four wheel drive Ram 3500 2018 Owner's Manual

INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer, congratulations on selecting your new
vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workman-
ship, distinctive styling, and high quality.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go places and
perform tasks that conventional passenger vehicles are not
intended. It handles and maneuvers differently from many
passenger vehicles both on-road and off-road, so take time
to become familiar with your vehicle. If equipped, the
two-wheel drive version of this vehicle was designed for
on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving or
use in other severe conditions suited for a four-wheel drive
vehicle. Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Owner ’s Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle
controls, particularly those used for braking, steering,
transmission, and transfer case shifting. Learn how your
vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Your driving
skills will improve with experience. When driving off-road,
or working the vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect
the vehicle to overcome the natural laws of physics.
Always observe federal, state, provincial and local laws
wherever you drive. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of
control or a collision. Refer to the “Driving Tips” section for
further information.This Owner ’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you
with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle. It is
supplemented by Warranty Information, and customer
oriented documents. In the attached Warranty Booklet you
will find a description of the services that FCA offers to its
customers, the Warranty Certificate and the details of the
terms and conditions for maintaining its validity. Please
take the time to read all of these publications carefully
before driving your vehicle for the first time. Following the
instructions, recommendations, tips, and important warn-
ings in this manual will help assure safe and enjoyable
operation of your vehicle.
This Owner ’s Manual describes all versions of this vehicle.
Options and equipment dedicated to specific markets or
versions are not expressly indicated in the text. Therefore,
you should only consider the information which is related
to the trim level, engine, and version that you have
purchased. Any content introduced throughout the Own-
er ’s Information, that may or may not be applicable to your
vehicle, will be identified with the wording “If Equipped”.
All data contained in this publication are intended to help
you use your vehicle in the best possible way. FCA aims at
a constant improvement of the vehicles produced. For this
reason, it reserves the right to make changes to the model
4 INTRODUCTION

— Air Suspension Ride Height Lowering
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that the vehicle is
changing to a lower ride height.
— Air Suspension Entry/Exit Indicator Light— If
Equipped
This light comes on when the vehicle is automatically
lowered from ride height position downward for easy
entry and exit of the vehicle.
– 4WD Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive mode, and the front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed.
— 4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and rear drive-
shafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range
provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased
torque at the wheels. Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information on four-
wheel drive operation and proper use.
Green Indicator Lights
— Park/Headlight On Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when the park lights or
headlights are turned on.
— Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog lights are
on.
— Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated, the turn
signal indicator will flash independently and the corre-
sponding exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals
can be activated when the multifunction lever is moved
down (left) or up (right).
NOTE:
•
A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
198 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

— Speed Control SET Indicator Light — If
Equipped With 7 Inch Instrument Cluster Display
This light will turn on when the speed control is set. Refer
to “Speed Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
– 4WD AUTO Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive auto mode, and 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
vehicle senses a loss of traction.
For further information on four-wheel drive operation and
proper use, refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating.”
White Indicator Lights
— Cruise Control Ready Indicator
This light will turn on when the speed control is ready, but
not set.
— Speed Control SET Indicator Light — If
Equipped With 3.5 Inch Instrument Cluster Display
This light will turn on when the speed control is set. Refer
to “Speed Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
— Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent Control (HDC)
feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC
is armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is
in the “4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less
then 30 mph (48 km/h). If these conditions are not met
while attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indi-
cator light will flash on/off.
Blue Indicator Lights
— High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator shows that the high beam headlights are on.
With the low beams activated, push the multifunction lever
forward (toward the front of the vehicle) to turn on the
high beams. Pull the multifunction lever rearward (toward
the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the high beams. If the
high beams are off, pull the lever toward you for a
temporary high beam on, flash to passscenario.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199

flash and the tire pressure display screen will be displayed
showing the tire pressure values the correct locations.
Vehicles With Non Matching Full Size Spare Or Compact
Spare
•The non matching full size spare or compact spare tire
does not have a TPM sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will
not monitor the pressure in the non matching full size
spare or compact spare tire.
• If you install the non matching full size spare or compact
spare tire in place of a road tire that has a pressure below
the low-pressure warning limit, upon the next ignition
switch cycle, the TPM Telltale Light and a “LOW TIRE”
message will remain ON and a chime will sound. In
addition, the graphic in the instrument cluster will still
display a pressure value in a different color.
• After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h), the TPM Telltale Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. In
addition, the instrument cluster will display a SERVICE
TPM SYSTEM message for a minimum of five seconds
and then display dashes (- -) in place of the pressure
value. •
For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime will
sound, the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then remain on solid, and the instrument
cluster will display a SERVICE TPM SYSTEM message
for a minimum of five seconds and then display dashes
(- -) in place of the pressure value.
• Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the non matching
full size spare or compact spare, the TPMS will update
automatically. In addition, the TPM Telltale Light will
turn OFF and the graphic in the instrument cluster will
display a new pressure value instead of dashes (- -), as
long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires. The
vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes
above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.
Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS) 3500 Series
Trucks
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire Pressure Infor-
mation System (TPIS).
The Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
5
SAFETY 221

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this section may be
standard equipment on some models, or may be optional
equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask your autho-
rized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in a
collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) moni-
tors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring asso-
ciated with the electrical Air Bag System Components.
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following Air Bag
System Components:
Air Bag System Components
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
•Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags •
Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
Air Bag Warning Light
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If
the ignition switch is in the OFF position or in the
ACC position, the air bag system is not on and the air bags
will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may
deploy the air bag system even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds
for a self-check when the ignition switch is first in the
ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warn-
ing Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in
any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning
5
SAFETY 237

Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime
will sound to alert you if the light comes on again after
initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the
instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
detected that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos-
tics also record the nature of the malfunction. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the air
bag system immediately.
•The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the
four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first in
the ON/RUN position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. In this condition
the air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instrument
panel could mean you won’t have the air bag system to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on
as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned on,
stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as
you drive, have an authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder belts for
both the driver and front passenger. The front air bags are
a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver
front air bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel.
The passenger front air bag is mounted in the instrument
panel, above the glove compartment. The words “SRS
AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed on the air bag
covers.
238 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

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

Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
NOTE:On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the key fob.WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
park brake. Always apply the park brake fully when
exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the ve-
hicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and verify
that the transmission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the
vehicle is completely stopped, and the PARK posi-
tion is properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
(Continued)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 301

NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation —
Eight-Speed Transmission
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear when the trans-
mission is in DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmis-
sion gear limit to 4 (fourth gear), the transmission will not
shift above fourth gear (except to prevent engine over-
speed), but will shift through the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the transmission gear selector is in
DRIVE, the transmission will operate automatically, shift-
ing between all available gears. Tapping the GEAR- switch
(on the steering wheel) 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 the
GEAR- or GEAR+ switch will change the top available
gear. To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the GEAR+
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 vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
1 — GEAR - Switch
2 — GEAR + Switch
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 305