service Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2018 User Guide

18DD-926-AA
RAM CHASSIS CAB SECOND Edition User GUIDE
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2018
RAM
CHASSIS CAB
USER
GUIDE

Congratulations on selecting your new FCA
US LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents
precision workmanship, distinctive styling,
and high quality.
ALWAYS drive safely and pay attention to the
road. ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on
the steering wheel. You have full responsibil-
ity and assume all risks related to the use of
the features and applications in this vehicle.
Only use the features and applications when
it is safe to do so. Failure to do so may result
in an accident involving serious injury or death.
This guide illustrates and describes the op-
eration of features and equipment that are
either standard or optional on this vehicle.
This guide may also include a description of
features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle.
Please disregard any features and equipment
described in this guide that are not available
on this vehicle. FCA US LLC reserves the
right to make changes in design and specifi-
cations and/or make additions to or improve-
ments to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on prod-
ucts previously manufactured.This User Guide has been prepared to help
you quickly become acquainted with the im-
portant features of your vehicle. It contains
most things you will need to operate and
maintain the vehicle, including emergency
information.
For complete owner information, refer to your
Owner’s Manual at www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owners-manual.html (U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Residents)
for further information.
For your convenience,
the information contained on this site may
also be printed and saved for future refer-
ence.
FCA US LLC is committed to protecting our
environment and natural resources. By con-
verting from paper to electronic delivery for
the majority of the user information for your
vehicle, together we greatly reduce the de-
mand for tree-based products and lessen the
stress on our environment.
When it comes to service, remember that your
authorized dealer knows your vehicle best,
has factory-trained technicians and genuine
MOPAR
®parts, and cares about your satis-
faction.
WELCOME FROM FCA US LLC
1

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Essential Information
Each time direction instructions (left/right or
forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are
given, these must be intended as regarding
an occupant in the driver's seat. Special
cases not complying with this rule will be
properly specified in the text.
The figures in this User Guide are provided by
way of example only: this might imply that
some details of the image do not correspond
to the actual arrangement of your vehicle.
In addition, the User Guide has been con-
ceived considering vehicles with steering
wheel on the left side; it is therefore possible
that on vehicles with steering wheel on the
right side, the position or construction of
some controls is not exactly mirror-like with
respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information
needed you can consult the index at the end
of this User Guide.Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedi-
cated graphic tabs, at the side of each odd
page. A few pages further there is a key for
getting to know the chapter order and the
relevant symbols in the tabs. There is anyway
a textual indication of the current chapter at
the side of each even page.
Symbols
Some vehicle components have colored la-
bels whose symbols indicate precautions to
be observed when using this component.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
While reading this User Guide you will find a
series of WARNINGS to be followed to pre-
vent incorrect use of components which
could cause accidents or injuries.
There are also CAUTIONS that must be fol-
lowed to prevent against procedures that
could result in damage to your vehicle.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
apply to body modifications or special equip- ment installed by van conversion/camper
manufacturers/body builders. U.S. residents
refer to the Warranty Information book, Sec-
tion 2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the
“What Is Not Covered” section of the War-
ranty Information book. Such equipment in-
cludes video monitors, VCRs, heaters, stoves,
refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the appli-
cable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equip-
ment installed by the conversion/camper
manufacturer should also be supplied with
your vehicle. If these instructions are miss-
ing, please contact your authorized dealer for
assistance in obtaining replacement docu-
ments from the applicable manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builder’s Guide
refer to www.rambodybuilder.com. This web-
site contains dimensional and technical
specifications for your vehicle. It is intended
for Second Stage Manufacturer's technical
support. For service issues, contact your au-
thorized dealer.
INTRODUCTION
2

Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of
manual override features. The AUTO symbol
in the front ATC display will be turned off
when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
Operating Tips
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to pro-
vide proper corrosion protection and to pro-
tect against engine overheating. OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and de-
froster performance, make sure the engine
cooling system is functioning properly and
the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Use of the Air Recircula-
tion mode during Winter months is not rec-
ommended, because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for
about five minutes, in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the
system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in
mild, rainy, and/or humid weather. To clear
the windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and
increase the front blower speed. Do not use
the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in
front of the windshield, is free of obstruc-
tions, such as leaves. Leaves collected in the
air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In Winter months, make sure the air
intake is clear of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust
and pollen from the air. Contact an autho-
rized dealer to service your cabin air filter,
and to have it replaced when needed.
HOOD
To Open The Hood
To open the hood, two latches must be re-
leased.
Hood Release Lever Location
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
44

• Push and release thedownarrow button to
scroll downward through the main menu
items, submenu screen, and vehicle set-
tings.
• Push and release the rightarrow button to
access/select the information screens or
submenu screens of a main menu item.
Push and hold the RIGHT arrow button for
two seconds to reset displayed/selected
features that can be reset.
• Push and release the leftarrow button to
access/select the information screens, sub-
menu screens of a main menu item, or to
return to the main menu.
Diesel Messages And Warnings —
6.7L Cummins Diesel Engine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins diesel engine meets all diesel
emissions standards, resulting in one of the
lowest emitting diesel engines ever pro-
duced. To achieve these emissions stan-
dards, your vehicle is equipped with a state-
of-the-art engine and exhaust system. These
systems are seamlessly integrated into your vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM). The PCM manages engine
combustion to allow the exhaust system’s
catalyst to trap and burn Particulate Matter
(PM) pollutants, with no input or interaction
on your part.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your ve-
hicle or engine. The following messages may
display in your instrument cluster display:
• Perform Service — Your vehicle will require
emissions maintenance at a set interval. To
help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the instrument cluster display will
display “Perform Service”. When the “Per-
form Service” message is displayed in the
instrument cluster display it is necessary to have the emissions maintenance per-
formed. Emissions maintenance may in-
clude replacing the Closed Crankcase Ven-
tilation (CCV) filter element. The procedure
for clearing and resetting the "Perform Ser-
vice" indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration Required
Now — "Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely
Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy" will be
displayed in the instrument cluster display
if the exhaust particulate filter reaches
80% of its maximum storage capacity. Un-
der conditions of exclusive short duration
and low speed driving cycles, your Cum-
mins diesel engine and exhaust after-
treatment system may never reach the con-
ditions required to remove the trapped PM.
If this occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX% Full
Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to Rem-
edy” message will be displayed in the in-
strument cluster display. If this message is
displayed, you will hear one chime to assist
in alerting you of this condition
By simply driving your vehicle at highway
speeds for as little as 45 minutes, you can
remedy the condition in the particulate filter
55

system and allow your Cummins diesel en-
gine and exhaust after-treatment system to
remove the trapped PM and restore the sys-
tem to normal operating condition.
•Exhaust System — Regeneration In Process
Exhaust Filter XX% Full — Indicates that the
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is self-
cleaning. Maintain your current driving
condition until regeneration is completed.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration Completed
— This message indicates that the Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) self-cleaning is
completed. If this message is displayed,
you will hear one chime to assist in alerting
you of this condition.
• Exhaust Service Required — See Dealer Now
— This message indicates regeneration has
been disabled due to a system malfunction.
At this point the engine Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) will register a fault code, the
instrument panel will display a MIL light.CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
• Exhaust Filter Full — Power Reduced See
Dealer — This message indicates the PCM
has derated the engine to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the after-
treatment system. If this condition is not
corrected and a dealer service is not per-
formed, extensive exhaust after-treatment
damage can occur. To correct this condition
it will be necessary to have your vehicle
serviced by your local authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Failing to follow the oil change indicator,
changing your oil and resetting the oil change
indicator by 0 miles remaining will prevent
the diesel exhaust filter from performing it's
cleaning routine. This will shortly result in a
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and re-
duced engine power. Only an authorized
dealer will be able to correct this condition.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to
the exhaust system could occur soon with
continued operation.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Messages
The vehicle will display messages when a
derate (engine power reduction) is activated
to protect the turbocharger during engine
start up in cold ambient temperatures.
• Engine Power Reduced During Warmup —
This message will display during start up
when the ambient temperature is between
10° F (-12° C) and -10° F (-23° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 30 Sec (Sec-
onds) During Warmup — This message will
display during start up when the ambient
temperature is between -10° F (-23° C) and
-25 F (-32° C).
• Engine Power Reduced Up To 2 Min (Minutes)
During Warmup — This message will display
during start up when the ambient tempera-
ture is -25° F (-32° C) and below.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
56

•Coolant Low — This telltale will turn on to
indicate the vehicle coolant level is low.
Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” in the Owner’s Manual at
www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owner-manual.html (U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca
(Canadian Residents)
for further information.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages
There are four different messages which are
displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected. The ve-
hicle may be limited to a maximum speed of
5 MPH (8 km/H) if the DEF system is not
serviced within less than 200 miles (322 km)
of the fault being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced
the following warnings will display:
• DEF Low Refill Soon — This message will
display when the low level is reached, dur-
ing vehicle start up, and with increased
frequency during vehicle operation. It will
be accompanied by a single chime. Ap- proximately 5 gallons (19 Liters) of DEF is
required to refill the tank when this mes-
sage is initially displayed. on pickup appli-
cations, and approximately 7 gallons
(26 Liters) are required on chassis-cab ap-
plications.
• Speed Limited to 5 MPH in XXX mi Refill DEF
— This message will continuously display if
the “DEF Low Refill Soon” message is
ignored, and the frequency of occurrence of
the chime will increase unless up to 2 gal-
lons (7.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the
tank.
• 5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or
Refuel Refill DEF — This message will con-
tinuously display when the counter reaches
zero, and will be accompanied by a periodic
chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a maxi-
mum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of the
following conditions to occur: – If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
– If the vehicle is idled for an extendedperiod of time, approximately one hour
or greater. – If the system detects that the level of
fuel in the tank has increased.
Add a minimum of 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of
DEF to the tank in order to avoid vehicle
operation at a maximum speed of 5 MPH
(8 km/H).
NOTE:
A minimum of 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) may be
required to restore normal vehicle operation.
Although the vehicle will start normally and
can be placed in gear after this message has
been initially displayed, extreme caution
should be utilized since the vehicle will only
be capable of maneuvering at a maximum
speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages
There are five different messages which are
displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected. The ve-
hicle may be limited to a maximum speed of
57

5 MPH (8 km/H) if the DEF system is not
serviced within less than 200 miles (322 km)
of the fault being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced
the following warnings will display:
•Service DEF System See Dealer — This mes-
sage will display when the fault is initially
detected, each time the vehicle is started,
and periodically during driving. The mes-
sage will be accompanied by a single
chime. We recommend you drive to your
nearest authorized dealer and have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
• 5 MPH Max Speed in 150 mi Service DEF
System See Dealer — This message will
display if the DEF system has not been
serviced after the “Service DEF System –
See Dealer” message is displayed. This
message will continuously display until the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. The
message will continue to countdown until it
reaches zero unless the vehicle is serviced.
We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle
serviced immediately. NOTE:
Under some circumstances this mileage
counter may start with a value of less than
150 miles (241 km). For example, if recur-
ring faults are detected in a time interval of
less than 40 hours, the counter may restart
at the value where it stopped when a previ-
ous fault was temporarily remedied, or at a
minimum of 50 miles (80 km).
•
5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or
Refuel Service DEF See Dealer — This mes-
sage will continuously display when the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a maxi-
mum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of the
following conditions to occur: – If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
– If the vehicle is idled for an extendedperiod of time, approximately one hour
or greater.
– If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank has increased. •
5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will continuously
display, and will be accompanied by a pe-
riodic chime. Although the vehicle can be
started and placed in gear, the vehicle will
only operate at a maximum speed of
5 MPH. Your vehicle will require towing,
see your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
When this message is displayed, the engine
can still be started. However, the vehicle
will only operate at a maximum speed of
5 MPH.
• Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This
message will display when the fault is ini-
tially detected, each time the vehicle is
started, and periodically during driving.
The message will be accompanied by a
single chime. We recommend you drive to
your nearest authorized dealer and have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Ram Active Air system that provides en-
hanced performance, especially when towingGETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
58

under demanding hot or high altitude condi-
tions. If the instrument cluster display dis-
plays the message “Active Airbox Service
Required See Dealer”, vehicle performance
may be reduced until service is performed by
an authorized RAM dealer.
Oil Life Reset
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The “Oil Change
Required” message will display in the instru-
ment cluster display after a single chime has
sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil
change interval. The engine oil change indi-
cator system is duty cycle based, which
means the engine oil change interval may
fluctuate, dependent upon your personal
driving style.
NOTE:
Use the steering wheel instrument cluster
display controls for the following proce-
dure(s).Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pushing the brake pedal, push
the ENGINE START/STOP button and
place the ignition to the ON/RUN position
(do not start the engine).
2. Push and release the downarrow button to
scroll downward through the main menu
to “Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release the rightarrow button to
access the ”Vehicle Info” screen, then
scroll up or down to select “Oil Life.”
4. Push and hold the rightarrow button to
select “Reset”.
5. Push and release the downarrow button to
select “Yes,” then push and release the
right arrow button to select reset of the Oil
Life to 100%.
6. Push and release the uparrow button to
exit the instrument cluster display screen. Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pushing the brake pedal, cycle
the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do
not start the engine).
2. Push and release the downarrow button to
scroll downward through the main menu
to “Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release the rightarrow button to
access the “Vehicle Info” screen then
scroll up or down to select “Oil Life.”
4. Push and hold the rightarrow button to
select “YES” by pushing the rightarrow
then push and release the rightarrow
button to select reset of the Oil Life to
100%.
5. Push and release the uparrow button to
exit the instrument cluster display screen.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when
you start the vehicle, the Oil Life indicator
system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this
procedure.
59

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
Red Warning Lights
— Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This light indicates when the driver or pas-
senger seat belt is unbuckled. When the
ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound and the
light will turn on. When driving, if the driver
or front passenger seat belt remains unbuck-
led, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or
remain on continuously and a chime will
sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints Sys-
tems” in “Safety” for further information.
— Air Bag Warning Light
This light indicates a fault with the air bag,
and will turn on for four to eight seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position. This light
will illuminate with a single chime when a
fault with the air bag has been detected, it
will stay on until the fault is cleared. If thelight is either not on during startup, stays on,
or turns on while driving, have the system
inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
— Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied,
that the brake fluid level is low, or that there
is a problem with the anti-lock brake system
reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking
brake has been disengaged, and the fluid
level is at the full mark on the master cylinder
reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hy-
draulic system malfunction or that a problem
with the Brake Booster has been detected by
the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) / Elec-
tronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this
case, the light will remain on until the condi-
tion has been corrected. If the problem is
related to the brake booster, the ABS pump
will run when applying the brake, and a brake
pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in
either half of the dual brake system is indi-
cated by the Brake Warning Light, which will
turn on when the brake fluid level in the
master cylinder has dropped below a speci-
fied level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid
level conditions. The vehicle should have
service performed, and the brake fluid level
checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair
is necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light
on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop
the vehicle. You could have a collision.
61