Ram 1500 2018 User Guide

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front drive-
shaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two–wheel drive
position (2WD) or four-wheel drive position
(4WD AUTO) for normal street and highwayconditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driv-
ing the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD
AUTO mode can be used. In this mode, the
front axle is engaged, but the vehicle's power
is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive
will be automatically engaged when the ve-
hicle senses a loss of traction. Because the
front axle is engaged, this mode will result in
lower fuel economy than the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW po-
sitions can be used to maximize torque to the
front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished pushing the desired position
on the 4WD Control Switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of your Owner’s
Manual for further details.WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N)
position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the pow-
ertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in
PARK (or manual transmission is in
gear). The parking brake should always
be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK
if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
169

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(1500 MODELS) — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time
load leveling capability along with the benefit
of being able to adjust vehicle height by the
push of a button.Automatic height changes will occur based
on vehicle speed and the current vehicle
height. The indicator lamps and instrument
cluster messages will operate the same for
automatic changes and user requested
changes.
•
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 1 in (26 mm)) - This position should
be the primary position for all off-road driv-
ing until Off Road 2 (OR2) is needed. A
smoother and more comfortable ride will
result. To enter OR1, push the “Up” button
once from the NRH position while the ve-
hicle speed is below 35 mph (56 km/h).
When in the OR1 position, if the vehicle
speed remains between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 50 mph (80 km/h) for greater than
20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds
50 mph (80 km/h), the vehicle will be
automatically lowered to NRH. Off-Road
1 may not be available due to vehicle pay-
load, an instrument cluster message will be
displayed when this occurs. Refer to “In- strument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Own-
er’s Manual for further information.
• Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 2 in (51 mm)) - This position is
intended for off-roading use only where
maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR2, push the “Up” button twice
from the NRH position or once from the
OR1 position while vehicle speed is below
20 mph (32 km/h). While in OR2, if the
vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the vehicle height will be automatically
lowered to OR1. Off-Road 2 may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru-
ment cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual
for further information.
• Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
.6 in [15 mm]) – This position provides
improved aerodynamics by lowering the ve-
hicle. 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
1500 Air Suspension Controls
1 — Off-Road 1 Indicator
2 — Off-Road 2 Indicator
3 — Up Button
4 — Down Button
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator
6 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
STARTING AND OPERATING
170

if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph
(106 km/h). The vehicle will return to NRH
from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed re-
mains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and
35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 sec-
onds or if the vehicle speed falls below
30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings in the instrument
cluster when equipped with Uconnect 3.0, or
your Uconnect Radio when equipped with
Uconnect 5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 2 in (51 mm)) - This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and
exit as well as lowering the rear of the
vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the
“Down” button once from the NHR while
the vehicle speed is below 33 mph (53 km/
h). Once the vehicle speed goes below
15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height will
begin to lower. If the vehicle speed remains
between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph
(40 km/h) for greater than 60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be
cancelled. To return to Normal Height
Mode, push the “Up” button once while in
Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle over 15 mph
(24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru-
ment cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual
for further information.
Air Suspension Modes
The Air Suspension system has multiple
modes to protect the system in unique situa-
tions:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the ve-
hicle into AERO height automatically. Refer
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 load
leveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
171

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 (REBEL
MODELS ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time
load leveling capability along with the benefit
of being able to adjust vehicle height by the
push of a button.
Automatic height changes will occur based
on vehicle speed and the current vehicle
height. The indicator lamps and instrument
cluster messages will operate the same for
automatic changes and user requested
changes.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).
Rebel Air Suspension Controls
1 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
Lamp
2 — Off-Road Indicator Lamp
3 — Up Button
4 — Down Button
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator Lamp
6 — Aero Mode Indicator Lamp
STARTING AND OPERATING
172

•Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 1 in (26 mm)) – This position is
intended for off-roading use only where
maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the “Up” button once from
the NRH position while vehicle speed is
below 20 mph (32 km/h). While in OR, if
the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the vehicle height will be auto-
matically lowered to NRH. Off-Road may
not be available due to vehicle payload, an
instrument cluster display message will be
shown when this occurs. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
• Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
.6 in (15 mm)) – This position provides
improved aerodynamics by lowering the ve-
hicle. 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). The vehicle will return to NRH
from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed re-
mains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and
35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 sec-
onds or if the vehicle speed falls below
30 mph (48 km/h).
To enter Aero Mode manually push the down
button once from NRH at any vehicle speed.
To return to NRH push the up button once
while vehicle speed is less than 56 mph
(90 km/h).
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings on your Uconnect
Radio when equipped with UConnect 5.0,
8.4A, or 8.4AN. Refer to “Uconnect Set-
tings” in “Multimedia” in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 3 in (73 mm)) – This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and
exit as well as lowering the rear of the
vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the
“Down” button twice from the NRH while
the vehicle speed is below 33 mph (53 km/ h). Once the vehicle speed goes below
15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height will
begin to lower. If the vehicle speed remains
between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph
(40 km/h) for greater than 60 seconds, or
the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be
cancelled. To return to Normal Height
Mode, push the “Up” button twice while in
Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle over 15 mph
(24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru-
ment cluster display message will be shown
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual
for further information.
Air Suspension Modes
The Air Suspension system has multiple
modes to protect the system in unique situa-
tions:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the ve-
hicle into AERO height automatically. Refer
173

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

NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the
Speed Control System has been designed to
shut down if multiple speed control functions
are operated at the same time. If this occurs,
the Speed Control System can be reactivated
by pushing the Speed Control ON/OFF button
and resetting the desired vehicle set speed.
To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button. The Cruise Indica-
tor Light in the instrument cluster display will
illuminate. To turn the system off, push the
ON/OFF button a second time. The Cruise
Indicator Light will turn off. The system
should be turned off when not in use.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when
not in use is dangerous. You could acci-
dentally set the system or cause it to go
faster than you want. You could lose con-
trol and have an accident. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle
has reached the desired speed, push the SET
(-) button and release. Release the accelera-
tor and the vehicle will operate at the se-
lected speed.
NOTE:
The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pushing the
SET (-) button.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can in-
crease speed by pushing the RES (+) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected
through the instrument panel settings if
equipped. Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual formore information. The speed decrement
shown is dependant on the chosen speed unit
of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result
in a 1 mph increase in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
increase of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to increase until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 km/h increase in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
increase of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to increase until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
177

To Decrease Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can de-
crease speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected
through the instrument panel settings if
equipped. Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for
more information. The speed increment
shown is dependent on the selected speed
unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will resultin a 1 mph decrease in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in a
decrease of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to decrease until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h decrease in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in a
decrease of 1 km/h. • If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to decrease until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally.
When the pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:
The Speed Control system maintains speed
up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain
may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Speed Control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the con-
WARNING!
ditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Speed Con-
trol in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the
RES (+) button and release. Resume can be
used at any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the
CANCEL button, or normal brake pressure
while slowing the vehicle will deactivate the
Speed Control without erasing the set speed
from memory.
Pushing the ON/OFF button or turning the
ignition switch OFF erases the set speed from
memory.STARTING AND OPERATING
178