air suspension Ram 3500 2020 Owner's Manual

6
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .......................... 233Ignition Park Interlock ...............................234
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System .......................................................235 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................235 Six-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................239
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ........... 246
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION ........................ 246
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 246
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ........246 Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Six
Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ........250 Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped .................................................253
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED.... 256
Description .................................................256
Air Suspension Modes...............................256
Instrument Cluster Display Messages......257Operation....................................................258 AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED).......................... 258
STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY ....................................................260
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY ...................................................................261
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics ........................................... 261 Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ............... 262
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other
High Points) ................................................ 263 Hill Climbing ............................................... 264Driving Through Water............................... 266Airing Down For Off-Road Driving ............. 267Vehicle Recovery........................................ 268
After Driving Off-Road ................................ 270
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ........................... 270
WINCH USAGE — POWER WAGON ONLY
(IF EQUIPPED) .....................................................271
Things To Know Before Using
Your Winch ................................................. 271 Understanding The Features Of
Your Winch ................................................. 271 Winch Accessories .................................... 272
Operating Your Winch ............................... 273Rigging Techniques .................................. 279 FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY — GAS ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED) .................................................... 279
SPEED CONTROL .............................................. 280
To Activate.................................................. 280
To Set A Desired Speed ............................ 280To Vary The Speed Setting ........................ 280
To Accelerate For Passing ........................ 281
To Resume Speed ..................................... 281
To Deactivate ............................................. 281 ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) —
IF EQUIPPED
....................................................... 282

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation ... 283
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ... 284

To Activate/Deactivate.............................. 284
To Set A Desired ACC Speed..................... 285
To Cancel ................................................... 285
To Turn Off ................................................. 285
To Resume ................................................. 285To Vary The Speed Setting ........................ 286
Setting The Following Distance In ACC .... 287
Overtake Aid............................................... 288
ACC Operation At Stop............................... 289Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu ........ 289
Display Warnings And Maintenance ........ 290
Precautions While Driving With ACC......... 291
General Information .................................. 294
Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control
Mode .......................................................... 294

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL133
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 vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, 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 position 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.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the Trailer Brake has been
disconnected.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until
the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you
may continue to drive normally.
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
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.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
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
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
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138GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to
indicate that Forward Collision
Warning is off.
Refer to “Auxiliary Driving Systems” in “Safety”
for further information.
Air Suspension Payload Protection
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate that the maximum payload
may have been exceeded or load
leveling cannot be achieved at its
current ride height. Protection Mode will
automatically be selected in order to “protect”
the air suspension system, air suspension
adjustment is limited due to payload.
TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate
when TOW/HAUL mode is selected.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
Cargo Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the cargo light is activated by
pushing the cargo light button on the
headlight switch.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Indicator Light
— If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when a derate (engine power
reduction) is activated for protection
of the turbocharger in cold ambient
temperatures.
For further information, refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel”.
Diesel Exhaust Brake Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the Diesel Exhaust Brake has
been activated, and is in full strength
mode.
Refer to “Diesel Exhaust Brake (Engine
Braking)” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Sway Bar Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the front sway bar is
disconnected.
Refer to “Stabilizer/Sway Bar System — Power
Wagon Only” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
Snowplow Mode Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when Snowplow Mode has been
activated.
Refer to “Snowplow” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Air Suspension Alternate Trailer Height
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the
Alternate Trailer Height setting.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL139
Air Suspension Bed Lowering Mode
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the Bed
Lowering Mode procedure is
complete.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Air Suspension Ride Height Raising
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver
that the vehicle is changing to a
higher ride height.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
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.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Front And Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the front,
rear, or both axles have been locked.
The telltale will display the lock icon
on the front and rear axles to indicate
the current lock status.
Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the rear axle
lock has been activated.
Refer to “Four Wheel Drive Operation
— If Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
4WD Lock Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive LOCK
mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information
on four-wheel drive operation and proper use.
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 driveshafts
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.
4WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive HIGH
mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed.
NEUTRAL Indicator Light — If Equipped

This light alerts the driver that the 4WD
power transfer case is in the NEUTRAL
mode and the front and rear driveshafts
are disengaged from the powertrain.

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256STARTING AND OPERATING
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — 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 the
ON/RUN position or the engine running with
zero vehicle speed for all user requested
changes and load leveling.

Rear Leveling Ride Height Switch
Normal Ride Height (NRH)
– This is the standard
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 inch (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
suspension system will continue to load level
after the vehicle has been turned off for
10 minutes without compressor activation. This
allows for easy removal of a trailer and/or load
from the back of the truck by maintaining the
ride height. After 10 minutes you will need to
turn the ignition to the run position for the air
suspension to re-level due to addition/removal
of load in the vehicle. If the air suspension
system is disabled using the settings menu (Tire
Jack Mode, Transport Mode, Alignment Mode,
or Bed Lowering Mode) the system will remain
disabled when the vehicle is turned off.
Reactivating the air suspension can be
accomplished via the settings menu or driving the vehicle above 5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack
Mode, Alignment Mode, Transport Mode and
Bed Lowering Mode.
NOTE:
Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate
Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
AIR SUSPENSION MODES
The air suspension system has multiple modes
to protect the system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows
the automatic leveling to be disabled. This
mode is intended to be enabled with the engine
running. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the system.
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
system, see an authorized dealer for service.

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STARTING AND OPERATING257
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” (if
equipped with a touch screen radio) for further
information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
engine running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the
road, the air suspension system has a feature
which will put the vehicle below Normal Ride
Height (NRH) and disable the automatic load
leveling system. This mode is intended to be
enabled with engine running. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” if equipped with a touch screen radio for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
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” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
(if equipped with a touch screen radio) for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with the
engine running.
Bed Lowering Mode
This setting is used to lower the rear suspension
to the lowest possible height and disable the air
suspension system. It enables easier loading/
unloading of the truck and makes it easier to
hook up trailers. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” if
equipped with a touch screen radio for further
information.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system,
the vehicle will disable load leveling as required
(suspension overloaded, battery charge low,
etc.). Load leveling will automatically resume as
soon as system operation requirements are
met. See an authorized dealer if system does
not resume.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
M
ESSAGES
When the appropriate conditions exist, a
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a
system error has been detected.
See an authorized dealer for system service if
normal operation does not resume.5

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STARTING AND OPERATING327

With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct) Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
Towing With 2500/3500 Air Suspension

1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to
the trailer (do not connect the trailer).

NOTE:
Normal Ride Height (NRH) or Alternate Trailer
Height (ATH) can be used. The vehicle must
remain in the engine running position while
attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air
suspension system. It may not be possible to
enter Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) while lightly
loaded.
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H2.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight distributing
hitch system may reduce handling, stability
and braking performance and could result
in a collision.
Weight distributing systems may not be
compatible with surge brake couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac -
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
dealer for additional information.
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328STARTING AND OPERATING
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight
distributing bars per the manufacturers’
recommendations so that the height of the
front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between
H2 and H1 above normal ride height [H1]).
6. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight distributing hitch to confirm
manufacturers’ recommendations have
been met.
NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with TOW/HAUL mode engaged. Towing With All Other 2500/3500 (Non-Air
Suspension)

1. Position the truck to be ready to connect to
the trailer (do not connect the trailer).

2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this
is height H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the manufacturers’
recommendations so that the height of the
front fender is approximately (H2-H1)/
2+H1 (about 1/2 the difference between
H2 and H1 above normal ride height [H1]).
6. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and weight distributing hitch to confirm
manufacturers’ recommendations have
been met. NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with TOW/HAUL mode engaged.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch

The fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with
a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the
tow vehicle in the truck bed. It connects a vehicle
and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling king pin.

Your truck may be equipped with a fifth wheel
hitch option. Refer to the separately provided
fifth wheel hitch safety, care, assembly, and
operating instructions.
Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted
coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted
in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm
connects to the hitch mounted over the rear
axle in the truck bed.
Measurement
Example Example 2500/
3500 Height (mm)
H1 1030
H2 1058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1044
Measurement
Example Example 2500/
3500 Height (mm)
H1 1030
H2 1058
H2-H1 28
(H2-H1)/2 14
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 1044

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336STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
[ERS] shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select [ERS]
shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Speed Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Speed Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions: City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans
-
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from
the vehicle, the air suspension system can be
used. Refer to “Air Suspension System” in
“Starting And Operating” for further
information.
NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system.

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STARTING AND OPERATING339
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow
applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices
for additional details.
Vehicles equipped with air suspension must
be placed in Transport mode before tying
them down (from the body) on a trailer or
flatbed truck. Refer to “Air Suspension – If
Equipped” for more information. If the
vehicle cannot be placed in Transport mode (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs
must be fastened to the axles (not to the
body). Failure to follow these instructions
may cause fault codes to be set and/or
cause loss of proper tie-down tension.RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive
models) is allowed
ONLY if the rear wheels are
OFF the ground. This may be accomplished
using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow
dolly, follow this procedure:
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

Towing Condition Wheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow
NONENOT ALLOWED See InstructionsAutomatic transmission in PARK
Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK5

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