automatic transmission Ram 3500 2019 Owner's Manual

6
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE .............................................. 290
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 291
Tip Start Feature ......................................................... 291
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition................................. 291
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button ......................................................................... 292

Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or −30°C) ..... 296

After Starting................................................................ 296
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .............. 297
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ............ 297
 PARKING BRAKE ........................................................... 298
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ................................... 299
Ignition Park Interlock ................................................ 301
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System ........... 301
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission .................... 301
 ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION ............................... 308
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED .................................................................... 309
Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case — If Equipped ................................................... 309
Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped ..... 314 
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (2500/3500 MODELS) —
IF EQUIPPED .....................................................................317
Description.................................................................... 317
Air Suspension Modes ................................................318
Instrument Cluster Display Messages ......................320
Operation ......................................................................320
 AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)....................................320
 STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
ONLY ................................................................................322
 SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY .................................................................................324
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics ............................................................324
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand .............................326
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points)............................................................................327
Hill Climbing................................................................329
Driving Through Water ..............................................331
Airing Down For Off-Road Driving .........................332
Vehicle Recovery .........................................................333
After Driving Off-Road...............................................336
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ....................................337

10
DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 506
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 507
Engine Oil Filter ......................................................... 509
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ......................................... 509
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................. 511
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................ 516
Body Lubrication ....................................................... 517
Windshield Wiper Blades ......................................... 517
Exhaust System ........................................................... 520
Cooling System ........................................................... 522
Brake System ............................................................... 527
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 528
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level .......................................................................... 529
Transfer Case ............................................................... 530
 HOISTING ......................................................................... 531 
TIRES ..................................................................................531
Tire Safety Information ............................................531
Tires — General Information ...................................541
Tire Types .....................................................................547
Spare Tires — If Equipped .....................................548
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................................551
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) ................................. 552
Tire Rotation Recommendations ..............................553
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...............................................555
Treadwear .....................................................................556
Traction Grades............................................................ 556
Temperature Grades ................................................... 556
 STORING THE VEHICLE .............................................557
 BODYWORK ......................................................................557
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ....................557
Body And Underbody Maintenance .........................558
Preserving The Bodywork .......................................... 558
 INTERIORS .......................................................................561
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................................561
Plastic And Coated Parts ............................................562
Leather Parts.................................................................563
Glass Surfaces ..............................................................563

34 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
The emergency key will unlock the driver door lock on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause
serious injury or death.
• For personal security and safety in the event of an colli -
sion, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well as
when you park and leave the vehicle.
• Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the automatic transmission into PARK, apply the parking brake, turn
the vehicle OFF, remove the key fobs from vehicle, and
lock all doors. and lock your 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 warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended isdangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be 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.
WARNING! (Continued)

68 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — If Equipped
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the
engine is started and the transmission is in any gear except
PARK. This provides a constant "lights on" condition until
the ignition is turned OFF. The lights illuminate at less than
half of normal intensity. If the parking brake is applied, the
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) will turn off. Also, if a turn
signal is activated, the DRL lamp on the same side of the
vehicle may turn off for the duration of the turn signal acti-
vation. Once the turn signal is no longer active, the DRL
lamp will illuminate.
NOTE:
If allowed by law in the country in which the vehicle was
purchased, the Daytime Running Lights can be turned on
and off using the Uconnect System, refer to “Uconnect
Settings” in “Multimedia” for further information.
High/Low Beam Switch
Push the multifunction lever toward the instrument panel to
switch the headlights to high beam. Pulling the multifunc -
tion lever back toward the steering wheel will turn the low
beams back on, or shut the high beams off.
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control — If
Equipped
The Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control system
provides increased forward lighting at night by automating
high beam control through the use of a digital camera
mounted on the inside rearview mirror. This camera detects
vehicle specific light and automatically switches from high
beams to low beams until the approaching vehicle is out of
view.
NOTE:
• The Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control can be turned on or off by selecting “ON” under “Auto Dim High
Beams” within your Uconnect settings, as well as turning
the headlight switch to the AUTO position. Refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further informa -
tion.
• Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights and taillights of vehicles in the field of view will cause headlights to remain
on longer (closer to the vehicle). Also, dirt, film, and other
obstructions on the windshield or camera lens will cause
the system to function improperly.

184 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Yellow Warning Lights
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the
ACC system. Contact a local authorized dealer for service.
For further information, refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in “Starting And Operating.”
— Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when a fault is detected with the air
suspension system.
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator 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. This warning 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 illuminate 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 catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry
plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death
or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.

256 SAFETY
(Continued)
• Cut off battery power to the:•Engine
•Electric Motor (if equipped)
•Electric power steering
•Brake booster
•Electric park brake
•Automatic transmission gear selector
•Horn
•Front wiper
•Headlamp washer pump
NOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to the STOP
(OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key from the ignition
switch to avoid draining the battery. Carefully check the
vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on the
ground near the engine compartment and fuel tank before
resetting the system and starting the engine. If there are no
fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle electrical devices (e.g.
headlights) after an accident, reset the system by following
the procedure described below. If you have any doubt,
contact an authorized dealer. Enhanced Accident Response System Reset Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response System
functions after an event, the ignition switch must be changed
from ignition START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF. Carefully
check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment
and on the ground near the engine compartment and fuel
tank before resetting the system and starting the engine.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
• Modifications to any part of the air bag system could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured
if the air bag system is not there to protect you. Do not
modify the components or wiring, including adding
any kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub
trim cover or the upper passenger side of the instru -
ment panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle
body structure, or add aftermarket side steps or
running boards.
• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on
your vehicle that it has an air bag system.

STARTING AND OPERATING 291
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK position.
Apply the brake before shifting into any driving range.
NOTE:
• This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift inter-
locking system. The brake pedal must be pressed to shift
out of PARK.
• If equipped with an 8-speed transmission, starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL is not possible unless the Manual
Park Release has been activated. For the Manual Park
Release operation refer to Manual Park Release in “In Case
Of Emergency”.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition switch briefly
to the START position and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run and will automatically disengage when the
engine is running.
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition
Keyless Push Button Ignition
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition switch
with the push of a button, as long as the Remote Start/
Keyless Enter-N-Go key fob is in the passenger compart -
ment.
5

294 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 8-speedtransmission
• 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 engine will turn off
and the ignition switch will change to ACC mode. After
30 minutes the ignition switches to OFF automatically,
unless 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 conditions 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
• 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 instrument 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 295
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).
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.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while the engine is cranking. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 10
seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, release the
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 parking brake when exiting the
vehicle.
5

STARTING AND OPERATING 299
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving unattended children in
a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children, and do not leave 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.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a
collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or injury.
Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking 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 transmis -
sion gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal
released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
5