ECU Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

Using HomeLink®
• To operate, press and release the programmed HomeLink
®button. Activation will
now occur for the programmed device (i.e., garage door opener, gate operator,
security system, entry door lock, home/office lighting, etc.,). The hand-held
transmitter of the device may also be used at any time.
WARNING!
• Your motorized door or gate will open and close while you are programming the universal transceiver. Do not program the transceiver if people or pets are in the
path of the door or gate.
• Do not run your vehicle in a closed garage or confined area while programming
the transceiver. Exhaust gas from your vehicle contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which is odorless and colorless. Carbon Monoxide is poisonous when inhaled
and can cause you and others to be severely injured or killed.
POWER INVERTER
• A 115 Volt, 150 Watt power inverteroutlet is located on the lower instru-
ment panel next to the climate control
knob. This outlet can power cellular
phones, electronics and other low
power devices requiring power up to
150 Watts.
• To turn on the power outlet, simply plug in the device. The outlet auto-
matically turns off when the device is
unplugged.
NOTE:
The power inverter is designed with
built-in overload protection. If the power
rating of 150 Watts is exceeded, the
power inverter will automatically shut down. Once the electrical device has been
removed from the outlet, the inverter should automatically reset.
WARNING!
To Avoid Serious Injury or Death DO NOT:
• insert any objects into the receptacles
• touch with wet hands
Close the lid when not in use. If this outlet is mishandled, it may cause an electric
shock and failure.
ELECTRONICS
103

TONNEAU COVER
• The Tonneau Cover can be removed and reinstalled by using the locking clampslocated underneath the Tonneau Cover.
NOTE:
Be sure that the Tonneau Cover is secured before driving.
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
•To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an overhang, the tailgate can be removed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a rear camera or RKE the electrical connector must
be disconnected prior to removing the tailgate.
Removing the Tailgate
• Disconnect the wiring harness for the rear camera or RKE (if equipped).
• Unlatch the tailgate and remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang from the pivot.
• Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side pivot clears the hanger bracket.
• Slide the entire tailgate to the right to free the left side pivot.
• Remove the tailgate from the vehicle.
NOTE:
Do not carry the tailgate loose in the truck pickup box.
Locking Tailgate
• The lock is located next to the tailgate handle. The tailgate can be locked using the vehicle key.
WARNING!
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the exhaust system on vehicles
equipped with “Cap or Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the overhanging
camper compartment and be free of leaks.
UTILITY
108

•Storage bins feature two removable drain plugs (to allow water to drain from bins).
To remove plug, pull up on the edge. To install, push plug downward into drain hole.
• The RamBox®storage bins can be locked and unlocked using the vehicle key or
the remote keyless entry transmitter.
NOTE:
Provisions are provided in the bins for cargo dividers and shelf supports. These
accessories (in addition to other RamBox
®accessories) are available from MOPAR®.
RamBox® Storage Bin Cover Emergency Release Lever
• As a security measure, a Storage Bin Cover Emergency Release is built into the storage bin cover latching mechanism.
NOTE:
In the event of an individual being locked inside the storage bin, the storage bin cover
can be opened from inside of the bin by pulling on the glow-in-the-dark lever
attached to the storage bin cover latching mechanism.
Bed Extender
• The bed extender has three functional positions: • Storage Position
• Divider Position
• Extender Position
Storage Position
• The storage position for the bed extender is at the front of the truck bed.
• To install the bed extender into the storage position, perform the following:• Make sure the center handle is unlocked using the vehicle key and rotate thecenter handle vertically to release the extender side gates.
• With the side gates open, position the extender fully forward in the bed against the front panel.
• Rotate the side gates closed allowing the outboard ends to be positioned in front of the cargo tie-down loops.
• Rotate the center handle horizontally to secure the side gates in the closed position.
• Lock the center handle using the vehicle key to secure the panel into place and assist against theft.
UTILITY
111

Divider Position
• There are 11 divider slots along the bed inner panels which allow for variouspositions to assist in managing your cargo.
• To install the bed extender into a divider position perform the following: • Make sure the center handle is unlocked using the vehicle key and rotate thecenter handle vertically to release the extender side gates.
• With the side gates open, position the extender so the outboard ends align with the intended slots in the sides of the bed.
• Rotate the side gates closed so that the outboard ends are secured into the intended slots of the bed.
• Rotate the center handle horizontally to secure the side gates in the closed position.
• Lock the center handle to secure the panel into place and assist against theft.
Extender Position
• The bed extender will add an additional 15 in (38 cm) in the back of the truck when additional cargo room is needed.
• To install the bed extender into the extender position, perform the following: • Lower the tailgate.
• Make sure the center handle is unlocked and rotate the center handle verticallyin order to release the extender side gates.
• Fit the end of the side gate ends onto the pin and handle.
• Rotate the handles to the horizontal position to secure into place.
Bed Rail Tie-Down System
• There are two adjustable cleats on each side of the bed that can be used to assist in securing cargo.
• Each cleat must be located and tightened down in one of the detents, along either rail, in order to keep cargo properly secure.
• To move the cleat to any position on the rail, turn the nut counterclockwise, approximately three turns. Then, pull out on the cleat and slide it to the detent
nearest the desired location. Make sure the cleat is seated in the detent and
tighten the nut.
• To remove the cleats from the utility rail, remove the end cap by pushing up on the locking tab, located on the bottom of the end cap. Slide the cleat off the end of the
rail.
UTILITY
112

CAUTION!
• Failure to follow the following items could cause damage to the vehicle:• Assure that all cargo inside the storage bins is properly secured.
• Do not exceed cargo weight rating of 150 lb (68 kg) per bin.
• Leaving the lid open for extended periods of time could cause the vehiclebattery to discharge. If the lid is required to stay open for extended periods
of time, it is recommended that the bin lights be turned off manually using
the on/off switch.
• Ensure cargo bin lids are closed and latched before moving or driving
vehicle.
• Loads applied to the top of the bin lid should be minimized to prevent
damage to the lid and latching/hinging mechanisms.
• Damage to the RamBox
®bin may occur due to heavy/sharp objects placed
in bin that shift due to vehicle motion. In order to minimize potential for
damage, secure all cargo to prevent movement and protect inside surfaces
of bin from heavy/sharp objects with appropriate padding.
• The maximum load per cleat should not exceed 250 lbs (113 kg) and the
angle of the load on each cleat should not exceed 60 degrees above
horizontal, or damage to the cleat or cleat rail may occur.
WARNING!
•Always close the storage bin covers when your vehicle is unattended or in motion.
• Do not allow children to have access to the storage bins. Once in the storagebin, young children may not be able to escape. If trapped in the storage bin,
children can die from suffocation or heat stroke.
• In a collision, serious injury could result if the storage bin covers are not
properly latched.
• Do not use a storage bin latch as a tie down.
• To reduce the risk of potential injury or property damage:
• Cargo must be secured.
• Do not exceed cargo load rating of your vehicle.
• Secure all loads to truck utilizing cargo tie-downs.
• Extender should not be used as cargo tie-down.
•
When vehicle is in motion do not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg) load on the tailgate.
• The bed extender is not intended for off road use.
•
When not in use, the extender/divider should be in stowed or divider position
with the tailgate closed.
• When in use, all handles are to be in the locked position.
UTILITY
113

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Mod-
els
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED See Instructions:
• Automatic trans-
mission in PARK
• Manual transmis-
sion in gear (NOT
in NEUTRAL)
• Transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward
direction
Dolly Tow Front NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK OK
Recreational Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will result.
• Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
• Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
• Firmly set the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK, manual transmission in gear (not in Neutral).
• Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
• Remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
• Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
UTILITY
118

•Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the bottle jack will not lower by turning
the dial (thumbwheel) by hand, it may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in order
to lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and tools as previously described.
• Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE:
Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do not substitute with chrome plated
wheel nuts.
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools
1500 Series Trucks
1. Tighten the jack all the way down by turning the jack turn-screw clockwise until
the jack is snug.
2. Position the jack and tool bag. Make sure the lug wrench is under the jack near the jack turn-screw.
3. Secure the tool bag straps to the jack.
4. Place the jack and tools in the storage position holding the jack by the jack
turn-screw, slip the jack and tools
under the seat so that the bottom slot
engages into the fastener on the floor.
NOTE:
Ensure that the jack slides into the
front hold down location.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
142

5. Turn the wing bolt clockwise to secure to the floor pan. Reinstall the plastic cover.
2500/3500 Series Trucks
1. Tighten the jack all the way down by turning the jack turn-screw clockwise untilthe jack is snug.
2. Position the jack and tools into bracket assembly. Make sure the lug wrench is under the jack near the jack turn-screw. Snap tools into bracket assembly clips.
Install the jack into bracket assembly and turn screw until jack is snug into
bracket assembly.
3. Place the jack and tool bracket assembly in the storage position holding the jack by the jack turn-screw, slip the jack and tools under the seat so that the bottom
slot engages into the fastener on the floor.
NOTE:
Ensure that the jack and tool bracket
assembly slides into the front hold down
location.
4. Turn the wing bolt clockwise to secure to the floor pan. Reinstall the plastic
cover.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
143

To Stow The Flat Or Spare
NOTE:
RAM 1500 vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels cannot be stored under the vehicle
because the wheel retainer will not fit through the wheel pilot hole. Secure the flat tire
in the bed of the truck. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced immediately.
• Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the wheel retainer through thecenter of the wheel and position it properly across the wheel opening.
• For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.
•
Attach the wheel wrench to the extension tube. Rotate the winch mechanism until
the wheel is drawn into place against the underside of the vehicle. Continue to rotate
until you feel the winch mechanism slip, or click three or four times. It cannot be
overtightened. Push against the tire several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
CAUTION!
• Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated in the Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
• Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that the jack will not
damage surrounding truck parts and adjust the jack position as required.
• Use a back and forth motion to remove the hub cap. Do not use a twisting
motion when removing the hub cap, damage to the hub cap; finish may occur.
• The rear hub caps on the dual rear wheel has two pry off notches. Make sure that the hook of the jack handle driver is located squarely in the cap notch
before attempting to pull off.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
146

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.
•Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under
a raised vehicle, take it to an authorized dealer where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jackshould 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.
• 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.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or
damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as
possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a
manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during
a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be
stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It
could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the
wheel bolts until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning
may result in personal injury.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to avoid
contact with any sharp edges.
•
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the
places provided.
•A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure the occupants
in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
147