change 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

to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Own-
er’s Manual 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 suspen-
sion system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s
Manual 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 ground, the air suspension system has a
feature which will put the vehicle into Entry/
Exit height and disable the automatic loadleveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther 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” in the Owner’s Manual for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension sys-
tem, the vehicle will disable load leveling as
required (suspension overloaded, 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 fur-
ther information.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(2500/3500 MODELS) — IF
EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling
ride height system. The main purpose of this
system is to maintain the truck’s rear ride
height level. There are two selectable heights
that can be chosen based on your operating
conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in
ON/RUN position or the engine running with
zero vehicle speed for all user requested
changes and load leveling.
STARTING AND OPERATING
174

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

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

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

NOTE:
If the vehicle speed remains below 8 mph
(13 km/h), the Rear View Camera image will
be displayed continuously until deactivated
via the touchscreen button "X".
If equipped with a Cargo Camera, a touch-
screen button
to indicate the current
active Camera image being displayed is made
available whenever the Rear View Camera
image is displayed.
If equipped with a Cargo Camera, a touch-
screen button
to switch the display to
Cargo Camera image is made available when-
ever the Rear View Camera image is dis-
played.
A touchscreen button "X" to disable display of
the camera image is made available when the
vehicle is not in REVERSE gear.
When enabled, active guide lines are overlaid
on the image to illustrate the width of the
vehicle and its projected backup path based
on the steering wheel position. The active
guide lines will show separate zones that will
help indicate the distance to the rear of the
vehicle. NOTE:
For further information about how to access
and change the programmable features of the
ParkView Rear Backup Camera, refer to
“Uconnect Settings ” in “Multimedia” in the
Owner’s Manual for further information.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using the ParkView Rear Back
Up Camera. Always check carefully behind
your vehicle, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, ob-
structions, or blind spots before backing
up. You are responsible for the safety of
your surroundings and must continue to
pay attention while backing up. Failure to
do so can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
• To avoid vehicle damage, ParkView
should only be used as a parking aid.
The ParkView camera is unable to view
every obstacle or object in your drive
path.
CAUTION!
• To avoid vehicle damage, the vehiclemust be driven slowly when using
ParkView to be able to stop in time when
an obstacle is seen. It is recommended
that the driver look frequently over his/
her shoulder when using ParkView.
NOTE:
If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance
builds up on the camera lens, clean the lens,
rinse with water, and dry with a soft cloth. Do
not cover the lens.
Turning Rear View Camera Image On:
1. Press the "Controls" button located on the bottom of the Uconnect display.
2. Press the "Backup Camera" button
to turn the Rear View Camera system on.
NOTE:
Once initiated by the "Backup Camera" but-
ton, the Rear View Camera image may be
deactivated by pressing the "X" button on the
touchscreen. On deactivation, the previous
selected screen will appear.
STARTING AND OPERATING
180

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

NOTE:
Always stow the spare tire with the valve stem
facing the ground. It is recommended that
you stow the flat or spare to avoid tangling the
loose cable.NOTE:
The winch mechanism is designed for use
with the extension tube only. Use of an air
wrench or other power tools is not recom-
mended and can damage the winch.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface.
Avoid ice or slippery areas.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side
of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull
far enough off the road to avoid being hit
when operating the jack or changing the
wheel.
2. Place the gear selector into PARK. On four-wheel drive vehicles, shift the trans-
fer case to the 4L position.
3. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Turn the ignition OFF. 6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel
diagonally opposite the jacking position.
For example, if the right front wheel is
being changed, block the left rear wheel.
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
Lug Wrench/Spare Tire
1 — Lug Wrench 2 — Spare Tire
Wheel Blocked
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
210

To Stow The Flat Or Spare
NOTE:
RAM 1500 vehicles equipped with alumi-
num wheels cannot be stored under the ve-
hicle because the wheel retainer will not fit
through the wheel pilot hole. Secure the flat
tire in the bed of the truck. Have the flat tire
repaired or replaced immediately.
1. Turn the wheel so that the valve stem isdown. Slide the wheel retainer through
the center of the wheel and position it
properly across the wheel opening.
2. For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow with the valve stem toward
the rear of the vehicle.
3. Attach the lug wrench to the extension tubes with the curved angle facing away
from the vehicle. Rotate the lug wrench
handle clockwise until the wheel is drawn
into place against the underside of the
vehicle. Continue to rotate until you feel
the winch mechanism slip, or click three
or four times. It cannot be overtightened.
Push against the tire several times to be
sure it is firmly in place.
WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on theside of the vehicle close to moving traf-
fic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid
the danger of being hit when operating
the jack or changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dan-
gerous. The vehicle could slip off the
jack and fall on you. You could be
crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack.
• Never start or run the engine while the
vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to your
authorized dealer where it can be raised
on a lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool
for changing tires only. The jack should
not be used to lift the vehicle for service
purposes. The vehicle should be jacked
on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the
side of the vehicle close to moving traf-
fic, pull far enough off the road to avoid
WARNING!
the danger of being hit when operating
the jack or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing
warnings to help prevent personal injury
or damage to your vehicle:• Always park on a firm, level surface
as far from the edge of the roadway
as possible before raising the ve-
hicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flash-
ers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite
the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set
an automatic transmission in
PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle
when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it
is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions
indicated and for lifting this vehicle
during a tire change.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
214