parking brake Ram 3500 2018 User Guide

IGNITION SWITCH
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) —
If Equipped
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has four
operating positions, three with detents and
one that is spring-loaded. The detent posi-
tions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The START
position is a spring-loaded momentary con-
tact position. When released from the START
position, the switch automatically returns to
the ON/RUN position.
Keyless Push Button Ignition — If
Equipped
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button as
long as the Remote Keyless Entry key fob is in
the passenger compartment.
The Keyless Push Button Ignition has four
operating positions; three of which are la-
beled and will illuminate when in position.The three positions are OFF, ACC, and ON/
RUN. The fourth position is START, during
start RUN will illuminate.
NOTE:
In case the ignition switch does not change
with the push of a button, the key fob may
have a low or dead battery. In this situation, a
back up method can be used to operate the
ignition switch. Put the nose side (side oppo-
site of the emergency key) of the key fob
against the ENGINE START/STOP button,
with your foot applied on the brake pedal, and
push to operate the ignition switch.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Push and release the Remote Start button on
the key fob twice within five seconds. The
parking lights will flash, vehicle doors will
lock, and the horn will chirp twice (if pro-
grammed). Once the vehicle has started, the
engine will run for 15 minutes.
NOTE:
• If your power door locks were unlocked,
Remote Start will automatically lock the
doors.
• If an engine fault is present or fuel level is low, the vehicle will start and then shut
down in 10 seconds.
• The park lamps will turn on and remain on during Remote Start mode.
• For security, power window and power sun- roof operation (if equipped) are disabled
when the vehicle is in the Remote Start
mode.
Keyless Push Button Ignition
17

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
Red Warning Lights
— Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This light indicates when the driver or pas-
senger seat belt is unbuckled. When the
ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound and the
light will turn on. When driving, if the driver
or front passenger seat belt remains unbuck-
led, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or
remain on continuously and a chime will
sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints Sys-
tems” in “Safety” for further information.
— Air Bag Warning Light
This light indicates a fault with the air bag,
and will turn on for four to eight seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position. This light
will illuminate with a single chime when a
fault with the air bag has been detected, it
will stay on until the fault is cleared. If thelight is either not on during startup, stays on,
or turns on while driving, have the system
inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
— Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied,
that the brake fluid level is low, or that there
is a problem with the anti-lock brake system
reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction or that a problem with the Brake
Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC) system. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been cor-
rected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in
either half of the dual brake system is indi-
cated by the Brake Warning Light, which will
turn on when the brake fluid level in the
master cylinder has dropped below a speci-
fied level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair
is necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light
on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop
the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
76

Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the
event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is re-
quired.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from
the OFF position to the ON/RUN position.
The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illumi-
nate, have the light inspected by your autho-
rized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in
the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.— Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warn-
ing Light
This light warns of an overheated engine
condition. If the engine coolant temperature
is too high, this indicator will illuminate and a
single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime
will be sound for four minutes or until the
engine is able to cool: whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to nor-
mal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Over-
heats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on while the
engine is running, there may be a malfunc-
tion with the charging system. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the vehicle is run-
ning, the light will either stay on or flash
77

WARNING!
• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat onthe driver’s side floor area. To check for
interference, with the vehicle properly
parked with the engine off, fully depress
the accelerator, the brake, and the
clutch pedal (if present) to check for
interference. If your floor mat interferes
with the operation of any pedal, or is not
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat
in your trunk.
• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area
when the vehicle is moving. Objects can
become trapped under accelerator,
brake, or clutch pedals and could cause
a loss of vehicle control.
•
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These ob-
jects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
WARNING!
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor
mat fasteners are secure to the vehicle
carpet. Fully depress each pedal to
check for interference with the accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals then re-
install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat
has been properly installed and is se-
cured to your vehicle using the floor mat
fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones,
nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the
tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks, and bulges. Check the wheel bolts for
tightness. Check the tires (including spare)
for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and lock-
ing.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or
if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The
cause should be located and corrected imme-
diately.
SAFETY
136

STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10-second intervals. Waiting a few sec-
onds between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
WARNING!
• When leaving the vehicle, always makesure the keyless ignition node is in the
"OFF" mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
WARNING!
• Do not leave the key fob in or near thevehicle, 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.
Normal Starting Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
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 while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to
start, the starter will disengage automati-
cally after 10 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
139

(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.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has three
modes: OFF, ACC, and RUN. To change the
ignition modes without starting the vehicle
and use the accessories, follow these direc-
tions:
1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode. 2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button
once to place the ignition to the ACC
mode.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to place the ignition to the
RUN mode.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
mode.
AutoPark — Rotary Shifter and 8-Speed
Trans Only
AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist
in placing the vehicle in PARK should the
situations on the following pages occur. It is a
back up system and should not be relied
upon as the primary method by which the
driver shifts the vehicle into PARK.
The conditions under which AutoPark will
engage are outlined on the following pages.
WARNING!
• Driver inattention could lead to failure toplace the vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO
WARNING!
A VISUAL CHECK that your vehicle is in
PARK by verifying that a solid (not blink-
ing) “P” is indicated in the Instrument
Cluster Display and near the gear selec-
tor. If the "P" indicator is blinking, your
vehicle is not in PARK. As an added
precaution, always apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle.
• AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is
not designed to replace the need to shift
your vehicle into PARK. It is a back up
system and should not be relied upon as
the primary method by which the driver
shifts the vehicle into PARK.
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns
off the engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these con-
ditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 8-speed transmission
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle Speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
STARTING AND OPERATING
140

• Ignition switched from RUN to ACC
NOTE:
For Keyless Go equipped vehicles, The en-
gine will turn off and the ignition switch will
change to ACC mode. After 30 minutes the
ignition switches to OFF automatically, un-
less the driver turns the ignition switch OFF.
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits
the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle
may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these con-
ditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter andan 8-speed transmission
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
• Driver’s door is ajar
• Brake Pedal is not depressed
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Engaged Shift to P
then Shift to Gear” will display in the instru-
ment cluster. NOTE:
In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be
displayed in the instrument cluster, causing
the “AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift to
Gear” to not be seen. In these cases, the
shifter must be returned to “P” to select
desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage
ONLYwhen vehicle
speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less.
The MESSAGE “Vehicle Speed is Too High to
Shift to P”will be displayed in the instrument
cluster if vehicle speed is above 1.2 MPH
(1.9 km/h).
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 MPH
(1.9 km/h), the transmission will default to
NEUTRAL until the vehicle speed drops
below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km). A vehicle left in
the NEUTRAL position can roll. As an
added precaution, always apply the park-
ing brake when exiting the vehicle. 4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the
vehicle in 4WD LOW.
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Disabled” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Additional customer warnings will be given
when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Driver’s Door is ajar
• Vehicle is in 4WD LOW range
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Not Engaged” will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. A
warning chime will continue until you shift
the vehicle into PARK or the Driver’s Door is
closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK that your vehicle
is in PARK by looking for the "P" in the
Instrument Cluster Display and near the
shifter. As an added precaution, always apply
the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
141

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

ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has three
modes: OFF, ACC, and RUN. To change the
ignition modes without starting the vehicle
and use the accessories, follow these direc-
tions:
1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.
2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP buttononce to place the ignition to the ACC
mode.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to place the ignition to the
RUN mode.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
mode.
AutoPark — Rotary Shifter and 8-Speed
Trans Only
AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist
in placing the vehicle in PARK should the
situations on the following pages occur. It is a back up system and should not be relied
upon as the primary method by which the
driver shifts the vehicle into PARK.
The conditions under which AutoPark will
engage are outlined on the following pages.
WARNING!
• Driver inattention could lead to failure to
place the vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO
A VISUAL CHECK that your vehicle is in
PARK by verifying that a solid (not blink-
ing) “P” is indicated in the Instrument
Cluster Display and near the gear selec-
tor. If the "P" indicator is blinking, your
vehicle is not in PARK. As an added
precaution, always apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle.
• AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is
not designed to replace the need to shift
your vehicle into PARK. It is a back up
system and should not be relied upon as
the primary method by which the driver
shifts the vehicle into PARK. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns
off the engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these con-
ditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and
an 8-speed transmission
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle Speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Ignition switched from RUN to ACC
NOTE:
For Keyless Go equipped vehicles, The en-
gine will turn off and the ignition switch will
change to ACC mode. After 30 minutes the
ignition switches to OFF automatically, un-
less the driver turns the ignition switch OFF.
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits
the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle
may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these con-
ditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 8-speed transmission
STARTING AND OPERATING
144

• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) orless
• Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
• Driver’s door is ajar
• Brake Pedal is not depressed
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Engaged Shift to P
then Shift to Gear” will display in the instru-
ment cluster.
NOTE:
In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be
displayed in the instrument cluster, causing
the “AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift to
Gear” to not be seen. In these cases, the
shifter must be returned to “P” to select
desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLYwhen vehicle
speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less.
The MESSAGE “Vehicle Speed is Too High to
Shift to P”will be displayed in the instrument
cluster if vehicle speed is above 1.2 MPH
(1.9 km/h).WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 MPH
(1.9 km/h), the transmission will default to
NEUTRAL until the vehicle speed drops
below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km). A vehicle left in
the NEUTRAL position can roll. As an
added precaution, always apply the park-
ing brake when exiting the vehicle.
4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the
vehicle in 4WD LOW.
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Disabled” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Additional customer warnings will be given
when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Driver’s Door is ajar
• Vehicle is in 4WD LOW range
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Not Engaged” will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. A
warning chime will continue until you shift
the vehicle into PARK or the Driver’s Door is
closed. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle
is in PARK by looking for the "P" in the
Instrument Cluster Display and near the
shifter. As an added precaution, always apply
the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
Extreme Cold Weather
The engine block heater is a resistance heater
installed in the water jacket of the engine. It
requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet
with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
Its use is recommended for environments
that routinely fall below -10°F (-23°C). It
should be used when the vehicle has not been
running overnight or longer periods and
should be plugged in two hours prior to start.
Its use is required for cold starts with tem-
peratures under -20°F (-28°C).
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not
equipped, heater cords are available from
your authorized Mopar dealer.
• A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids in preventing fuel gelling. It is
controlled by a built-in thermostat.
145