manual transmission Ram 3500 2018 User Guide

Memory Position Recall
NOTE:
• For vehicles equipped with an automatictransmission, the vehicle speed must be
lower than 5 mph to recall memory posi-
tions. If a recall is attempted when the
vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph, a
message will be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster display.
•
For vehicles equipped with a manual trans-
mission, the vehicle speed must be at 0 mph
(0 km/h) to recall memory positions. If a
recall is attempted with the vehicle speed
above 0 mph (0 km/h), a message will appear
in the instrument cluster display.
Driver One Memory Position Recall
• To recall the memory settings for driver one using the memory switch, push memory
button (1) on the memory switch.
• To recall the memory settings for driver one using the key fob, push the unlock button
on the key fob linked to memory position 1. Driver Two Memory Position Recall
• To recall the memory setting for driver two
using the memory switch, push memory
button (2) on the memory switch.
• To recall the memory settings for driver two using the key fob, push the unlock button
on the key fob linked to memory position 2.
A recall can be cancelled by pushing any of
the memory buttons during a recall (S, 1, or
2). When a recall is cancelled, the driver's
seat and the power pedals (if equipped) stop
moving. A delay of one second will occur
before another recall can be selected.
Easy Entry/Exit Seat
This feature provides automatic driver’s seat
positioning to enhance driver mobility when
entering and exiting the vehicle.
The distance the driver’s seat moves depends
on where you have the driver’s seat positioned
when you remove the key fob from the igni-
tion (or change the ignition to OFF, for ve-
hicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go). • When you remove the key fob from the
ignition (or change the ignition to OFF, for
vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-
Go), the driver’s seat will move about
2.4 inches (60 mm) rearward if the driver’s
seat position is greater than or equal to
2.7 inches (67.7 mm) forward of the rear
stop. The seat will return to its previously
set position when you place the ignition
into the ACC or RUN position.
• When you remove the key fob from the ignition (or change the ignition to OFF, for
vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-
Go), the driver’s seat will move to a position
0.3 inches (7.7 mm) forward of the rear
stop if the driver’s seat position is between
0.9 inches and 2.7 inches (22.7 mm and
67.7 mm) forward of the rear stop. The seat
will return to its previously set position
when you place the ignition to the ACC or
RUN position.
• The Easy Entry/Easy Exit feature is disabled when the driver’s seat position is less than
0.9 inches (22.7 mm) forward of the rear
stop. At this position, there is no benefit to
the driver by moving the seat for Easy Exit
or Easy Entry.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
24

depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely
and completely stopped and the transmission
is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with
the vehicle running, your vehicle will usually
be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the ve-
hicle is running, immediate service is re-
quired and you may experience reduced per-
formance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing.
The light will come on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN posi-
tion and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If
the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.— Electric Power Steering Fault
Warning Light
This light will turn on when there's a
fault with the EPS (Electric Power Steering)
system. Refer to “Power Steering” in
“Starting And Operating” in the Owner’s
Manual at
https://www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owners-manual.html
(U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Residents)
for further information.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warn-
ing Light
This telltale is on when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is
ajar/open and not fully closed. NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a
single chime.
Yellow Warning Lights
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indica-
tor Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems.
The light will illuminate when the ignition is
in the ON/RUN position before engine start.
If the bulb does not come on when turning
the ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN,
have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illumi-
nate the light after engine start. The vehicle
should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and
will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may
flash to alert serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
78

STARTING THE ENGINE — 3.0L
DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten
your seat belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to
30-second intervals. Waiting a few minutes
between such intervals will protect the starter
from overheating.
WARNING!
• Before exiting a vehicle, always come toa complete stop, then shift the auto-
matic transmission into PARK and apply
the parking brake. Always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the OFF
mode, remove the key fob from the ve-
hicle and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended
is dangerous for a number of reasons. A
child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be
WARNING!
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to
children, and do not leave the ignition of
a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A
child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury
or death.
NOTE:
Engine start up in very low ambient tempera-
ture could result in evident white smoke. This
condition will disappear as the engine warms
up.
CAUTION!
• The engine is allowed to crank as long as 30 seconds. If the engine fails to start
during this period, please wait at least
CAUTION!
two minutes for the starter to cool before
repeating start procedure.
• If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light”
remains on, DO NOT START engine be-
fore you drain the water from the fuel
filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter”
in “Servicing And Maintenance” in your
Diesel Supplement on www.mopar.com/
en-us/care/owners-manual.html (U.S.
Residents) or www.owners.mopar.ca
(Canadian Residents) for further infor-
mation.
Normal Starting Using ENGINE
STOP/START Button
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights
when starting the engine.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or press-
ing the accelerator pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING
142

To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal whilepushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
NOTE:
A delay of the start of up to five seconds is
possible under very cold conditions. The
"Wait to Start" telltale will be illuminated
during the pre-heat process, When the
engine Wait To Start light goes off the
engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START engine before
you drain the water from the fuel filters to
avoid engine damage. Refer to “Draining
Fuel/Water Separator Filter” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” in your Diesel Supple-
ment at www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owners-manual.html (U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Resi-
dents) for further information. 3. The system takes over and attempts to
start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to
start, the starter will disengage automati-
cally after 25 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push
the button again.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or press-
ing the accelerator pedal.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button
1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/
STOP button.
2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be
held for two seconds or three short pushes
in a row with the vehicle speed above
5 MPH (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition will remain in the
ACC mode until the gear selector is in
PARK and the button is pushed twice to
the OFF mode.
4. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed
once with the vehicle speed above 5 MPH
(8 km/h), the instrument cluster will dis-
play a “Vehicle Not In Park” message and
the engine will remain running. Never
leave a vehicle out of the PARK position,
or it could roll.
NOTE:
If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the
ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once
with the vehicle speed below 5 MPH (8 km/
h), the engine will shut off and the ignition
will remain in the ACC position. If vehicle
speed drops below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h), the
vehicle may AutoPark. See AutoPark section
for further details.
143

to maintain normal system voltage by auto-
matically increasing engine idle speed. You
may notice several consecutive increases in
idle speed, up to a maximum of 1450 RPM,
as the system will attempt to utilize the
smallest increase in idle speed necessary to
maintain normal system voltage. The idle
speed will return to normal when either the
electrical load is removed, or when the brake
pedal is applied.
NOTE:
For instrument cluster display messages re-
lated to the vehicle's exhaust system, refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
Idle-Up Feature — Automatic Transmission
Only
The driver-controlled high idle speed feature
will help increase cylinder temperatures and
provide additional cab heat, however, exces-
sive idling may still cause the exhaust after-
treatment system to not properly regenerate.
Extended periods of idle time should be
avoided.The Idle-Up feature uses the speed control
switches to increase engine idle speed and
quickly warm the vehicle's interior.
1. With the transmission in PARK, the park-
ing brake applied, and the engine run-
ning, push the speed control switch to the
ON position, then push the SET switch.
2. The engine RPM will go up to 1100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the
ACCEL/RESUME switch and the idle
speed will increase to approximately
1500 RPM. To decrease the RPM, push
and hold the DECEL switch and the idle
speed will decrease to approximately
1100 RPM.
3. To cancel the Idle–Up feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF
switch, or press the brake pedal.Stopping The Engine
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine
shutdown. After full load operation, idle the
engine three to five minutes before shutting it
down. This idle period will allow the lubricat- ing oil and coolant to carry excess heat away
from the combustion chamber, bearings, in-
ternal components, and turbocharger. This is
especially important for turbocharged,
charge air-cooled engines.
NOTE:
• During engine shut down on vehicles
equipped with manual transmissions, it is
normal for the diesel engine to resonate
heavily for a moment during engine shut
off. When the engine is connected to a
manual transmission, this resonance
causes load gear rattle from the transmis-
sion. This is commonly referred to as “shut
down rattle.” The manufacturer recom-
mends performing engine shut down with
the clutch pedal pushed to the floor (clutch
disengaged). When engine shut down is
performed in this manner the rattle is re-
duced (not eliminated).
• Refer to the following chart for proper en- gine shutdown.
STARTING AND OPERATING
152

ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 3.0L DIESEL
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it underload.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
"Technical Specifications” in this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS — 6.7L DIESEL
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine
does not require a break-in period due to its
construction. Normal operation is allowed,
providing the following recommendations are
followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging. • Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera-
ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” of the Owner’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins
turbocharged diesel engine, engine run-in is
enhanced by loaded operating conditions
which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles
(10 000 km).STARTING AND OPERATING
154

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

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
shift positions. Manual downshifts can be
made using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control. Pressing the ERS (-/+)
switches (column shift) or moving the gear
selector to the left or right (-/+) (console shift)
while in the DRIVE position will select the
highest available transmission gear, and will
display that gear limit in the instrument clus-
ter as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to "Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation" in this section for
further information. Some models will dis-
play both the selected gear limit, and the
actual current gear, while in ERS mode.Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni-
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is
activated. In this mode, the transmission re-
mains in direct gear regardless of which for-
ward gear is selected. PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL will continue to operate. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may be illumi-
nated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to
be driven to an authorized dealer for service
without damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all for-
ward gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If theproblem is no longer detected, the trans-
mission will return to normal operation. NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized
dealer at your earliest possible convenience.
Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to assess the condition of your trans-
mission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, autho-
rized dealer service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation —
Six-Speed Transmission (1500 Models
Only)
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift con-
trol allows the driver to limit the highest
available gear when the transmission is in
DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmis-
sion gear limit to 4 (fourth gear), the trans-
mission will not shift above fourth gear, but
will shift through the lower gears normally.
Use of ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also en-
ables an additional underdrive gear which is
not normally used during through-gear accel-
erations. This additional gear can improve
vehicle performance and cooling capability
when towing a trailer on certain grades. In
159

drive, move the gear selector from PARK or
NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position. Pull the
gear selector toward you when shifting into
REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of
PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission
provides a precise shift schedule. The trans-
mission 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
shift positions. Manual downshifts can be
made using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control. Pressing the ERS (-/+)
switches (on the gear selector) while in the
DRIVE position will select the highest avail-
able transmission gear, and will display that
gear limit in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3,etc. Refer to "Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Operation" in this section for further informa-
tion. Some models will display both the se-
lected gear limit, and the actual current gear,
while in ERS mode.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni-
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition
is detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is
activated. In this mode, the transmission
remains in fourth gear regardless of which
forward gear is selected. PARK, REVERSE,
and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. The
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer
for service without damaging the transmis-
sion.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all for-
ward gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the trans-
mission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized
dealer at your earliest possible convenience.
Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to assess the condition of your trans-
mission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, autho-
rized dealer service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift con-
trol allows the driver to limit the highest
available gear when the transmission is in
DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmis-
sion gear limit to 4 (fourth gear), the trans-
mission will not shift above fourth gear, but
will shift through the lower gears normally.
161

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