2018 Ram 1500 User Guide

4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two–wheel drive
position (2WD) for normal street and highway
conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driv-
ing the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.When additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW po-
sitions can be used to maximize torque to the
front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by pushing the desired posi-
tion on the 4WD control switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of your Owner’s
Manual for specific shifting instructions.
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 NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the pow-
ertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic 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.
WARNING!
• The transmission may not engage PARKif the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
167

Five-Position Electronically
Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission Only) — If
Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Trans-
fer Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.This electronically shifted transfer case pro-
vides five mode positions:
• Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD)
• Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range
(4WD AUTO)
• Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL)
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2WD
Rear-Wheel Drive High Range — This range
is for normal street and highway driving on
dry hard surfaced roads.
4WD AUTO
Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range — This
range sends power to the front wheels. The
four–wheel drive system will be automatically
engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road
conditions.
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case — Eight Speed Transmission Only
STARTING AND OPERATING
168

4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This
range maximizes torque to the front drive-
shaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in this section for further information.
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two–wheel drive
position (2WD) or four-wheel drive position
(4WD AUTO) for normal street and highwayconditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driv-
ing the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD
AUTO mode can be used. In this mode, the
front axle is engaged, but the vehicle's power
is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive
will be automatically engaged when the ve-
hicle senses a loss of traction. Because the
front axle is engaged, this mode will result in
lower fuel economy than the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW po-
sitions can be used to maximize torque to the
front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished pushing the desired position
on the 4WD Control Switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of your Owner’s
Manual for further details.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 NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shaft from the pow-
ertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic 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.
• The transmission may not engage PARK
if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
169

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(1500 MODELS) — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time
load leveling capability along with the benefit
of being able to adjust vehicle height by the
push of a button.Automatic height changes will occur based
on vehicle speed and the current vehicle
height. The indicator lamps and instrument
cluster messages will operate the same for
automatic changes and user requested
changes.
•
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 1 in (26 mm)) - This position should
be the primary position for all off-road driv-
ing until Off Road 2 (OR2) is needed. A
smoother and more comfortable ride will
result. To enter OR1, push the “Up” button
once from the NRH position while the ve-
hicle speed is below 35 mph (56 km/h).
When in the OR1 position, if the vehicle
speed remains between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 50 mph (80 km/h) for greater than
20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds
50 mph (80 km/h), the vehicle will be
automatically lowered to NRH. Off-Road
1 may not be available due to vehicle pay-
load, an instrument cluster message will be
displayed when this occurs. Refer to “In- strument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Own-
er’s Manual for further information.
• Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 2 in (51 mm)) - This position is
intended for off-roading use only where
maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR2, push the “Up” button twice
from the NRH position or once from the
OR1 position while vehicle speed is below
20 mph (32 km/h). While in OR2, if the
vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h)
the vehicle height will be automatically
lowered to OR1. Off-Road 2 may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru-
ment cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual
for further information.
• Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
.6 in [15 mm]) – This position provides
improved aerodynamics by lowering the ve-
hicle. The vehicle will automatically enter
Aero Mode when the vehicle speed remains
between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph
(106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or
1500 Air Suspension Controls
1 — Off-Road 1 Indicator
2 — Off-Road 2 Indicator
3 — Up Button
4 — Down Button
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator
6 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
STARTING AND OPERATING
170

if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph
(106 km/h). The vehicle will return to NRH
from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed re-
mains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and
35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 sec-
onds or if the vehicle speed falls below
30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings in the instrument
cluster when equipped with Uconnect 3.0, or
your Uconnect Radio when equipped with
Uconnect 5.0, 8.4A, or 8.4AN.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 2 in (51 mm)) - This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and
exit as well as lowering the rear of the
vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the
“Down” button once from the NHR while
the vehicle speed is below 33 mph (53 km/
h). Once the vehicle speed goes below
15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height will
begin to lower. If the vehicle speed remains
between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph
(40 km/h) for greater than 60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be
cancelled. To return to Normal Height
Mode, push the “Up” button once while in
Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle over 15 mph
(24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru-
ment cluster message will be displayed
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual
for further information.
Air Suspension Modes
The Air Suspension system has multiple
modes to protect the system in unique situa-
tions:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the ve-
hicle into AERO height automatically. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Own-
er’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspen-
sion system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s
Manual for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off
the ground, the air suspension system has a
feature which will put the vehicle into Entry/
Exit height and disable the automatic load
leveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
171

NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this
mode must be enabled. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension sys-
tem, the vehicle will disable load leveling as
required (suspension overloaded, battery
charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automati-
cally resume as soon as system operation
requirements are met. See your authorized
dealer if system does not resume.
NOTE:
If towing with air suspension refer to “Trailer
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (REBEL
MODELS ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time
load leveling capability along with the benefit
of being able to adjust vehicle height by the
push of a button.
Automatic height changes will occur based
on vehicle speed and the current vehicle
height. The indicator lamps and instrument
cluster messages will operate the same for
automatic changes and user requested
changes.NOTE:
The vehicle will automatically enter Aero Mode
when the vehicle speed remains between
62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph (106 km/h)
for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle
speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h).
Rebel Air Suspension Controls
1 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
Lamp
2 — Off-Road Indicator Lamp
3 — Up Button
4 — Down Button
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator Lamp
6 — Aero Mode Indicator Lamp
STARTING AND OPERATING
172

•Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 1 in (26 mm)) – This position is
intended for off-roading use only where
maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the “Up” button once from
the NRH position while vehicle speed is
below 20 mph (32 km/h). While in OR, if
the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the vehicle height will be auto-
matically lowered to NRH. Off-Road may
not be available due to vehicle payload, an
instrument cluster display message will be
shown when this occurs. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
• Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
.6 in (15 mm)) – This position provides
improved aerodynamics by lowering the ve-
hicle. The vehicle will automatically enter
Aero Mode when the vehicle speed remains
between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph
(106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or
if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle will return to NRH
from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed re-
mains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and
35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 sec-
onds or if the vehicle speed falls below
30 mph (48 km/h).
To enter Aero Mode manually push the down
button once from NRH at any vehicle speed.
To return to NRH push the up button once
while vehicle speed is less than 56 mph
(90 km/h).
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings on your Uconnect
Radio when equipped with UConnect 5.0,
8.4A, or 8.4AN. Refer to “Uconnect Set-
tings” in “Multimedia” in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
• Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 3 in (73 mm)) – This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and
exit as well as lowering the rear of the
vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the
“Down” button twice from the NRH while
the vehicle speed is below 33 mph (53 km/ h). Once the vehicle speed goes below
15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height will
begin to lower. If the vehicle speed remains
between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph
(40 km/h) for greater than 60 seconds, or
the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be
cancelled. To return to Normal Height
Mode, push the “Up” button twice while in
Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle over 15 mph
(24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru-
ment cluster display message will be shown
when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual
for further information.
Air Suspension Modes
The Air Suspension system has multiple
modes to protect the system in unique situa-
tions:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the ve-
hicle into AERO height automatically. Refer
173

to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Own-
er’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspen-
sion system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s
Manual for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off
the ground, the air suspension system has a
feature which will put the vehicle into Entry/
Exit height and disable the automatic loadleveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this
mode must be enabled. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with
engine running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension sys-
tem, the vehicle will disable load leveling as
required (suspension overloaded, battery
charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automati-
cally resume as soon as system operation
requirements are met. See your authorized
dealer if system does not resume. NOTE:
If towing with air suspension refer to “Trailer
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
(2500/3500 MODELS) — IF
EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling
ride height system. The main purpose of this
system is to maintain the truck’s rear ride
height level. There are two selectable heights
that can be chosen based on your operating
conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in
ON/RUN position or the engine running with
zero vehicle speed for all user requested
changes and load leveling.
STARTING AND OPERATING
174