towing Ram 1500 2020 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2020, Model line: 1500, Model: Ram 1500 2020Pages: 674, PDF Size: 32.69 MB
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Ventilated Seats — If Equipped .................................. 52
Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers ..................................... 54
HEAD RESTRAINTS ......................................................... 54
Front Head Restraints ................................................... 54
Rear Head Restraints .................................................... 55
STEERING WHEEL ............................................................ 56
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column ............................. 56
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ..................... 57
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED ...... 58
MIRRORS ............................................................................ 59
Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ................. 59
Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped ............ 60
Outside Mirrors ............................................................ 61
Driver's Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror — If
Equipped......................................................................... 61
Power Mirrors — If Equipped .................................... 61
Power Folding Outside Mirrors For Standard And
Trailer Tow — If Equipped .......................................... 62
Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ..................... 64
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ................................... 65
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse — If Equipped .............. 65
Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped ................ 65
EXTERIOR LIGHTS ............................................................ 66
Headlight Switch ........................................................... 66
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) — If Equipped ..... 67
Multifunction Lever .....................................................68
High/Low Beam Switch ...............................................68
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control — If
Equipped ........................................................................68
Flash-To-Pass..................................................................69
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped........................70
Parking Lights And Panel Lights ................................70
Headlights On With Wipers (Available With
Automatic Headlights Only)........................................70
Headlight Delay .............................................................70
Lights-On Reminder......................................................71
Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .................................71
Turn Signals ...................................................................71
Lane Change Assist — If Equipped ............................71
Cargo Light With Bed Lights — If Equipped ............72
Battery Saver...................................................................73
INTERIOR LIGHTS ............................................................73
Courtesy Lights ..............................................................73
Illuminated Entry ..........................................................75
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS ......................75
Windshield Wipers........................................................75
Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped ..........................77
CLIMATE CONTROLS .....................................................78
Manual Climate Control Overview ............................78
Automatic Climate Control Overview .......................82
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LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ...................................... 391
LaneSense Operation .................................................. 391
Turning LaneSense On Or Off ................................... 391
LaneSense Warning Message .................................... 392
Changing LaneSense Status ....................................... 395
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ...................... 396
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED ......................................................................... 398
REFUELING THE VEHICLE .......................................... 403
VEHICLE LOADING ....................................................... 405
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .................... 405
Payload.......................................................................... 405
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ......................... 406
Tire Size......................................................................... 406
Rim Size ........................................................................ 406
Inflation Pressure......................................................... 406
Curb Weight ................................................................. 406
Loading ......................................................................... 406
TRAILER TOWING .......................................................... 407
Common Towing Definitions .................................... 407
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ........................................................................... 411
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ......................................................................... 413
Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................................413
Towing Requirements ................................................413
Towing Tips .................................................................420
SNOWPLOW .................................................................... 421
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.) ...................................................................................422
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ........422
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ...........................................................................423
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ...........................................................................423
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................................427
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ...................................427
Driving Through Water .............................................427
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................................429
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS................................. 431
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ..............431
BULB REPLACEMENT ....................................................436
Replacement Bulbs ......................................................436
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ............................................438
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FUSES.................................................................................. 444
External Power Distribution Center ........................ 445
Internal Power Distribution Center ......................... 449
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .............................. 454
Jack Location ................................................................ 454
Removal Of Jack And Tools ....................................... 455
Removing The Spare Tire ........................................... 458
Preparations For Jacking ............................................ 462
Jacking Instructions ..................................................... 463
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ........................................ 468
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............................... 470
JUMP STARTING ............................................................ 472
Preparations For Jump Start ...................................... 472
Jump Starting Procedure ............................................ 473
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .................................. 475
MANUAL PARK RELEASE ............................................ 476
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ...................................... 477
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ................................ 478
Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 480
Four-Wheel Drive Models.......................................... 480
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ................... 481
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................................ 481
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ................................ 481
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .............................................482
Maintenance Plan ........................................................483
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...............................486
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ............................................487
3.6L Engine With Stop/Start .....................................487
5.7L Engine Without Stop/Start ................................488
5.7L Engine With Stop/Start ......................................489
Checking Oil Level ......................................................490
Adding Washer Fluid..................................................490
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................................... 491
Pressure Washing ........................................................491
DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 492
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 492
Engine Oil Filter ........................................................... 494
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............................................494
Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................................496
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................501
Body Lubrication .........................................................502
Windshield Wiper Blades ...........................................503
Exhaust System ........................................................... 505
Cooling System ........................................................... 506
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64 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Outside Mirrors Folding Feature
All outside mirrors are designed to be able to be manually
folded both forward and rearward to prevent damage.Folding MirrorTrailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror head
to provide a greater vision range when towing extra-wide
loads. To change position inboard or outboard, the mirror
head should be rotated (flipped in or out).Trailer Towing Position
NOTE:
Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior to entering an
automated car wash.
CAUTION!
It is recommended to fold the mirrors into the full
rearward position to resist damage when entering a car
wash or a narrow location.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163
7. Temperature Gauge• The pointer shows engine coolant temperature. Thepointer positioned within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfacto -
rily.
• The pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats. Refer to “Cooling System Pressure
Cap” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information if you decide to look under the hood.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
3. Speedometer• Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
• The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tankwhen the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
• The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
• The pointer shows engine coolant temperature. Thepointer positioned within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfacto -
rily.
• The pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats. Refer to “Cooling System Pressure
Cap” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information if you decide to look under the hood.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
NOTE:
• The charging system is independent from load reduction.The charging system performs a diagnostic on the
charging system continuously.
• If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it may indicate a problem with the charging system. Refer to “Battery
Charge Warning Light” in “Getting To Know Your Instru -
ment Panel” for further information.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if equipped),
and vehicle functions which can be affected by load reduc -
tion:
• Heated Seats / Vented Seats / Heated Wheel
• Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
• HVAC System
• 115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
• Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or more of the
following conditions:
• The charging system cannot deliver enough electrical power to the vehicle system because the electrical loads are
larger than the capability of charging system. The charging
system is still functioning properly. • Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads (e.g. HVAC
to max settings, exterior and interior lights, overloaded
power outlets +12 Volts, 115V AC, USB ports) during
certain driving conditions (city driving, towing, frequent
stopping).
• Installing options like additional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms and similar devices.
• Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long parking periods).
• The vehicle was parked for an extended period of time (weeks, months).
• The battery was recently replaced and was not charged completely.
• The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on when the vehicle was parked.
• The battery w as used for an extended period with t he engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers,
+12 Volt portable appliances like vacuum cleaners,
gam e consoles and similar devices.
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182 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, 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 position 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. — Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there's a fault with the
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Refer to “Power Steering”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Tailgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the tailgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans -
mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.
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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
— 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.
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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe
transmission damage or transmission failure.
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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
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
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.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in “Multi-
media”.
CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause 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 damage and power loss will
soon occur. Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in order to
read the VIN, 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
vehicle control could occur that may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information stored in your vehicle systems, including personal infor -
mation.
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