brakes Ram 2500 2013 Owner's Guide

sliding the manual brake control lever will display the
GAIN setting for 10 seconds and the “Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light” will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the Integrated
Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the “Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light” will flash.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pressing these buttons will adjust the brake control
power output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. The
GAIN setting can be increased to a maximum of 10 or
decreased to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake control
for the specific towing condition and should be changed
as towing conditions change. Changes to towing condi-
tions include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions
and weather.Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:
This should only be performed in a traffic free
environment at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph
(30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning normally, and properly ad-
justed. See your trailer dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connec- tions according to the trailer manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
3. When a trailer with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in, the trailer connected message should appear in the
EVIC (if the connection is not recognized by the ITBM,
braking functions will not be available), the GAIN
setting will illuminate and the correct type of trailer
must be selected from the EVIC options.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 555

4. Press the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheeluntil “VEHICLE SETTINGS” appears on the screen.
5. Press the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “VEHICLE SETTINGS”.
6. Press the UP or DOWN buttons until Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
NOTE: 1500 Models Only – Light Electric and Heavy
Electric will only be available due to the tow capacities of
the vehicle.
7. Press the RIGHT arrow and then press the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type
appears on the screen.
8.
In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry,
level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and
squeeze the manual brake control lever completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels
turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat Steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a point
just below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a heavier
trailer, trailer wheel lockup may not be attainable even
with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.
Light
Electric Heavy
ElectricLight
EOHHeavy
EOH
Type of
Trailer
Brakes Electric
Trailer
BrakesElectric
Trailer
BrakesElectric
over
Hy-
draulic
Trailer
BrakesElectric
over Hy-
draulic
Trailer
Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lbs *Above
10,000 lbs *Under
10,000 lbs *Above
10,000lbs
556 STARTING AND OPERATING

* The suggested selection depends and may change
depending on the customer preferences for braking per-
formance. Condition of the trailer brakes, driving and
road state may also affect the selection.
EVIC Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Display messages,
along with a single chime, will be displayed when a
malfunction is determined in the trailer connection,
trailer brake control, or on the trailer. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
of trailer braking. There may be a increase in stop-
ping distance or trailer instability which could result
in damage to your vehicle, trailer, or other property.
WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss
of trailer braking. There may be a increase in stop-
ping distance or trailer instability which could result
in personal injury.
NOTE:
• An aftermarket controller may be available for use
with trailers with air or electric-over-hydraulic trailer
brake systems. To determine the type of brakes on5
STARTING AND OPERATING 557

Four-Pin Connector
1 — Female Pins4 — Park
2 — Male Pin 5 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Ground 6 — Right Stop/Turn
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 559

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately
if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and an “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark because leakage may occur at the cap.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 661

With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
662 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F01 80 Amp Red Rad Fan Control
Module – Ifequipped
F03 60 Amp Yellow Rad Fan – If
Equipped
F05 40 Amp Green Compressor for Air
Suspension – If Equipped
F06 40 Amp Green Antilock Brakes/
Electronic Stability Control Pump
F07 40 Amp Green Starter Solenoid
Power Distribution Center Location
676 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F21 30 Amp Pink Drive Train Control
Module
F22 20 Amp Yellow Engine Control
Module
F23 30 Amp Pink Body Controller #1
F24 30 Amp Pink Driver Door Mod-
ule
F25 30 Amp Pink Front Wiper Low
Speed
F25 30 Amp Pink Front Wiper High
SpeedCavity Car- tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F26 30 Amp Pink Antilock Brakes/
Stability Control Module/Valves
F28 20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow Backup
Lights – IfEquipped
F29 20 Amp Yellow Trailer Tow Parking
Lights – IfEquipped
F30 30 Amp Pink Trailer Tow Recep-
tacle
F32 30 Amp Pink Drive Train Control
Module – IfEquipped
678 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F69 15 Amp
Blue Mod SCR 12V – If
Equipped
F70 30 Amp
Green Fuel Pump Motor
F71 25 Amp
Natural Amplifier
F72 10 Amp
Red Voltage Stabilizer
Modules – IfEquippedCavity Car- tridgeFuse Micro
Fuse Description
F74 20 Amp
Yellow (Gas
Engine) /10
Amp Red
(Diesel
Engine) Brake Vacuum
Pump Gas/Diesel – If Equipped
F75 10 Amp
Red Coolant Tempera-
ture Valve Actuator
F76 10 Amp
Red Antilock Brakes/
Electronic Stability Control
682 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE