2019 Ram 2500 suspension

6
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE .............................................. 290
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 291
Tip Start Feature ......................................................... 291
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition................................. 291
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button ......................................................................... 292

Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or −30°C) ..... 296

After Starting................................................................ 296
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .............. 297
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ............ 297
 PARKING BRAKE ........................................................... 298
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ................................... 299
Ignition Park Interlock ................................................ 301
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System ........... 301
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission .................... 301
 ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION ............................... 308
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED .................................................................... 309
Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case — If Equipped ................................................... 309
Manually Shifted Transfer Case — If Equipped ..... 314 
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (2500/3500 MODELS) —
IF EQUIPPED .....................................................................317
Description.................................................................... 317
Air Suspension Modes ................................................318
Instrument Cluster Display Messages ......................320
Operation ......................................................................320
 AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)....................................320
 STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
ONLY ................................................................................322
 SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY .................................................................................324
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics ............................................................324
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand .............................326
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points)............................................................................327
Hill Climbing................................................................329
Driving Through Water ..............................................331
Airing Down For Off-Road Driving .........................332
Vehicle Recovery .........................................................333
After Driving Off-Road...............................................336
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ....................................337

20 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
The Panic Alarm will stay on for three minutes unless you
turn it off by either pushing the Panic button a second time
or drive the vehicle at a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) or
greater.
NOTE:
• The interior lights will turn off if you place the ignition inthe ACC or ON/RUN position while the Panic Alarm is
activated. However, the exterior lights and horn will
remain on.
• You may need to be less than 35 ft (11 m) from the vehicle when using the key fob to turn off the Panic Alarm due to
the radio frequency noises emitted by the system.
Air Suspension (Remote Lowering Of The Vehicle) — If
Equipped For easy entry and loading, your vehicle can be
lowered by pushing the key fob air suspension
lowering button two times. When key fob lowering
is requested, the vehicle will send a series of chirps and
flashes to alert the customer that the operation has begun
and will continue these alerts until it successfully lowers. The following conditions must be met for the vehicle to
lower remotely:
• The vehicle must not already be in Entry/Exit (Park) ride
height.
• The vehicle battery must be fully charged.
• All doors must be closed.
• The key fob must be out of the vehicle.
Canceling Remote Lowering
Vehicle lowering can be cancelled at anytime. When vehicle
lowering is canceled, the vehicle will raise up to the next
defined level and lock out the remote lowering feature until
the ignition has been cycled ON/OFF.
To cancel vehicle lowering, push the key fob air suspension
lowering button one time during the lowering process.
When vehicle lowering is canceled, the horn will chirp two
times and the turn signal lamps will flash four times. Once
raising is completed, the horn will chirp one time.
NOTE:
Refer to “Air Suspension System” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” for further information.

184 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Yellow Warning Lights
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the
ACC system. Contact a local authorized dealer for service.
For further information, refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in “Starting And Operating.”
— Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when a fault is detected with the air
suspension system.
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator 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. This warning 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 illuminate 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 by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. 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.

188 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 inspected by an authorized dealer. — Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate when a rear
axle locker fault has been detected.
— Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the
Forward Collision Warning System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.
Refer to "Forward Collision Warning (FCW)" in "Safety" for
further information.
— Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault with the 4WD
system. 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 recommend you drive to the nearest
service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
— Speed Control Fault Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Speed
Control System is not functioning properly and service is
required. Contact an authorized dealer.
— Sway Bar Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate when there is a fault in the sway bar
disconnect system.
Yellow Indicator Lights
— Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate that Forward
Collision Warning is off.

— Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator Light —
If Equipped

This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the
maximum payload may have been exceeded or load leveling
cannot be achieved at its current ride height. Protection
Mode will automatically be selected in order to “protect” the
air suspension system, air suspension adjustment is limited
due to payload.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
— TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when TOW/HAUL mode
is selected.
— Cargo Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the cargo light is
activated by pushing the cargo light button on the headlight
switch.
— Sway Bar Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the front sway bar
is disconnected.
— Snowplow Mode Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when Snowplow Mode
has been activated.
/ — Air Suspension Alternate Trailer Height
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air suspension system is
set to the Alternate Trailer Height setting. / — Air Suspension Bed Lowering Mode Indicator
Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the Bed Lowering Mode
procedure is complete.
/ — 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 Lowering Indicator
Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that the vehicle is
changing to a lower ride height.
— Front And Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the front, rear, or both axles have
been locked. The telltale will display the lock icon on the
front and rear axles to indicate the current lock status.
— Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the rear axle lock has been acti -
vated.
3

SAFETY 201
(Continued)
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” located
in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” also flashes when the TCS is active. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to
flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent accidents resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the condi -
tions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly maintain your vehicle, may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle, and may negatively affect the perfor -
mance of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire type and size
or wheel size may adversely affect ESC performance.
Improperly inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle modification or
poor vehicle maintenance that reduces the effective -
ness of the ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.
WARNING! (Continued)
4

STARTING AND OPERATING 317
shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the
vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting
to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster
than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
• Do not attempt to shift into or out of 4L while the transmis -
sion is in gear.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the instru-
ment cluster is used to alert the driver that the front axle is
fully engaged and all four wheels are driving.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (2500/3500 MODELS) — IF
EQUIPPED
Description
This air suspension system is a rear leveling ride height
system. The main purpose of this system is to maintain the
truck’s rear ride height level. There are two selectable heights
that can be chosen based on your operating conditions.
The system requires that the ignition be in ON/RUN posi -
tion or the engine running with zero vehicle speed for all
user requested changes and load leveling. Rear Leveling Ride Height Switch
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the standard position
of the suspension and is meant for normal driving. It will
automatically adjust to maintain the rear ride height as
conditions change.
Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) – Lowers the vehicle
approximately 1 in (25 mm) for a level truck, to be used as
required while trailer towing. It will automatically adjust to
maintain the rear ride height as conditions change.
5

318 STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Decoupling/Unloading - The air suspension system
will load level (lower/exhaust only) once after 12 minutes
after the vehicle is turned off. This allows for easy removal of
a trailer and/or load from the back of the truck by main -
taining the ride height. After 12 minutes you will need to
turn the ignition to the run position for the air suspension to
re-level due to addition/removal of load in the vehicle. If the
air suspension system is disabled using the settings menu
(Tire Jack Mode, Transport Mode, Alignment Mode, or Bed
Lowering Mode) the system will remain disabled when the
vehicle is turned off. Reactivating the air suspension can be
accomplished via the settings menu or driving the vehicle
above 5 mph (8 km/h) for Tire Jack Mode or Alignment
Mode and 16 mph (26 km/h) for Transport Mode and Bed
Lowering Mode.
NOTE:
• Most 3500 models will not lower to Alternate Trailer Height (ATH) when unloaded.
• Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information. Ignition OFF Behavior

For a predetermined amount of time after the ignition is off the
air suspension may adjust to maintain a proper appearance.

Air Suspension Modes
The air suspension system has multiple modes to protect the
system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode

To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system has a
feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled. This
mode is intended to be enabled with engine running. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru
-
ment Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” if equipped
with a touch screen radio for further information.

NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure volume
of air to operate the system. To avoid personal injury or
damage to the system, see your authorized dealer for
service.