2018 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 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
54

5 MPH (8 km/H) if the DEF system is not
serviced within less than 200 miles (322 km)
of the fault being detected.
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 towingGETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
58

WARNING!
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the
event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is re-
quired.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from
the OFF position to the ON/RUN position.
The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illumi-
nate, have the light inspected by your autho-
rized dealer.
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.
— 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 malfunc-
tion 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.
— 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.
— 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 run- ning, 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 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.GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
62

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
catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this
occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher tem-
peratures than in normal operating condi-
tions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury
to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause dam-
age to the vehicle control system. It also
could affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
— Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Active Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will indicate when the Electronic
Stability Control system is Active. The “ESC
Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will
come on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when
ESC is activated. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Indicator Light”
comes on continuously with the engine run-
ning, a malfunction has been detected in the
ESC system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has
been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to
have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
• The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the
“ESC Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or click- ing sounds when it is active. This is normal;
the sounds will stop when ESC becomes
inactive.
• This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.
— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off
Warning Light — If Equipped
This light indicates the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN
or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on,
even if it was turned off previously.
— Low Washer Fluid Warning Light —
If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
64

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the
original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been
established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not
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 re-
quired. We recommend you drive to the near-
est service center and have the vehicle ser-
viced 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.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
66

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.
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.
— 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.
— 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 to
rotate at the same speed. Low range provides
a greater gear reduction ratio to provide in-
creased torque at the wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information on four-wheel drive op-
eration and proper use.
– 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.
— 2WD Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the two-wheel drive mode.
— Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
The “Wait To Start” telltale will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the ignition
is turned to the RUN position. It’s duration
may be longer based on colder operating
conditions. Vehicle will not initiate start until
telltale is no longer displayed. Refer to
“Starting The Engine” in “Starting And Op-
erating” for further information.
NOTE:
The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illumi-
nate if the intake manifold temperature is
warm enough.
— Water In Fuel Indicator Light —
If Equipped
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illu-
minate when there is water detected in the
fuel filters. If this light remains on, DO NOT
start the vehicle before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to prevent engine dam-
67

age. Refer to the “Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” section in “Dealer Service” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further in-
formation.
— Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Indicator Light — If Equipped
The Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator
will illuminate if the vehicle is low on Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Refer to “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Green Indicator Lights
— Park/Headlight On Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when the park
lights or headlights are turned on.
— Front Fog Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front
fog lights are on.
— Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash indepen-
dently and the corresponding exterior turn
signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be
activated when the multifunction lever is
moved down (left) or up (right).
NOTE:
• A continuous chime will sound if the ve- hicle is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km)
with either turn signal on.
• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
— Cruise Control SET Indicator Light
This light will turn on when the speed control
is set to the desired speed. Refer to “Speed
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.
White Indicator Lights
— Cruise Control ON Indicator
This light will turn on when the speed control
is on, but not set.
— Speed Control SET Indicator Light
This light will turn on when the speed control
is set. Refer to “Speed Control — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
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.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
68

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 couldcause 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.
• If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter dam-
age and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate 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
access this information to assist with the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technicianshould connect 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 ve-
hicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving seri-
ous injury or death.
• Access, or allow others to access,
information stored in your vehicle
systems, including personal infor-
mation.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecu-
rity” in “Multimedia”.
69