RAM 1500 2021 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING169
Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3,
2 and 1 will be illuminated when the vehicle
is in OR2.
Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 5, 4,
3 and 2 will be illuminated when the vehicle
is in OR1.
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps
5, 4 and 3 will be illuminated when the
vehicle is in this position.
Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 4 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in this posi -
tion.

Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 5 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in Entry Exit
Mode. Entry/Exit mode can be requested up
to 33 mph (53 km/h). If vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 4 will flash and
indicator lamp 5 will remain solid until
Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at which point
indicator lamp 4 will turn off.

Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 1 will
be illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 3,
4, and 5 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment
Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR
SUSPENSION SYSTEM (REBEL MODELS
ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
DESCRIPTION
The air suspension system provides full time
load leveling capability along with the benefit of
being able to adjust vehicle height by using the
toggle switch.
Rebel Air Suspension Controls

Normal Ride Height (NRH)
– This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is meant
for normal driving.
Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 1 inch (26 mm)) – This position is
intended for off-roading use only where
maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the height selector switch up
once from the NRH position while vehicle
speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h). While in
1 — Off-Road Indicator (Customer selectable)
2 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer se -
lectable)
3 — Aerodynamic Height Indicator (Customer Se -
lectable)
4 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer select -
able)
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170STARTING AND OPERATING
OR, if the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the vehicle height will be automat -
ically lowered to NRH. Off-Road may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru -
ment cluster display message will be shown
when this occurs Ú page 114.

Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi -
mately 0.6 inches (15 mm)) – This position
provides improved aerodynamics by
lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will auto -
matically enter Aero Mode when the vehicle
speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h)
and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds
66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed
remains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and
35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed falls
below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:
The vehicle will automatically enter Aero
Mode when the vehicle speed remains
between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph
(106 km/h) for greater than
20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds
66 mph (106 km/h).
Speed thresholds for raising the vehicle only
apply if Automatic Aero Mode is enabled.
To enter Aero Mode manually push the height
selector switch down once from NRH at any
vehicle speed. To return to NRH push the
height selector switch up once while vehicle
speed is less than 56 mph (90 km/h).
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings on your Uconnect
Radio.
Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 3 inches (73 mm))
– This position
lowers the vehicle for easier passenger entry
and exit as well as lowering the rear of the
vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the
height selector switch down twice from the
NRH while the vehicle speed is below 33 mph
(53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height
will begin to lower. If the vehicle speed
remains between 15 mph (24 km/h) and
25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than
60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will
be canceled. To return to Normal Height
Mode, push the height selector switch up
twice while in Entry/Exit or drive the vehicle
over 15 mph (24 km/h). Entry/Exit mode
may not be available due to vehicle payload,
an instrument cluster display message will
be shown when this occurs Ú
page 114.
The system requires that the ignition be in the
ON/RUN position or the engine running for all
user requested changes. When lowering the
vehicle, all of the doors must be closed. If a door
is opened at any time while the vehicle is
lowering, the change will not be completed until
the open door(s) is closed.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware
of your surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and
vehicle damage may occur.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and
vehicle damage may occur.

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STARTING AND OPERATING171
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern
which keeps the headlights from incorrectly
shining into oncoming traffic. When raising the
vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will move up first
and then the front. When lowering the vehicle,
the front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed
that the air suspension system operates briefly;
this is normal. The system is correcting the
position of the vehicle to ensure a proper
appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows
the automatic leveling to be disabled
Úpage 237.
NOTE:
If equipped with a touchscreen radio, all
enabling/disabling of air suspension features
must be done through the radio Ú page 237.AIR SUSPENSION MODES
The Air Suspension system has multiple modes
to protect the system in unique situations:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the vehicle
into AERO height automatically Úpage 114.
Tire Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows
the automatic leveling to be disabled
Ú page 237.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the
road, the air suspension system has a feature
which will put the vehicle into Entry/Exit height
and disable the automatic load leveling system
Ú page 237.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this
mode must be enabled Ú page 237.Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system,
the vehicle will disable load leveling as required
(suspension overloaded, battery charge low,
etc.). Load leveling will automatically resume as
soon as system operation requirements are
met. See an authorized dealer if system does
not resume.
NOTE:
For towing with air suspension Ú
page 214.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
M
ESSAGES
When the appropriate conditions exist, a
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display Ú page 114.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a
system error has been detected.
See an authorized dealer for system service if
normal operation does not resume.
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 an authorized dealer for service.
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172STARTING AND OPERATING
OPERATION

Air Suspension Switch

The indicator lamps 1 through 4 will illuminate
to show the current position of the vehicle.
Flashing indicator lamps will show a position
which the system is working to achieve. When
raising or lowering, the flashing indicator lamp
is the position the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector switch up once will
move the suspension one position higher from
the current position, assuming all conditions
are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, speed below threshold, etc). The
height selector switch can be pushed up
multiple times, each push will raise the
requested level by one position up to a maximum position of OR or the highest position
allowed based on current conditions (i.e.
vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the height selector switch down once
will move the suspension one position lower
from the current level, assuming all conditions
are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, doors closed, speed below threshold,
etc). The height selector switch can be pushed
down multiple times, each push will lower the
requested level by one position down to a
minimum of Entry/Exit Mode or the lowest
position allowed based on current conditions
(i.e. vehicle speed, etc.)
Automatic height changes will occur based on
vehicle speed and the current vehicle height.
The indicator lamps and instrument cluster
display messages will operate the same for
automatic changes and user requested
changes.
Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, 2,
and 1 will be illuminated when the vehicle is
in OR1.
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps
4, 3, and 2 will be illuminated when the
vehicle is in this position.
Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 3 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in this posi
-
tion.

Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 4 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in Entry Exit
Mode. Entry/Exit mode can be requested up
to 33 mph (53 km/h). If vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 3 will flash and
indicator lamp 4 will remain solid until
Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at which point
indicator lamp 3 will turn off.

Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 1 will
be illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 2,
3, and 4 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment
Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.

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STARTING AND OPERATING173
AXLE LOCK SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically
locking rear differential. When engaged, this
differential locks the axle shafts forcing the
wheels to spin at an equal rate. The locking of
the rear differential should only be engaged
during low-speed, extreme off-road situations
where one wheel is likely to not be in contact
with the ground. It is not recommended to drive
the vehicle with the differentials locked on
pavement due to the reduced ability to turn and
speed limitations.

Axle Lock Button
The locking rear axle is controlled by the AXLE
LOCK button.
Under normal driving conditions, the rear axle
should be unlocked.
During the command to lock the rear axle, the
indicator light will flash until the axle is locked.
After the lock command has been successfully
executed, the light will remain on solid.
Operating in 4WD LOW the locker can be
engaged up to 40 mph (64 km/h) and will
remain engaged throughout the 4WD LOW
speed range. Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and
4WD LOCK/HIGH, the locker can be engaged up
to 20 mph (32 km/h). While driving with the
locker engaged, if speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h), the locker will automatically
disengage, but will automatically reengage at
20 mph (32 km/h).
NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be
necessary to allow the rear axle to fully lock. If
the indicator light is flashing after selecting the
rear axle lock mode, drive the vehicle in a turn
or on loose gravel to expedite the locking action.
The axle locker could become torque locked
due to side to side loads on the rear axle.
Driving slowly while turning the steering wheel
from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or
driving in REVERSE for a short distance may be
required to release the torque lock and unlock
the axles.
To unlock the rear axle; push the AXLE LOCK
button. The AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out
when the rear axle is unlocked.
CAUTION!
Do not lock the rear axle on hard surfaced
roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is
reduced and damage to the drivetrain may
occur when the axle is locked on hard
surfaced roads.
Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle
is stuck and the tires are spinning. You can
damage drivetrain components. Lock the
rear axle before attempting situations or
navigating terrain, which could possibly
cause the vehicle to become stuck.
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174STARTING AND OPERATING
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF
EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional
traction on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel,
particularly when there is a difference between
the traction characteristics of the surface under
the right and left rear wheels. During normal
driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit
performs similarly to a conventional differential.
On slippery surfaces, however, the differential
delivers more of the driving effort to the rear
wheel having the better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful
during slippery driving conditions. With both
rear wheels on a slippery surface, a slight
application of the accelerator will supply
maximum traction. When starting with only one
rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface,
slight momentary application of the parking
brake may be necessary to gain maximum
traction. Care should be taken to avoid sudden
accelerations when both rear wheels are on a
slippery surface. This could cause both rear
wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide
sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in
a turn.
POWER STEERING
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The power steering system
adapts to different driving conditions.
If the steering icon is flashing, it indicates that
the vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for
service. It is likely the vehicle has lost power
steering assistance.If the steering icon is displayed and the “POWER
STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, this
indicates an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. Once driving conditions
are safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a
few moments until the icon and message turn
off Ú
page 114.
If the steering icon is displayed and the
“SERVICE POWER STEERING – ASSIST OFF”
message is displayed the instrument cluster
screen, this indicates the vehicle needs to be
taken to the dealer for service Ú page 114.
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to steer
the vehicle. Under these conditions there will
be a substantial increase in steering effort,
especially at low speeds and during parking
maneuvers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a
limited-slip or locking differential never run
the engine with one rear wheel off the ground
since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground and result in
unintended movement.

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STARTING AND OPERATING175
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine's eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The
system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required.
NOTE:
This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to save
fuel and reduce emissions. The system will stop
the engine automatically during a vehicle stop if
the required conditions are met. Releasing the
brake pedal or shifting out of DRIVE will
automatically restart the engine.
Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a
heavy duty motor generator and an additional
hybrid electric battery to store energy from
vehicle deceleration for use on engine startup
after a stop as well as providing launch torque
assist.
AUTOSTOP MODE

The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every
normal customer engine start. It will remain in
STOP/START NOT READY until you drive
forward with a vehicle speed greater than
2 mph (3 km/h). At that time, the system will
go into STOP/START READY.

To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:

1. The system must be in STOP/START READY
state. A STOP/START READY message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster
within the Stop/Start section
Ú
page 114.

2. The vehicle must be completely stopped.
3. The transmission gear selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal pressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will
move to the zero position and the stop/start
telltale will illuminate indicating you are in an
Autostop. While in an Autostop, the Climate
Controls system may automatically adjust
airflow to maintain cabin comfort. Customer
settings will be maintained upon return to an
engine running condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check
many safety and comfort conditions to see if
they are fulfilled. In following situations, the
engine will not Autostop:
Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
Driver’s door is not closed
The vehicle is on a steep grade
Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an
acceptable cabin temperature has not been
achieved
HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high
blower speed
Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature
Engine temperature too high
The battery is charging
The transmission is not in DRIVE
Hood is open
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
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176STARTING AND OPERATING
TOW/HAUL mode is selected
Accelerator pedal input
Excessive 12 Volt loads
It may be possible to operate the vehicle several
consecutive times in extreme conditions and
not meet all criteria to enable an Autostop state.
TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in DRIVE, the engine will start when the
brake pedal is released or the throttle pedal is
pressed and the transmission will automatically
reengage upon engine restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode
The engine will start automatically when:
The transmission selector is moved from
DRIVE to REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or PARK
To maintain cabin temperature near the
HVAC settings
HVAC is set to full defrost mode
12 Volt demand requires engine restart
Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
The emissions system override is present
A Stop/Start system error present
Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To
Park While In Autostop Mode
The engine will not start automatically and the
transmission will be placed in PARK if:
The driver door is open and brake pedal
released
The driver door is open and the driver seat
belt is unbuckled
The engine hood has been opened
A Stop/Start system error present
The engine may then be restarted by moving the
transmission shift selector out of PARK (e.g. to
DRIVE) or, in some cases, only by a KEY START.
The instrument cluster will display a SHIFT OUT
OF PARK message, or a STOP/START KEY
START REQUIRED message, to indicate which
action is required Ú page 114.
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE STOP
S
TART SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will
illuminate. The “STOP/START OFF” message
will appear in the instrument cluster display and
the autostop mode will be disabled
Ú page 114.
NOTE:
The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to
the ON mode every time the ignition is turned
OFF and back ON.

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STARTING AND OPERATING177
TO MANUALLY TURN ON THE STOP
S
TART SYSTEM
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will turn
off.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If there is a malfunction in the Stop/Start
system, the system will not shut down the
engine. A “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM”
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display Ú page 126.
The system will need to be checked by an
authorized dealer.
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cruise
Control system, or the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system:
Cruise Control for cruising at a constant
preset speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for maintaining
a set distance between you and the vehicle
ahead using Fixed Speed Cruise Control to
automatically adjust the preset speed. NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with ACC, if an ACC
distance is not set, Fixed Speed Cruise Control
will not detect vehicles directly ahead of you.
Always be aware of the mode selected.
CRUISE CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Cruise Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than
20 mph (32 km/h).
The Cruise Control buttons are located on the
right side of the steering wheel.

Cruise Control Buttons
NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the Cruise
Control system has been designed to shut down
if multiple Cruise Control functions are operated
at the same time. If this occurs, the Cruise
Control system can be reactivated by pushing
the Cruise Control on/off button and resetting
the desired vehicle set speed.
To Activate
Push the on/off button to activate the Cruise
Control. The cruise indicator light in the
instrument cluster display will illuminate. To
turn the system off, push the on/off button a 1 — CANC/Cancel
2 — SET (+)/Accel
3 — On/Off
4 — RES/Resume
5 — SET (-)/Decel
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the
conditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Cruise Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered or slippery.
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178STARTING AND OPERATING
second time. The cruise indicator light will turn
off. The system should be turned off when not in
use.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Cruise Control on.
When the vehicle has reached the desired
speed, push the SET (+) or SET (-) button and
release. Release the accelerator and the
vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE:
The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pushing the
SET (+) or SET (-) button.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
When the Cruise Control is set, you can increase
speed by pushing the SET (+) button, or
decrease speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once
will result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust until the button
is released, then the new set speed will be
established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once
will result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment.
Each subsequent tap of the button results in
an adjustment of 1 km/h.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust until the button
is released, then the new set speed will be
established.
To Accelerate For Passing
While the Cruise Control is set, press the
accelerator to pass as you would normally.
When the pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to the set speed.
Using Cruise Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:
The Cruise Control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may
occur so it may be preferable to drive without
Cruise Control.
WARNING!
Leaving the Cruise Control system on when
not in use is dangerous. You could
accidentally set the system or cause it to go
faster than you want. You could lose control
and have an accident. Always ensure the
system is off when you are not using it.
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the
conditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Cruise Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered or slippery.

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