Ram 2500 2018 Owner's Manual

Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can even-
tually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move your
vehicle in or out of the area.
• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/
rear doors open, make sure that all windows are
closed and the climate control BLOWER switch is set
at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the
blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the ex-
haust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication
or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.
Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision
if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or
retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning lightwill turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, 5
SAFETY 279

have the system inspected at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. After the bulb check, this light will
illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the Air
Bag System has been detected. It will stay on until the
fault is cleared. If the light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving, have your authorized dealer
service the vehicle immediately. Refer to “Occupant
Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for further information.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle. Only
use a floor mat that does not interfere with the operation of
the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat
that is securely attached using the floor mat fasteners so it
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the accelera-
tor, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe operation of your
vehicle in other ways.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or stacked
floor mat, or damaged floor mat fasteners may cause
your floor mat to interfere with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To
prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
•ALWAYS securely attach
your floor mat using the
floor mat fasteners. DO NOT install your floor mat
upside down or turn your floor mat over. Lightly pull
to confirm mat is secured using the floor mat fasten-
ers on a regular basis.
• ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR MAT
FROM THE VEHICLE
before installing any other
floor mat. NEVER install or stack an additional floor
mat on top of an existing floor mat.
• ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.
NEVER install a floor mat that cannot be properly
attached and secured to your vehicle. If a floor mat
needs to be replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year of your
vehicle.
• ONLY use the driver ’s side floor mat on the driver ’s
side floor area. To check for interference, with the
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280 SAFETY

WARNING!(Continued)
vehicle properly parked with the engine off, fully
depress the accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of any pedal,
or is not secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
• ONLY use the passenger ’s side floor mat on the
passenger ’s side floor area.
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into
the driver ’s side floor area when the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,
towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-
installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
5
SAFETY 281

Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are
suspected. The cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
282 SAFETY

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE —
GASOLINE ENGINE .....................288
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................288
▫ Tip Start Feature .......................289
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............289
▫ Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button ............................. .289
▫ Idle Shutdown — 6.4L Engine Only ..........293
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................293
▫ Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ..................294
▫ After Starting ..........................294
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .294
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .295
 PARKING BRAKE .......................295 
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............297
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................298
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .299
▫ Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ..........................299
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission —
1500 Models Only (If Equipped) ............306
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission —
2500/3500 Models Only ..................315
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................324
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped . .324
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Four-Position
Switch) — If Equipped ..................327
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Five-Position
Switch) — If Equipped ..................332
6

▫Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Eight Speed Transmission Only) —
If Equipped ..........................336
▫ Five-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Eight Speed Transmission Only) —
If Equipped ..........................339
 AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (1500 MODELS) —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................344
▫ Description .......................... .344
▫ Air Suspension Modes ...................347
▫ Instrument Cluster Display Messages .........348
▫ Operation ............................348
 AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(REBEL MODELS ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED .....350
▫ Description .......................... .350
▫ Air Suspension Modes ...................353
▫ Instrument Cluster Display Messages .........354
▫ Operation ............................354 
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (2500/3500 MODELS) —
IF EQUIPPED .......................... .356
▫ Description .......................... .356
▫ Air Suspension Modes ...................357
▫ Instrument Cluster Display Messages .........358
▫ Operation ............................358
 AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED) ..............359
 STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY ........................ .361
 SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY ................................362
▫ Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics ........................362
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ............364
▫ Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points) ............................. .366
▫ Hill Climbing ..........................368
▫ Driving

Through Water ...................370
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Airing Down For Off-Road Driving ..........371
▫ Vehicle Recovery .......................372
▫ After Driving Off-Road ...................375
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ..............375
 WINCH USAGE — POWER WAGON ONLY
(IF EQUIPPED) ........................ .376
▫ Things To Know Before Using Your Winch .....376
▫ Understanding The Features Of Your Winch . . . .378
▫ Winch Accessories ..................... .380
▫ Operating Your Winch ...................381
▫ Rigging Techniques .....................391
 POWER STEERING .......................392
▫ Electric Power Steering — 1500 Models .......392
▫ Hydraulic Power Steering —
2500/3500 Models ..................... .393
 FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L/6.4L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED ....................394
 SPEED CONTROL .......................395 ▫
To Activate .......................... .395
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................396
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................396
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................397
▫ To Resume Speed ..................... .397
▫ To Deactivate ........................ .397
 PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................398
▫ ParkSense Sensors ..................... .398
▫ ParkSense Warning Display ................398
▫ ParkSense Display ..................... .398
▫ Enabling And

Disabling ParkSense ..........401
▫ Service The ParkSense Rear Park Assist System. .402
▫ Cleaning The ParkSense System .............402
▫ ParkSense System Usage Precautions .........402
 PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................404
▫ ParkSense Sensors ..................... .404
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STARTING AND OPERATING 285

▫ParkSense Warning Display ................405
▫ ParkSense Display ..................... .405
▫ Enabling And Disabling Front And/Or Rear
ParkSense ............................407
▫ Service The ParkSense Park Assist System .....407
▫ Cleaning The ParkSense System .............408
▫ ParkSense System Usage Precautions .........408
 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA — IF
EQUIPPED ............................410
 REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE . . .413
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............414
 VEHICLE LOADING .....................414
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ........414
▫ Payload ............................. .414
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ..........415
▫ Tire Size ............................ .415
▫ Rim Size ............................ .415▫
Inflation Pressure .......................415
▫ Curb Weight ..........................415
▫ Loading ............................ .415
 TRAILER TOWING ..................... .416
▫ Common Towing Definitions ...............416
▫ Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ............................. .422
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) .......................423
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ...............423
▫ Towing Requirements ...................424
▫ Towing Tips ..........................431
 SNOWPLOW .......................... .433
▫ 1500 Models

Only ..................... .433
▫ 2500/3500 Models Only ..................433
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ....................436
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle. . . .436
▫ Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ............................. .437
▫ Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ............................. .437
DRIVING TIPS ..........................441
▫ Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............441
▫ Driving Through Water ..................442
▫ Off-Road Driving Tips ...................443
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 287

STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more than 10-second
intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such intervals
will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the OFFmode, remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave the
ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK position.
Apply the brake before shifting into any driving range.
NOTE:
• This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift inter-
locking system. The brake pedal must be pressed to shift
out of PARK.
• If equipped with an 8-speed transmission, starting the
vehicle in NEUTRAL is not possible unless the Manual
Park Release has been activated. For the Manual Park
Release operation refer to Manual Park Release in “In
Case Of Emergency”.
288 STARTING AND OPERATING