2018 Ram 1500 warning

Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective
Catalytic Reduction system to meet the very
stringent diesel emissions standards re-
quired by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce
levels of NOx (oxides of nitrogen emitted from
engines) that are harmful to our health and
the environment to a near-zero level. Small
quantities of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is
injected into the exhaust upstream of a cata-
lyst where, when vaporized, it converts smog-
forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless
nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O), two
natural components of the air we breathe.
You can operate with the comfort that your
vehicle is contributing to a cleaner, healthier
world environment for this and generations to
come.
System Overview
This vehicle is equipped with a Diesel Ex-
haust Fluid (DEF) injection system and a
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst
to meet the emission requirements.The DEF injection system consists of the
following components:
• DEF tank
• DEF pump
• DEF injector
• Electronically-heated DEF lines
• DEF control module
• NOx sensors
• Temperature sensors
• SCR catalyst
• UQS Sensor
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
system messages and warnings.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injec-
tion system. You may occasionally hear an
audible clicking noise. This is normal op-
eration.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after engine shutdown to purge the DEF
system. This is normal operation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a
very stable product with a long shelf life. If
DEF is kept in temperatures between 10° and
90°F (-12° and 32°C), it will last a minimum
of one year.
DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest tem-
peratures. For example, DEF may freeze at
temperatures at or below 12° F (-11° C). The
system has been designed to operate in this
environment.
NOTE:
When working with DEF, it is important to
know that:
• Any containers or parts that come into con-tact with DEF must be DEF compatible
(plastic or stainless steel). Copper, brass,
aluminum, iron or non-stainless steel
should be avoided as they are subject to
corrosion by DEF.
• If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up completely.
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TRAILER TOWING
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)
NOTE:
For trailer towing information (maximum
trailer weight ratings) refer to the following
website addresses:
•ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/
• ramtruck.ca (Canada)
• rambodybuilder.com
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new ve-
hicle drivetrain components, the following
guidelines are recommended.
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
CAUTION!
• Then, during the first 500 miles(805 km) that a trailer is towed, do not
drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the
“Scheduled Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled
Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance”
for the proper maintenance intervals. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or
GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision.
Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel.
When trailering cargo that is not fully
secured, dynamic load shifts can occur
that may be difficult for the driver to
WARNING!
control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer,
do not overload your vehicle or trailer.
Overloading can cause a loss of control,
poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be
parked on a grade. When parking, apply
the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put
the tow vehicle transmission in PARK.
For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL.
Always, block or "chock" the trailer
wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
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WARNING!
•Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•Do notinterconnect the hydraulic brake
system or vacuum system of your vehicle
with that of the trailer. This could cause
inadequate braking and possible personal
injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer
with electronically actuated brakes. When
towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic
surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required. • Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for
trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your ve-
hicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can over-
load your brake system and cause it to
fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have a collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping distance. When towing you
should allow for additional space be-
tween your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) loaded, it should have its own
brakes and they should be of adequate
capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping
distances.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Module (ITBM) for Electric and Elec-
tric Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.
NOTE:
This module has been designed and verified
with electric trailer brakes and new electric
over hydraulic systems. Some previous EOH
systems may not be compatible with ITBM.
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192

CAUTION!
duced or complete loss of trailer braking.
There may be a increase in stopping dis-
tance or trailer instability which could re-
sult in damage to your vehicle, trailer, or
other property.
WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible
with the ITBM system may result in re-
duced or complete loss of trailer braking.
There may be a increase in stopping dis-
tance or trailer instability which could re-
sult in personal injury.NOTE:
• An aftermarket controller may be available
for use with trailers with air or electric-over-
hydraulic trailer brake systems. To deter-
mine the type of brakes on your trailer and
the availability of controllers, check with
your trailer manufacturer or dealer.
• Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem and electronic modules of the vehicle.
See your authorized dealer if an aftermar-
ket module is to be installed.
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CAUTION!
• Before recreational towing, the transfercase 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
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-
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.
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride
Height.
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, shiftthe 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 pushed using a ballpoint pen
or similar object. Other models have a
rectangular NEUTRAL switch, below
the rotary transfer case control knob.
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198

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS.....202
BULB REPLACEMENT ...........202
Replacement Bulbs.............202
FUSES.................... .203
Power Distribution Center.........203
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ......208
Jack Location................208
Removal Of Jack And Tools ........208
Removing The Spare Tire ..........209
Preparations For Jacking ..........210
Jacking Instructions ............211 To Stow The Flat Or Spare
........214
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools .....215
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers —
If Equipped .................217
JUMP STARTING ..............218
Preparations For Jump Start ........218
Jump Starting Procedure ..........219
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......220
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE —
6-SPEED TRANSMISSION .........221
Column Gear Selector — If Equipped . .221
Center Console Gear Selector — If
Equipped...................222
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 SPEED
TRANSMISSION ..............222
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .......224
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .....225
Two-Wheel Drive Models..........226
Four-Wheel Drive Models ..........226
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped . .227
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ...............227
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ......227
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
201

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located
on the upper switch bank just below the
radio.
Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warn-
ing flasher. When the switch is activated, all
directional turn signals will flash on and off to
warn oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push
the switch a second time to turn off the
Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it
should not be used when the vehicle is in
motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and it is creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek
assistance, the Hazard Warning flashers will
continue to operate even though the ignition
is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning flash-
ers may wear down your battery.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Replacement Bulbs
All of the inside bulbs are brass or glass-
wedge base. Aluminum base bulbs are not
approved.
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Overhead Console
Lamps TS 212–9
Dome Lamp 7679
For lighted switches, see your authorized
dealer for replacement instructions.
Exterior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Base Quad Head-
lamp – Low Beam H11LL
Base Quad Head-
lamp – High Beam 9005LL
Front Turn Signal
Lamp (Base Quad
Headlamp) 3157NA
Bulb Number
Premium Bi Halogen
Projector Headlamp -
Low Beam 9005Sl+
Premium Bi Halogen
Projector Headlamp -
High Beam 9005LL
Front Turn Signal
Lamp (Premium
Headlamp) LED (Serviced at au-
thorized dealer)
Fog Lamp (Horizontal
shape) 9145
Fog Lamp (Vertical
shape) 9006
Center High Mounted
Stop Lamp (CHMSL) 921K
Rear Cargo Lamp 921
LED Center High
Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL)/Cargo
Lamp LED (Serviced at au-
thorized dealer)
Cab Roof Marker
Lamps 194NA
Base Rear Tail/Turn
and Stop Lamp 3157K
Premium Rear Tail/
Turn and Stop Lamp LED (Serviced at au-
thorized dealer)
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
202

Bulb Number
Premium Backup
Lamp 7440/W21W
Rear Lamp Bar ID
Marker Lamp 194
Side Marker Lamps
(Dual Rear Wheels) 194
Backup Lamp 921
Rear License Plate
Lamp 194
FUSES
WARNING!
• When replacing a blown fuse, always use
an appropriate replacement fuse with
the same amp rating as the original fuse.
Never replace a fuse with another fuse of
WARNING!
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.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that
the 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
WARNING!
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
203