light Ram 1500 2018 Owner's Guide

catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this
occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher tem-
peratures than in normal operating condi-
tions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury
to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause dam-
age to the vehicle control system. It also
could affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
— Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Active Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will indicate when the Electronic
Stability Control system is Active. The “ESC
Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will
come on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when
ESC is activated. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Indicator Light”
comes on continuously with the engine run-
ning, a malfunction has been detected in the
ESC system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has
been driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to
have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
• The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or click- ing sounds when it is active. This is normal;
the sounds will stop when ESC becomes
inactive. • This light will come on when the vehicle is
in an ESC event.— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off
Warning Light — If Equipped
This light indicates the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN
or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on,
even if it was turned off previously.
— Low Washer Fluid Warning Light —
If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
— Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a message
is displayed to indicate that the tire pressure
is lower than the recommended value and/or
that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these
cases, optimal tire duration and fuel con-
sumption may not be guaranteed.
79

CAUTION!
of the same size, type, and/or style. After-
market wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. Af-
ter using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to your authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
— Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately
3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and
remain on until fuel is added.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning
Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the
brake system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warn-
ing Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position, have the brake system in-
spected by an authorized dealer.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the ve-
hicle coolant level is low.
— Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light
— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the fuel filler
cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to
disengage the light. If the light does not turn
off, please see your authorized dealer.
SERV4WD— Service 4WD Warning Light — If
Equipped
If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it means that the 4WD system is not functioning
properly and that service is required. We recom-
mend you drive to the nearest service center and
have the vehicle serviced immediately.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light
This light indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer tow-
ing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission
into PARK and run the engine at idle or
slightly higher until the light turns off.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire.
81

CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
Yellow Indicator Lights
— Rear Fog Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the rear
fog lights are on.
— Air Suspension Payload Protection
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on to indicate that the
maximum payload may have been exceeded
or load leveling cannot be achieved at its
current ride height. Protection Mode will au-
tomatically be selected in order to “protect”
the air suspension system, air suspension
adjustment is limited due to payload.
— TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when TOW/HAUL
mode is selected.
— Cargo Light — If Equipped
The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo
light is activated by pushing the cargo light
button on the headlight switch.
— Air Suspension Off-Road 1 Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air suspen-
sion system is set to the Off-Road 1 setting.
For further information, refer to “Air Suspen-
sion System” in “Starting And Operating.”
— Air Suspension Off-Road 2 Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air suspen-
sion system is set to the Off-Road 2 setting.
For further information, refer to “Air Suspen-
sion System” in “Starting And Operating”.
— Air Suspension Ride Height Raising
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that
the vehicle is changing to a higher ride
height.
— Air Suspension Ride Height Lower-
ing Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that
the vehicle is changing to a lower ride height.
— Air Suspension Entry/Exit Indicator
Light— If Equipped
This light comes on when the vehicle is
automatically lowered from ride height posi-
tion downward for easy entry and exit of the
vehicle.
– 4WD Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the four-wheel drive mode, and the front
and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked
together forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed.
— 4WD Low Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front
and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked
together forcing the front and rear wheels toGETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
82

rotate at the same speed. Low range provides
a greater gear reduction ratio to provide in-
creased torque at the wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information on four-wheel drive op-
eration and proper use.
— Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
The “Wait To Start” telltale will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the ignition
is turned to the RUN position. It’s duration
may be longer based on colder operating
conditions. Vehicle will not initiate start until
telltale is no longer displayed. Refer to
“Starting The Engine” in “Starting And Op-
erating” for further information.
NOTE:
The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illumi-
nate if the intake manifold temperature is
warm enough.
— Water In Fuel Indicator Light — If
Equipped
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the
fuel filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT
start the vehicle before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to prevent engine dam-
age. Refer to the “Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” section in “Dealer Service” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further in-
formation.
— Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indi-
cator Light — If Equipped
The Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator
will illuminate if the vehicle is low on Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Refer to “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Green Indicator Lights
— Park/Headlight On Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when the park
lights or headlights are turned on.
— Front Fog Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front
fog lights are on.
— Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash indepen-
dently and the corresponding exterior turn
signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be
activated when the multifunction lever is
moved down (left) or up (right).
NOTE:
• A continuous chime will sound if the ve- hicle is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km)
with either turn signal on.
• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
—Cruise Control Set Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This light will turn on when the speed control
is set to the desired speed. Refer to “Speed
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.
83

– 4WD AUTO Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the four-wheel drive auto mode, and 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.
For further information on four-wheel drive
operation and proper use, refer to “Four-
Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating.”
White Indicator Lights
— Cruise Control Ready Indicator
This light will turn on when the speed control
is ready, but not set.
— Speed Control SET Indicator Light
— If Equipped
This light will turn on when the speed control
is set. Refer to “Speed Control — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
— Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent
Control (HDC) feature is turned on. The lamp
will be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can
only be armed when the transfer case is in the
“4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed
is less then 30 mph (48 km/h). If these
conditions are not met while attempting to
use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light
will flash on/off.
Blue Indicator Lights
— High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator shows that the high beam
headlights are on. With the low beams acti-
vated, push the multifunction lever forward
(toward the front of the vehicle) to turn on the
high beams. Pull the multifunction lever rear-
ward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn
off the high beams. If the high beams are off,
pull the lever toward you for a temporary high
beam on, "flash to pass" scenario.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM —
OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II.
This system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current govern-
ment regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the
OBD II system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). It will also store diag-
nostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuelGETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
84

AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
will warn the driver of a low tire pressure
based on the vehicle recommended cold
placard pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature
by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).
This means that when the outside tempera-
ture decreases, the tire pressure will de-
crease. Tire pressure should always be set
based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle
has not been driven for at least three hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three
hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure
must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall. Refer to
“Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for
information on how to properly inflate the
vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will also
increase as the vehicle is driven - this is
normal and there should be no adjustment for
this increased pressure.The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire
pressure if the tire pressure falls below the
low-pressure warning limit for any reason,
including low temperature effects and natu-
ral pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of
low tire pressure as long as the condition
exists, and will not turn off until the tire
pressure is at or above the recommended
cold placard pressure. Once the low tire pres-
sure warning (Tire Pressure Monitoring [TPM]
Telltale Light) illuminates, you must increase
the tire pressure to the recommended cold
placard pressure in order for the TPM Telltale
Light to turn off. The system will automati-
cally update and the TPM Telltale Light will
turn off once the system receives the updated
tire pressures. The vehicle may need to be
driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive
this information.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
need to be increased up to an additional 4 psi
(30 kPa) above the recommended cold plac-
ard pressure in order to turn the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light off.
For example, your vehicle may have a recom-
mended cold (parked for more than three
hours) placard pressure of 30 psi (207 kPa).
If the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C)
and the measured tire pressure is 27 psi
(186 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C)
will decrease the tire pressure to approxi-
mately 23 psi (158 kPa). This tire pressure is
sufficiently low enough to turn on the TPM
Telltale Light. Driving the vehicle may cause
the tire pressure to rise to approximately
27 psi (186 kPa), but the TPM Telltale Light
will still be on. In this situation, the TPM
Telltale Light will turn off only after the tires
are inflated to the vehicle’s recommended
cold placard pressure value.
SAFETY
88

CAUTION!
• The TPMS has been optimized for theoriginal equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been
established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not
of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor
damage.
• Using aftermarket tire sealants may
cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys-
tem (TPMS) sensor to become inoper-
able. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealership
to have your sensor function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire
pressure always reinstall the valve stem
cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt
from entering the valve stem, which
could damage the TPMS sensor. NOTE:
• The TPMS is not intended to replace nor-
mal tire care and maintenance or to provide
warning of a tire failure or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge while adjusting your tire
pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s respon-
sibility to maintain correct tire pressure
using an accurate tire pressure gauge, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPM Telltale
Light.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor
the actual tire pressure in the tire.
Premium System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
uses wireless technology with wheel rim
mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check
the tire pressure in all of the tires on your
vehicle monthly and to maintain the proper
pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following compo-
nents:
• Receiver module
• Four tire pressure monitoring sensors
• Various tire pressure monitoring systemmessages, which display in the instrument
cluster
• Tire pressure monitoring telltale light
89

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warn-
ingsThe “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light” will illuminate in
the instrument cluster and a
chime will sound when tire pres-
sure is low in one or more of the
four active road tires. In addition, the instru-
ment cluster will display a graphic showing
the pressure values of each tire with the low
tire pressure values in a different color. An
"Inflate to XX" message will also be displayed.
Should this occur, you should stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tires with a low pres-
sure condition (those in a different color in
the instrument cluster graphic) to the vehi-
cle’s recommended cold placard pressure in-
flation value as shown in the "Inflate to XX" message. Once the system receives the up-
dated tire pressures, the system will auto-
matically update, the graphic display in the
instrument cluster will return to it’s original
color, and the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Tell-
tale Light” will turn off. The vehicle may need
to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.
“LOW TIRE PRESSURE” Message
SAFETY
90

Service TPMS Warning
If a system fault is detected, the “Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring Telltale Light” will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then remain on
solid. The system fault will also sound a
chime. In addition, the instrument cluster
will display a "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" mes-
sage for a minimum of five seconds and then
display dashes (- -) in place of the pressure
value to indicate which sensor is not being
received.If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence
will repeat, providing the system fault still
exists. If the system fault no longer exists, the
“Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
no longer flash, and the "SERVICE TPM SYS-
TEM" message will no longer display, and a
pressure value will display in place of the
dashes. A system fault can occur due to any
of the following:
• Signal interference due to electronic de-
vices or driving next to facilities emitting
the same radio frequencies as the TPM
sensors.
• Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains materials that may block radio
wave signals.
• Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.
• Using tire chains on the vehicle.
• Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
A system fault may occur due to an incorrect
TPM sensor location condition. When a sys-
tem fault occurs due to an incorrect TPM
sensor location, the “Tire Pressure Monitor- ing Telltale Light” will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid. The
system fault will also sound a chime. In
addition, the instrument cluster will display a
“Tire Pressure Temporarily Unavailable”
message in place of the tire pressure display
screen. If the ignition switch is cycled, this
sequence will repeat, providing the system
fault still exists. If the system fault no longer
exists, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light” will no longer flash and the tire pres-
sure display screen will be displayed showing
the tire pressure values the correct locations.
Vehicles With Non Matching Full Size Spare Or
Compact Spare
• The non matching full size spare or com-
pact spare tire does not have a TPM sensor.
Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the
pressure in the non matching full size spare
or compact spare tire.
• If you install the non matching full size spare or compact spare tire in place of a
road tire that has a pressure below the
low-pressure warning limit, upon the next
ignition switch cycle, the TPM Telltale
Light and a “LOW TIRE” message will re-
main ON and a chime will sound. In addi-
Tire Pressure Monitor Display
91

tion, the graphic in the instrument cluster
will still display a pressure value in a differ-
ent color.
• After driving the vehicle for up to 20 min- utes above 15 mph (24 km/h), the TPM
Telltale Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid. In
addition, the instrument cluster will display
a "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message for a
minimum of five seconds and then display
dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value.
• For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime will sound, the TPM Telltale Light
will flash on and off for 75 seconds and
then remain on solid, and the instrument
cluster will display a "SERVICE TPM SYS-
TEM" message for a minimum of five sec-
onds and then display dashes (- -) in place
of the pressure value.
•
Once you repair or replace the original road
tire and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of
the non matching full size spare or compact
spare, the TPMS will update automatically.
In addition, the TPM Telltale Light will turn
OFF and the graphic in the instrument clus-
ter will display a new pressure value instead
of dashes (- -), as long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure warning limit in any
of the four active road tires. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.
Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
3500 Series Trucks
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire
Pressure Information System (TPIS).
The Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
uses wireless technology with wheel rim
mounted electronic sensors to transmit tire
pressure levels. Sensors mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check
the tire pressure in all of the tires on your
vehicle monthly and to maintain the proper
pressure.
The TPIS consists of the following compo-
nents:
• Receiver module
• Four TPM sensors (Single Rear Wheel
(SRW) applications)
• Six TPM sensors (Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) applications)
• Pressure display in the instrument cluster
The TPIS system will display all four (Single
Rear Wheel (SRW) applications) or six (Dual
Rear Wheel (DRW) applications) tire pressure
values in the instrument cluster display.
If a system fault is detected, the instrument
cluster will display a "SERVICE TPM SYS-
TEM" message for a minimum of five seconds
and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value to indicate which sensor is not
being received.
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence
will repeat, providing the system fault still
exists. If the system fault no longer exists, the
"SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message will no
longer be displayed, and a pressure value will
display in place of the dashes. A system fault
can occur due to any of the following:
•
Signal interference due to electronic devices
or driving next to facilities emitting the same
radio frequencies as the TPM sensors.
SAFETY
92