2018 Ram 2500 ECU

5. Lock the center handle to secure the panel into place.
Extender Position
The extender position allows you to load the bed of the
truck beyond the tail gate. The bed extender will add an
additional 15 inches (38 cm) in the back of the truck when
additional cargo room is needed. The extender position
utilizes a locating pin and rotating handle located on both
sides of the truck bed near the tailgate.To install the bed extender into the extender position,
perform the following:
1. Lower the tailgate.
2. Make sure the center handle is unlocked and rotate the
center handle vertically in order to release the extender
side gates.
Side Gates ClosedExtender Position
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 149

3. Fit the end of the side gate ends onto the pin and handle.
4. Rotate the handles to the horizontal position to secureinto place.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of potential injury or property
damage:
•Cargo must be secured.
• Do not exceed cargo load rating of your vehicle.
• Secure all loads to truck utilizing cargo tie downs.
• Extender should not be used as cargo tie down.
(Continued)
Extender Installation
Locking Tab
150 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
•When vehicle is in motion do not exceed 150 lbs
(68 kg) load on the tailgate.
• The bed extender is not intended for off road use.
• When not in use, the extender/divider should be in
stowed or divider position with the tailgate closed.
• When in use all handles are to be in the locked
position.
Bed Rail Tie-Down System
CAUTION!
The maximum load per cleat should not exceed 250 lbs
(113 kg) and the angle of the load on each cleat should
not exceed 45 degrees above horizontal, or damage to
the cleat or cleat rail may occur.
There are two adjustable cleats on each side of the bed that
can be used to assist in securing cargo. Each cleat must be located and tightened down in one of
the detents, along either rail, in order to keep cargo
properly secure.
To move the cleat to any position on the rail, turn the nut
counterclockwise, approximately three turns. Then pull out
on the cleat and slide it to the detent nearest the desired
location. Make sure the cleat is seated in the detent and
tighten the nut.
Adjustable Cleats
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 151

NOTE:The Tonneau Cover can be folded up and secured
at the front of the box without removing completely.
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Removal
To remove the Tonneau Cover follow the following steps:
1. Lower the tailgate to gain access to the first set of two Tonneau Cover clamps located on the driver and pas-
senger underside of the Tonneau Cover.
2. Pull down on the first set of clamps on both driver and passenger sides to the semi clamped position. 3. Pull down on the clamp wire and push the clamp up
into the proper released position.
Clamped Position
NOTE: If clamp wire is damaged replace immediately.
Semi Clamped Position
156 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ..............168
▫ Base Instrument Cluster Descriptions .........169
 PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ..........170
▫ Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions .....171
 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ...........172
▫ Instrument Cluster Display Controls .........173
▫ Display Menu Screens ...................175
▫ Oil Life Reset ..........................177
▫ Display Messages .......................178
▫ Display Menu Items .....................180
▫ Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode Message —
Electrical Load Reduction Actions —
If Equipped ..........................187 
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES .........189
▫ Red Warning Lights .....................189
▫ Yellow Warning Lights ...................192
▫ Yellow Indicator Lights ...................196
▫ Green Indicator Lights ...................198
▫ White Indicator Lights ...................199
▫ Blue Indicator Lights ....................199
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . . .200
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ........................ .200
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS .......................... .2014

What to do when an electrical load reduction action
message is present (“Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver
Mode”)
During a trip:
•Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
– Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior)
– Check what may be plugged in to power outlets +12V, 115V AC, USB ports
– Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
– Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
• Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (ad-
ditional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio sys-
tems, alarms) and review specifications if any (load and
Ignition Off Draw currents).
• Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance, driving time
and parking time).
• The vehicle should have service performed if the mes-
sage is still present during consecutive trips and the
evaluation of the vehicle and driving pattern did not
help to identify the cause.WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
Red Warning Lights
— Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This light indicates when the driver or passenger 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 unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will
flash or remain on continuously and a chime will sound.
Refer to “Occupant Restraints Systems” 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 the light 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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
— Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approximately 15
seconds when the vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too high, this indicator will
illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the tempera-
ture reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will be
sound for four minutes or until the engine is able to cool:
whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift
the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service. Refer to “If
Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates when the battery is not charging
properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there
may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light
turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the
engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this
light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This
light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The
engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic
Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is detected
while the vehicle is running, the light will either stay on or
flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine, and transmission
control systems. When these systems are operating prop-
erly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and
fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see
your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to ac-
cess this information to assist with the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should con-
nect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to diagnose or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the
OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior
tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety
related systems, could be impaired or a loss of
(Continued)
200 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL