2018 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab service indicator

2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ONposition, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about ten seconds and then return
to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the igni-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is not readyand you should notproceed
to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off posi-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is readyand you can proceed to the I/M
station. If your OBD II system is
not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle
as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the above test routine may then
indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 161

NOTE:Use caution when operating a heavily loaded vehicle
at low speeds (such as towing a trailer up a steep grade, or in
stop-and-go traffic) during hot weather. In these conditions,
torque converter slip can impose a significant additional heat
load on the cooling system. Downshifting the transmission to
the lowest possible gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting
to NEUTRAL (when stopped in heavy traffic) can help to
reduce this excess heat generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch
is inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to
the “Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this sec-
tion).
On models with 66RFE transmission, top overdrive gear is
also inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm, and
during extremely cold temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or be-
low), operation may briefly be limited to first and direct
gears only. On trucks with AS66RC transmission, fifth and
sixth gears may be inhibited briefly on cold starts below
41°F (5°C), and during very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C]
or below), operation may briefly be limited to third gear only. During this condition, the ability of the vehicle to
accelerate under heavily loaded conditions may be re-
duced. In all cases, normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in fourth gear (for 66RFE transmission) or third gear (for
AS66RC transmission) regardless of which forward gear is
selected. If an AS66RC equipped truck enters Limp Home
Mode at highway speeds, it will initially engage fifth gear,
until the vehicle slows to a speed where third gear can be
engaged. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without damag-
ing the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 253

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers.
Severe Duty:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominately at idle or
very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is consid-
ered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•
Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-
sion, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 359

Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following pages for
required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By OilChange Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and
park brake.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect front end, and lubricate — If equipped with
serviceable fittings.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (4X4 models only).
360 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Engine Oil — Gas Engine
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter for further
information.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Engine Oil Selection — 6.4L
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API). The manu-
facturer only recommends API Cer-
tified engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20,
0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine
oils.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 367

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to
help you in determining when your tires should be re-
placed.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the tread isworn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced. Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for
further information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors
including, but not limited to:
•
Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can
cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire
tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread
life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
• Distance driven.
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and Summer tires typically have a reduced tread
life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle scheduled
maintenance is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
(Continued)
Tire Tread
1—WornTire
2—NewTire 408 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Jump Starting............................ .345
Key Fob Panic Alarm .............................22
Programming Additional Key Fobs ..........26, 33
Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) .....23
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) ......26
Key-In Reminder ............................29
Keyless Enter-N-Go ..................... .37, 242
Lock The Vehicle’s Doors ................451, 472
Passive Entry ............................37
Passive Entry Programming ...........37, 451, 472
Key, Replacement ...........................33
Keys ....................................19
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ......................32
Lane Change And Turn Signals .................75
Lane Change Assist ..........................75
Latches ................................. .236
Hood ................................ .101
Lead Free Gasoline ........................ .429
Leaks, Fluid ............................. .236
Life Of Tires ............................. .408
Light Bulbs .............................. .236
Lights .................................. .236AirBag .........................150, 197, 234
Automatic Headlights
......................72
Brake Assist Warning ..................... .172
Brake Warning ......................... .150
Bulb Replacement ....................... .325
Cap Top Clearance ...................... .330
Cargo .................................75
Center Mounted Stop ..................... .328
Courtesy/Reading ..................... .76, 77
Cruise ............................... .159
Daytime Running .........................71
Engine Temperature Warning ................151
Exterior .............................. .236
Fog ........................... .74, 157, 328
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator .................260
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................320
Headlights ..............................69
High Beam ..............................71
High

Beam/Low Beam Select .................71
Hill Descent Control Indicator ...............174
Illuminated Entry .........................78
Interior ............................. .76, 77
Low Fuel ............................. .156
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........153
Park ................................. .158
518 INDEX

Passing................................72
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .150
Security Alarm ......................... .151
Service ............................... .325
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........155, 176
Traction Control ........................ .172
Transfer Case .......................... .260
Turn Signal ....................75, 158, 236, 326
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .151, 158
Limited-Slip Differential ..................265, 393
Loading Vehicle ........................... .290
Tires................................. .400
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .148
Battery Saver On ........................ .148
Electrical Load Reduction ...................148
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................148
Locks Automatic Door ..........................40
Child Protection ..........................41
Power Door .............................37
Low Tire Pressure System .....................176
Lubrication, Body ......................... .379
Lug Nuts ............................ .343, 427Maintenance Free Battery
.....................365
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .359
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .153, 160
Manual, Service ........................... .510
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .393
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) .................43
Memory Seat ........................... .43, 48
Memory Seats And Radio .....................43
Methanol ............................... .431
Mirrors ..................................60
Electric Powered ..........................63
Heated .................................67
Memory ................................48
Outside ................................62
Rearview ...................... .60, 61, 62, 320
Trailer Towing ...........................67
Modifications/Alterations,
Vehicle................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................176
Mopar Parts ............................. .509
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................71
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS) ..............286
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................244
12
INDEX 519