charging Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2018 Owner's Manual

“Party Mode”
When a door is open and the interior lights are on, rotating
the dimmer control all the way left, to the off detent, will
cause all the interior lights to go out. This is also known as
theParty mode because it allows the doors to stay open
for extended periods of time without discharging the
vehicle’s battery.
“Parade Mode”
When the headlights are on you can supplement the
brightness of the odometer, trip odometer, radio and
overhead console by rotating the control to the right until you hear a click. This feature is termed the “Parade” mode
and is useful when headlights are required during the day.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a touchscreen, the
dimming of the touchscreen is programmable through the
Uconnect system. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multi-
media” for further details.
Illuminated Approach
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the key fob
to unlock the doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting in the
outside mirrors (if equipped). Refer to “Mirrors” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Vehicle” for further information.
The lights will fade to off after approximately 30 seconds,
or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition
switch is turned to ON/RUN from the OFF position.
The front courtesy overhead console and door courtesy
lights will not turn off if the dimmer control is in the
“Dome ON” position (rotate vertical thumb wheel all the
way to the top detent).
The illuminated entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “Dome OFF” position (rotate
vertical thumb wheel all the way to the bottom detent).
Dimmer Control
76 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Turn Menu Off — If Equipped
Push and release therightarrow button to exit the main
menu.
Push and release any instrument cluster display control
button to enter the instrument cluster display main menu
again.
Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode Message —
Electrical Load Reduction Actions — If Equipped
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor
(IBS) to perform additional monitoring of the electrical
system and status of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system failure, or
the vehicle battery conditions are deteriorating, electrical
load reduction actions will take place to extend the driving
time and distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing
power to or turning off non-essential electrical loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is running.
It will display a message if there is a risk of battery
depletion to the point where the vehicle may stall due to
lack of electrical supply, or will not restart after the current
drive cycle. When load reduction is activated, the message “Battery
Saver On” or “Battery Saver Mode” will appear in the
instrument cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery has a low state
of charge and continues to lose electrical charge at a rate
that the charging system cannot sustain.
NOTE:
•
The charging system is independent from load reduc-
tion. The charging system performs a diagnostic on the
charging system continuously.
• If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it may indicate
a problem with the charging system. Refer to “Battery
Charge Warning Light” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if equipped),
and vehicle functions which can be affected by load
reduction:
• Heated Seat/Vented Seats/Heated Wheel
• Heated/Cooled Cup Holders — If Equipped
• Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
• HVAC System
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 145

•115V AC Power Inverter System
• Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or more of the
following conditions:
• The charging system cannot deliver enough electrical
power to the vehicle system because the electrical loads
are larger than the capability of charging system. The
charging system is still functioning properly.
• Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads (e.g.
HVAC to max settings, exterior and interior lights,
overloaded power outlets +12V, 115V AC, USB ports)
during certain driving conditions (city driving, towing,
frequent stopping).
• Installing options like additional lights, upfitter electri-
cal accessories, audio systems, alarms and similar de-
vices.
• Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long
parking periods).
• The vehicle was parked for an extended period of time
(weeks, months).
• The battery was recently replaced and was not charged
completely. •
The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on
when the vehicle was parked.
• The battery was used for an extended period with the
engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers,
+12V portable appliances like vacuum cleaners, game
consoles and similar devices.
What to do when an electrical load reduction action
message is present (“Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver
Mode”)
During a trip:
• Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
– Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior)
– Check what may be plugged in to power outlets +12V, 115V AC, USB ports
– Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
– Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
• Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (ad-
ditional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio sys-
tems, alarms) and review specifications if any (load and
Ignition Off Draw currents).
146 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service. Refer to “If
Your Engine Overheats” 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 malfunction 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 running, the light will either stay on or
flash 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 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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149

WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could
establish a ground connection and personal injury
could result.
Jump Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump starting procedure could
result in personal injury or property damage due to
battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could result in
damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle
or the discharged vehicle.
Connecting The Jumper Cables
1. Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to the
positive (+)post of the discharged vehicle.
NOTE: Do not jump off fuses. Only jump directly off
positive post. 2. Connect the opposite end of the positive
(+)jumper
cable to the positive (+)post of the booster battery.
3. Connect the negative (-)end of the jumper cable to the
negative (-)post of the booster battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper
cable to a good engine ground (exposed metal part of
the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery
and the fuel injection system.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the negative (-) post
of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury. Only use the specific ground point, do
not use any other exposed metal parts.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start
the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 345

CAUTION!
Do not connect jumper cable to any of the fuses on the
positive battery terminal. The resulting electrical cur-
rent will blow the fuse.
6. Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables
1. Disconnect the negative (-)end of the jumper cable from
the engine ground of the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper
cable from the negative (-)post of the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable from
the positive (+)post of the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper
cable from the positive (+)post of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets
draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if plugged
in long enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
346 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Fluid Type......................... .387, 435
Shifting .............................. .247
Special Additives ........................ .388
Axle Fluid ........................ .390, 391, 435
Axle Lubrication ....................... .390, 391
Back-Up ................................ .284
Back-Up Camera .......................... .284
Battery .............................. .149, 363
Charging System Light ....................149
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................22
Belts, Seat ............................... .232
Body Builders Guide ..........................7
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................376
B-Pillar Location .......................... .398
Brake Assist System ........................ .162
Brake Control System, Electronic ................161
Brake Fluid .......................... .386, 435
Brake System ......................... .386, 424
Fluid Check ........................... .386
Master Cylinder ........................ .386
Parking .............................. .243
Warning Light .......................... .147
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................246
Bulb Replacement ......................... .323Bulbs, Light
.......................... .234, 323
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................328
Camera ................................ .284
Camera, Rear ............................ .284
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........432
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .432
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ .362, 366
Power Steering ......................... .267
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................384
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................231, 431
Cargo Light ...............................
73
Car Washes .............................. .418
Cellular Phone ........................... .483
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............326
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............109
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .337
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .394
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .157
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............231
Checks, Safety ............................ .231
Child Restraint ........................... .204
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .209
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INDEX 511