wiring Ram 1500 2018 User Guide

EASY-OFF TAILGATE
To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an
overhang, the tailgate can be removed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a rear camera
or Remote Keyless Entry, the electrical con-
nector must be disconnected prior to remov-
ing the tailgate.
Removing The Tailgate
1. Disconnect the wiring harness for the rearcamera or Remote Keyless Entry (if
equipped).
2. Unlatch the tailgate and remove the sup- port cables by releasing the lock tang from
the pivot. 3. Raise the right side of the tailgate until
the right side pivot clears the hanger
bracket.
4. Slide the entire tailgate to the right to free the left side pivot.
5. Remove the tailgate from the vehicle.
NOTE:
Do not carry the tailgate loose in the truck
pickup box.Locking Tailgate
The lock is located next to the tailgate
handle. The tailgate can be locked using the
vehicle key or by locking the truck with the
key fob if equipped with remote keyless entry.
TRI-FOLD TONNEAU COVER
The Tonneau Cover can be removed and rein-
stalled by using the locking clamps located
underneath the Tonneau Cover. Refer to the
Owner’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
Be sure that the Tonneau Cover is secured
before driving.
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WARNING!
• Failure to replace the seat belt assemblycould increase the risk of injury in colli-
sions.
• Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode
to restrain occupants who are wearing
the seat belt or children who are using
booster seats. The locked mode is only
used to install rear-facing or forward-
facing child restraints that have a har-
ness for restraining the child.
Supplemental Restraint Systems
(SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask your autho-
rized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect
you in a collision. The Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) monitors the internal circuits
and interconnecting wiring associated with the electrical Air Bag System Components. Your
vehicle may be equipped with the following Air
Bag System Components:
Air Bag System Components
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
• Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags
• Front and Side Impact Sensors — If
Equipped
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
Air Bag Warning Light
The ORC monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system whenever
the ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN
position. If the ignition switch is in the OFF
position or in the ACC position, the air bag
system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system
even if the battery loses power or it becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light
in the instrument panel for approximately
four to eight seconds for a self-check when
the ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN
position. After the self-check, the Air Bag
Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects
a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either
momentarily or continuously. A single chime
will sound to alert you if the light comes on
again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag
Warning Light if a malfunction is detected
that could affect the air bag system. The
diagnostics also record the nature of the
malfunction. While the air bag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of
the following occurs, have an authorized
dealer service the air bag system immedi-
ately.
SAFETY
104

Rollover Events (If Equipped With Rollover
Sensing)
Side Air Bags are designed to activate in
certain rollover events. The Occupant Re-
straint Controller (ORC) determines whether
the deployment of the Side Air Bags in a
particular rollover event is appropriate, based
on the severity and type of collision. Vehicle
damage by itself is not a good indicator of
whether or not Side Air Bags should have
deployed.
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all
rollover events. The rollover sensing-system
determines if a rollover event may be in
progress and whether deployment is appro-
priate. A slower-developing event may deploy
the seat belt pretensioners on both sides of
the vehicle. A faster-developing event may
deploy the seat belt pretensioners as well as
the Side Air Bags on both sides of the vehicle.
The rollover sensing-system may also deploy
the seat belt pretensioners, with or without
the Side Air Bags, on both sides of the vehicle
if the vehicle experiences a near rollover
event.The SABICs may help reduce the risk of
partial or complete ejection of vehicle occu-
pants through side windows in certain roll-
over or side impact events.
Air Bag System Components
NOTE:
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
monitors the internal circuits and intercon-
necting wiring associated with electrical Air
Bag System Components listed below:
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
• Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags
• Front and Side Impact Sensors — If
Equipped
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is
wrong with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the
air bags, any or all of the following may occur:
• The air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the oc-
cupants as the air bags deploy and unfold.
The abrasions are similar to friction rope
burns or those you might get sliding along a
carpet or gymnasium floor. They are not
caused by contact with chemicals. They are
not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly
within a few days, or if you have any blis-
tering, see your doctor immediately.
• As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a
normal by-product of the process that gen-
erates the non-toxic gas used for air bag
inflation. These airborne particles may irri-
tate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you
113

have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area
with cool water. For nose or throat irritation,
move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on
your clothing, follow the garment manufac-
turer’s instructions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags
have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the air bags will not be in place to
protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt preten-
sioners cannot protect you in another col-
lision. Have the air bags, seat belt preten-
sioners, and the seat belt retractor
assemblies replaced by an authorized
dealer immediately. Also, have the Occu-
pant Restraint Controller System serviced
as well.
NOTE:
• Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but they will open during air
bag deployment. • After any collision, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communica-
tion network remains intact, and the power
remains intact, depending on the nature of
the event, the ORC will determine whether to
have the Enhanced Accident Response Sys-
tem perform the following functions:
• Cut off fuel to the engine.
• Flash hazard lights as long as the batteryhas power or until the hazard light button is
pressed. The hazard lights can be deacti-
vated by pressing the hazard light button.
• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the battery has power.
• Unlock the power door locks.
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System functions after an event, the
ignition switch must be changed from igni-
tion START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF. Care-
fully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on the ground near
the engine compartment and fuel tank before
resetting the system and starting the engine.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
• Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you
need it. You could be injured if the air
bag system is not there to protect you.
Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim
cover or the upper right side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the
front bumper, vehicle body structure, or
add aftermarket side steps or running
boards.
• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of
the air bag system yourself. Be sure to
tell anyone who works on your vehicle
that it has an air bag system.
• Do not attempt to modify any part of your
air bag system. The air bag may inflate
accidentally or may not function prop-
SAFETY
114

The user interface consists of the following:
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the
left to activate power to the trailer's electric
brakes independent of the tow vehicle's
brakes. If the manual brake control lever isactivated while the brake is also applied, the
greater of the two inputs determines the
power sent to the trailer brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle's brake lamps will
come on when either vehicle braking or
manual trailer brakes are applied.
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical con-
nection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after
the ignition is turned on, pushing the GAIN
adjustment button or sliding the manual
brake control lever will display the GAIN
setting for 10 seconds and the “Trailer Brake
Status Indicator Light” will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the
“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will
flash.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake
control power output to the trailer brakes in
0.5 increments. The GAIN setting can be
increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased
to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer
brake control for the specific towing condi-
tion and should be changed as towing condi-
tions change. Changes to towing conditions
include trailer load, vehicle load, road condi-
tions and weather.
Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:
This should only be performed in a traffic free
environment at speeds of approximately 20–
25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.
Adjustment Buttons
1 — Decrease (-)
2 — Increase (+)
193

nate and an audible chime will be heard. At
this point, you should stop the engine and
drain the water from the filter housing.
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START the engine be-
fore you drain water from the fuel filter to
avoid engine damage.
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes
on and a single chime is heard while you are
driving, or with the ignition in the ON posi-
tion, there may be a problem with your water
separator wiring or sensor. See your autho-
rized dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from the
fuel filter, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light”
will remain illuminated for approximately
10 seconds. If the water was drained while
the engine was running, the “Water In Fuel
Indicator Light” may remain on for approxi-
mately three minutes. NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indis-
criminately discarded, can present a problem
to the environment. Contact an authorized
dealer, service station, or government agency
for advice on recycling programs and for
where used fluids and filters can be properly
disposed of in your area.
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” is ON. Within
10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn the
filter drain valve (located on the bottom of the
filter housing) counterclockwise to drain fuel/
water, then turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, and allow any accumulated water to
drain. Leave the drain valve open until all
water and contaminants have been removed.
When clean fuel is visible, close the drain
valve by turning it clockwise, and turn the
ignition switch to OFF.
If more than two ounces or 60 milliliters of
fuel have been drained, follow the directions
for “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel.”
Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
NOTE:
Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer's filtration and water separat-
ing requirements can severely impact fuel
system life and reliability.
CAUTION!
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
• Do not prefill the fuel filter when install-
ing a new fuel filter. There is a possibility
debris could be introduced into the fuel
filter during this action. It is best to
install the filter dry and allow the in-tank
lift pump to prime the fuel system.
1. Turn engine off.
2. Place a drain pan under the fuel filter assembly.
3. Open the water drain valve, and let any accumulated water drain.
4. Close the water drain valve.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
250

position, there may be a problem with your
water separator wiring or sensor. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Upon proper draining of the water from both
fuel filters, the “Water In Fuel Indicator
Light” will remain illuminated for approxi-
mately 10 seconds. If the water was drained
while the engine was running, the “Water In
Fuel Indicator Light” may remain on for ap-
proximately three minutes.
NOTE:
Care should be taken in disposing of used
fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids, indis-
criminately discarded, can present a problem
to the environment. Contact an authorized
dealer, service station, or government agency
for advice on recycling programs and for
where used fluids and filters can be properly
disposed of in your area.
Drain the fuel/water separator filters when
the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” is ON.
Within 10 minutes of vehicle shutdown, turn
the engine mounted filter drain valve (located
on the side of the filter assembly) counter-
clockwise 1/4 turn, and turn the under body
mounted filter drain valve (located on thebottom of the filter assembly) counterclock
wise 1 full turn. Then turn the ignition switch
to the ON position, and allow any accumu-
lated water to drain. Leave the drain valve
open until all water and contaminants have
been removed. When clean fuel is visible,
close the drain valves by turning them fully
clockwise, and turn the ignition switch to
OFF.
If more than a couple ounces/milliliters of
fuel have been drained, follow the directions
for “Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel.”
Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement
NOTE:
• Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer's filtration and water separat-
ing requirements can severely impact fuel
system life and reliability.
• The engine mounted filter housing is equipped with a No-Filter-No-Run (NFNR)
feature. Engine will not run if:
1. No filter is installed. 2. Inferior/Non-approved filter is used.
Use of OEM filter is required to ensure
vehicle will run.
CAUTION!
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop pavingsurfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
• Do not prefill the fuel filter when install-
ing a new fuel filter. There is a possibility
debris could be introduced into the fuel
filter during this action. It is best to
install the filter dry and allow the in-tank
lift pump to prime the fuel system.
1. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve 1/4 turn coun- terclockwise and completely drain fuel
and water into the approved container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate counterclockwise for re-
moval. Remove used o-ring and discard it.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
254