service Ram 2500 2018 User Guide

2018 USER GUIDE
1500/2500/3500
18DS-926-AA
RAM TRUCKS 1500/2500/3500
SECOND EDITION
USER guide
©2017 FCA US LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RAM IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF FCA US LLC.
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Congratulations on selecting your new FCA
US LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents
precision workmanship, distinctive styling,
and high quality.
ALWAYS drive safely and pay attention to the
road. ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on
the steering wheel. You have full responsibil-
ity and assume all risks related to the use of
the features and applications in this vehicle.
Only use the features and applications when
it is safe to do so. Failure to do so may result
in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
This guide illustrates and describes the op-
eration of features and equipment that are
either standard or optional on this vehicle.
This guide may also include a description of
features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle.
Please disregard any features and equipment
described in this guide that are not available
on this vehicle. FCA US LLC reserves the
right to make changes in design and specifi-
cations and/or make additions to or improve-ments to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on prod-
ucts previously manufactured.
This User Guide has been prepared to help
you quickly become acquainted with the im-
portant features of your vehicle. It contains
most things you will need to operate and
maintain the vehicle, including emergency
information.
When it comes to service, remember that your
authorized dealer knows your vehicle best,
has factory-trained technicians and genuine
MOPAR
®parts, and cares about your satis-
faction.
HOW TO FIND YOUR OWNER’S
MANUAL ONLINE
This publication has been prepared as a ref-
erence item to help you quickly become ac-
quainted with the most important features
and processes of your vehicle. It contains
most things you will need to operate and
maintain the vehicle, including emergency
information and procedures. This User Guide is not a replacement for the full
Owner’s Manual, and does not fully cover every
operation and procedure possible with your ve-
hicle.
For more detailed descriptions of the topics
discussed in this User Guide, as well as
information covering features and processes
not covered in this User Guide, the full ve-
hicle Owner’s Manual can be accessed for
free online in a printer-friendly PDF format.
To get the full Owner’s Manual or applicable
supplement for your vehicle, follow the appro-
priate web address below:
www.mopar.com/en-us/care/owners-manual.html
(U.S. Residents)
www.owners.mopar.ca
(Canadian Residents)
FCA US LLC is committed to protecting our
environment and natural resources. By con-
verting from paper to electronic delivery for
the majority of the user information for your
vehicle, together we greatly reduce the de-
mand for tree-based products and lessen the
stress on our environment.
WELCOME FROM FCA US LLC
1

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Essential Information
Each time direction instructions (left/right or
forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are
given, these must be intended as regarding
an occupant in the driver's seat. Special
cases not complying with this rule will be
properly specified in the text.
The figures in this User Guide are provided by
way of example only: this might imply that
some details of the image do not correspond
to the actual arrangement of your vehicle.
In addition, the User Guide has been conceived
considering vehicles with steering wheel on the
left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles
with steering wheel on the right side, the posi-
tion or construction of some controls is not
exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information
needed you can consult the index at the end
of this User Guide.
Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedi-
cated graphic tabs, at the side of each oddpage. A few pages further there is a key for
getting to know the chapter order and the
relevant symbols in the tabs. There is anyway
a textual indication of the current chapter at
the side of each even page.
Symbols
Some vehicle components have colored la-
bels whose symbols indicate precautions to
be observed when using this component.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
While reading this User Guide you will find a
series of WARNINGS to be followed to pre-
vent incorrect use of components which
could cause accidents or injuries.
There are also CAUTIONS that must be fol-
lowed to prevent against procedures that
could result in damage to your vehicle.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
apply to body modifications or special equip-
ment installed by van conversion/camper
manufacturers/body builders. U.S. residents
refer to the Warranty Information book, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the “What Is
Not Covered” section of the Warranty Informa-
tion book. Such equipment includes video
monitors, VCRs, heaters, stoves, refrigerators,
etc. For warranty coverage and service on these
items, contact the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equip-
ment installed by the conversion/camper
manufacturer should also be supplied with
your vehicle. If these instructions are miss-
ing, please contact your authorized dealer for
assistance in obtaining replacement docu-
ments from the applicable manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builder’s Guide
refer to www.rambodybuilder.com. This web-
site contains dimensional and technical
specifications for your vehicle. It is intended
for Second Stage Manufacturer's technical
support. For service issues, contact your au-
thorized dealer.
INTRODUCTION
2

Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of
manual override features. The AUTO symbol
in the front ATC display will be turned off
when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
Operating Tips
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to pro-
vide proper corrosion protection and to pro-
tect against engine overheating. OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and de-
froster performance, make sure the engine
cooling system is functioning properly and
the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Use of the Air Recircula-
tion mode during Winter months is not rec-
ommended, because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for
about five minutes, in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the
system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in
mild, rainy, and/or humid weather. To clear
the windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and
increase the front blower speed. Do not use
the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in
front of the windshield, is free of obstruc-
tions, such as leaves. Leaves collected in the
air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In Winter months, make sure the air
intake is clear of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust
and pollen from the air. Contact an autho-
rized dealer to service your cabin air filter,
and to have it replaced when needed.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
48

• Push and release thedownarrow button to
scroll downward through the main menu
items, submenu screen, and vehicle set-
tings.
• Push and release the rightarrow button to
access/select the information screens or
submenu screens of a main menu item.
Push and hold the RIGHT arrow button for
two seconds to reset displayed/selected
features that can be reset.
• Push and release the leftarrow button to
access/select the information screens, sub-
menu screens of a main menu item, or to
return to the main menu.
Diesel Messages And Warnings —
3.0L Diesel Engine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
WARNING!
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your ve-
hicle or engine. Refer to the following mes-
sages that may be displayed on your instru-
ment cluster:
• Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely Drive at High-
way Speeds to Remedy — This message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster if the
exhaust particulate filter reaches 80% of
its maximum storage capacity. Under con-
ditions of exclusive short duration and low
speed driving cycles, your diesel engine
and exhaust after-treatment system may
never reach the conditions required to
cleanse the filter to remove the trapped
PM. If this occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX%
Full Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to
Remedy” message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster display. If this message
is displayed, you will hear one chime to
assist in alerting you of this condition. By simply driving your vehicle at highway
speeds for up to 20 minutes, you can rem-
edy the condition in the particulate filter
system and allow your diesel engine and
exhaust after-treatment system to cleanse
the filter to remove the trapped PM and
restore the system to normal operating con-
dition.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — This message
indicates that the Diesel Particulate Filter
(DPF) is self-cleaning. Maintain your cur-
rent driving condition until regeneration is
completed.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed
— This message indicates that the Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) self-cleaning is
completed. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting
you of this condition.
• Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer Now
— This messages indicates regeneration
has been disabled due to a system malfunc-
67

tion. At this point the engine Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) will register a fault
code, the instrument panel will display a
MIL light.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
• Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the after-
treatment system. If this condition is not
corrected and a dealer service is not per-
formed, extensive exhaust after-treatment
damage can occur. To correct this condition
it will be necessary to have your vehicle
serviced by your local authorized dealer. NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent
the diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and re-
duced engine power. Only an authorized
dealer will be able to correct this condition.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Mes-
sages
Your vehicle will begin displaying warning
messages when the DEF level reaches a driv-
ing range of approximately 500 miles
(800 km). If the following warning message
sequence is ignored, your vehicle may not
restart unless DEF is added with in the dis-
played mileage shown in the cluster mes-
sage. •
Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi DEF Low
Refill Soon — This message will display
when DEF driving range is less than
500 miles, DEF fluid top off is required
with in the displayed mileage. The message
will be displayed in the cluster during ve-
hicle start up with the current allowed mile-
age and accompanied by a single chime.
The remaining mileage can be pulled up
anytime by way of the “Messages” list
within the instrument cluster display.
• Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi Refill DEF
— This message will display when DEF
driving range is less than 200 miles. It is
also displayed at 150 miles and 100 miles.
DEF fluid top off is required with in the
displayed mileage. The message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster display
during vehicle start up with an updated
distance mileage, and it will be accompa-
nied by a single chime. Starting at
100 miles, remaining range will be con-
tinuously displayed while operating the ve-
hicle. Chimes will also accompany the 75,
50 and 25 mile remaining distances. The
DEF Low telltale will be on continuously
until DEF fluid is topped off.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
68

•Engine Will Not Restart Refill DEF — This
message will display when the DEF driving
range is less than 1 mile, DEF fluid top off
is required or the engine will not restart.
The message will be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster display during vehicle start
up, and it will be accompanied by a single
chime. The DEF Low telltale will be illumi-
nated continuously until DEF fluid tank is
filled with a minimum of two gallons of
DEF.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages
There are different messages which are dis-
played if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced
the following warnings will display:
• Service DEF System See Dealer — This mes-
sage will display when the fault is initially
detected and each time the vehicle is
started. The message will be accompanied
by a single chime and the Malfunction Indicator Light. We recommend you drive to
your nearest authorized dealer and have
your vehicle serviced immediately. If not
corrected in 50 miles, vehicle will enter the
“Engine Will not restart in XXXmi Service
DEF See dealer” warning stage and mes-
sage.
• Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This
message will display if the DEF system has
detected the incorrect fluid has been intro-
duced to the DEF tank. The message will be
accompanied by a single chime. We recom-
mend you drive to your nearest authorized
dealer and have your vehicle serviced im-
mediately. If not corrected in 30 miles,
vehicle will enter the “Engine Will not re-
start in XXX mi Service DEF See dealer”
warning stage and message.
• Engine Will Not Restart in XXX mi Service DEF
See Dealer — This message is first dis-
played if the fault detected is not serviced
after 50 miles of operation. It is also dis-
played at 150 miles 125 miles and
100 miles. System service is required
within the displayed mileage. The message
will be displayed during vehicle start up
with an updated distance mileage, and it will be accompanied by a single chime.
Starting at 100 miles, remaining range will
be continuously displayed while operating
the vehicle. Chimes will also accompany
the 75, 50 and 25 mile remaining dis-
tances. We recommend you drive to your
nearest authorized dealer and have your
vehicle serviced immediately.
• Engine Will Not Restart Service DEF System
See Dealer — This message will display if
DEF system issue detected is not serviced
during the allowed period. Your engine will
not restart unless your vehicle is serviced by
your authorized dealer. This message will
be displayed when under 1 mile until en-
gine will not start and each time the vehicle
is started, and will be continuously dis-
played. The message will be accompanied
by a single chime. Your Malfunction Indi-
cator Light will be continuously illumined.
We highly recommend you drive to your
nearest authorized dealer if the message
appears while engine is running.
• Engine Will Not Start Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will display when
the fault detected is not serviced after the
Engine will not restart Service DEF System
69

See Dealer message is displayed on the
next subsequent restart. Your engine will
not start unless your vehicle is serviced by
your authorized dealer. The message will be
accompanied by a single chime. Your Mal-
function Indicator Light will be continu-
ously illuminated. If the message appears
and you can not start the engine, we rec-
ommend you have your vehicle towed to
your nearest authorized dealer
immediately.
Diesel Messages And Warnings
— 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins diesel engine meets all diesel
emissions standards, resulting in one of the
lowest emitting diesel engines ever pro-
duced. To achieve these emissions stan-
dards, your vehicle is equipped with a state-
of-the-art engine and exhaust system. These
systems are seamlessly integrated into your
vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM). The PCM manages enginecombustion to allow the exhaust system’s
catalyst to trap and burn Particulate Matter
(PM) pollutants, with no input or interaction
on your part.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your ve-
hicle or engine. The following messages may
display in your instrument cluster display:
• Perform Service — Your vehicle will require
emissions maintenance at a set interval. To
help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the instrument cluster display will
display “Perform Service”. When the “Per-
form Service” message is displayed in the
instrument cluster display it is necessary to
have the emissions maintenance per-
formed. Emissions maintenance may in- clude replacing the Closed Crankcase Ven-
tilation (CCV) filter element. The procedure
for clearing and resetting the "Perform Ser-
vice" indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration Required
Now — "Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely
Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy" will
be displayed in the instrument cluster dis-
play if the exhaust particulate filter reaches
80% of its maximum storage capacity. Un-
der conditions of exclusive short duration
and low speed driving cycles, your Cum-
mins diesel engine and exhaust after-
treatment system may never reach the con-
ditions required to remove the trapped PM.
If this occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX% Full
Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to Rem-
edy” message will be displayed in the in-
strument cluster display. If this message is
displayed, you will hear one chime to assist
in alerting you of this condition
By simply driving your vehicle at highway
speeds for as little as 45 minutes, you can
remedy the condition in the particulate filter
system and allow your Cummins diesel en-
gine and exhaust after-treatment system to
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
70

remove the trapped PM and restore the sys-
tem to normal operating condition.
•Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — Indicates that the
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is self-
cleaning. Maintain your current driving
condition until regeneration is completed.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed
— This message indicates that the Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) self-cleaning is
completed. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting
you of this condition.
• Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer Now
— This message indicates regeneration has
been disabled due to a system malfunction.
At this point the engine Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) will register a fault code, the
instrument panel will display a MIL light.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation. •
Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the after-
treatment system. If this condition is not
corrected and a dealer service is not per-
formed, extensive exhaust after-treatment
damage can occur. To correct this condition
it will be necessary to have your vehicle
serviced by your local authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent
the diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and re-
duced engine power. Only an authorized
dealer will be able to correct this condition.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a
derate (engine power reduction) is activated
to protect the turbocharger during engine
start up in cold ambient temperatures.
• Engine Power Reduced During Warmup —
This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between
10° F (-12° C) and -10° F (-23° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Sec-
onds) During Warmup — This message will
display during start up when the ambient
temperature is between -10° F (-23° C) and
-25 F (-32° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup — This message will display
during start up when the ambient tempera-
ture is -25° F (-32° C) and below.
• Coolant Low — This telltale will turn
on to indicate the vehicle coolant level
is low. Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servic-
ing And Maintenance” in the Owner’s
Manual at www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owner-manual.html (U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Resi-
dents) for further information.
71

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Mes-
sages
There are four different messages which are
displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected. The ve-
hicle may be limited to a maximum speed of
5 MPH (8 km/H) if the DEF system is not
serviced within less than 200 miles (322 km)
of the fault being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced
the following warnings will display:
•DEF Low Refill Soon — This message will
display when the low level is reached, dur-
ing vehicle start up, and with increased
frequency during vehicle operation. It will
be accompanied by a single chime. Ap-
proximately 5 gallons (19 Liters) of DEF is
required to refill the tank when this mes-
sage is initially displayed. on pickup appli-
cations, and approximately 7 gallons
(26 Liters) are required on chassis-cab ap-
plications. •
Speed Limited to 5 MPH in XXX mi Refill DEF
— This message will continuously display if
the “DEF Low Refill Soon” message is
ignored, and the frequency of occurrence of
the chime will increase unless up to 2 gal-
lons (7.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the
tank.
• 5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or
Refuel Refill DEF — This message will con-
tinuously display when the counter reaches
zero, and will be accompanied by a periodic
chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a maxi-
mum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of the
following conditions to occur: – If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
– If the vehicle is idled for an extendedperiod of time, approximately one hour
or greater.
– If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank has increased. Add a minimum of 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of
DEF to the tank in order to avoid vehicle
operation at a maximum speed of 5 MPH
(8 km/H).
NOTE:
A minimum of 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) may be
required to restore normal vehicle operation.
Although the vehicle will start normally and
can be placed in gear after this message has
been initially displayed, extreme caution
should be utilized since the vehicle will only
be capable of maneuvering at a maximum
speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages
There are five different messages which are
displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected. The ve-
hicle may be limited to a maximum speed of
5 MPH (8 km/H) if the DEF system is not
serviced within less than 200 miles (322 km)
of the fault being detected.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
72