engine Ram 1500 2019 Manual PDF

NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause damage to
driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or
4WD HIGH positions at a given road speed. Take care not
to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.Shifting Procedure
NOTE:
• If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The position indicator light for the previous posi-
tion will remain ON and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all the require-
ments for the selected position have been met.
• If all the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have been met, the current position indicator
light will turn OFF, the selected position indicator light
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
When the shift is complete, the position indicator light
for the selected position will stop flashing and remain
ON.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 317

The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on after
engine start up or illuminates during driving, it means that
the four-wheel drive system is not functioning properly
and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury or death.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause damage to
driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD, 4WD
AUTO or 4WD HIGH positions at a given road speed. Take
care not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h). Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.Shifting Procedure
NOTE:
•
If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The position indicator light for the previous posi-
tion will remain ON and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all the require-
ments for the selected position have been met.
•
If all the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have been met, the current position indicator
light will turn OFF, the selected position indicator light
will flash until the transfer case completes the shift. When
the shift is complete, the position indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 321

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 height selector
switch up 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 instrument cluster
message will be displayed when this occurs. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE: Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your key
fob for easier entry/loading. Refer to “Keys” in “Getting To
Know Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your sur-
roundings, you may not have the clearance required 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 oncom-
ing 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 “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know 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 Settings” in “Multimedia” for
further information.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure vol-
ume of air to operate the system. 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 situations:
Automatic AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension system has a
feature which will put the vehicle into AERO height
automatically. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through vehicle
settings in the instrument cluster display or through your
Uconnect Radio if equipped. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further informa-
tion.NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Tire Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system
has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Set-
tings” in “Multimedia” if equipped with a touch screen
radio 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 road, 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 Dis-
play” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” if equipped with a
touch screen radio for further information.
NOTE: This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.6
STARTING AND OPERATING 325

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 for
further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
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 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 further information.
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 2 Indicator (Customer selectable)
2 — Off-Road 1 Indicator (Customer selectable)
3 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer selectable)
4 — Aero Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer selectable)
6 — Height Selector
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

The indicator lamps 1 through 5 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 position
the system is working to achieve. When lowering, if
multiple indicators are flashing, the lowest solid indicator
lamp is the position the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector up once will move the suspen-
sion one position higher from the current position, assum-
ing 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 OR2 or the highest position allowed
based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the height selector 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 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 will
be illuminated when the vehicle is in OR2.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3 and 2 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR1.
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 5, 4 and 3
will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
• Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 4 will be illuminated
when the vehicle is in this position.
• Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 5 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 4 will flash and indicator lamp
5 will remain solid until Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at
which point indicator lamp 4 will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the ve-
hicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 327

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 height selector
switch up 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 instrument cluster
display message will be shown when this occurs.
• Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your sur-
roundings, you may not have the clearance required 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 oncom-
ing 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 “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know 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 Settings” in “Multimedia” for
further information.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure vol-
ume of air to operate the system. 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 situations:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension system has a
feature which will put the vehicle into AERO height automati-
cally. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” 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 suspension system has a
feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multime-
dia” if equipped with a touch screen radio for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, 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 Dis-
play” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” if equipped with a
touch screen radio 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 for
further information.
NOTE: This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 331

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 333

rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight mo-
mentary application of the parking brake may be necessary
to gain maximum traction.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a limited-slip
or locking differential never run the engine with one
rear wheel off the ground since the vehicle may drive
through the rear wheel remaining on the ground and
result in unintended movement.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could cause
both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide
sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.
POWER STEERING
Electric Power Steering
The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel while driving. If the electric steering system experiences a fault that prevents it
from providing assist, you will still have the ability to steer
the vehicle manually.
If the Steering icon is flashing, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for service. It is likely the
vehicle has lost power steering assistance.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “POWER STEER-
ING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster screen, they indicate that extreme steer-
ing maneuvers may have occurred which caused an over
temperature condition in the power steering system. Once
driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle
idle for a few moments until the icon and message turn off.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE POWER
STEERING – ASSIST OFF” message is displayed the in-
strument cluster screen, they indicate the vehicle needs to
be taken to the dealer for service. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING