For owners of 2018 and earlier Dodge and Ram vehicles looking to tap into hidden functionalities and personalize their driving experience, the OBD2 port is a gateway to a world of customization. Devices like the Tazer Ram offer a plug-and-play solution to modify vehicle settings and enable features beyond the factory defaults. Understanding how to leverage “2018 Obd2 Dodge Settings” is key to unlocking your vehicle’s full potential.
The Tazer Ram is an electronic device that connects to your vehicle’s OBD2 port, allowing you to adjust a range of settings and activate live functions. It’s designed for various Ram models, specifically:
| Make | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ram | 1500 Classic | 2013 – 2021 |
| Ram | 2500 | 2013 – 2021 |
| Ram | 3500 | 2013 – 2021 |
It’s important to note that for 2018 and newer models, including your 2018 Dodge or Ram, a T-Harness Bypass is necessary due to changes in the vehicle’s electronics. This bypass, easily bundled with the Tazer Ram, ensures seamless communication and functionality. Also, ensure your vehicle is equipped with a color instrument cluster screen, as the Tazer Ram is not compatible with black and white displays.
Diving into Vehicle Settings: Customization Beyond the Factory
One of the primary benefits of the Tazer Ram is its ability to alter “vehicle settings”. These are modifications you make to your 2018 OBD2 Dodge settings that persist even after the Tazer Ram device is unplugged. This means you can tailor your truck to your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key vehicle settings you can adjust:
- Tire Size Calibration: If you’ve upgraded to non-factory tire sizes on your 2018 Ram, accurate speedometer readings are crucial. The Tazer Ram allows you to recalibrate your speedometer to ensure precise speed and mileage tracking.
- TPMS Adjustments: While complete disabling of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning is possible without dealer intervention, adjusting the tire PSI setting to accommodate different tire pressures requires a dealer visit for system recognition. However, for off-road enthusiasts or those running specialized tires, disabling the TPMS warning altogether can be a useful feature.
- Lighting Enhancements: Want to add factory fog lights to your 2018 Dodge Ram even if it didn’t come with them? The Tazer Ram can enable this, along with activating factory backup cameras and auxiliary video/audio inputs for front cameras or external video sources (on 8.4″ UConnect systems, with limitations on CargoCam input for 2018+ models).
- Daytime Running Light (DRL) Customization: Personalize your vehicle’s appearance and visibility by enabling or disabling daytime running lights and selecting which lights to use as DRLs. You can even change the DRL region setting (CA/USA) and location (DRL, Turns, Fogs, High beams, Low beams) to achieve your desired lighting configuration for your 2018 Dodge.
- Convenience Features: Enable or disable features like EasyExit (for 2015+ models), Aux Buttons, and power folding mirrors, tailoring your 2018 Dodge Ram to your convenience.
Alt text: Locating the OBD2 port in a 2018 Dodge Ram, essential for connecting devices like the Tazer Ram to access vehicle settings.
Live Functions: Real-Time Control and Added Features
Beyond persistent vehicle settings, the Tazer Ram offers “live functions” that operate while the device is plugged into your 2018 OBD2 Dodge port. These functions provide on-the-fly control and add exciting capabilities:
- Dark Mode: For situations where you need to minimize light output while parked with the engine running, Dark Mode turns off all exterior lighting and dims interior lights, including the dash, radio, and shifter lights.
- Navigation in Motion: Unlock the ability to enter navigation destinations into your UConnect system even while the vehicle is moving – a convenient feature for passengers to use on the go.
- Experimental Performance Modes: Explore experimental engine and transmission modes (for 2015+ models) to potentially alter your 2018 Dodge Ram’s performance characteristics.
- Light Shows: Impress at car shows or enhance visibility in off-road or emergency situations with pre-set and customizable light shows that flash all exterior lights. These can be activated via the key fob or steering wheel buttons and even enabled in motion for specific applications (parades, off-road, and legal police/EMS use – contact support for details).
- Camera Cycling: If you’ve enabled multiple camera inputs, cycle through them seamlessly while the Tazer Ram is connected.
- Performance Timers: Measure your 2018 Dodge Ram’s acceleration with 0-30 and 0-60 mph timers displayed on the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center).
- Simulated 4-Low in 2WD/4HI: For enhanced control in specific situations, emulate 4-Low functionality even when in 2WD or 4HI, affecting shift schedules and locker engagement.
Alt text: The Tazer Ram OBD2 device, a powerful tool for customizing 2018 Dodge Ram vehicle settings and enabling live functions.
“Non-Menu” Live Functions: Quick Access and Hidden Gems
The Tazer Ram also includes “non-menu” live functions – operations activated automatically or via button presses, without navigating menus. These offer quick access to useful features:
- Light Show Shortcut: Instantly activate light shows with a simple shortcut, perfect for spontaneous displays.
- Windows from Keyfob: Experiment with opening and closing front windows using your key fob (experimental, compatibility may vary based on bypass type).
- Line Lock: Engage the front brakes independently for controlled burnouts – a feature for track enthusiasts (use responsibly and where permitted).
- Full ESP/Traction Control Disable: Completely disable Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control by pressing and holding the ESP button, providing maximum control in off-road or performance driving scenarios (use with caution and expertise).
- Camera Input Shortcut: Quickly cycle through camera inputs using a shortcut for ease of access.
- Cooldown Mode: Turn on engine fans on demand to accelerate engine cooling – beneficial in hot climates or after demanding driving.
- Winch Mode: Increase idle RPM to a user-selected value (1250-2000 RPM) to provide more power for winching operations.
- Partial Reboot: Perform a partial reboot of the vehicle’s systems if needed.
Elevate Your 2018 Dodge/Ram Experience with OBD2 Settings
The Tazer Ram provides a comprehensive and user-friendly way to access and modify “2018 obd2 dodge settings”. Whether you’re looking to calibrate for aftermarket tires, enhance lighting, add convenience features, or unlock performance functions, this OBD2 device empowers you to personalize your 2018 Dodge or Ram to perfectly match your needs and driving style. Explore the possibilities and take full control of your vehicle’s capabilities.
