brake Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2018 Owner's Guide

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED See Instructions
• Automatic transmission in PARK
• Manual transmission in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL)
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK
NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow
applicable state and provincial laws. Con-
tact state and provincial Highway Safety
offices for additional details.
Recreational Towing —
Two-Wheel Drive Models
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive
models) is allowed
ONLYif 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:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow ve- hicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly. 3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place au-
tomatic transmission in PARK, manual
transmission in gear (not in NEUTRAL).
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, de- signed for towing, to secure the front
wheels in the straight position.
147

CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on theground will cause severe transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing
is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the driveshaft be-
cause fluid may leak from the transmis-
sion, causing damage to internal parts.
Recreational Towing —
Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronic shift
transfer cases must be shifted into NEUTRAL
(N) for recreational towing. Automatic trans-
missions must be shifted into PARK for rec-
reational towing. Manual transmissions must
be placed in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL) for
recreational towing. Refer to the following for
the proper transfer case NEUTRAL (N) shift-
ing procedure for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle.Towing with only one set of wheels on
the ground (front or rear) will cause
severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either
ON the ground, or OFF the ground (using
a vehicle trailer).
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing
this vehicle backwards can cause severe
damage to the transfer case.
• Before recreational towing, the transfer
case must be in NEUTRAL. To be certain
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL,
perform the procedure outlined under
“Shifting Into NEUTRAL”. Internal
transmission damage will result, if the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL during
towing.
• Automatic transmissions must be
placed in PARK, and manual transmis-
sions must be placed in gear (not in
Neutral) for recreational towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
CAUTION!
transmission and/or transfer case dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft
because fluid will leak from the transfer
case, causing damage to internal parts.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on
tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper
face bar will be damaged.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the auto-
STARTING AND OPERATING
148

WARNING!
matic transmission is in PARK (or manual
transmission is in gear). The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing
to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground, with the engine running.
Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL: • With manual shift transfer case, shift
the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL
(N).
• With electronic shift transfer case, push and hold the transfer case NEU-
TRAL (N) button. Some models have a
small, recessed "N" button (at the cen-
ter of the transfer case switches) that
must be pressed using a ballpoint pen
or similar object. Other models have a
rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below
the rotary transfer case control knob.
The NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will
blink while the shift is in progress. The
light will stop blinking (stay on solid)
when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is com-
plete. After the shift is completed and
the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, re-
lease the NEUTRAL (N) button.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE. 8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal
on manual transmissions) for five seconds
and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
9. Repeat steps seven and eight with auto- matic transmission in DRIVE or manual
transmission in first gear.
10. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn OFF
the engine. For vehicles with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, push and hold the ENGINE
START/STOP button until the engine
shuts off.
11. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT
in NEUTRAL).
12. Place the ignition in the OFF mode, and remove the key fob.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
149

NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
• Steps 2 through 4 are requirements thatmust be met before pushing the NEUTRAL
(N) button, and must continue to be met
until the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before
pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no
longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL
(N) indicator light will flash continuously
until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) 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 igni-
tion 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 indicates that shift requirements have
not been met.Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop,
leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
• With manual shift transfer case, shiftthe transfer case lever to the desired
position.
• With electronic shift transfer case with rotary selector switch, push and hold
the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button
until the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light
turns off. After the NEUTRAL (N) indi-
cator light turns off, release the NEU-
TRAL (N) button. After the NEUTRAL
(N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position
indicated by the selector switch. • 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING
150

FUSES
WARNING!
• When replacing a blown fuse, always usean appropriate replacement fuse with
the same amp rating as the original fuse.
Never replace a fuse with another fuse of
higher amp rating. Never replace a
blown fuse with metal wires or any other
material. Do not place a fuse inside a
circuit breaker cavity or vice versa. Fail-
ure to use proper fuses may result in
serious personal injury, fire and/or prop-
erty damage.
WARNING!
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure thatthe ignition is off and that all the other
services are switched off and/or disen-
gaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact
an authorized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety
systems (air bag system, braking sys-
tem), power unit systems (engine sys-
tem, transmission system) or steering
system blows, contact an authorized
dealer.
Power Distribution Center
The Power Distribution Center is located in
the engine compartment near the battery.
This center contains cartridge fuses, micro
fuses, relays, and circuit breakers. A descrip-
tion of each fuse and component may be
stamped on the inside cover, otherwise the
cavity number of each fuse is stamped on the
inside cover that corresponds to the following
chart.
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
F01 80 Amp Black –Rad Fan Control Module – If Equipped
F03 60 Amp Yellow –Rad Fan – If Equipped
F05 40 Amp Green –Compressor for Air Suspension – If Equipped
F06 40 Amp Green –Antilock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control Pump
F07 40 Amp Green – Starter Solenoid
F08 20 Amp Blue (1500 LD/
Cummins Diesel) –
Emissions Diesel – If Equipped
155

CavityCartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
F09 40 Amp Green (Special
Services Vehicle & Cum- mins Diesel) –
Diesel Fuel Heater – If Equipped
F10 40 Amp Green –Body Controller / Exterior Lighting #2
F10 50 Amp Red –Body Controller / Exterior Lighting #2 – If Equipped with
Stop/Start
F11 30 Amp Pink –Integrated Trailer Brake Module – If Equipped
F12 40 Amp Green –Body Controller #3 / Power Locks
F13 40 Amp Green – Blower Motor
F14 40 Amp Green –Body Controller #4 / Interior Lighting
F16 30 Amp Pink –Smart Bar – If Equipped
F19 20 Amp Blue (1500 LD
Diesel)
30 Amp Pink (Cummins Diesel) –
SCR – If Equipped
F20 30 Amp Pink –Passenger Door Module
F21 30 Amp Pink –Drive Train Control Module
F22 20 Amp Blue
30 Amp Pink (Cummins Diesel) –
Engine Control Module
F23 30 Amp Pink –Body Controller #1 / Interior Lighting
F24 30 Amp Pink –Driver Door Module
F25 30 Amp Pink – Front Wiper
F26 30 Amp Pink –Antilock Brakes / Stability Control Module / Valves
F28 20 Amp Blue –Trailer Tow Backup Lights – If Equipped
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
156

CavityCartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
F56 –15 Amp Blue Additional Diesel Content – If Equipped
F57 –20 Amp Yellow Transmission
F58 –20 Amp Yellow Spare Fuse
F59 –10 Amp Red SCR Relay – If Equipped
F60 –15 Amp Blue Underhood Lamp
F61 –10 Amp Red (1500 LD Die-
sel & Cummins Diesel) PM Sensor – If Equipped
F62 –10 Amp Red Air Conditioning Clutch
F63 –20 Amp Yellow Ignition Coils (Gas), Urea Heater (Cummins Diesel)
F64 –25 Amp Clear Fuel Injectors / Powertrain
F65 –– Spare Fuse
F66 –10 Amp Red Sunroof / Passenger Window Switches / Rain Sensor
F67 –10 Amp Red CD / DVD / Bluetooth Hands-free Module – If Equipped
F69 –15 Amp Blue Mod SCR 12V (Cummins Diesel) – If Equipped
F70 –30 Amp Green Fuel Pump Motor
F71 –25 Amp Clear Amplifier
F72 –10 Amp Red PCM – If Equipped
F73 –20 Amp Yellow Fuel Transfer Pump (HD Only) – If Equipped
F74 –20 Amp Yellow (Gas Engine
& 1500 LD Diesel) Brake Vacuum Pump Gas/Diesel – If Equipped
F75 –10 Amp Red Coolant Temperature Valve Actuator
F76 –10 Amp Red Antilock Brakes / Electronic Stability Control
F77 –10 Amp Red Drivetrain Control Module/Front Axle Disconnect Module
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
158

4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheeldiagonally opposite the jacking position.
For example, if the right front wheel is
being changed, block the left rear wheel.
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warn-
ings to help prevent personal injury or
damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as
possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set the
transmission in PARK.
• Never start or run the engine with the
vehicle on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when
it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is
on a jack. If you need to get under a
raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.
• Only use the jack in the positions indi-
cated and for lifting this vehicle during a
tire change.
WARNING!
• If working on or near a roadway, beextremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or in-
flated, are securely stowed, spares must
be stowed with the valve stem facing the
ground.
Wheel Blocked
Warning Label
161

NOTE:
The positive battery post may be covered with
a protective cap if equipped. Lift up on the
cap to gain access to the positive battery
post. Do not jump off fuses. Only jump di-
rectly off positive post which has a positive
(+)symbol on or around the post.
WARNING!
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling
fan whenever the hood is raised. It can
start anytime the ignition switch is ON.
You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,
watch bands and bracelets that could
make an inadvertent electrical contact.
You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can
burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
1. Apply the parking brake, shift the auto- matic transmission into PARK and turn
the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnec- essary electrical accessories.
3. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, apply the parking brake and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other
as this could establish a ground connec-
tion and personal injury could result.
Jump Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump starting proce-
dure 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 ve-
hicle.
Connecting The Jumper Cables
1. Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper
cable to the positive (+)post of the dis-
charged vehicle.
Positive Jumping Location
165

• In city traffic — while stopped, place thetransmission in NEUTRAL, but do not in-
crease the engine idle speed while prevent-
ing 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.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor
and the blower control to high. This allows
the heater core to act as a supplement to
the radiator and aids in removing heat from
the engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
WARNING!
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop
the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector
cannot be moved out of the PARK position,
you can use the following procedure to tem-
porarily move the gear selector: 1. Turn the engine OFF.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up
position.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the access port (ringed circle) on the bottom
of the steering column, and push and hold
the override release lever up.
Gear Selector Override Access Port
167