2018 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab ignition

The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body ar-
eas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, inspect the exhaust system each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make
Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immedi-
ately. Do not disassemble or modify the sys-
tem.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have
been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding
seat belt or retractor condition, replace the
seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning lightwill turn on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check when
the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN.
If the light is either not on during starting,
stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
system inspected at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. After the bulb check, this
light will illuminate with a single chime when
a fault with the Air Bag System has been
detected. It will stay on until the fault is
cleared. If the light comes on intermittently
or remains on while driving, have your autho-
rized dealer service the vehicle immediately.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost
mode and place the blower control on high
speed. You should be able to feel the air
directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster
is inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. Only use a floor mat that does not
interfere with the operation of the accelera-
tor, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor
mat that is securely attached using the floor
mat fasteners so it cannot slip out of position
and interfere with the accelerator, brake or
clutch pedals or impair safe operation of your
vehicle in other ways.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded,
or stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to
interfere with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle
SAFETY
116

STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
ENGINE................... .120
Normal Starting...............120
STARTING THE ENGINE — 6.7L DIESEL
ENGINE................... .121
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ......122
Extreme Cold Weather ...........124
NORMAL OPERATION — 6.7L DIESEL
ENGINE................... .125
Cold Weather Precautions.........125
Engine Idling ................125
Stopping The Engine ............126
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE.............127
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
6.7L DIESEL ................ .127
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ......128
Key Ignition Park Interlock........129Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System
....................129
Six–Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................129
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ............... .131
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Four-Position Switch) — If Equipped .132
SPEED CONTROL..............133
To Activate..................134
To Set A Desired Speed ..........134
To Vary The Speed Setting .........134
To Accelerate For Passing .........135
To Resume Speed .............135
To Deactivate ................135
PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK
ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED .........136
Cleaning The ParkSense System .....136
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA —
IF EQUIPPED............... .136REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS . . . .138
Materials Added To Fuel
..........139
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL
CHASSIS CAB MODELS..........139
Diesel Exhaust Fluid............139
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage .......140
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid .......140
TRAILER TOWING.............142
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)...............142
Towing Requirements ...........142
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)............147
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle....................147
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models .....................147
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ....................148
STARTING AND OPERATING
119

STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10-second intervals. Waiting a few sec-
onds between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
WARNING!
• When leaving the vehicle, always makesure the keyless ignition node 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 un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
WARNING!
• Do not leave the key fob in or near thevehicle, or in a location accessible to
children, and do not leave the ignition of
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.
• Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury
or death.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold
engine is obtained without pumping or press-
ing the accelerator pedal. Cycle the ignition
to the RUN position and release when the
engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, cycle the ignition to the
OFF position, wait five seconds, then repeat
the “Normal Starting” procedure.
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE
START/STOP Button
1. Transmission must be in PARK or
NEUTRAL.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to
start, the starter will disengage automati-
cally after 10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push
the button again.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or press-
ing the accelerator pedal.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/
STOP button.
STARTING AND OPERATING
120

2. The ignition switch will return to the OFFmode.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK (with vehicle stopped) and the ENGINE START/
STOP button is pushed once, the trans-
mission will automatically select PARK
and the engine will turn off, however the
ignition will remain in the ACC mode (NOT
the OFF mode). Never leave a vehicle out
of the PARK position, or it could roll.
4. If the vehicle speed is above 5 mph (8 km/ h), the ENGINE START/STOP button must
be held for two seconds (or three short
pushes in a row) to turn the engine off.
The ignition will remain in the ACC mode
(NOT the OFF mode) if the engine is
turned off when the transmission is not in
PARK.
NOTE:
If the ignition switch is left in the ACC or RUN
(engine not running) mode and the transmis-
sion is in PARK, the system will automatically
time out after 30 minutes of inactivity and
the ignition will switch to the OFF mode.Idle Shutdown — 6.4L Engine Only
This feature can be enabled so that the truck
will automatically shutdown when the truck
has been idling for a set period of time when
the engine is at operating temperature. Idle
time can be set in 5 minute increments
between 5 and 60 minutes. See your local
authorized dealer to enable this feature.
NOTE:
The idle shut down timer is disabled while the
PTO is active.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions —
With Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In
PARK Or NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has three
positions, OFF, ACC, RUN. To change the
ignition switch positions without starting the
vehicle and use the accessories follow these
steps:
1. Starting with the ignition in the OFF position: 2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button
once to change the ignition to the ACC
position.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to change the ignition to the
RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
position.
STARTING THE ENGINE — 6.7L
DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 15-second intervals. Waiting a few min-
utes between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
121

WARNING!
• Do not leave children or animals insideparked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build up may cause serious injury
or death.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the keyless ignition node 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 un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the 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 of
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.
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button, as
long as the Remote Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go
key fob is in the passenger compartment.
Normal Starting
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK or
NEUTRAL.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
3. The system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to
start, the starter will disengage automati-
cally after 25 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, re-
move your foot from the brake pedal and
push the button again. NOTE:
• Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or
pressing the accelerator pedal.
• Under cold weather conditions, the engine may not immediately crank if the "Wait To
Start" telltale is illuminated. This is normal
operation. For vehicles equipped with Key-
less Enter-N-Go, the vehicle will automati-
cally crank when the "Wait To Start" time
has elapsed. See the section "Starting Pro-
cedure Engine Manifold Air Temperature
0°F to 66°F (18° C to 19°C)" in the Diesel
Supplement for more information.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button
1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/
STOP button.
2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed
once, the instrument cluster will display a
STARTING AND OPERATING
122

“Vehicle Not In Park” message and the
engine will remain running. Never leave a
vehicle out of the PARK position, or it
could roll.
4. If the gear selector is in NEUTRAL, and the vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h),
pushing the START/STOP button once will
turn the engine off. The ignition will re-
main in the ACC mode.
5. If the vehicle speed is above 5 mph (8 km/ h), the ENGINE START/STOP button must
be held for two seconds (or three short
pushes in a row) to turn the engine off.
The ignition will remain in the ACC mode
(NOT the OFF mode) if the engine is
turned off when the transmission is not in
PARK.
NOTE:
If the ignition is left in the ACC or ON/RUN
(engine not running) mode and the transmis-
sion is in PARK, the system will automatically
time out after 30 minutes of inactivity and
the ignition return to the OFF mode. ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates
similar to an ignition switch. It has three
positions, OFF, ACC, RUN. To change the
ignition switch positions without starting the
vehicle and use the accessories follow these
steps:
1. Starting with the ignition in the OFF
position:
2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to change the ignition to the ACC
position.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to change the ignition to the
RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition to the OFF
position.Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure —
Engine Manifold Air Temperature 0° F To
66° F (–18° C to 19° C)
NOTE:
The temperature displayed in the instrument
cluster does not necessarily reflect the en-
gine manifold air temperature. Refer to “In-
strument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. When engine temperatures fall
below 66°F (19°C) the “Wait To Start Light”
will remain on indicating the intake manifold
heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting”
procedure except:
1. Pushing the engine start button with thedriver’s foot on the brake will move the
ignition from OFF or ACC to RUN, and will
illuminate the "Wait To Start" telltale. The
engine will not immediately crank, this is
normal operation.
2. The “Wait To Start" telltale will remain on for a period of time that varies depending
on the engine temperature.
123

3. While the "Wait to Start" telltale is on, theinstrument cluster will additionally dis-
play a gauge or bar whose initial length
represents the full "Wait to Start" time
period. Its length will decrease until it
disappears when the "Wait to Start" time
has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START engine before
you drain the water from the fuel filters to
avoid engine damage. Refer to “Draining
Fuel/Water Separator Filter” in “Dealer
Service” under “Servicing And Mainte-
nance” for further information.
4.
After the engine “Wait To Start” telltale goes
off, the engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds
at a time or starter motor damage may result.
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position
and wait at least two minutes for the starter to
cool before repeating start procedure.
5. After engine start-up, check to see that there is oil pressure.
6. Allow the engine to idle about three min- utes until the manifold heaters have com-
pleted the post-heat cycle.
7. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically in- crease to 1,000 RPM and engage the Vari-
able Geometry Turbocharger at low coolant
temperatures to improve engine warm-up.
• The engine may not automatically crank after the engine "Wait To Start" telltale goes
off if a door or the hood is ajar.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for more than two minutes after
the “Wait To Start Light” goes out, reset the
grid heaters by turning the ignition switch
to the OFF position for at least five seconds
and then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through
7 of “Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Proce-
dure – Engine Manifold Air Temperature
Below 66° F (19° C).”Extreme Cold Weather
The Cummins diesel engine is equipped with
several features designed to assist cold
weather starting and operation:
• The engine block heater is a resistance
heater installed in the water jacket of the
engine just above and behind the oil filter.
It requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not
equipped, heater cords are available from
your authorized Mopar dealer.
• A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housings aid in preventing fuel gelling. It is
controlled by a built-in thermostat.
• A heated intake air system both improves engine starting and reduces the amount of
white smoke generated by a warming
engine.
STARTING AND OPERATING
124

• Warm up the engine before placing it underload.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Oper-
ating” of the Owner’s Manual at
www.mopar.com/en-us/care/
owners-manual.html (U.S. Residents) or
www.owners.mopar.ca (Canadian Residents). Because of the construction of the Cummins
turbocharged diesel engine, engine run-in is
enhanced by loaded operating conditions
which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles
(10 000 km).
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
• 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
reverse. 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 run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle, always
come to a complete stop, then apply the
WARNING!
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 trans-
mission 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 use the PARK position as a sub-
stitute for the parking brake. Always
apply the parking brake fully when exit-
ing the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or dam-
age.
• 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 exiting the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING
128