brake Ram 2500 2018 Owner's Guide

You can switch between DRIVE and ERS
mode at any vehicle speed. When the gear
selector is in the DRIVE position, the trans-
mission will operate automatically, shifting
between all available gears. Tapping the ERS
(-) switch will activate ERS mode, display the
current gear in the instrument cluster, and
set that gear as the top available gear. Once
in ERS mode, tapping (-) or (+) will change
the top available gear.
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the
ERS (+) switch until the gear limit display
disappears from the instrument cluster.WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the ve-
hicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maxi-
mum deceleration (engine braking), simply
push and hold the ERS (-) switch. The trans-
mission will shift to the range from which the
vehicle can best be slowed down.
CAUTION!
When using ERS for engine braking while
descending steep grades, be careful not to
overspeed the engine. Apply the brakes as
needed to prevent engine overspeed.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
• Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a manually shifted transfer case or
an electronically shifted transfer case. Re-
fer to the operating instructions for elec-
tronic transfer case, located in this section
for further information.
• For further information on the manually shifted transfer case, refer to “Four Wheel
Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” in your Owner’s Manual.
Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case (Four-Position Switch) — If
Equipped
The electronic shift transfer case is operated
by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case
Switch), which is located on the instrument
panel.Column Gear Selector
STARTING AND OPERATING
162

This electronically shifted transfer case pro-
vides four mode positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
•
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD
LOCK)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range — This range is
for normal street and highway driving on dry,
hard surfaced roads.
4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front driveshaft,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This range provides additional
traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcingthe front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shafts from the powertrain and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the trans-
mission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
Four-Position/Part Time Transfer Case
163

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front drive-
shaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two-wheel drive
position (2WD) or four-wheel drive position
(4WD AUTO) for normal street and highway
conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driv-
ing the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD
AUTO mode can be used. In this mode, 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. Because the
front axle is engaged, this mode will result in
lower fuel economy than the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW po-
sitions can be used to maximize torque to the
front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control
Switch to the desired position.Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of you Owner’s
Manual for specific shifting instructions.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shafts from the powertrain and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the trans-
mission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
165

4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two–wheel drive
position (2WD) for normal street and highway
conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driv-
ing the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.When additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW po-
sitions can be used to maximize torque to the
front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by pushing the desired posi-
tion on the 4WD control switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of your Owner’s
Manual for specific shifting instructions.
WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N)
position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the pow-
ertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in
PARK (or manual transmission is in
gear). The parking brake should always
be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
• The transmission may not engage PARKif the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
167

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front drive-
shaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two–wheel drive
position (2WD) or four-wheel drive position
(4WD AUTO) for normal street and highwayconditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driv-
ing the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD
AUTO mode can be used. In this mode, 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. Because the
front axle is engaged, this mode will result in
lower fuel economy than the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW po-
sitions can be used to maximize torque to the
front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished pushing the desired position
on the 4WD Control Switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of your Owner’s
Manual for further details.WARNING!
• You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N)
position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the pow-
ertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in
PARK (or manual transmission is in
gear). The parking brake should always
be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK
if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
169

To Decrease Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can de-
crease speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected
through the instrument panel settings if
equipped. Refer to “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for
more information. The speed increment
shown is dependent on the selected speed
unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will resultin a 1 mph decrease in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in a
decrease of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to decrease until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h decrease in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in a
decrease of 1 km/h. • If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to decrease until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally.
When the pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:
The Speed Control system maintains speed
up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain
may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Speed Control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the con-
WARNING!
ditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Speed Con-
trol in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the
RES (+) button and release. Resume can be
used at any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the
CANCEL button, or normal brake pressure
while slowing the vehicle will deactivate the
Speed Control without erasing the set speed
from memory.
Pushing the ON/OFF button or turning the
ignition switch OFF erases the set speed from
memory.STARTING AND OPERATING
178

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)
NOTE:
For trailer towing information (maximum
trailer weight ratings) refer to the following
website addresses:
•ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/
• ramtruck.ca (Canada)
• rambodybuilder.com
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new ve-
hicle drivetrain components, the following
guidelines are recommended.
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
CAUTION!
• Then, during the first 500 miles(805 km) that a trailer is towed, do not
drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the
“Scheduled Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled
Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance”
for the proper maintenance intervals. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or
GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision.
Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel.
When trailering cargo that is not fully
secured, dynamic load shifts can occur
that may be difficult for the driver to
WARNING!
control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer,
do not overload your vehicle or trailer.
Overloading can cause a loss of control,
poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be
parked on a grade. When parking, apply
the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put
the tow vehicle transmission in PARK.
For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL.
Always, block or "chock" the trailer
wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
191

WARNING!
•Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•Do notinterconnect the hydraulic brake
system or vacuum system of your vehicle
with that of the trailer. This could cause
inadequate braking and possible personal
injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer
with electronically actuated brakes. When
towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic
surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required. • Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for
trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your ve-
hicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can over-
load your brake system and cause it to
fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have a collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping distance. When towing you
should allow for additional space be-
tween your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) loaded, it should have its own
brakes and they should be of adequate
capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping
distances.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Module (ITBM) for Electric and Elec-
tric Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.
NOTE:
This module has been designed and verified
with electric trailer brakes and new electric
over hydraulic systems. Some previous EOH
systems may not be compatible with ITBM.
STARTING AND OPERATING
192

The user interface consists of the following:
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the
left to activate power to the trailer's electric
brakes independent of the tow vehicle's
brakes. If the manual brake control lever isactivated while the brake is also applied, the
greater of the two inputs determines the
power sent to the trailer brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle's brake lamps will
come on when either vehicle braking or
manual trailer brakes are applied.
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical con-
nection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after
the ignition is turned on, pushing the GAIN
adjustment button or sliding the manual
brake control lever will display the GAIN
setting for 10 seconds and the “Trailer Brake
Status Indicator Light” will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the
“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will
flash.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake
control power output to the trailer brakes in
0.5 increments. The GAIN setting can be
increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased
to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer
brake control for the specific towing condi-
tion and should be changed as towing condi-
tions change. Changes to towing conditions
include trailer load, vehicle load, road condi-
tions and weather.
Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:
This should only be performed in a traffic free
environment at speeds of approximately 20–
25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.
Adjustment Buttons
1 — Decrease (-)
2 — Increase (+)
193

2. Hook up the trailer and make the electri-cal connections according to the trailer
manufacturer's instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in, the trailer connected message
should appear in the instrument cluster
display (if the connection is not recog-
nized by the ITBM, braking functions will
not be available), the GAIN setting will
illuminate and the correct type of trailer
must be selected from the instrument
cluster display options. 4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the
steering wheel until “TRAILER TOW” ap-
pears on the screen.
5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “TRAILER TOW”.
6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper
Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze
the manual brake control lever
completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting;
if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase
the GAIN setting.
Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting
is at a point just below trailer wheel lockup. If
towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup
may not be attainable even with the maxi-
mum GAIN setting of 10.
Light Electric Heavy ElectricLight EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric over Hydraulic Trailer BrakesElectric over Hydraulic
Trailer Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs
* The suggested selection depends and may
change depending on the customer prefer-
ences for braking performance. Condition of
the trailer brakes, driving and road state may
also affect the selection. Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the
instrument cluster display. Display mes-
sages, along with a single chime, will be
displayed when a malfunction is determined
in the trailer connection, trailer brake con- trol, or on the trailer. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible
with the ITBM system may result in re-
STARTING AND OPERATING
194