is
full.
4. Remove the fuel nozzle and close the fuel door.
Emergency Fuel Can Refueling
Most fuel cans will not open the flapper door.
A funnel is provided to open the flapper door
to allow emergency refueling with a fuel can.
1. Retrieve fuel funnel from the jack kit located under the front passenger seat.
2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel nozzle.
NOTE:
Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold
flapper door open.
3. Pour fuel into funnel opening. 4. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off
prior to putting back in the jack kit.
WARNING!
• Never have any smoking materials lit inor near the vehicle when the fuel door is
open or the tank is being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is run-
ning. This is in violation of most state
and federal fire regulations and may
cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light”
to turn on.
• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always
place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do
not “top off” the fuel tank after filling.
Fill Locations And Funnel Useage
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill
Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
3 — Emergency Diesel Fuel Fill Funnel
187

Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective
Catalytic Reduction system to meet the very
stringent diesel emissions standards re-
quired by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce
levels of NOx (oxides of nitrogen emitted from
engines) that are harmful to our health and
the environment to a near-zero level. Small
quantities of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is
injected into the exhaust upstream of a cata-
lyst where, when vaporized, it converts smog-
forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless
nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O), two
natural components of the air we breathe.
You can operate with the comfort that your
vehicle is contributing to a cleaner, healthier
world environment for this and generations to
come.
System Overview
This vehicle is equipped with a Diesel Ex-
haust Fluid (DEF) injection system and a
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst
to meet the emission requirements.The DEF injection system consists of the
following components:
• DEF tank
• DEF pump
• DEF injector
• Electronically-heated DEF lines
• DEF control module
• NOx sensors
• Temperature sensors
• SCR catalyst
• UQS Sensor
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
system messages and warnings.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injec-
tion system. You may occasionally hear an
audible clicking noise. This is normal op-
eration.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after engine shutdown to purge the DEF
system. This is normal operation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a
very stable product with a long shelf life. If
DEF is kept in temperatures between 10° and
90°F (-12° and 32°C), it will last a minimum
of one year.
DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest tem-
peratures. For example, DEF may freeze at
temperatures at or below 12° F (-11° C). The
system has been designed to operate in this
environment.
NOTE:
When working with DEF, it is important to
know that:
• Any containers or parts that come into con-tact with DEF must be DEF compatible
(plastic or stainless steel). Copper, brass,
aluminum, iron or non-stainless steel
should be avoided as they are subject to
corrosion by DEF.
• If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up completely.
STARTING AND OPERATING
188