instrument panel Ram 2500 2018 Service Manual

NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal
while shifting out of PARK.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition
Park Interlock which requires the transmis-
sion to be in PARK before the ignition can be
turned to the LOCK/OFF (key removal) posi-
tion. The key fob can only be removed from
the ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/
OFF position, and the transmission is locked
in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF position.
NOTE:
If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap
the key fob in the ignition to warn you that
this safety feature is inoperable. The engine
can be started and stopped but the key fob
cannot be removed until you obtain service.
Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Trans-
mission Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARKunless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must
be turned to the ON/RUN mode (engine run-
ning, for vehicles with eight-speed transmis-
sion) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
In 8-speed vehicles, the brake pedal must
also be pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into
DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
Eight-Speed Automatic
Transmission — If Equipped
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the instru-
ment panel. The transmission gear range
(PRND) is displayed both above the gear
selector and in the instrument cluster. To
select a gear range, simply rotate the gear
selector. You must press the brake pedal to
shift the transmission out of PARK (or NEU-
TRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving
at low speeds). To shift past multiple gear
ranges at once (such as PARK to DRIVE),
simply rotate the gear selector to the appro-
priate detent. Select the DRIVE range for
normal driving. NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission
gear (for example, driver selects PARK while
driving), the position indicator will blink con-
tinuously until the selector is returned to the
proper position, or the requested shift can be
completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission
adapts its shift schedule based on driver
inputs, along with environmental and road
conditions. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts
on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt.
This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
when the accelerator pedal is released and
the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your
foot on the brake pedal when shifting be-
tween these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only
PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE po-
sitions. Manual downshifts can be made us-
ing the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shiftSTARTING AND OPERATING
156

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

Four-Position Electronically
Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission Only) — If
Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Trans-
fer Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.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 drive-
shaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — Eight Speed Transmission Only
STARTING AND OPERATING
166

Five-Position Electronically
Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission Only) — If
Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Trans-
fer Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.This electronically shifted transfer case pro-
vides five mode positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range
(4WD AUTO)
• 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 AUTO
Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range — This
range sends power to the front wheels. The
four–wheel drive system will be automatically
engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road
conditions.
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — Eight Speed Transmission Only
STARTING AND OPERATING
168

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(1500 MODELS) — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time
load leveling capability along with the benefit
of being able to adjust vehicle height by the
push of a button.Automatic height changes will occur based
on vehicle speed and the current vehicle
height. The indicator lamps and instrument
cluster messages will operate the same for
automatic changes and user requested
changes.
•
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 1 in (26 mm)) - This position should
be the primary position for all off-road driv-
ing until Off Road 2 (OR2) is needed. A
smoother and more comfortable ride will
result. To enter OR1, push the “Up” button
once from the NRH position while the ve-
hicle speed is below 35 mph (56 km/h).
When in the OR1 position, if the vehicle
speed remains between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 50 mph (80 km/h) for greater than
20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds
50 mph (80 km/h), the vehicle will be
automatically lowered to NRH. Off-Road
1 may not be available due to vehicle pay-
load, an instrument cluster message will be
displayed when this occurs. Refer to “In- strument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Own-
er’s Manual for further information.
• Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 2 in (51 mm)) - This position is
intended for off-roading use only where
maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR2, push the “Up” button twice
from the NRH position or once from the
OR1 position while vehicle speed is below
20 mph (32 km/h). While in OR2, if the
vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the vehicle height will be automatically
lowered to OR1. Off-Road 2 may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru-
ment cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the 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
1500 Air Suspension Controls
1 — Off-Road 1 Indicator
2 — Off-Road 2 Indicator
3 — Up Button
4 — Down Button
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator
6 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
STARTING AND OPERATING
170

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).
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings in the instrument
cluster when equipped with Uconnect 3.0, or
your Uconnect Radio when equipped with
Uconnect 5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 2 in (51 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 once from the NHR 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 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 instru-
ment cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the 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
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 load
leveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
171

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 (REBEL
MODELS ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time
load leveling capability along with the benefit
of being able to adjust vehicle height by the
push of a button.
Automatic height changes will occur based
on vehicle speed and the current vehicle
height. The indicator lamps and instrument
cluster messages will operate the same for
automatic changes and user requested
changes.NOTE:
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).
Rebel Air Suspension Controls
1 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
Lamp
2 — Off-Road Indicator Lamp
3 — Up Button
4 — Down Button
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator Lamp
6 — Aero Mode Indicator Lamp
STARTING AND OPERATING
172

•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