2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab towing

▫Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped ........39
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock ................40
 SEATS ................................41
▫ Manual Front Seat Adjustment ..............42
▫ Manual Rear Seat Adjustment ...............43
▫ Power Driver Seat Adjustment — If Equipped . . .44
▫ Power Passenger Seat Adjustment —
If Equipped ...........................46
▫ Driver Memory Seat — If Equipped ..........47
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ...............50
▫ Ventilated Seats — If Equipped ..............52
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers
(Regular Cab Models) ....................53
 HEAD RESTRAINTS ......................53
▫ Front Head Restraint Adjustment ............53
▫ Rear Head Restraint Adjustment .............54
▫ Front Head Restraint Removal ..............55
▫ Rear Head Restraint Removal ...............55
STEERING WHEEL .......................56
▫ Tilt Steering Column .....................56
▫ Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped .........57
 DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS —
IF EQUIPPED ...........................57
 MIRRORS ..............................59
▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ......59
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped .....59
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror With Rear View
Camera Display — If Equipped .............60
▫ Outside Mirrors ........................61
▫ Driver’s Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror — If
Equipped .............................61
▫ Power Mirrors — If Equipped ..............62
▫ Power Folding Outside Mirrors For Standard And
Trailer Tow — If Equipped .................63
▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ........65
▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped .............65
16 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror head
to provide a greater vision range when towing extra-wide
loads. To change position inboard or outboard, the mirror
head should be rotated (flipped in or out).
NOTE:Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior to
entering an automated car wash.
A small blindspot mirror is located next to main mirror and
can be adjusted separately.
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice. This
feature will be activated whenever you turn on the
rear window defroster (if equipped). Refer to “Climate
Controls” in this section for further information.
Trailer Towing Position
Blindspot Mirror
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 65

3. Speedometer•Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel door is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
•The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature when driving in hot weather, up mountain
grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be
allowed to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for
service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see “Servicing And Mainte-
nance.” Follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H,” turn the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 127

pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
NOTE: The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold heater
system. The number of cycles and the length of the cycling
operation is controlled by the engine control module.
Post-heat operation can run for several minutes, and then
the electrical system and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
3. Oil Pressure Gauge
•The pointer should always indicate some oil pressure
when the engine is running. A continuous high or low
reading under normal driving conditions may indicate
a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer •Indicates vehicle speed. 5. Fuel Gauge
•The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel door is located.
6. Instrument Cluster Display
•When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the instrument cluster display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7. Temperature Gauge •The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature when driving in hot weather, up mountain
grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be
allowed to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 129

•115V AC Power Inverter System
• Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or more of the
following conditions:
• The charging system cannot deliver enough electrical
power to the vehicle system because the electrical loads
are larger than the capability of charging system. The
charging system is still functioning properly.
• Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads (e.g.
HVAC to max settings, exterior and interior lights,
overloaded power outlets +12V, 115V AC, USB ports)
during certain driving conditions (city driving, towing,
frequent stopping).
• Installing options like additional lights, upfitter electri-
cal accessories, audio systems, alarms and similar de-
vices.
• Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long
parking periods).
• The vehicle was parked for an extended period of time
(weeks, months).
• The battery was recently replaced and was not charged
completely. •
The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on
when the vehicle was parked.
• The battery was used for an extended period with the
engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers,
+12V portable appliances like vacuum cleaners, game
consoles and similar devices.
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).
146 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The
light should turn off. If the light remains on with the
vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as
possible.
NOTE: This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake
pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149

— Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light
This light will turn on when there’s a fault with the EPS
(Electric Power Steering) system. Refer to “Power Steering”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Trailer Brake has been discon-
nected.
— Oil Temperature Warning Light
This telltale indicates engine oil temperature is high. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off
the engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil temperature to
return to normal levels.
— Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and
not fully closed.NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single
chime.
Yellow Warning Lights
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning
Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a
part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic transmission control sys-
tems. The light will illuminate when the ignition is in the
ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor
quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.
The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through
several typical driving styles. In most situations, the ve-
hicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
150 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have
the brake system inspected by an authorized dealer.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle coolant
level is low.
— Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will illuminate when the fuel filler cap is loose.
Properly close the filler cap to disengage the light. If the
light does not turn off, please see your authorized dealer.
— Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped
If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means
that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that
service is required. We recommend you drive to the nearest
service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
Yellow Indicator Lights
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature
is running hot. This may occur with severe usage, such as
trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into PARK
and run the engine at idle or slightly higher until the light
turns off.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated you
could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with
hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
— Rear Fog Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the rear fog lights are
on.
— TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when TOW/HAUL mode is
selected.
154 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL