2017 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab power steering

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this section may be
standard equipment on some models, or may be optional
equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask your autho-
rized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in a
collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) moni-
tors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring asso-
ciated with the electrical Air Bag System Components.
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following Air Bag
System Components:
Air Bag System Components
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
•Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Supplemental Side Air Bags — If Equipped •
Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped
• Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Air Bag Warning Light
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If
the ignition switch is in the OFF position or in the
ACC position, the air bag system is not on and the air bags
will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may
deploy the air bag system even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds
for a self-check when the ignition switch is first in the
ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warn-
ing Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in
any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime
will sound to alert you if the light comes on again after
initial startup.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
96 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Electric Power Steering Fail Warning Light — If Equipped
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Electric Power Steering Fail Warning — If Equipped
This light is used to manage the electrical warning of the EPS (Electric Power Steering). Refer to
“Electric Power Steering” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
Red Warning
Light What It Means
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Trailer Brake has been disconnected.
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
• Front Seatbelts Unbuckled
• Driver Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Passenger Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Service Airbag System
• Traction Control Off
• Washer Fluid Low
• Oil Pressure Low
• Oil Change Due
• Fuel Low
• Service Antilock Brake System
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Service Power Steering •
Cruise Off
• Cruise Ready
• Cruise Set To XXX MPH
•
Tire Pressure Screen With Low Tire(s) “Inflate Tire To XX”
• Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)
• Service Tire Pressure System
• Parking Brake Engaged
• Brake Fluid Low
• Service Electronic Braking System
• Engine Temperature Hot
• Battery Voltage Low
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Lights On
• Right Turn Signal Light Out
• Left Turn Signal Light Out
• Turn Signal On
• Sound Horn With Remote Lock: Off; 1st Press; 2nd Press
• Vehicle Not In Park4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 235

Setting NameSelectable Options
NOTE:
When the “Auto-On Driver Heated/Ventilated Seat & Steering Wheel With Vehicle Start” feature is selected the driv-
er’s heated seat and heated steering wheel will automatically turn on when temperatures are below 40° F (4.4° C).
When temperatures are above 80° F (26.7° C), the driver vented seat will turn on.
Engine Off Options
After pressing the “Engine Off Options” button on the touchscreen, the following settings will be available:
Setting Name Selectable Options
Engine Off Power Delay +–
NOTE:
When the “Engine Off Power Delay” feature is selected, the power window switches, radio, Uconnect phone system
(if equipped), DVD video system (if equipped), power sunroof (if equipped), and power outlets will remain active for
up to ten minutes after the ignition is cycled to OFF. Opening either front door will cancel this feature. Headlight Off Delay +–
NOTE:
When the “Headlight Off Delay” feature is selected, the driver can choose to have the headlights remain on for 0, 30,
60, or 90 seconds when exiting the vehicle.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 271

▫Shallow Standing Water ..................352
 POWER STEERING ..................... .353
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............354
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .355
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .356
▫ Hydraulic Brake Assist ...................357
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....357
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) ......357
▫ Brake System Warning Light ...............358
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............358
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light .............359
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ................359
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ...................360
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) .............362
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...........363
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ...........366
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped . . . .367 ▫
Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . . .368
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ..............370
▫ Tire Markings ........................ .370
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............374
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ...........375
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ............376
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION .........381
▫ Tire Pressure ......................... .381
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ..................382
▫ T

ire Pressures For High Speed Operation .....383
▫ Tire Maintenance And Replacement ..........383
▫ Radial Ply Tires ....................... .384
▫ Tire Types ........................... .384
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped ..............385
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................386
▫ Tire Spinning ........................ .388
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ...................388
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position,
and the transmission is locked in PARK whenever the
ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key fob in the ignition to warn you that this safety feature
is inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key fob cannot be removed until you obtain service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be turned to
the ON/RUN mode (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.
Six–Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Chassis Cab models (with automatic transmission) may
use either the AS66RC transmission (which is equipped
with a Power Take-Off (PTO) access cover on the side of the
transmission case), or the 66RFE transmission (which has
no PTO access cover).
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
The gear selector is mounted on the right side of the steering column. You must press the brake pedal to move
the gear selector out of PARK (refer to “Brake/
Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section). To
drive, move the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to
the DRIVE position. Pull the gear selector toward you
when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting
out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual downshifts
can be made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control (refer to “Electronic Range Select [ERS] Operation”
in this section for further information). Pushing the ERS
(-/+) switches (on the gear selector) while in the DRIVE
position will select the highest available transmission gear,
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 331

WARNING!(Continued)
•Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s
braking capabilities, which increases stopping dis-
tances. Therefore, after driving through standing
water, drive slowly and lightly press on the brake
pedal several times to dry the brakes.
• Failure to follow these warnings may result in inju-
ries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.
CAUTION!
• Always check the depth of the standing water before
driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path that
is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 353