ECO mode Ram 2500 2018 Service Manual

•Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 1 in (26 mm)) – This position is
intended for off-roading use only where
maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the “Up” button once from
the NRH position while vehicle speed is
below 20 mph (32 km/h). While in OR, if
the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the vehicle height will be auto-
matically lowered to NRH. Off-Road may
not be available due to vehicle payload, an
instrument cluster display message will be
shown when this occurs. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
• Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
.6 in (15 mm)) – This position provides
improved aerodynamics by lowering the ve-
hicle. The vehicle will automatically enter
Aero Mode when the vehicle speed remains
between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph
(106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or
if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle will return to NRH
from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed re-
mains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and
35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 sec-
onds or if the vehicle speed falls below
30 mph (48 km/h).
To enter Aero Mode manually push the down
button once from NRH at any vehicle speed.
To return to NRH push the up button once
while vehicle speed is less than 56 mph
(90 km/h).
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings on your Uconnect
Radio when equipped with UConnect 5.0,
8.4A, or 8.4AN. Refer to “Uconnect Set-
tings” in “Multimedia” in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 3 in (73 mm)) – This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and
exit as well as lowering the rear of the
vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the
“Down” button twice from the NRH while
the vehicle 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 “Up” button 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 instru-
ment cluster display message will be shown
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual
for further information.
Air Suspension Modes
The Air Suspension system has multiple
modes to protect the system in unique situa-
tions:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the ve-
hicle into AERO height automatically. Refer
173

Normal Ride Height (NRH)– This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is meant
for normal driving. It will automatically adjust
to maintain the rear ride height as conditions
change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the
vehicle approximately 1 in (25 mm) for a
level truck, to be used as required while
trailer towing. It will automatically adjust to
maintain the rear ride height as conditions
change.
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspen-
sion system will load level (lower/exhaust
only) for up to 10 minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. This allows for easy removal of a trailer and/or load from the back of the truck
by maintaining the ride height. After 10 min-
utes you will need to turn the ignition to the
run position for the air suspension to main-
tain ride height. If the air suspension system
is disabled using the settings menu (Tire Jack
Mode, Transport Mode or Alignment Mode)
the system will remain disabled when the
vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air
suspension can be accomplished via the set-
tings menu or driving the vehicle above
5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode or Align-
ment Mode and 16 mph (26 km/h) for Trans-
port Mode.
NOTE:
• Most 3500 models will not lower to Alter-
nate Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
• Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
Ignition OFF Behavior
For a predetermined amount of time after the
ignition is off the air suspension may adjust
to maintain a proper appearance.
Refer to your Owner’s Manual for further
information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the sys-
tem. 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 situa-
tions:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspen-
sion system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled. This mode
is intended to be enabled with engine run-
ning. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” if
equipped with a touch screen radio, in your
Owner’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.Alt Trailer Height Button
175

PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK
ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Park Assist system provides
visual and audible indications of the distance
between the rear and/or front fascia and a
detected obstacle when backing up or moving
forward, e.g. during a parking maneuver. Re-
fer to “ParkSense System Usage Precau-
tions” in the Owner’s Manual for limitations
of this system and recommendations.
ParkSense will retain the last system state
(enabled or disabled) from the last ignition
cycle when the ignition is changed to the
ON/RUN position.
ParkSense can be active only when the gear
selector is in REVERSE or DRIVE. If
ParkSense is enabled at one of these gear
selector positions, the system will remain
active until the vehicle speed is increased to
approximately 7 mph (11 km/h) or above. A
warning will appear in the instrument cluster
display indicating the vehicle is aboveParkSense operating speed. The system will
become active again if the vehicle speed is
decreased to speeds less than approximately
6 mph (9 km/h).
Cleaning The ParkSense System
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car
wash soap and a soft cloth. Do not use rough
or hard cloths. Do not scratch or poke the
sensors. Otherwise, you could damage the
sensors.
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA —
IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the
ParkView Rear Back Up Camera that allows
you to see a image of the rear surroundings of
your vehicle whenever the gear selector is put
into REVERSE or whenever it is initiated
through the "Backup Camera" button in the
"Controls" menu. Whenever the gear selector
is put into REVERSE, the image will be dis-
played in the rearview mirror display (if
equipped) or Uconnect screen (if equipped)along with a caution note to “check entire
surroundings” across the top of the screen.
After five seconds this note will disappear.
The ParkView Camera is located to the left of
the tailgate handle.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with Camera delay turned off), the rear Cam-
era mode is exited and the navigation or audio
screen appears again.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
(with Camera delay turned on), the rear Cam-
era image will be displayed for up to 10 sec-
onds after shifting out of REVERSE unless
the forward vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph
(13 km/h), the transmission is shifted into
PARK or the ignition is switched to the OFF
position.
Whenever the Rear View Camera image is
activated through the "Backup Camera" but-
ton in the "Controls" menu, a display timer for
the image is initiated. The image will con-
tinue to be displayed until the display timer
exceeds 10 seconds and the vehicle speed is
above 8 mph (13 km/h) or the touchscreen
button "X" to disable display of the Rear View
Camera image is pressed.
179

Materials Added To Fuel
Designated TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline
contains a higher level
of detergents to fur-
ther aide in minimiz-
ing engine and fuel
system deposits. When
available, the usage of
Top Tier Detergent gasoline is recommended.
Visit www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning
agents should be avoided. Many of these
materials intended for gum and varnish re-
moval may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients. These can harm fuel system gas-
ket and diaphragm materials.
REFUELING THE VEHICLE—
1500 DIESEL MODELS
1. Open the fuel filler door.NOTE:
There is no fuel filler cap. A flapper door
inside the filler pipe seals the system. 2. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler
pipe – the nozzle opens and holds the
flapper door while refueling.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel – when the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off the fuel tank is
full.
4. Remove the fuel nozzle and close the fuel door.
Emergency Fuel Can Refueling
Most fuel cans will not open the flapper door.
A funnel is provided to open the flapper door
to allow emergency refueling with a fuel can.
1. Retrieve fuel funnel from the jack kit located under the front passenger seat.
Fill Locations
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill
Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
STARTING AND OPERATING
182

The NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will
blink while the shift is in progress. The
light will stop blinking (stay on solid)
when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is com-
plete. After the shift is completed and
the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, re-
lease the NEUTRAL (N) button.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds
and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in DRIVE or manual trans-
mission in first gear.
10. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF
the engine. For vehicles with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, push and hold the ENGINE
START/STOP button until the engine
shuts off.
11. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT in Neutral). On 8-speed transmissions
the shifter will automatically select
PARK when the engine is turned off.
12. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode, then cycle the ignition to the RUN mode and
back to the OFF mode. Remove the key
fob from the ignition.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 4 are requirements that must be met before pushing the NEUTRAL
(N) button, and must continue to be met
until the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before
pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no
longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL
(N) indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released. • The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the igni-
tion is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have
not been met.
• If the vehicle is equipped with air suspen- sion, the engine should be started and left
running for a minimum of 60 seconds (with
all the doors closed) at least once every
24 hours. This process allows the air sus-
pension to adjust the vehicle’s ride height
to compensate for temperature effects.
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leav-
ing it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
199

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS.....202
BULB REPLACEMENT ...........202
Replacement Bulbs.............202
FUSES.................... .203
Power Distribution Center.........203
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ......208
Jack Location................208
Removal Of Jack And Tools ........208
Removing The Spare Tire ..........209
Preparations For Jacking ..........210
Jacking Instructions ............211 To Stow The Flat Or Spare
........214
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools .....215
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers —
If Equipped .................217
JUMP STARTING ..............218
Preparations For Jump Start ........218
Jump Starting Procedure ..........219
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......220
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE —
6-SPEED TRANSMISSION .........221
Column Gear Selector — If Equipped . .221
Center Console Gear Selector — If
Equipped...................222
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 SPEED
TRANSMISSION ..............222
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .......224
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .....225
Two-Wheel Drive Models..........226
Four-Wheel Drive Models ..........226
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped . .227
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ...............227
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ......227
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
201

2500/3500 Series Trucks
1. Tighten the jack all the way down byturning the jack turn-screw clockwise un-
til the jack is snug.
2. Position the jack and tools into bracket assembly. Make sure the lug wrench is
under the jack near the jack turn-screw.
Snap tools into bracket assembly clips.
Install the jack into bracket assembly and
turn screw until jack is snug into bracket
assembly.
3. Place the jack and tool bracket assembly in the storage position holding the jack by
the jack turn-screw, slip the jack and tools
under the seat so that the bottom slot
engages into the fastener on the floor. NOTE:
Ensure that the jack and tool bracket
assembly slides into the front hold down
location.
4. Turn the wing bolt clockwise to secure to the floor pan. Reinstall the plastic cover.Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If
Equipped
The hub caps must be removed before raising
the vehicle off the ground.
CAUTION!
Use extreme caution when removing the
front and rear center caps. Damage can
occur to the center cap and/or the wheel if
screwdriver type tools are used. A pulling
motion, not a pry off motion, is recom-
mended to remove the caps.
For single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the
flat blade on the end of the lug wrench to pull
the hub cap off. Insert the blade end into the
pull off notch and carefully pull the hub cap
off with a back and forth motion.
On 3500 models with dual rear wheels
(DRW), you must first remove the hub caps.
The jack handle driver has a hook at one end
that will fit in the pull off notch of the rear
hub caps. Position the hook and pull straight
out on the ratchet firmly. The hub cap should
pop off. The wheel skins can now be removed.
For the front hub cap, use the flat blade on
Floor Fastener Location
217

2. Rotate the Manual Park Release leverforward to its original position, until the
locking tab snaps into place to secure the
lever.
3. Pull gently on the tether strap to confirm that the lever is locked in its stowed
position.
4. Re-install the access cover.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand,
or snow, it can often be moved using a rock-
ing motion. Turn the steering wheel right and
left to clear the area around the front wheels.
Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE (with automatic transmission)
or SECOND GEAR and REVERSE (with
manual transmission), while gently pressing
the accelerator. Use the least amount of ac-
celerator pedal pressure that will maintain
the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine. NOTE:
For trucks equipped with 8-speed automatic
transmission: Shifts between DRIVE and RE-
VERSE can only be achieved at wheel speeds
of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more
than two seconds, you must press the brake
pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
NOTE:
Push the "ESC Off" switch, to place the Elec-
tronic Stability Control (ESC) system in "Par-
tial Off" mode, before rocking the vehicle.
Refer to “Electronic Brake Control” in
“Safety” in the Owner’s Manual for further
information. Once the vehicle has been
freed, push the "ESC Off" switch again to
restore "ESC On" mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forces generated by excessive wheel
speeds may cause damage, or even failure,
of the axle and tires. A tire could explode
and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you
WARNING!
are stuck and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
• Racing the engine or spinning the
wheels may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to
idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL
for at least one minute after every five
rocking-motion cycles. This will mini-
mize overheating and reduce the risk of
clutch or transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shift- ing between DRIVE/2nd gear and RE-
VERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission
overheating and failure. It can also dam-
age the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear
(no transmission shifting occurring).
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
224

Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your
vehicle with all four wheelsOFFthe ground
using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (with rear wheels on the ground) under
the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. Refer to "Manual Park Release" in this sec-
tion for instructions on shifting the
8–speed transmission to NEUTRAL when
the engine is OFF.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km) for 6–speed transmis-
sion, or 30 miles (48 km) for 8–speed
transmission.
If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or farther than 15 miles (24 km)
for 6–speed transmission, or 30 miles
(48 km) for 8–speed transmission, tow with
the rear wheels OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed,
or with the front wheels raised and the rear
wheels on a towing dolly, or (when using a
suitable steering wheel stabilizer to hold the
front wheels in the straight position) with the
rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the
ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe en-
gine and/or transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Four-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing with
all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable meth-
ods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed or with
one end of vehicle raised and the opposite
end on a towing dolly.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transfer case is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (in the forward direction, with ALL
wheels on the ground), IFthe transfer case is
in NEUTRAL and the transmission is in PARK (for automatic transmissions) or in gear (NOT
in NEUTRAL, for manual transmissions). Re-
fer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information and de-
tailed instructions.
CAUTION!
• Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used
(if the remaining wheels are on the
ground). Internal damage to the trans-
mission or transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when
towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
226

If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of
engine power while being driven in heavy
snow or rain, or when plowing snow, and/or
the “SERVICE AIR FILTER” message is dis-
played on the instrument cluster along with a
chime that repeats every 60 seconds, visually
inspect the air filter for snow/ice build up or
extreme water saturation. If the air filter is
not damaged, remove all snow/ice and rein-
stall air filter. If the air filter is damaged,
replace filter element.
NOTE:
The air filter housing contains a Mass Air
Flow sensor. This sensor is critical to proper
engine operation and component longevity.
Any damage or modification to this sensor
could result in major engine and/or exhaust
aftertreatment damage. We recommend you
use Mopar brand parts.
Even though your vehicle is equipped with an
Air Filter Monitor, a visual inspection of the
air cleaner filter element is recommended
every 15,000 miles (24,000km) or
12 months – whichever occurs first.Under nocircumstances should the air cleaner filter ele-
ment exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or
24 months, whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Many aftermarket performance air filter
elements do not adequately filter the air
entering the engine. Use of such filters can
severely damage your engine.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator
Filter
There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is
located on the driver's side of the engine. The
best access to this water drain valve is from
under the hood. The second one is on the
under body, located in front of the rear axle
above the drive shaft on pick-up models. The
Chassis Cab models second filter location is
on the frame behind the front axle. The best
access to this water drain valve is from under
the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Do not drain the fuel/water separator
filter when the engine is running.
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving
surfaces. Drain the filter into an appro-
priate container.
If water is detected in the water separator
while the engine is running, or while the
ignition switch is in the ON position, the
“Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illumi-
nate and an audible chime will be heard five
times. At this point you should stop the
engine and drain the water from both of the
filters.
CAUTION!
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START the engine be-
fore you drain water from the fuel filters to
avoid engine damage.
If the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” comes
on and a single chime is heard while you are
driving, or with the ignition switch in the ON
253