2018 Ram 3500 tow

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle may be equipped with an instru-
ment cluster display, which offers useful in-
formation to the driver. With the ignition in
the STOP/OFF mode, opening/closing of a
door will activate the display for viewing, and
display the total miles, or kilometers, in the
odometer. Your instrument cluster display is
designed to display important information
about your vehicle’s systems and features.
Using a driver interactive display located on
the instrument panel, your instrument clus-
ter display can show you how systems are
working and give you warnings when they are
not. The steering wheel mounted controls
allow you to scroll through the main menus
and submenus. You can access the specific
information you want and make selections
and adjustments.
Instrument Cluster Display
Controls
The instrument cluster display features a
driver-interactive display that is located in
the instrument cluster.
The instrument cluster display menu items
may consist of the following:
• Speedometer
• Vehicle Info
• Fuel Economy Info
• Trip A
• Trip B
• Audio
• Trailer Tow
• Stored Messages
• Screen Setup
• Vehicle Settings (Not Equipped with aUconnect touchscreen radio) The system allows the driver to select infor-
mation by pushing the following instrument
cluster display control buttons located on the
left side of the steering wheel:
• Push and release the
uparrow button to
scroll upward through the main menu
items, submenu screen, and vehicle set-
tings.
Instrument Cluster Display Controls
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
66

See Dealer message is displayed on the
next subsequent restart. Your engine will
not start unless your vehicle is serviced by
your authorized dealer. The message will be
accompanied by a single chime. Your Mal-
function Indicator Light will be continu-
ously illuminated. If the message appears
and you can not start the engine, we rec-
ommend you have your vehicle towed to
your nearest authorized dealer
immediately.
Diesel Messages And Warnings
— 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins diesel engine meets all diesel
emissions standards, resulting in one of the
lowest emitting diesel engines ever pro-
duced. To achieve these emissions stan-
dards, your vehicle is equipped with a state-
of-the-art engine and exhaust system. These
systems are seamlessly integrated into your
vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM). The PCM manages enginecombustion to allow the exhaust system’s
catalyst to trap and burn Particulate Matter
(PM) pollutants, with no input or interaction
on your part.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to
additional maintenance required on your ve-
hicle or engine. The following messages may
display in your instrument cluster display:
• Perform Service — Your vehicle will require
emissions maintenance at a set interval. To
help remind you when this maintenance is
due, the instrument cluster display will
display “Perform Service”. When the “Per-
form Service” message is displayed in the
instrument cluster display it is necessary to
have the emissions maintenance per-
formed. Emissions maintenance may in- clude replacing the Closed Crankcase Ven-
tilation (CCV) filter element. The procedure
for clearing and resetting the "Perform Ser-
vice" indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
• Exhaust System — Regeneration Required
Now — "Exhaust Filter XX% Full Safely
Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy" will
be displayed in the instrument cluster dis-
play if the exhaust particulate filter reaches
80% of its maximum storage capacity. Un-
der conditions of exclusive short duration
and low speed driving cycles, your Cum-
mins diesel engine and exhaust after-
treatment system may never reach the con-
ditions required to remove the trapped PM.
If this occurs, the “Exhaust Filter XX% Full
Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to Rem-
edy” message will be displayed in the in-
strument cluster display. If this message is
displayed, you will hear one chime to assist
in alerting you of this condition
By simply driving your vehicle at highway
speeds for as little as 45 minutes, you can
remedy the condition in the particulate filter
system and allow your Cummins diesel en-
gine and exhaust after-treatment system to
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
70

When the DEF system needs to be serviced
the following warnings will display:
•Service DEF System See Dealer — This mes-
sage will display when the fault is initially
detected, each time the vehicle is started,
and periodically during driving. The mes-
sage will be accompanied by a single
chime. We recommend you drive to your
nearest authorized dealer and have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
• 5 MPH Max Speed in 150 mi Service DEF
System See Dealer — This message will
display if the DEF system has not been
serviced after the “Service DEF System –
See Dealer” message is displayed. This
message will continuously display until the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime. The
message will continue to countdown until it
reaches zero unless the vehicle is serviced.
We recommend you drive to your nearest
authorized dealer and have your vehicle
serviced immediately. NOTE:
Under some circumstances this mileage
counter may start with a value of less than
150 miles (241 km). For example, if recur-
ring faults are detected in a time interval of
less than 40 hours, the counter may restart
at the value where it stopped when a previ-
ous fault was temporarily remedied, or at a
minimum of 50 miles (80 km).
•
5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or
Refuel Service DEF See Dealer — This mes-
sage will continuously display when the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a maxi-
mum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of the
following conditions to occur: – If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
– If the vehicle is idled for an extendedperiod of time, approximately one hour
or greater.
– If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank has increased. •
5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will continuously
display, and will be accompanied by a pe-
riodic chime. Although the vehicle can be
started and placed in gear, the vehicle will
only operate at a maximum speed of
5 MPH. Your vehicle will require towing,
see your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
When this message is displayed, the engine
can still be started. However, the vehicle
will only operate at a maximum speed of
5 MPH.
• Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This
message will display when the fault is ini-
tially detected, each time the vehicle is
started, and periodically during driving.
The message will be accompanied by a
single chime. We recommend you drive to
your nearest authorized dealer and have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Ram Active Air system that provides en-
hanced performance, especially when towing
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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 ve-
hicle is running, immediate service is re-
quired and you may experience reduced per-
formance, 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 posi-
tion 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.— 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” in the Owner’s
Manual at
https://www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owners-manual.html
(U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Residents)
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 Warn-
ing Light
This telltale is on when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— 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 Indica-
tor 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 systems.
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 illumi-
nate the light after engine start. The vehicle
should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle 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
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
78

CAUTION!
of the same size, type, and/or style. After-
market wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. Af-
ter using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to your authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
— Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately
3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and
remain on until fuel is added.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning
Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the
brake system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warn-
ing Light is not also on.
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 in-
spected by an authorized dealer.
— Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the ve-
hicle 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.
SERV4WD— 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 recom-
mend you drive to the nearest service center and
have the vehicle serviced immediately.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light
This light indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer tow-
ing. 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 Transmission 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.
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CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
Yellow Indicator Lights
— Rear Fog Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the rear
fog lights are on.
— Air Suspension Payload Protection
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on to indicate that the
maximum payload may have been exceeded
or load leveling cannot be achieved at its
current ride height. Protection Mode will au-
tomatically be selected in order to “protect”
the air suspension system, air suspension
adjustment is limited due to payload.
— TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when TOW/HAUL
mode is selected.
— Cargo Light — If Equipped
The cargo light will illuminate when the cargo
light is activated by pushing the cargo light
button on the headlight switch.
— Air Suspension Off-Road 1 Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air suspen-
sion system is set to the Off-Road 1 setting.
For further information, refer to “Air Suspen-
sion System” in “Starting And Operating.”
— Air Suspension Off-Road 2 Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air suspen-
sion system is set to the Off-Road 2 setting.
For further information, refer to “Air Suspen-
sion System” in “Starting And Operating”.
— Air Suspension Ride Height Raising
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that
the vehicle is changing to a higher ride
height.
— Air Suspension Ride Height Lower-
ing Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that
the vehicle is changing to a lower ride height.
— Air Suspension Entry/Exit Indicator
Light— If Equipped
This light comes on when the vehicle is
automatically lowered from ride height posi-
tion downward for easy entry and exit of the
vehicle.
– 4WD Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the four-wheel drive mode, and the front
and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked
together forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed.
— 4WD Low Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front
and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked
together forcing the front and rear wheels toGETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
82

– 4WD AUTO Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the four-wheel drive auto mode, and 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.
For further information on four-wheel drive
operation and proper use, refer to “Four-
Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating.”
White Indicator Lights
— Cruise Control Ready Indicator
This light will turn on when the speed control
is ready, but not set.
— Speed Control SET Indicator Light
— If Equipped
This light will turn on when the speed control
is set. Refer to “Speed Control — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
— Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent
Control (HDC) feature is turned on. The lamp
will be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can
only be armed when the transfer case is in the
“4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed
is less then 30 mph (48 km/h). If these
conditions are not met while attempting to
use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light
will flash on/off.
Blue Indicator Lights
— High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator shows that the high beam
headlights are on. With the low beams acti-
vated, push the multifunction lever forward
(toward the front of the vehicle) to turn on the
high beams. Pull the multifunction lever rear-
ward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn
off the high beams. If the high beams are off,
pull the lever toward you for a temporary high
beam on, "flash to pass" scenario.
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
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current govern-
ment regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the
OBD II system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). It will also store diag-
nostic 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 fuelGETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
84

BeltAlert Warning Sequence
The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated
when the vehicle is moving above a specified
vehicle speed range and the driver or out-
board front seat passenger is unbuckled (if
equipped with outboard front passenger seat
BeltAlert) (the outboard front passenger seat
BeltAlert is not active when the outboard
front passenger seat is unoccupied). The
BeltAlert warning sequence starts by blinking
the Seat Belt Reminder Light and sounding
an intermittent chime. Once the BeltAlert
warning sequence has completed, the Seat
Belt Reminder Light will remain on until the
seat belts are buckled. The BeltAlert warning
sequence may repeat based on vehicle speed
until the driver and occupied outboard front
seat passenger seat belts are buckled. The
driver should instruct all occupants to buckle
their seat belts.Change of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger
(if equipped with outboard front passenger
seat BeltAlert) unbuckles their seat belt while
the vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert warning
sequence will begin until the seat belts are
buckled again.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert
is not active when the outboard front passen-
ger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert may be
triggered when an animal or other items are
placed on the outboard front passenger seat
or when the seat is folded flat (if equipped). It
is recommended that pets be restrained in
the rear seat (if equipped) in pet harnesses or
pet carriers that are secured by seat belts,
and cargo is properly stowed.
BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by
your authorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not
recommend deactivating BeltAlert.NOTE:
If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the
driver or outboard front seat passenger (if
equipped with outboard front passenger seat
BeltAlert) is unbuckled the Seat Belt Re-
minder Light will turn on and remain on until
the driver and outboard front seat passenger
seat belts are buckled.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions except the Quad Cab,
Mega Cab and Crew Cab front center seating
position have combination lap/shoulder
belts.
The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only
during very sudden stops or collisions. This
feature allows the shoulder part of the seat
belt to move freely with you under normal
conditions. However, in a collision the seat
belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking
the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out
of the vehicle.
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