Off-road 2 Ram 1500 2019 User Guide

Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will auto-
matically 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 further informa-
tion.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error
has been detected.
See your authorized dealer for system service if normal
operation does not resume.
Operation
Air Suspension Switch
1 — Off-Road Indicator (Customer selectable)
2 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer selectable)
3 — Aero Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
4 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer selectable)
5 — Height Selector
332 STARTING AND OPERATING

The indicator lamps 1 through 4 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 or lowering, the flashing indicator
lamp is the position the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector switch up 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
height selector switch can be pushed up multiple times,
each push will raise the requested level by one position up
to a maximum position of OR or the highest position
allowed based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed,
etc).
Pushing the height selector switch down once will move
the suspension one position lower from the current level,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN
position, engine running, doors closed, speed below
threshold, etc). The height selector switch can be pushed
down multiple times, each push will lower the requested
level by one position down to a minimum of Entry/Exit
Mode or the lowest position allowed based on current
conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc.)Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle
speed and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps
and instrument cluster display messages will operate the
same for automatic changes and user requested changes.
•
Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, 2, and 1 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR1.
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, and
2 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
• Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 3 will be illuminated
when the vehicle is in this position.
• Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 4 will be illuminated
when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/Exit
mode can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h). If
vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 3 will flash and indicator lamp
4 will remain solid until Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at
which point indicator lamp 3 will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the ve-
hicle.
• Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 1 will be
illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 333

•Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 2, 3, and 4
will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled
by driving the vehicle.
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically locking rear
differential. This differential, when engaged, mechanically
lock together the axle shafts forcing the wheels to spin at an
equal rate. The locking of the rear differential should only
be engaged during low-speed, extreme off-road situations
where one wheel is likely to not be in contact with the
ground. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with
the differentials locked on pavement due to the reduced
ability to turn and speed limitations.
CAUTION!
• Do not lock the rear axle on hard surfaced roads. The
ability to steer the vehicle is reduced and damage to
the drivetrain may occur when the axle is locked on
hard surfaced roads.
• Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is stuck
and the tires are spinning. You can damage drivetrain
components. Lock the rear axle before attempting
situations or navigating terrain, which could possi-
bly cause the vehicle to become stuck.
Axle Lock Button
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Off-Road Driving Tips
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills
or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural
obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,
choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.
Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously. If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diago-
nally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift
to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly
to avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.
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.6
STARTING AND OPERATING 431

Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” for further information and detailed instructions.
CAUTION!
•Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if the
remaining wheels are on the ground). Internal dam-
age to the transmission or transfer case will occur if
a front or rear wheel lift is used when towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow hooks.
NOTE: For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of damage
to the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains
may break, causing serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks.
Tow straps may become disengaged, causing serious
injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety”
for further information on the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System (EARS) function.
484 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following pages for
required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By OilChange Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
Mileage or time passed (which-
ever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. XX X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
490 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Mileage or time passed (which-ever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Inspect the front and rear axle sur-
faces. If gear oil leakage is sus-
pected, check the fluid level. If us-
ing your vehicle for police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing, change axle fluid. XX X X X
Inspect the brake linings, replace
as necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. X X X X X X X
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
If equipped with Stop/Start replace
accessory drive belt with OEM
grade Mopar belt. X
Replace spark plugs. ** X
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 491

New Vehicle Break-In Period..................299
Occupant Restraints ........................ .231
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............558, 559
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ...............431
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ...............431
Oil, Engine ........................... .499, 564
Capacity .............................. .563
Change Interval ........................ .499
Dipstick .............................. .497
Disposal .............................. .500
Filter ............................. .501, 564
Filter Disposal .......................... .500
Identification Logo ...................... .499
Materials Added To ...................... .500
Pressure Warning Light ....................181
Recommendation .....................499, 563
Synthetic ............................. .500
Viscosity ....................... .499, 500, 563
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .501
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .501
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .181
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................194
Operating Precautions ...................... .194Operator Manual
Owner’s Manual .......................5,678
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................62
Overheating, Engine ....................... .477
Paint Care ............................... .547
Panic Alarm ...............................21
Parking Brake ............................ .300
ParkSense System, Rear ..................... .364
Passive Entry ..............................38
Pedals, Adjustable ...........................60
Personalized Main Menu .....................569
Pets ................................... .284
Pickup Box ........................... .134, 135
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ...........528
Power Distribution

Center (Fuses) ..............450, 454
Door Locks ..............................37
Mirrors ................................63
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .........127, 130
Seats ..................................46
Side Steps ..............................37
Sliding Rear Window ......................98
Steering ............................ .63, 336
Sunroof ............................ .99, 102
688 INDEX