brakes Ram 1500 2015 Owner's Guide

5. Press the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter
“TRAILER TOW”.
6. Press the UP or DOWN buttons until Trailer Brake
Type appears on the screen.
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 Electric Light EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer BrakesElectric Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric over Hydrau-
lic Trailer Brakes
Electric over Hydrau-
lic Trailer Brakes
Load*Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs
* 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.
664 STARTING AND OPERATING

Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver Information
Display (DID). Display messages, along with a single
chime, will be displayed when a malfunction is deter-
mined in the trailer connection, trailer brake control, or
on the trailer. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center” or “Driver Information Display” in “Under-
standing 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
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 on
your trailer and the availability of controllers, check
with your trailer manufacturer or dealer.
•Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may
cause damage to the electrical system and electronic
modules of the vehicle. See your authorized dealer if
an aftermarket module is to be installed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 665

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL
mode or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Seven-Pin Connector
1—Battery5—Ground2—BackupLamps6—LeftStop/Turn3—RightStop/Turn7—RunningLamps4 — Electric Brakes
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 667

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.
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.
782 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F0180 Amp BlackRad Fan Control Module – If equipped
F03 60 Amp YellowRad Fan – If Equipped
F0540 Amp GreenCompressor for Air Suspension – If Equipped
F0640 Amp GreenAntilock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control
Pump
F0740 Amp GreenStarter Solenoid
F08 20 Amp Blue (1500
LD Diesel)
30 Amp Pink
(Cummins Diesel)
Emissions Diesel – If Equipped
F0940 Amp Green
(Special Services
Vehicle & Cummins
Diesel)
30 Amp Pink (1500
LD Diesel)
Diesel Fuel Heater – If Equipped7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 799

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F2220 Amp Blue
30 Amp Pink
(Cummins Diesel)
Engine Control Module
F2330 Amp PinkBody Controller #1
F2430 Amp PinkDriver Door Module
F2530 Amp PinkFront Wiper
F2630 Amp PinkAntilock Brakes/Stability Control Module/
Valves
F2820 Amp BlueTrailer Tow Backup Lights – If Equipped
F2920 Amp BlueTrailer Tow Parking Lights – If Equipped
F3030 Amp PinkTrailer Tow Receptacle
F31 30 Amp Pink (1500
LD Diesel)
Urea Heater Control – If Equipped
F3230 Amp PinkDrive Train Control Module – If Equipped
F3320 Amp BlueSpecial Services Vehicle Only
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 801

Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro FuseDescription
F7610 Amp Red Antilock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control
F7710 Amp Red Drivetrain Control Module/Front Axle Discon-
nect Module
F7810 Amp Red Engine Control Module / Electric Power
Steering
F7915 Amp BlueClearance Lights
F8010 Amp Red Universal Garage Door Opener / Compass
F8120 Amp YellowTrailer Tow Right Turn/Stop Lights
F8210 Amp Red Steering Column Control Module/ Cruise
Control
F8415 Amp BlueSwitch Bank/Instrument Cluster
F8510 Amp RedAirbag Module
F8610 Amp RedAirbag Module
F8710 Amp Red Air Suspension-If Equipped / Trailer Tow /
Steering Column Control Module
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 805