check engine light Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2018 User Guide

under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.
NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a problem. Please check your oil level with
the engine oil indicator often during the break in period.
Add oil as required.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the trans-
mission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower
left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park
brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle. When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster
will illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the transmission
is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will flash. If
vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake before attempting
to move the vehicle.
• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.
It does not show the degree of brake application.
Parking Brake Release
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 245

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level be-
fore towing.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, 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 experience 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 overheat-
ing, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
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 fur-
ther information.
NOTE: The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the
air suspension system.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

•With electronic shift transfer case with push-button
selector switch, push and hold the switch for the
desired transfer case position, until the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light turns off and the desired position
indicator light turns on.
NOTE: When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N),
the engine should remain OFF to avoid gear clash.
6. Shift automatic transmission into PARK.
7. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on a manual transmission).
8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Start the engine.
10. Press and hold the brake pedal.
11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions), and check
that the vehicle operates normally.
NOTE: With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met before
pushing the button to shift out of NEUTRAL (N), and must continue to be met until the shift has been com-
pleted. If any of these requirements are not met before
pushing the button or are no longer met during the shift,
the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continu-
ously until all requirements are met or until the button is
released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to
take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-
cates that shift requirements have not been met.
DRIVING TIPS
Driving On Slippery Surfaces
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers.
Severe Duty:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominately at idle or
very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is consid-
ered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•
Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-
sion, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 359

4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gearposition (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
6. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
7. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
8. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to
bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use ONLY
the specified fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for fluid specifications). After adding any quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking the fluid level. NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission
belowthe
operating temperature, the fluid level should be between the
two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at
60-70°F / 16-21°C for 66RFE transmission, or 68-86°F /
20-30°C for AS66RC transmission. Only use the COLD region
of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting the fluid
level after a transmission service or fluid change. Re-check
the fluid level, and adjust as required, once the transmission
reaches normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may not
register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the
fluid.
9. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
NOTE:
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmis-
sion after checking or replenishing fluid, make sure that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the dipstick
cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated position, as
long as its seal remains engaged in the dipstick tube.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 391

Customer Programmable Features — Uconnect
4C/4C NAV Personal Settings
Press the “Apps” button on the touchscreen then press the
“Settings” button on the touchscreen to display the settings
menu screen. In this mode the Uconnect system allows you
to access programmable features that may be equipped
such as Display, Voice, Clock, Safety & Driving Assistance,Lights, Doors & Locks, Auto-On Comfort (if equipped),
Engine Off Options, Trailer Brake, Audio, Phone/
Bluetooth, SiriusXM Setup (if equipped), Restore Settings,
Clear Personal Data and System Information.
NOTE:
Only one category may be selected at a time.
When making a selection, press the button on the touch-
screen to enter the desired mode. Once in the desired
mode, press and release the preferred setting until a
check-mark appears next to the setting, showing that
setting has been selected. Once the setting is complete,
either press the back arrow button on the touchscreen or
the Back button on the faceplate to return to the previous
menu or press the “X” button on the touchscreen to close
out of the settings screen. Pressing the Up or Down Arrow
buttons on the touchscreen on the right side of the screen
will allow you to toggle up or down through the list of
available settings.
NOTE: All settings should be changed with the ignition in
the RUN position.
Uconnect 4C/4C NAV With 8.4–inch Display Buttons On
The Touchscreen And Buttons On The Faceplate
1 — Uconnect Buttons On The Touchscreen
2 — Uconnect Buttons On The Faceplate 464 MULTIMEDIA

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............385
Adding Fuel ............................. .289
Additives, Fuel ........................ .290, 430
Adjust Down .............................. .46, 48
Forward ............................ .46, 48
Rearward ........................... .46, 48
Up ................................ .46, 48
Adjustable Pedals ...........................59
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ....................... .200
Air Bag Warning Light .....................197
Enhanced Accident Response .............206, 355
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................355
If A Deployment Occurs ....................205
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .201
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............207
Transporting Pets ....................... .233
Air Bag Light ...................... .150, 197, 234
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .207
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......368
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................371
Air Conditioning ............................82
Air Conditioning Filter ....................97, 372
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................97Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............371, 372
Air Conditioning System ...................96, 371
Air Filter ............................... .368
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .405
Alarm, Panic ...............................22
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................33, 151
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................33
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................385
Capacities ............................. .434
Disposal .............................. .387
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................164
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................156
Ashtray ................................ .127
Assist,

Hill Start .......................... .166
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .441
Auto Down Power Windows ...................99
Automatic Door Locks ........................40
Automatic Headlights ........................72
Automatic High Beams .......................71
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............96
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid .......................... .391
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................392
Fluid Level Check .....................389, 390
512 INDEX

Fluid Type......................... .389, 437
Shifting .............................. .248
Special Additives ........................ .390
Axle Fluid ........................ .392, 393, 437
Axle Lubrication ....................... .392, 393
Back-Up ................................ .286
Back-Up Camera .......................... .286
Battery .............................. .152, 365
Charging System Light ....................152
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................23
Belts, Seat ............................... .234
Body Builders Guide ..........................7
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................379
B-Pillar Location .......................... .400
Brake Assist System ........................ .166
Brake Control System, Electronic ................165
Brake Fluid .......................... .388, 437
Brake System ......................... .388, 426
Fluid Check ........................... .388
Master Cylinder ........................ .388
Parking .............................. .245
Warning Light .......................... .150
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................248
Bulb Replacement ......................... .325Bulbs, Light
.......................... .236, 325
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................330
Camera ................................ .286
Camera, Rear ............................ .286
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........434
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .434
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ .364, 368
Power Steering ......................... .269
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................386
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................233, 433
Cargo Light ...............................
75
Car Washes .............................. .421
Cellular Phone ........................... .486
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............328
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............113
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .339
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .396
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .160
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............233
Checks, Safety ............................ .233
Child Restraint ........................... .208
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .212
12
INDEX 513

Exterior Lights......................... .69, 236
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .368
Air Conditioning ..................... .97, 372
Engine Fuel ........................... .435
Engine Oil ......................... .368, 435
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .368
Flashers Turn Signal ...................... .75, 158, 236
Flash-To-Pass ..............................72
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .344
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .243
Fluid, Brake ............................. .437
Fluid Capacities ........................... .434
Fluid Leaks .............................. .236
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................390
Brake ................................ .388
Power Steering ......................... .269
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .435
Fog Lights ......................... .74, 157, 328
Fold Flat Load Floor ........................117
Folding Rear Seat ...........................43
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................320 Four Wheel Drive
......................... .257
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .350
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .392
Fuel ................................... .429
Adding .............................. .289
Additives .......................... .290, 430
Clean Air ............................. .430
Ethanol .............................. .431
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .290
Filter ................................ .435
Gasoline .............................. .429
Light ................................ .156
Materials Added ..................... .290, 430
Methanol ............................. .431
Octane

Rating .......................... .429
Requirements .......................... .429
Tank Capacity .......................... .434
Fuses .................................. .331
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............102, 108
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .....................290
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .430
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .430
Gear Ranges ............................. .249
Gear Select Lever Override ....................349
516 INDEX

Jump Starting............................ .345
Key Fob Panic Alarm .............................22
Programming Additional Key Fobs ..........26, 33
Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) .....23
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) ......26
Key-In Reminder ............................29
Keyless Enter-N-Go ..................... .37, 242
Lock The Vehicle’s Doors ................451, 472
Passive Entry ............................37
Passive Entry Programming ...........37, 451, 472
Key, Replacement ...........................33
Keys ....................................19
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ......................32
Lane Change And Turn Signals .................75
Lane Change Assist ..........................75
Latches ................................. .236
Hood ................................ .101
Lead Free Gasoline ........................ .429
Leaks, Fluid ............................. .236
Life Of Tires ............................. .408
Light Bulbs .............................. .236
Lights .................................. .236AirBag .........................150, 197, 234
Automatic Headlights
......................72
Brake Assist Warning ..................... .172
Brake Warning ......................... .150
Bulb Replacement ....................... .325
Cap Top Clearance ...................... .330
Cargo .................................75
Center Mounted Stop ..................... .328
Courtesy/Reading ..................... .76, 77
Cruise ............................... .159
Daytime Running .........................71
Engine Temperature Warning ................151
Exterior .............................. .236
Fog ........................... .74, 157, 328
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator .................260
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................320
Headlights ..............................69
High Beam ..............................71
High

Beam/Low Beam Select .................71
Hill Descent Control Indicator ...............174
Illuminated Entry .........................78
Interior ............................. .76, 77
Low Fuel ............................. .156
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........153
Park ................................. .158
518 INDEX