brake Ram 1500 2013 Get to Know Guide 

FIVE-POSITION/ON-DEMAND TRANSFER CASE
•
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides five mode positions:
• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive automatic range
(4WD AUTO)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
• NEUTRAL (N)
•
This electronically shifted transfer case
is designed to be driven in the two-wheel
drive position (2WD) or four-wheel drive
position (4WD AUTO) for normal street
and highway conditions on dry, hard-
surfaced roads.
• Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
Shifting Procedure
• Shifting between 2WD and 4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCK can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
• Shifting between 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK into 4WD LOW must be made with the transmission in NEUTRAL and the vehicle stopped or rolling at 2 to 3 mph
(3 to 5 km/h).
NOTE:
It is preferred to have the engine running and the vehicle moving at 2 to 3 mph
(3 to 5 km/h).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The
transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmis-
sion position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not
in the vehicle.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
106

FIVE-POSITION/ON-DEMAND TRANSFER CASE
•
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides five mode positions:
• Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
• Four-wheel drive automatic range
(4WD AUTO)
• Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
• Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
• NEUTRAL (N)
•
This electronically shifted transfer case
is designed to be driven in the two-wheel
drive position (2WD) or four-wheel drive
position (4WD AUTO) for normal street
and highway conditions on dry, hard-
surfaced roads.
•Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle
is not engaged in 2WD.
Shifting Procedure
• Shifting between 2WD and 4WD AUTO or 4WD LOCK can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
• Shifting between 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK into 4WD LOW must be made with the transmission in NEUTRAL and the vehicle stopped or rolling at 2 to 3 mph
(3 to 5 km/h).
NOTE:
It is preferred to have the engine running and the vehicle moving at 2 to 3 mph
(3 to 5 km/h).
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The
transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmis-
sion position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not
in the vehicle.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
107

TOW/HAUL MODE
•When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to select TOW/HAUL
mode. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode,
transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission will automatically downshift
(for engine braking) during steady braking maneuvers.
• The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster to
indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pressing the switch a
second time restores normal operation.
If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the
engine is started.
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE MODULE
• The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller allows you to automatically or manuallyactivate the Electric Trailer Brakes and Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes for a
better braking performance when towing a trailer.
NOTE:
The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is located in the center stack below the
climate controls.
• This module will have four different options depending on the type of trailer you want to tow and can be selected through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) or touch-screen radio – if equipped.• Light Electric
• Heavy Electric
• Light EOH (Electric Over Hydraulic)
• Heavy EOH (Electric Over Hydraulic)
UTILITY
116

• To make the proper selection in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),press the UP or DOWN steering wheel buttons until “VEHICLE SETTINGS”
displays. For additional information, refer to Electronics in this guide.
• Press the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “VEHICLE SETTINGS.”
• Press the UP or DOWN buttons until Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
• Press the RIGHT arrow and then press the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
•
Pressing the +/- buttons, located on the
left side of the module, will increase/
decrease 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 mini-
mum of 0 (no trailer braking).
• Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
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 stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in personal injury.
UTILITY
117

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

Cold Start Procedure
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. If the Wait To Start
light appears
in the cluster, wait for the light to turn off before starting.
• In extremely cold weather below 0°F (-18°C) it may be beneficial to cycle the manifold heaters twice before attempting to start the engine. This can be
accomplished by turning the ignition OFF for at least five seconds and then back
ON after the “Wait To Start Light” has turned off, but before the engine is started.
However, excessive cycling of the manifold heaters will result in damage to the
heater elements or reduced battery voltage.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual Diesel Supplement on the DVD for further details.
Engine Idling
• Avoid prolonged engine idling. Long periods of idling may be harmful to your engine because combustion chamber temperatures can drop so low that the fuel
may not burn completely.
• Incomplete combustion allows carbon and varnish to form on piston rings, engine valves, and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the engine.
• If the engine is allowed to idle, under some conditions the idle speed may increase to 900 RPM then return to normal idle speed. This is normal operation.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving. Damage to the 110–115 volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE (ENGINE BRAKING)
• The exhaust brake feature will only function when the driver presses the exhaustbrake switch.
• The switch is located on the switch bank below the audio system.
• Your vehicle is also equipped with the Smart Brake feature.
• This feature will automatically provide a variable amount of engine braking in an attempt to maintain a constant vehicle speed.
• The Smart Brake is activated by pressing the exhaust brake switch twice. The first press activate the full strength brake, second press activates the Smart Brake and
third press turns the brake off.
• The Smart Brake target vehicle speed is set when either the vehicle brake or the throttle pedal is released.
• Exhaust braking is most effective when the engine RPM is higher.
NOTE:
For optimum braking power, it is recommended to use the exhaust brake while in
TOW/HAUL mode.
DIESEL
121

CAUTION!
Use of aftermarket exhaust brakes is not recommended and could lead to engine
damage.
WARNING!
Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as
the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to
swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause a collision
possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
IDLE-UP FEATURE (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ONLY)
•The Idle-Up Feature uses the speed control switches to increase engine idle speed
and quickly warm the vehicle’s interior. This feature must be enabled by your dealer.
See your local dealer.
•With the transmission in PARK, the parking brake applied, and the engine running,
push the speed control ON/OFF switch on, then push the SET switch.
• The engine RPM will go up to 1100 RPM. To increase the RPM, push and hold the RESUME/ACCEL switch and the idle speed will increase to approximately
1500 RPM. To decrease the RPM, push and hold the SET/DECEL switch and the
idle speed will decrease to approximately 1100 RPM.
• To cancel the Idle Up Feature, either push the CANCEL switch, push the ON/OFF switch or push the brake pedal.
DIESEL
122

BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• If the ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
132

Preparations
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever into PARK. On four-wheel drive vehicles, shift the transfercase to the 4L position.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
• Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position. For example, if the right front wheel is being changed, block the left rear wheel.
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Instructions
1. Remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools from storage.
2.
Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but
do not remove, the wheel nuts by turn-
ing them counterclockwise one turn
while the wheel is still on the ground.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
137

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