esc Ram 2500 2020 Owner's Manual

WARNING: Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-highway
motor vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,
phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the
engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves or wash
your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.
The driver’s primary responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, resulting in an accident and
personal injury. FCA US LLC strongly recommends that the driver use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take their attention off the
road. Use of any electrical devices, such as cellular telephones, computers, portable radios, vehicle navigation or other devices, by the driver while the vehicle is moving is dangerous and could lead to a serious accident. Texting while driving is also dangerous and should never be done while the vehicle is moving. If you
find yourself unable to devote your full attention to vehicle operation, pull off the road to a safe location and stop your vehicle. Some states or provinces prohibit the use of cellular telephones or texting while driving. It is always the driver’s responsibility to comply with all local laws.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared to help you get acquainted with your new Ram brand vehicle and to provide a convenient reference for common questions.
Not all features shown in this manual may apply to your vehicle. For additional information on accessories to help personalize your vehicle, visit
www.mopar.com/en-us/care/owners-manual.html (U.S.), www.owners.mopar.ca (Canada) or your local Ram brand dealer.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents. Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drinking, don’t drive. Ride with
a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab, a friend or use public transportation.
This Owner’s Manual illustrates and describes the operation of features and equipment that are either standard or optional on this vehicle. This manual may
also include a description of features and equipment that are no longer available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please disregard any features and
equipment that are no longer available or were not ordered on this vehicle. FCA US LLC reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications, and/or make additions to or improvements to its products without imposing any obligation upon itself to install them on products previously manufactured.
With respect to vehicles sold in Canada, the name FCA US LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the name FCA Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
If you are the first registered retail owner of your vehicle, you may obtain a complimentary printed copy of the Warranty Booklet by calling
1-866-726-4636 (U.S.) or 1-800-387-1143 (Canada), or by contacting your dealer.
This Owner’s Manual is intended to familiarize you with the important features of your vehicle. Your most up-to-date Owner’s Manual, Navigation/Uconnect manuals and Warranty Booklet can be found by visiting the website on the back cover. U.S. residents can purchase replacement kits by visiting
www.techauthority.com and Canadian residents can purchase replacement kits by calling 1-800-387-1143.
WARNING
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower
and your judgment is impaired when you have been drinking. Never drink and then drive.

4
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS .......................................... 100 Camper Applications .................................100
EASY-OFF TAILGATE ......................................... 100
Disconnecting The Rear Camera And
Remote Keyless Entry ...............................100 Removing The Tailgate .............................. 101
Locking Tailgate .........................................101
TRI-FOLD TONNEAU COVER — IF EQUIPPED .. 101
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Removal ..............102
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Installation ..........104
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Cleaning ..............107
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
BASE / MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER —
GAS ENGINE ....................................................... 108
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Gas Engine .......................109
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER —
GAS ENGINE ....................................................... 111
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gas Engine .................................................112
BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — DIESEL
ENGINE ............................................................... 113
Base Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Diesel Engine .............................................114
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER — DIESEL
ENGINE ................................................................ 116
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Diesel Engine .............................................117 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ................... 117
Instrument Cluster Display Controls......... 118
Oil Life Reset ............................................. 119
Display Menu Items ................................... 119
Diesel Messages And Warnings — 6.7L
Cummins Diesel Engine ............................ 124 Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode
Message — Electrical Load Reduction
Actions — If Equipped ................................ 128
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ................130
Red Warning Lights ................................... 130
Yellow Warning Lights ............................... 133
Yellow Indicator Lights .............................. 137
Green Indicator Lights ............................... 140
White Indicator Lights ............................... 141
Blue Indicator Lights.................................. 141
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II..... 141
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ............................................. 142
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS......................................................... 142
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................144
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 144
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System .... 145 AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 153
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ................................................ 153 Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped ........................... 160 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ........................................................ 163
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ................. 171
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ... 171
Important Safety Precautions ................... 171
Seat Belt Systems .................................... 172
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)... 181
Child Restraints ......................................... 190
Transporting Pets ...................................... 208
SAFETY TIPS ....................................................... 208
Transporting Passengers .......................... 208
Exhaust Gas .............................................. 208
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................ 209 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................................... 210

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5
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GAS ENGINE ......... 211Automatic Transmission ............................211
Tip Start Feature .......................................211
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ...................211
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button ...............................................212 Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or
−30°C) ......................................................215 After Starting ..............................................215
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE..... 215
Automatic Transmission ............................215
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ...................216
Extreme Cold Weather...............................218
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Above 66° F
(19° C)........................................................ 218 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to
19°C) ..........................................................219 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ..............220 Starting Fluids ............................................221 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ........221
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 222
Engine Idling ............................................. 224
Noise........................................................... 225
Stopping The Engine ................................. 225
Idle Shutdown ............................................ 226
Programmable Maximum Vehicle
Speed ......................................................... 226 Operating Precautions............................... 226
Cooling System Tips .................................. 226
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — GAS ENGINE (IF
EQUIPPED) ..........................................................227
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — DIESEL ENGINE (IF
EQUIPPED) ......................................................... 227
Block Heater Usage ................................... 228
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS — GAS
ENGINE ................................................................ 228
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE...................................................228
PARKING BRAKE ............................................... 229
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE — ENGINE BRAKING
(IF EQUIPPED) ....................................................230
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ........................... 231
Ignition Park Interlock ............................... 232
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System ....................................................... 232 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .................................................... 233 Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .................................................... 237
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ........... 243
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION ........................ 243
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 244
Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case — If Equipped ................................... 244
Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped ................................................. 247
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED.... 250
Description ................................................. 250
Air Suspension Modes .............................. 251
Instrument Cluster Display Messages ..... 251
Operation ................................................... 251
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED) ......................... 252
STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY .................................................... 253

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11
INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer, congratulations on selecting
your new vehicle. Be assured that it represents
precision workmanship, distinctive styling, and
high quality.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go
places and perform tasks that are not intended
for conventional passenger vehicles. It handles
and maneuvers differently from many
passenger vehicles both on-road and off-road,
so take time to become familiar with your
vehicle. If equipped, the two-wheel drive version
of this vehicle was designed for on-road use
only. It is not intended for off-road driving or use
in other severe conditions suited for a
four-wheel drive vehicle. Before you start to
drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s Manual. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering,
transmission, and transfer case shifting. Learn
how your vehicle handles on different road
surfaces. Your driving skills will improve with
experience. When driving off-road, or working
the vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect
the vehicle to overcome the natural laws of
physics. Always observe federal, state, provin-cial and local laws wherever you drive. As with
other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
a collision. Refer to the “Driving Tips” in
“Starting and Operating” for further informa
-
tion.
This Owner's Manual has been prepared with
the assistance of service and engineering
specialists to acquaint you with the operation
and maintenance of your vehicle. It is supple -
mented by Warranty Information, and
customer-oriented documents. Within this infor -
mation, you will find a description of the
services that FCA US LLC offers to its
customers, the vehicle's warranty coverage,
and the details of the terms and conditions for
maintaining its validity. Please take the time to
read all of these publications carefully before
driving your vehicle for the first time. Following
the instructions, recommendations, tips, and
important warnings in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your
vehicle. This Owner's Manual describes all versions of
this vehicle. Options and equipment dedicated
to specific markets or versions are not expressly
indicated in the text. Therefore, you should only
consider the information which is related to the
trim level, engine, and version that you have
purchased. Any content introduced throughout
the Owner's Information, that may or may not be
applicable to your vehicle, will be identified with
the wording “If Equipped”. All data contained in
this publication are intended to help you use
your vehicle in the best possible way. FCA US
LLC aims at a constant improvement of the
vehicles produced. For this reason, it reserves
the right to make changes to the model
described for technical and/or commercial
reasons. For further information, contact an
authorized dealer.
When it comes to service, remember that an
authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has
factory-trained technicians and genuine
MOPAR® parts, and cares about your satisfac
-
tion.1

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12INTRODUCTION
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Essential Information
Consult the Table of Contents to determine
which section contains the information you
desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends
on the items of equipment ordered, certain
descriptions and illustrations may differ from
your vehicle's equipment.
The detailed Index at the back of this Owner's
Manual contains a complete listing of all
subjects.
Symbols
Some vehicle components have colored labels
whose symbols indicate precautions to be
observed when using this component. Refer to
“Warning Lights and Messages” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further infor -
mation on the symbols used in your vehicle.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS
against operating procedures that could result
in a collision, bodily injury and/or death. It also
contains CAUTIONS against procedures that
could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire Owner’s Manual, you may
miss important information. Observe all Warn -
ings and Cautions.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
apply to body modifications or special equip -
ment installed by van conversion/camper
manufacturers/body builders. US residents
refer to the Warranty Information, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the “What Is
Not Covered” section of the Warranty Informa -
tion. Such equipment includes video monitors,
VCRs, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc. For
warranty coverage and service on these items,
contact the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equip -
ment installed by the conversion/camper
manufacturer should also be supplied with your
vehicle. If these instructions are missing, please
contact an authorized dealer for assistance in obtaining replacement documents from the
applicable manufacturer.
For information on the Body Builder’s Guide
refer to
www.ramtrucks.com . This website
contains dimensional and technical specifica -
tions for your vehicle. It is intended for Second
Stage Manufacturer's technical support. For
service issues, contact an authorized dealer.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and
safety and may lead to a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.

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26GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
2. Perform one of the following methods to
lock the vehicle:
Push the lock button on the interior power door lock switch with the driver
and/or passenger door open.
Push the lock button on the exterior Passive Entry Door Handle with a valid
key fob available in the same exterior
zone. Refer to "Keyless Enter-N-Go —
Passive Entry" in “Doors” in this chapter
for further information.
Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
The vehicle security alarm will set when you use
the power door locks, or use the key fob to lock
the doors. After all the doors are locked and
closed, the vehicle security light, in the instru -
ment panel cluster, will flash rapidly for about
16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is being
set. After the alarm is set, the vehicle security
light will flash at a slower rate to indicate that
the system is armed.
To Disarm The System
The vehicle security alarm can be disarmed
using any of the following methods:

1. Push the unlock button on the key fob.

2. Grasp the Passive Entry Door Handle with a valid key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
Passive Entry door handle. If equipped,
refer to "Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive
Entry" in "Doors" in this chapter for further
information.
3. Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position.
The vehicle security alarm is designed to protect
your vehicle. However, you can create condi -
tions where the system will give you a false
alarm. If one of the previously described arming
sequences has occurred, the vehicle security
alarm will arm regardless of whether you are in
the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle
and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the vehicle security alarm.
If the vehicle security alarm is armed and the
battery becomes disconnected, the vehicle
security alarm will remain armed when the
battery is reconnected; the exterior lights will flash, and the horn will sound. If this occurs,
disarm the vehicle security alarm.
Rearming Of The System
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is
taken to disarm it, the vehicle security alarm will
turn the horn off after 29 seconds, 5 seconds
between cycles, up to 8 cycles if the trigger
remains active and then the vehicle security
alarm will rearm itself.
Security System Manual Override
The vehicle security alarm will not arm/disarm if
you lock/unlock the doors using the manual
door lock.

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58GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Icon Description
MAX A/C Setting
Set the Temperature Control Knob to the MAX A/C setting to change the current setting to the coldest output of air. Moving
the temperature control knob away from the MAX A/C setting causes the MAX A/C operation to exit.
A/C Button
Push the A/C button to engage the Air Conditioning (A/C). The A/C indicator illuminates when the A/C is on.
Recirculation Button
Press and release this button on the touchscreen, or push the button on the faceplate, to change the system between
Recirculation mode and outside air mode. The Recirculation indicator and the A/C indicator illuminate when the
Recirculation button is pushed. Recirculation can be used when outside conditions, such as smoke, odors, dust, or
humidity are present. Recirculation can be used in all modes except for Defrost. Recirculation may be unavailable if
conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of the windshield. The A/C can be deselected manually without
disturbing the mode control selection. Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make the inside air stuffy and
window fogging may occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
Temperature Control
Temperature Control regulates the temperature of the air forced through the Climate Control system. The temperature
increases as you turn the temperature control knob clockwise. The temperature decreases as you turn the temperature
control knob counterclockwise.
Blower Control
Blower Control regulates the amount of air forced through the Climate Control system. There are seven blower speeds
available. The blower speed increases as you turn the blower control knob clockwise from the lowest blower setting. The
blower speed decreases as you turn the blower control knob counterclockwise.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE59

Mode Control
Turn the Mode Control knob to adjust the airflow distribution. The airflow distribution mode can be adjusted so air comes
from the instrument panel outlets, floor outlets, defrost outlets and demist outlets. The Mode settings are as follows:
Panel Mode Panel Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel. Each of these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct the flow of
air. The air vanes of the center outlets and outboard outlets can be moved up and down or side to side to regulate airflow
direction. There is a shut off wheel located below the air vanes to shut off or adjust the amount of airflow from these
outlets.
Bi-Level Mode Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from the instrument panel outlets and floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed through the defrost and
side window demister outlets.
NOTE:
Bi-Level mode is designed under comfort conditions to provide cooler air out of the panel outlets and warmer air from the
floor outlets.
Floor Mode
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed through the defrost and side window demister outlets.
Mix Mode Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side window demister outlets. This setting works best in cold or snowy
conditions that require extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on
the windshield.
Icon Description
2

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60GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Front Defrost Setting
Turn the Mode Control knob to the Front Defrost mode setting. Air comes from the windshield and side window demist
outlets. When the defrost button is selected, the blower level may increase. Use Defrost mode with maximum temperature
settings for best windshield and side window defrosting and defogging.
Rear Defrost Button
Push and release the Rear Defrost button to turn on the rear window defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). The Rear Defrost indicator illuminates when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window defroster
automatically turns off after 15 minutes.
Climate Control OFF
To turn the Climate Controls off, turn the Blower Control knob to the O (off) position.
Icon Description

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE63
NOTE:
Icons and descriptions can vary based upon vehicle equipment.
Icon Description
MAX A/C
Press and release the MAX A/C button on the touchscreen to change the current setting to the coldest output of air. The
MAX A/C indicator illuminates when MAX A/C is on. Pressing the button again will cause the MAX A/C operation to exit.
NOTE:
The MAX A/C button is only available on the touchscreen.
Faceplate A/C Button
Touchscreen A/C Button A/C Button
Press and release the button on the touchscreen, or push and release the button on the faceplate, to change the current
setting. The A/C indicator illuminates when A/C is on.
Recirculation Button
Press and release this button to change the system between recirculation mode and outside air mode. The Recirculation
indicator illuminates when Recirculation is on. Recirculation can be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Recirculation can be used in all modes. Recirculation may be unavailable (button on the
touchscreen greyed out) if conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of the windshield. The A/C can be
deselected manually without disturbing the mode control selection. Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.2

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