maintenance Ram 1500 2018 User Guide

This guide has been prepared to help you get quickly acquainted with you\
r new RAM brand vehicle
and to provide a convenient reference source for common questions. Howev\
er, it is not a substitute for
your Owner’s Manual.
For complete operational instructions, maintenance procedures and important safety messages,
please consult your Owner’s Manual, Navigation/Uconnect manuals and other Warning Labels in
your vehicle.
Not all features shown in this guide may apply to your vehicle. For additional information on
accessories to help personalize your vehicle, visit www.mopar.com (U.S.), www.mopar.ca (Canada)
or your local RAM brand dealer.
Driving and Alcohol
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of collisions. Your driving ability can be
seriously impaired with blood alcohol levels far below the legal minimum\
. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab, a friend, or use
public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to a collision. Your perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes
are slower, and your judgment is impaired when you have been drinking. Never drink\
and
then drive.
IMPORTANT
Get warranty and other information online – you can review and print or download
a copy of the Owner’s Manual, Navigation/Uconnect manuals and the limited
warranties provided by FCA US LLC for your vehicle by visiting www.mopar.com (U.S.) or www.owners.mopar.ca (Canada). Click on the applicable link in the
“popular topics” area of the www.mopar.com (U.S.) or www.owners.mopar.ca (Canada) homepage and follow the instructions to select the applicable year, make
and model of your vehicle.
This User Guide is intended to familiarize you with the important features of your vehicle.
Your Owner’s Manual, Navigation/Uconnect manuals and Warranty Booklet can be found by visiting the website on the back cover of your User Guide. We hope you find these resources useful. U.S. residents can purchase replacement kits by visiting www.techauthority.com
and Canadian residents can purchase replacement kits by calling 1 800 387-1143.
The driver’s primary responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, resulting in a collisi\
on and personal injury. FCA US LLC strongly recommends that the driver use extreme caution when \
using any
device or feature that may take their attention off the road. Use of any\
electrical devices, such as cellular telephones, computers, portable radios, vehicle navigation or other devices, by the driver while the vehicle is moving is dangerous and could lead to a serious collision.
Texting while driving is also dangerous and should never be done while th\
e vehicle is moving. If you find yourself unable to devote your full attention to v\
ehicle operation, pull off the road to a safe location and stop your vehicle. Some states or provinces prohibit the use of
cellular telephones or texting while driving. It is always the driver’\
s responsibility to comply with all local laws.
3117976_18b_RAM_1500_2500_3500_UG_070717.indd 27/7/17 12:49 PM

GRAPHICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL SAFETY
STARTING AND OPERATING IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MULTIMEDIA
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE INDEX

VEHICLE USER GUIDE — IF EQUIPPED
Access your Owner’s Information – right
through your Uconnect 4C or 4C NAV touch-
screen radio — If Equipped
To access the Vehicle User Guide on your
Uconnect Touchscreen: Push the Uconnect
Appsbutton, then push the Vehicle User Guide
icon on your touchscreen. No Uconnect reg-
istration is required.
NOTE:
Vehicle User Guide features are not available
while the vehicle is moving. If you try to
access while the vehicle is in motion, the
system will display: Feature not available
while the vehicle is in motion. Pre-Installed Features•Your User Guide —
Updated in real-
time• Available when
and where you
need it
• Touchscreen con- venience • Customizable in-
terface
• Maintenance schedules and in-
formation •
Multilingual
• Comprehensive icon & symbol
glossary
11

Features/Benefits
• Pre-installed on your Uconnect touch-screen radio
• Enhanced search and browsing capability
• Robust NAV application — If Equipped
• Add selected topics to a fast-access Favor- ites category
• Icon and symbol glossary
• Warranty information
• Crucial driver information and assistance:
• Operating Instruc- tions • Maintenance
Schedules
• Warranty Informa- tion • Emergency Proce-
dures
• Fluid Level Stan- dards • 911 Contact and
More
Tip: When viewing a topic, tap the star icon to
add it to your Favorites, for easy access in the
future.
KEYS
Key Fobs
Your vehicle uses either a wireless ignition
node system or keyless ignition system. The
ignition system consists of a key fob with a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and an ignition
switch. The keyless ignition system consists
of a key fob and Keyless Enter-N-Go button.
NOTE:
The key fob may not be found if it is located
next to a mobile phone, laptop or other elec-
tronic device; these devices may block the
key fob’s wireless signal.
The key fob operates the ignition switch.
Insert the square end of the key fob into the
ignition switch located on the instrument
panel and rotate to the desired position. It
also contains the key fob and an emergency
key, which stores in the rear of the key fob.
The emergency key allows for entry into the
vehicle should the battery in the vehicle or
the key fob go dead. You can keep the emer-
gency key with you when valet parking.
Enhanced Search And Browsing Capability
Icon And Symbol Glossary
13

• 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

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

Should one or more tires be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire in
sequence.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more
flat tires as handling may be compro-
mised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp
braking and steering. If a tire puncture
occurs, repair immediately using the dedi-
cated tire repair kit and contact your au-
thorized dealer as soon as possible.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitor-
ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu-
minates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper 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.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This se-
quence will continue upon subsequent ve-
hicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the ve-
hicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunc-
tion telltale after replacing one or more tires
or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels
allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the
original 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
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
80

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

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