trailer Ram 1500 2016 Owner's Guide

Buttons On The Faceplate
Buttons on the faceplate are located below the Uconnect
system in the center of the instrument panel. In addition,
there is a Scroll/Enter control knob located on the right
side of the Climate Controls in the center of the instru-
ment panel. Turn the control knob to scroll through
menus and change settings (i.e., 30, 60, 90), push the
center of the control knob one or more times to select or
change a setting (i.e., ON, OFF).
Your Uconnect system may also have Screen Off and
Back buttons located below the Uconnect system.
Push the Screen Off button to turn off the Uconnect
touchscreen. Push the Screen Off button a second time to
turn the touchscreen on.
Push the Back button to exit out of a Menu or certain
option on the Uconnect system.
Buttons On The Touchscreen
Buttons on the touchscreen are accessible on the
Uconnect display.
Customer Programmable Features — Uconnect
5.0 Personal Settings
Push the MORE or SETTINGS button on the faceplate,
then press the “Settings” button on the touchscreen (if
equipped) to display the settings menu screen. In this
mode the Uconnect system allows you to access pro-
grammable features that may be equipped such as Dis-
play, Units, Voice, Clock, Safety & Driving Assistance,
Lights, Doors & Locks, Auto-On Comfort (if equipped),
Engine Off Options, Suspension, Trailer Brake, Audio,
Compass Settings, Phone/Bluetooth, SiriusXM Setup (if
equipped), Restore Settings, Clear Personal Data and
System Information.
NOTE:Only one category may be selected at a time.4
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•Automatic Aero Mode (1500 Model Only)
When this feature is selected the Ride Height will auto-
matically be adjusted depending on the vehicle speed. To
make your selection, press the “Aero Mode” button on
the touchscreen, select “On” or “Off.”
•Tire Jack Mode
When this feature is selected the air suspension system is
disabled to prevent auto leveling of the suspension, while
the vehicle is on a jack changing a tire. To make your
selection, press the “Tire Jack Mode” button on the
touchscreen, select “On” or “Off.”
•Transport Mode
When this feature is selected the air suspension system is
disabled to assist with flat bed towing. To make your
selection, press the “Transport Mode” button on the
touchscreen, select “On” or “Off.”•Wheel Alignment Mode
This feature prevents auto leveling of the air suspension
while performing a wheel alignment service. Before
performing a wheel alignment this mode must be en-
abled. Refer to your authorized dealer for further infor-
mation.
Trailer Brake
After pressing the “Trailer Brake” button on the touch-
screen the following settings will be available:
•Trailer Select
When this feature is selected, the Trailer Type can be
selected between “Trailer 1,” “Trailer 2,” “Trailer 3” and
“Trailer 4.”
•Trailer Brake Type
When this feature is selected, the Trailer Brake Type can
be changed between “Light Electric,” “Heavy Electric,”
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 393

“Light EOH” and “Heavy EOH.” Refer to “Integrated
Trailer Brake Module” in “Starting And Operating.”
Audio
After pressing the “Audio” button on the touchscreen the
following settings will be available:
•Balance/Fade
This feature allows you to adjust the Balance and Fade
settings. Press and drag the speaker icon or use the
arrows to adjust, tap the “C” icon to readjust to the center.
•Equalizer
When in this display you may adjust the Bass, Mid and
Treble settings. Adjust the settings with the “+” and “–”
buttons on the touchscreen or by selecting any point on
the scale between the “+” and “–” buttons on the
touchscreen.•Speed Adjusted Volume
This feature increases or decreases volume relative to
vehicle speed. To change the Speed Adjusted Volume
press the “Speed Adjusted Volume” button on the touch-
screen and select from “Off,” “1,” “2” or “3” buttons on
the touchscreen.
•Surround Sound — If Equipped
This feature provides simulated surround sound mode.
To make your selection, press the “Surround Sound”
button on the touchscreen, select “On” or “Off.”
•AUX Volume Offset — If Equipped
This feature provides the ability to tune the audio level
for portable devices connected through the AUX input.
To make your selection, press the “AUX Volume Offset”
button on the touchscreen, select “On” or “Off.”
394 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

System Information
After pressing the “System Information” button on the
touchscreen the following information will be available:
•System Information
When System Information is selected, a System Informa-
tion screen will appear displaying the system software
version.
Customer Programmable Features — Uconnect
8.4A/8.4AN Personal Settings
Press the “Apps” button on the touchscreen then press
the “Settings” button on the touchscreen to display the
settings menu screen. In this mode the Uconnect system
allows you to access programmable features that may be
equipped such as Display, Voice, Clock, Safety & Driving
Assistance, Lights, Doors & Locks, Auto-On Comfort (if
equipped), Engine Off Options, Suspension, TrailerBrake, Audio, Phone/Bluetooth, SiriusXM Setup (if
equipped), Restore Settings, Clear Personal Data and
System Information.
NOTE:Only one category may be selected at a time.
When making a selection, press the button on the touch-
screen to enter the desired mode. Once in the desired
mode, press and release the preferred setting until a
check-mark appears next to the setting, showing that
setting has been selected. Once the setting is complete,
either press the back arrow button on the touchscreen or
the Back button on the faceplate to return to the previous
menu or press the “X” button on the touchscreen to close
out of the settings screen. Pressing the Up or Down
Arrow buttons on the touchscreen on the right side of the
screen will allow you to toggle up or down through the
list of available settings.
NOTE:All settings should be changed with the ignition
in the “Run” position.
398 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the feature showing the system has been activated or the
check-mark is removed showing the system has been
deactivated.
•Transport Mode
When this feature is selected the air suspension system
lowers and then disables to assist with flat bed towing.
Press the box next to your selection and a check-mark
appears next to the feature showing the system has been
activated or the check-mark is removed showing the
system has been deactivated.
•Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode must be
enabled. Refer to your authorized dealer for further
information.
Trailer Brake
After pressing the “Trailer Brake” button on the touch-
screen the following settings will be available:•Trailer Select
When this feature is selected, the Trailer Type can be
selected between “Trailer 1,” “Trailer 2,” “Trailer 3” and
“Trailer 4.” To make your selection, scroll up or down
until the preferred setting is highlighted, then press and
release the SELECT button until a check-mark appears
next to the setting, showing that the setting has been
selected.
•Trailer Brake Type
When this feature is selected, the Trailer Brake Type can
be changed between “Light Electric,” “Heavy Electric,”
“Light EOH” and “Heavy EOH.” To make your selection,
scroll up or down until the preferred setting is high-
lighted, then press and release the SELECT button until a
check-mark appears next to the setting, showing that the
setting has been selected. Refer to “Integrated Trailer
Brake Module” in “Starting And Operating.”
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 413

▫Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). . . .619
▫Brake System Warning Light..............619
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............620
▫Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light............621
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............622
▫Hill Start Assist (HSA).................622
▫Traction Control System (TCS)............625
▫Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..........626
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..........631
▫Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..............632
▫Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . .632
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION.............636
▫Tire Markings........................636▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)...........639
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions..........641
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........642
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION........647
▫Tire Pressure........................647
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................648
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation. . . .650
▫Radial Ply Tires......................650
▫Tire Types...........................651
▫Run Flat Tires — If Equipped.............653
▫Spare Tires — If Equipped...............653
▫Tire Spinning........................656
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................656
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STARTING AND OPERATING 473

▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................680
▫Fuel Requirements....................681
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.............681
▫Starting............................682
▫Cruising Range.......................682
▫Replacement Parts....................682
▫Maintenance........................683
ADDING FUEL........................683
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............685
VEHICLE LOADING....................686
▫Certification Label....................686TRAILER TOWING.....................688
▫Common Towing Definitions.............688
▫Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight.............................696
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)............................697
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............697
▫Towing Requirements..................698
▫Towing Tips.........................708
SNOWPLOW.........................710
▫1500 Models Only.....................710
▫2500/3500 Models Only.................711
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STARTING AND OPERATING 475

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), select TOW/HAUL mode
or use the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
(refer toElectronic Range Select (ERS) Operationin this
section for further information) to select a lower gear
range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear range
will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or
below), transmission operation may be modified depend-
ing on engine and transmission temperature as well as
vehicle speed. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in certain gears, or may not shift at all.
Vehicle performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the transmission
may not re-engage if the engine is turned off and
restarted. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. A message in the instrument cluster will
inform the driver of the more serious conditions, and
indicate what actions may be necessary.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 495

WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting.The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode
has been activated. Pushing the switch a second time
restores normal operation. Normal operation is always
TOW/HAUL Switch
498 STARTING AND OPERATING

DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first and sec-
ond gears, direct third gear and overdrive fourth and
fifth gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driv-
ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
To access all six available gears, you must use the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, described
below.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic RangeSelect (ERS) Operation” in this section for further infor-
mation) to select a lower gear range. Under these condi-
tions, using a lower gear range will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the powertrain controller will modify the
transmission shift schedule and expand the range of
torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in danger
of overheating, the “Transmission Temperature Warning
Light” may illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.
504 STARTING AND OPERATING