RAM 3500 (2019 year). Instruction — part 18

SAFETY

285

Installing Three Child Restraints:
1. Place a child restraint on each outboard rear seat. Route

the tether straps following the directions for right and left

seating positions, above.

2. Attach both hooks to the center tether strap loop, but do

not tighten the straps yet.

3. Place a child restraint on the center rear seat. Route the

tether strap following the directions for the center seating

position, above.

4. Attach the hook to the outboard tether strap loop.
5. Tighten the tether straps according to the child seat

manufacturer’s instructions, tightening the right and left

tether straps before the center tether strap.

Outboard And Center Seating Positions Shown

WARNING!

• An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to

increased head motion and possible injury to the child.

Use only the anchorage position directly behind the

child seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap.

• If your vehicle is equipped with a split rear seat, make

sure the tether strap does not slip into the opening

between the seatbacks as you remove slack in the strap.

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286 SAFETY

Transporting Pets

Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet. An

unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly injured,

or injure a passenger during panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet

harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

SAFETY TIPS

Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO AREA.

Exhaust Gas

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the

vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust

system.

WARNING!

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles

in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause

serious injury or death.

• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or

outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these

areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.

• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle

that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.

• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using

a seat belt properly.

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon

monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.

Breathing it can make you unconscious and can

eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow

these safety tips:
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined

areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or

out of the area.

• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/rear

doors open, make sure that all windows are closed and

the climate control BLOWER switch is set at high

speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.

• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the

engine running, adjust your heating or cooling controls

to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at

high speed.

SAFETY

287

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 complete

exhaust system and adjacent body areas 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

immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
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 webbing,

etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or retractor

condition, replace the seat belt.

Air Bag Warning Light

The Air Bag warning light will 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 an 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 removed. If the light comes on

intermittently or remains on while driving, have an 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 an authorized dealer

for service if your defroster is inoperable.

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288 SAFETY

(Continued)

(Continued)

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

accelerator, 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 control. To

prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
• ALWAYS securely attach your floor mat using the

floor mat fasteners. DO NOT install your floor mat

upside down or turn your floor mat over. Lightly pull to

confirm mat is secured using the floor mat fasteners on

a regular basis.

• ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR MAT

FROM THE VEHICLE

before installing any other

floor mat. NEVER install or stack an additional floor

mat on top of an existing floor mat.

• ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.

NEVER install a floor mat that cannot be properly

attached and secured to your vehicle. If a floor mat

needs to be replaced, only use a FCA approved floor

mat for the specific make, model, and year of your

vehicle.

• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the driver’s

side floor area. To check for interference, with the

vehicle properly parked with the engine off, fully

depress the accelerator, the brake, and the clutch pedal

(if present) to check for interference. If your floor mat

interferes with the operation of any pedal, or is not

secure to the floor, remove the floor mat from the

vehicle and place the floor mat in your trunk.

• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on the

passenger’s side floor area.

WARNING! (Continued)

SAFETY

289

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires

Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear

patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects

lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and

cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges. Check

the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (including

spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights

Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and

exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn

signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument

panel.
Door Latches

Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks

Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for

fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes

are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The

cause should be located and corrected immediately.

• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into the

driver’s side floor area when the vehicle is moving.

Objects can become trapped under accelerator, brake,

or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle

control.

• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,

towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the posi-

tion of the floor mat and may cause interference with

the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.

• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-installed,

always properly attach carpet to the floor and check the

floor mat fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.

Fully depress each pedal to check for interference with

the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals then re-install

the floor mats.

• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water to

clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check

your floor mat has been properly installed and is

secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners by

lightly pulling mat.

WARNING! (Continued)

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290

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE 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 seconds between such intervals will

protect the starter from overheating.

WARNING!

• 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 unattended is dangerous for a number of

reasons. A child or others could be seriously 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.

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles

in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause

serious injury or death.

WARNING! (Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

291

Automatic Transmission

Start the engine with the transmission in PARK position.

Apply the brake before shifting into any driving range.
NOTE:
• This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift inter-

locking system. The brake pedal must be pressed to shift

out of PARK.

• If equipped with an 8-speed transmission, starting the

vehicle in NEUTRAL is not possible unless the Instruction

Park Release has been activated. For the Instruction Park

Release operation refer to Instruction Park Release in “In Case

Of Emergency”.

Tip Start Feature

Do not press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition switch briefly

to the START position and release it. The starter motor will

continue to run and will automatically disengage when the

engine is running.

Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition

Keyless Push Button 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 compart-

ment.

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292 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP Button

To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/STOP

Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK.
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 auto-

matically 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 pressing 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.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.

3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/

STOP button must be held for two seconds or three short

pushes in a row with the vehicle speed above 5 MPH

(8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition will

remain in the ACC mode until the gear selector is in

PARK and the button is pushed twice to the OFF mode.

4. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE

START/STOP button is pushed once with the vehicle

speed above 5 MPH (8 km/h), the instrument cluster will

display a “Vehicle Not In Park” message and the engine

will remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of the

PARK position, or it could roll.

NOTE:

If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the ENGINE

START/STOP button is pushed once with the vehicle speed

below 5 MPH (8 km/h), the engine will shut off and the igni-

tion will remain in the ACC position. If vehicle speed drops

below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h), the vehicle may AutoPark. See

AutoPark section for further details.

STARTING AND OPERATING

293

ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With Driver’s

Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or NEUTRAL Posi-

tion)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to an

ignition switch. It has three modes: OFF, ACC, and RUN. To

change the ignition modes without starting the vehicle and

use the accessories, follow these directions:
1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.
2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place the

ignition to the ACC mode.

3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to

place the ignition to the RUN mode.

4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to

return the ignition to the OFF mode.

AutoPark — Rotary Shifter and 8-Speed Transmission
Only

AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist in placing the

vehicle in PARK should the situations on the following

pages occur. It is a back up system and should not be relied

upon as the primary method by which the driver shifts the

vehicle into PARK.
The conditions under which AutoPark will engage are

outlined on the following pages.

WARNING!

• Driver inattention could lead to failure to place the vehicle

in PARK. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK that your

vehicle is in PARK by verifying that a solid (not blinking)

“P” is indicated in the Instrument Cluster Display and

near the gear selector. If the "P" indicator is blinking, your

vehicle is not in PARK. As an added precaution, always

apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.

• AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not designed

to replace the need to shift your vehicle into PARK. It is

a back up system and should not be relied upon as the

primary method by which the driver shifts the vehicle

into PARK.

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294 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off the

engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 8-speed

transmission

• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle Speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Ignition switched from RUN to ACC
NOTE:

For Keyless Go equipped vehicles, The engine will turn off

and the ignition switch will change to ACC mode. After

30 minutes the ignition switches to OFF automatically,

unless the driver turns the ignition switch OFF.

If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the vehicle

with the engine running, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 8-speed

transmission

• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Vehicle speed is 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h) or less
• Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
• Driver’s door is ajar
• Brake Pedal is not depressed
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then Shift to

Gear” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:

In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be displayed in the

instrument cluster, causing the “AutoPark Engaged Shift to

P then Shift to Gear” to not be seen. In these cases, the shifter

must be returned to “P” to select desired gear.

STARTING AND OPERATING

295

If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the vehicle

may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLYwhen vehicle speed is 1.2 MPH

(1.9 km/h) or less.
The MESSAGE “Vehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to

P”will be displayed in the instrument cluster if vehicle speed

is above 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h).

4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the vehicle in

4WD LOW.
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Disabled” will be displayed in

the instrument cluster.

Additional customer warnings will be given when all of

these conditions are met:
• Vehicle is not in PARK
• Driver’s Door is ajar
• Vehicle is in 4WD LOW range
The MESSAGE “AutoPark Not Engaged” will be displayed

in the instrument cluster. A warning chime will continue

until you shift the vehicle into PARK or the Driver’s Door is

closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECKthat your vehicle is in

PARK by looking for the "P" in the Instrument Cluster

Display and near the shifter. As an added precaution, always

apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
If Engine Fails To Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the

“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push the

accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there

while the engine is cranking. This should clear any excess

fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 10

seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, release the

WARNING!

If vehicle speed is above 1.2 MPH (1.9 km/h), the

transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the vehicle

speed drops below 1.2 MPH (1.9 km). A vehicle left in

the NEUTRAL position can roll. As an added precaution,

always apply the parking brake when exiting the

vehicle.

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296 STARTING AND OPERATING

accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds,

then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not

have enough power to continue running when the ignition

button/key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with

the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release

the accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key once the

engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10 second

period of engine cranking with the accelerator pedal held to

the floor, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal

Starting” procedure.

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

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an

externally powered electric engine block heater (available

from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will

decrease as the engine warms up.

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the

throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the

vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious

personal injury.

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-

sion cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could

enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has

started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.

• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables

may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or

the battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be

dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Starting

Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further

information.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine

for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds

before trying again.

STARTING AND OPERATING

297

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits

quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a stan-

dard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,

three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed through the grille by

the right front tow hook.
It includes a removable cap that is secured by a tethered

strap. It also has a c-clip that is used for storage when not in

use for the winter months. During winter months, remove

the heater cord wiring assembly from itself on the c-clip.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one hour

to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and

drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After

the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or

90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the

limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.

Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-

mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a

high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes

should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions

under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-

mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And

Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thou-

sand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be considered

a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted as a problem.

Please check your oil level with the engine oil indicator often

during the break in period. Add oil as required.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord

before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical

cord could cause electrocution.

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in

the engine or damage may result.

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298 STARTING AND OPERATING

PARKING BRAKE

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake

is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in

PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the lower

left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park brake,

firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the

parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.

Parking Brake Release

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch

ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster

will illuminate.
NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the transmission is

placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will flash. If

vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound to alert the

driver. Fully release the parking brake before attempting

to move the vehicle.

• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It

does not show the degree of brake application.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front

wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from

the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before

placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on the

transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to

move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake

should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the

vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

299

(Continued)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully

when parked to guard against vehicle movement and

possible injury or damage.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access

to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving unattended children in

a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child

or others could be seriously or fatally injured.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a

location accessible to children, and do not leave 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.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a

collision.

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or injury.

Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.

Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause

damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the

parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is

indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an

authorized dealer immediately.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully

when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move-

ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it

is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the transmis-

sion gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal

released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before

exiting the vehicle.

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300 STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle

is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop

before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmis-

sion gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)

without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely

stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated,

before exiting the vehicle.

• 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 running. Before

exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then

apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into

PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When the ignition is

in the OFF mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,

securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.

WARNING! (Continued)

• When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni-

tion 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 unattended is dangerous for a number of

reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally

injured. Children should be warned not to touch the

parking brake, brake pedal or the transmission 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 in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or move the

vehicle.

WARNING! (Continued)