RAM 1500 2021 Owners Manual
Page 371 of 496
SAFETY369
SAFETY TIPS   
TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE 
CARGO AREA.
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 CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE 
I
NSIDE 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 placed in the ON/RUN 
position. 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 authorized dealer service the 
vehicle immediately.
See  Ú page 334 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.
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.
6
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370SAFETY  
(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 inter
-
ference, with the vehicle properly parked 
with the engine off, fully depress the accel -
erator, 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)
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 position of the floor mat 
and may cause interference with the accel -
erator, 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 inter -
ference 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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SAFETY371
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD 
M
AKE 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 lug nut/bolt torque 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.
EXHAUST GAS    The best protection against carbon monoxide 
entry into the vehicle body is a properly 
maintained engine exhaust system.
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 an authorized dealer 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.
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.
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372SAFETY  
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS  
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is 
deadly. Follow the precautions below to 
prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain 
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless 
gas, which can kill. Never run the engine in 
a closed area, such as a garage, and never 
sit in a parked vehicle with the engine 
running for an extended period. If the 
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the 
engine running for more than a short 
period, adjust the ventilation system to 
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
Guard against carbon monoxide with 
proper maintenance. Have the exhaust 
system inspected every time the vehicle is 
raised. Have any abnormal conditions 
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with 
all side windows fully open.
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373
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS   
Hazard Warning Flashers Switch
The Hazard Warning Flashers switch is located 
on the upper switch bank just below the radio.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a 12–inch 
Uconnect display, the Hazard Warning Flashers 
switch is located above the display. Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning 
Flashers. When the switch is activated, all 
directional turn signals will flash on and off to 
warn oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push 
the switch a second time to turn off the Hazard 
Warning Flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it 
should not be used when the vehicle is in 
motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled and 
it is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
When leaving the vehicle to seek assistance, 
the Hazard Warning Flashers will continue to 
operate even though the ignition is placed in the 
OFF position.
NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning 
Flashers may wear down your battery.
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED 
Assist And SOS Buttons
If equipped, the overhead console contains an 
ASSIST and a SOS button.
1 — ASSIST Button
2 — SOS Button
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374IN CASE OF EMERGENCY  
NOTE:
Your vehicle may be transmitting data as 
authorized by the subscriber  Ú page 482.
The ASSIST and SOS buttons will only func -
tion if you are connected to an operable LTE 
(voice/data) or 4G (data) network, which 
comes as a built in function. Other Uconnect 
services will only be operable if your SiriusXM 
Guardian™ service is active and connected 
to an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) 
network. ASSIST Call
The ASSIST Button is used to automatically 
connect you to any one of the following support 
centers:
Roadside Assistance – If you get a flat tire, or 
need a tow, just push the ASSIST button and 
you’ll be connected to someone who can 
help. Roadside Assistance will know what 
vehicle you’re driving and its location. Addi
-
tional fees may apply for roadside assis -
tance.
SiriusXM Guardian™ Customer Care – 
In-vehicle support for SiriusXM Guardian™.
Vehicle Customer Care – Total support for all 
other vehicle issues.
SOS Call
1. Push the SOS Call button on the overhead  console.
NOTE:
In case the SOS Call button is pushed in error, 
there will be a ten second delay before the SOS 
Call system initiates a call to a SOS operator. To 
cancel the SOS Call connection, push the SOS 
call button on the overhead console or press  the cancellation button on the Device Screen. 
Termination of the SOS Call will turn off the 
green LED light on the overhead console.
2. The LED lights located within the ASSIST 
and SOS buttons on the overhead console 
will turn green once a connection to a SOS 
operator has been made.
3. Once a connection between the vehicle and  a SOS operator is made, the SOS Call 
system may transmit the following 
important vehicle information to a SOS 
operator: 
Indication that the occupant placed a 
SOS Call
The vehicle brand
The last known GPS coordinates of the 
vehicle
4. You should be able to speak with the SOS  operator through the vehicle audio system 
to determine if additional help is needed.
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to 
the road. ALWAYS drive safely with your hands 
on the steering wheel. You have full 
responsibility and assume all risks related to 
the use of the features and applications in 
this vehicle. Only use the features and 
applications when it is safe to do so. Failure 
to do so may result in an accident involving 
serious injury or death.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY375
(Continued)
NOTE:
Your vehicle may be transmitting data  
Ú page 482 as authorized by the subscriber.
Once a connection is made between the 
vehicle’s SOS Call system and the SOS oper -
ator, the SOS operator may be able to open a 
voice connection with the vehicle to deter -
mine if additional help is needed. Once the 
SOS operator opens a voice connection with 
the vehicle’s SOS Call system, the operator 
should be able to speak with you or other 
vehicle occupants and hear sounds occurring  in the vehicle. The vehicle’s SOS Call system 
will attempt to remain connected with the 
SOS operator until the SOS operator termi
-
nates the connection.
5. The SOS operator may attempt to contact  appropriate emergency responders and 
provide them with important vehicle 
information and GPS coordinates.
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to 
the road. ALWAYS drive safely with your hands 
on the steering wheel. You have full 
responsibility and assume all risks related to 
the use of the features and applications in 
this vehicle. Only use the features and 
applications when it is safe to do so. Failure 
to do so may result in an accident involving 
serious injury or death.
WARNING!
If anyone in the vehicle could be in danger 
(e.g., fire or smoke is visible, dangerous 
road conditions or location), do not wait for 
voice contact from an Emergency Services 
Agent. All occupants should exit the vehicle 
immediately and move to a safe location.
Never place anything on or near the 
vehicle’s operable network and GPS 
antennas. You could prevent operable 
network and GPS signal reception, which 
can prevent your vehicle from placing an 
emergency call. An operable network and 
GPS signal reception is required for the SOS 
Call system to function properly.
The SOS Call system is embedded into the 
vehicle’s electrical system. Do not add 
aftermarket electrical equipment to the 
vehicle’s electrical system. This may 
prevent your vehicle from sending a signal 
to initiate an emergency call. To avoid inter -
ference that can cause the SOS Call system 
to fail, never add aftermarket equipment 
(e.g., two-way mobile radio, CB radio, data 
recorder, etc.) to your vehicle’s electrical 
system or modify the antennas on your 
vehicle. IF YOUR VEHICLE LOSES BATTERY 
POWER FOR ANY REASON (INCLUDING 
DURING OR AFTER AN ACCIDENT), THE 
UCONNECT FEATURES, APPS AND 
SERVICES, AMONG OTHERS, WILL NOT 
OPERATE.
Modifications to any part of the SOS Call 
system could cause the air bag system to 
fail when you need it. You could be injured 
if the air bag system is not there to help 
protect you.
WARNING!  (Continued)
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376IN CASE OF EMERGENCY  
SOS Call System Limitations
Vehicles sold in Mexico DO NOT have SOS Call 
system capabilities.
SOS or other emergency line operators in 
Mexico may not answer or respond to SOS 
system calls.
If the SOS Call system detects a malfunction, 
any of the following may occur at the time the 
malfunction is detected, and at the beginning of 
each ignition cycle:
The overhead console lights located within 
the ASSIST and SOS buttons will continuously 
illuminate red.
The Device Screen will display the following 
message: “Vehicle device requires service. 
Please contact an authorized dealer.”
An In-Vehicle Audio message will state 
“Vehicle device requires service. Please 
contact an authorized dealer.” Even if the SOS Call system is fully functional, 
factors beyond FCA US LLC’s control may 
prevent or stop the SOS Call system operation. 
These include, but are not limited to, the 
following factors:
The ignition is in the OFF position
The vehicle’s electrical systems are not intact
The SOS Call system software and/or hard
-
ware are damaged during a crash
The vehicle battery loses power or becomes 
disconnected during a vehicle crash
LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network and/or 
Global Positioning Satellite signals are 
unavailable or obstructed
Equipment malfunction at the SOS operator 
facility
Operator error by the SOS operator
LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network 
congestion
Weather
Buildings, structures, geographic terrain, or 
tunnels
WARNING!
Ignoring the overhead console light could 
mean you will not have SOS Call services. If 
the overhead console light is illuminated, 
have an authorized dealer service the SOS 
Call system immediately.
The Occupant Restraint Control module 
turns on the air bag Warning Light on the 
instrument panel if a malfunction in any 
part of the system is detected. If the Air Bag 
Warning Light is illuminated, have an 
authorized dealer service the Occupant 
Restraint Control system immediately.
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to 
the road. ALWAYS drive safely with your hands 
on the steering wheel. You have full 
responsibility and assume all risks related to 
the use of the features and applications in 
this vehicle. Only use the features and 
applications when it is safe to do so. Failure 
to do so may result in an accident involving 
serious injury or death.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY377
(Continued)
NOTE:
Your vehicle may be transmitting data as 
authorized by the subscriber.
Never place anything on or near the vehicle’s 
LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) and GPS 
antennas. You could prevent LTE (voice/
data) or 4G (data) and GPS signal reception, 
which can prevent your vehicle from placing 
an emergency call. An operable LTE (voice/
data) or 4G (data) network connection and a 
GPS signal is required for the SOS Call 
system to function properly.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly 
approved by the party responsible for compli -
ance could void the user's authority to operate 
the equipment.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING 
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with an air suspen -
sion system, there is a feature which allows the 
automatic leveling to be disabled to assist with 
changing a tire. This feature can be activated 
through the Uconnect system  Ú page 249.
PREPARATIONS FOR JACKING
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Air Suspension, 
you will need to enable Tire Jack Mode in the 
Uconnect system  Úpage 165 before changing 
the tire.
1. Park on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or  slippery areas.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Shift the transmission into Park (P).
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side 
of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull 
far enough off the road to avoid the danger 
of being hit when operating the jack or 
changing the wheel.
Being under a jacked-up vehicle is 
dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the 
jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. 
Never put any part of your body under a 
vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get 
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service 
center where it can be raised on a lift.
Never start or run the engine while the 
vehicle is on a jack.
The jack is designed to be used as a tool for 
changing tires only. The jack should not be 
used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. 
The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level 
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
WARNING!  (Continued)
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of 
the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far 
enough off the road to avoid being hit when 
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
7
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378IN CASE OF EMERGENCY  
6. Block both the front and rear wheel 
diagonally opposite of each jacking 
position. For example, if the driver’s front 
wheel is being changed, block the 
passenger’s rear wheel.
Wheel Blocked
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle 
when the vehicle is being raised or lifted.
JACK LOCATION
The jack and tools are stored under the front 
passenger seat.
REMOVAL OF JACK AND TOOLS
To access the jack and tools, you must remove 
the plastic access cover located on the side of 
the front passenger’s seat. To remove the 
cover, pull the front part of the cover (closest to 
the front of the seat) toward you to release a 
locking tab. Once the front of the cover is loose, 
slide the cover toward the front of the seat until 
it is free from the seat frame.
Pull Jack Access Cover From Front
Remove the jack and tools by turning the wing 
bolt counterclockwise, remove the wing bolt 
and then slide the assembly out from under the 
seat.
 Jack And Tools
Release the tool bag straps from the jack and 
remove tools from bag.
Jack And Tool Bag
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 378