2018 Ram 3500 key

•Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the key fob.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF,
and remove the key fob. When the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF (key removal) position (or, with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, when the ignition is in the OFF mode),
the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the trans-
mission gear selector.
(Continued)
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in
a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go) in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have engaged the transmission into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, pull the column-mounted
gear selector toward you and move it all the way
counterclockwise until it stops. For console-mounted
shifter, firmly move the gear selector all the way forward
and to the left until it stops. •
Release the gear selector and make sure it is fully seated
in the PARK gate.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector
will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 309

NOTE:On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the key fob.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF,
and remove the key fob. When the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF (key removal) position (or, with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, when the ignition is in the OFF mode),
the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
(Continued)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 317

WARNING!(Continued)
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the trans-
mission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in
a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go) in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain. The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have engaged the transmission into the PARK position:
•
When shifting into PARK, pull the gear selector toward
you and move it all the way counterclockwise until it
stops.
• Release the gear selector and make sure it is fully seated
in the PARK gate.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector
will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 instrument cluster message will be
displayed when this occurs. Refer to “Instrument Clus-
ter Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
NOTE: Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your key
fob for easier entry/loading. Refer to “Keys” in “Getting To
Know Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your sur-
roundings, you may not have the clearance required for
certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors, must
be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the vehicle
is lowering the change will not be completed until the open
door(s) is closed. This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into oncom-
ing traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle
will move up first and then the front. When lowering the
vehicle, the front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the air
suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure a
proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to
be disabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
If equipped with a touch screen radio all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done through
the radio. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for
further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure vol-
ume of air to operate the system. To avoid personal
(Continued)
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

flashing, the highest flashing indicator lamp is the position
the system is working to achieve. When lowering, if
multiple indicators are flashing, the lowest solid indicator
lamp is the position the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the “Up” button once will move the suspension
one position higher from the current position, assuming all
conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, speed below threshold, etc). The “Up” button can
be pushed multiple times, each push will raise the re-
quested level by one position up to a maximum position of
OR2 or the highest position allowed based on current
conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the “DOWN” button once will move the suspen-
sion one position lower from the current level, assuming all
conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, doors closed, speed below threshold, etc). The
“DOWN” button can be pushed multiple times, each push
will lower the requested level by one position down to a
minimum of Entry/Exit Mode or the lowest position
allowed based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed,
etc.)Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle
speed and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps
and instrument cluster display messages will operate the
same for automatic changes and user requested changes.
•
Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR2.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 3, 4 and 5 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR1.
• Normal Ride Height (NRH)/Aero Mode – Indicator
lamps 3 and 4 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in
this position.
• Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 3 will be illuminated
when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/Exit
mode can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h). If
vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 4 will flash and indicator lamp
3 will remain solid until Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at
which point indicator lamp 4 will turn off.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 349

Pushing the “Up” button once will move the suspension
one position higher from the current position, assuming all
conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, speed below threshold, etc). The “Up” button can
be pushed multiple times, each push will raise the re-
quested level by one position up to a maximum position of
OR or the highest position allowed based on current
conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the “DOWN” button once will move the suspen-
sion one position lower from the current level, assuming all
conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, doors closed, speed below threshold, etc). The
“DOWN” button can be pushed multiple times, each push
will lower the requested level by one position down to a
minimum of Entry/Exit Mode or the lowest position
allowed based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed,
etc.)
Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle
speed and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps
and instrument cluster display messages will operate the
same for automatic changes and user requested changes.
•Off-Road (OR) – Indicator lamps 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR. •
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 3, 4 and 5
will be illuminated when the vehicle is in NRH.
• Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 3 and 4 will be illuminated
when the vehicle is in Aero Mode.
• Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 3 will be illuminated
when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/Exit
mode can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h). If
vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 3 will flash and indicator lamp
4 will remain solid until Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at
which point indicator lamp 4 will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the ve-
hicle.
• Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 3 and 6 will be
illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle.
• Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 3, 4 and 5 will
be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 355

and ice. Every surface has a different effect on your
vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Controlling your
vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road driving, so
always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain
a good driving posture. Avoid sudden accelerations, turns
or braking. In most cases there are no road signs, posted
speed limits or signal lights. Therefore you will need to use
your own good judgment on what is safe and what isn’t.
When on a trail you should always be looking ahead for
surface obstacles and changes in terrain. The key is to plan
your future driving route while remembering what you are
currently driving over.
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other com-
bustible materials. The heat from your vehicle exhaust
system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo.
Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an off-road
situation.
When To Use Low Range
When driving off-road, shift into 4LO (Low Range) for
additional traction or to improve handling and control on
slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low
range will allow the engine to operate in a higher power
range. This will allow you to idle over obstacles and down
hills, with improved control and less effort. Also, use 4LO
(Low Range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get heavy
loads rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4HI (High
Range) traction will not do the job.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in
snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to
steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you
should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances
and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a
slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the
vehicle’s momentum.
•Snow – In heavy snow or for additional control and
traction at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4LO (Low Range) if
necessary. Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to
maintain headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a
364 STARTING AND OPERATING