suspension Ram 1500 2013 User Guide

NOTE:Bass/Mid/Treble allow you to simply slide your
finger up or down to change the setting as well as touch
directly on the desired setting.
• Speed Adjusted Volume
This feature increases or decreases volume relative to
vehicle speed. To change the Speed Adjusted Volume
touch the Off, 1, 2 or 3 soft-key. Then touch the arrow
back soft-key.
• Surround Sound
This feature provides simulated surround sound mode.
To make your selection, touch the Surround Sound
soft-key, select On or Off followed by pressing the arrow
back soft-key.
Phone/Bluetooth
After pressing the Phone/Bluetooth soft-key the follow-
ing settings will be available. •
Paired Devices
This feature shows which phones are paired to the
Phone/Bluetooth system. For further information, refer
to the Uconnect® Access User’s Manual.
Air Suspension – If Equipped
After pressing the Suspension soft-key the following
settings will be available.
• Sound Horn with Remote Lower
When this feature is selected, a short horn sound will
occur when the RKE transmitter REMOTE LOWER but-
ton is pressed. Touch the box next to your selection and
a check-mark appears next to the feature showing the
system has been activated or the check-mark is removed
showing the system has been deactivated..
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 309

•Flash Lights with Remote Lower
When this feature is selected, the front and rear turn
signals will flash when the RKE transmitter REMOTE
LOWER button is pressed twice. This feature may be
selected with or without the sound horn on lower feature
selected. Touch the box next to your selection and a
check-mark appears next to the feature showing the
system has been activated or the check-mark is removed
showing the system has been deactivated.
• Suspension Display Messages
When All is selected, all the Air Suspension Alerts will be
displayed. When Warnings Only is selected only the Air
Suspension Warnings will be displayed.
• Automatic Aero Mode
When this feature is selected the Ride Height will auto-
matically be adjusted depending on the vehicle speed.
Touch the box next to your selection and a check-mark appears next to the feature showing the system has been
activated or the check-mark is removed showing the
system has been deactivated.
•
Tire Jack Mode
When this feature is selected the air suspension system is
disabled to assist with changing a spare tire. Touch the
box next to your selection and a check-mark appears next
to the feature showing the system has been activated or
the check-mark is removed showing the system has been
deactivated.
• Transport Mode
When this feature is selected the air suspension system is
disabled to assist with flat bed towing. Touch the box
next to your selection and a check-mark appears next to
the feature showing the system has been activated or the
check-mark is removed showing the system has been
deactivated.
310 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .354
▫ Eight–Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .......................... .354
▫ Six–Speed Automatic Transmission If Equipped —
1500 Models Only .....................361
▫ Six–Speed Automatic Transmission (5.7L Engine)
— 2500/3500 Models Only ..............373
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .384
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case –
If Equipped ......................... .384
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Four-Position
Switch) – If Equipped ..................388
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Five-Position
Switch) – If Equipped ..................394 ▫
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Five-Position
Switch) – If Equipped ..................398
 AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED . .406
▫ Description ......................... .406
▫ Air Suspension Modes ..................410
▫ Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Display Messages .....................411
▫ Operation .......................... .412
 AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM (2500 MODELS ONLY) —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .413
 STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY ....................... .416
 SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY.............................. .418
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AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time load level-
ing capability along with the benefit of being able to
adjust vehicle height by the push of a button.
1 — Up Button
2 — Down Button
3 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator Lamp
(Customer selectable)
4 — Normal Ride Height Indicator Lamp
(Customer selectable)
5 — Off-Road 1 Indicator Lamp (Customer selectable)
6 — Off-Road 2 Indicator Lamp (Customer selectable)
NOTE: The vehicle will automatically enter Aero Mode
when the vehicle speed remains between 62 mph
(100 km/h) and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20
seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph
(106 km/h).
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard
position of the suspension and is meant for normal
driving.
Air Suspension Switch
410 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your
key fob for easier entry/loading. Refer to “A Word About
Your Keys” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.
• When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance re-
quired for certain areas and vehicle damage may
occur.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors,
must be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the
vehicle is lowering the change will not be completed
until the open door(s) is closed.
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into on-
coming traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will move up first and then the front. When
lowering the vehicle, the front will move down first and
then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the
air suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure
a proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling
to be disabled. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
If equipped with a touch screen radio all
enabling/disabling of air suspension features must be
done through the radio. Refer to “Uconnect™ Access
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure
volume of air to operate the system. To avoid per-
sonal 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 situations:
•Tire/Jack Mode
• To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspen-
sion system has a feature which allows the automatic
leveling to be disabled. This mode is intended to be
used with engine running. Refer to “Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information. •
Transport Mode
• To assist with flat bed towing, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the vehicle into
Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic load
leveling system. This mode is intended to be used
with engine running. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
• Wheel Alignment Mode
• Before performing a wheel alignment this mode
must be enabled. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.
• Protection Mode
• In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the
vehicle will enter Protection Mode when load level-
ing cannot be achieved. Some driving may be re-
quired to clear the protection mode telltale in the
414 STARTING AND OPERATING

EVIC. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
• If equipped with a touch screen radio all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done
through the radio. Refer to “Uconnect® Access Set-
tings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the EVIC display. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error
has been detected.
Operation
The indicator lamps 3 through 6 will illuminate to show
the current position of the vehicle. Flashing indicator
lamps will show a position which the system is working
to achieve. When raising, if multiple indicator lamps are
flashing, the highest flashing indicator lamp is the posi-
tion the system is working to achieve. When lowering, if
multiple indicators are flashing, the lowest solid indica-
tor lamp is the position the system is working to achieve.
Pressing the “UP” button once will move the suspension
one position higher from the current position, assuming
all conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position,
engine running, speed below threshold, etc). The “UP”
button can be pressed multiple times, each press will
raise the requested level by one position up to a maxi-
mum position of OR2 or the highest position allowed
based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
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NOTE:The rear axle must be locked before the front axle
will lock.
To unlock the front axle; move the axle locker switch to
REAR LOCK. The FRONT/REAR LOCK indicator light
will go out when the axle is unlocked.
NOTE: The axle lockers could be torque locked due to
side to side loads on the axle. Driving slowly while
turning the steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right
hand turn or driving in REVERSE for a short distance
may be required to release the torque lock and unlock the
axles.
To unlock the rear axle; move the axle locker switch to
AXLE UNLOCK. The REAR LOCK indicator light will go
out when the rear axle is unlocked.STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic disconnecting
stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front
suspension travel in off-road situations.
Due to the use of taller springs, this vehicle has an
increased ride height of approximately 1.9 in (48.3 mm)
in the front and 1.5 in (38.1 mm) in the rear. A major
advantage to increasing ride height is the positive effect
it has on approach/departure and break over angles.
This system is controlled by the electronic control sway
bar switch located on the instrument panel.
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press the right hand Off Road stabilizer/sway bar button
to obtain the Off-Road position. The amber indicator
light will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been
fully disconnected.
NOTE:The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked
due to left and right suspension height differences. This
condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle
loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to
disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar
must be aligned. This alignment may require that the
vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side
to side.
To return to the On-Road mode; press the left hand On
Road stabilizer/sway bar button .WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to On-Road
mode, vehicle stability is greatly reduced. Do not
attempt to drive the vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h).
Driving faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss
of control of the vehicle, which could result in
serious injury or death. Contact your local service
center for assistance.
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle Characteristics
Your vehicle has excellent on and off-road capabilities.
These off-road capabilities will allow you to explore
those wilderness trails where few travel, providing a
source of exciting and satisfying recreation. Before you
venture out, you should contact your local governmental
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After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual. •
Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
• After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
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