starting and operating Ram 1500 2016 Owner's Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION ...............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..................................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE.................................123
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL......................................287
5STARTINGANDOPERATING ....................................................469
6WHATTODOINEMERGENCIES..................................................723
7MAINTAININGYOURVEHICLE...................................................785
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES....................................................869
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE............................................879
10INDEX .....................................................................891
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A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses either a key start ignition system or
keyless ignition system. The key start ignition system
consists of a either a bladed key with an immobilizer chip
in it, or a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and an Ignition Node Module (IGNM). The
keyless ignition system consists of a Key Fob with
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and a Keyless
Push Button Ignition.
Ignition Node Module (IGNM)
The Ignition Node Module (IGNM) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three with
detents and one that is spring-loaded. The detent posi-
tions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The START position
is a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When
released from the START position, the switch automati-
cally returns to the ON/RUN position.Ignition Module
1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN
4 — START 12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Keyless Push Button Ignition — If Equipped
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition
switch with the push of a button as long as the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is in the passenger
compartment.
The Keyless Push Button Ignition has four operating
positions; three of which are labeled and will illuminate
when in position. The three positions are OFF, ACC, and
ON/RUN. The fourth position is START, during start
RUN will illuminate.
NOTE:In case the ignition switch does not change with
the push of a button, the RKE transmitter (Key Fob) may
have a low or dead battery. In this situation, a back up
method can be used to operate the ignition switch. Put
the nose side (side opposite of the emergency key) of the
Key Fob against the ENGINE START/STOP button and
push to operate the ignition switch and with your foot
applied on the brake pedal.
Keyless Push Button Ignition
1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

Keyless Push Button Ignition Key Fob — If Equipped
This Keyless Push Button Ignition Key Fob allows the
driver to operate the ignition switch with the push of a
button, as long as the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is in the passenger compartment. The Keyless
Push Button Ignition has four operating positions, three
of which are labeled and will illuminate when in posi-
tion. The three positions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN.
The fourth position is START, during start RUN will
illuminate. It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter and an emergency key, which stores in
the rear of the Key Fob.The emergency key allows for entry into the vehicle
should the battery in the vehicle or the RKE transmitter
go dead. You can keep the emergency key with you when
valet parking.
To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical latch
on the backside of the Key Fob sideways with your
thumb and then pull the key out with your other hand.
NOTE:When using the emergency key to gain access to
your vehicle, be aware that the security alarm may be
triggered. Insert the Key Fob into the ignition and place
the ignition in the ON/RUN mode to disarm the security
system.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle doors
and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the Ve-
hicle Security Alarm is activated, interior switches for
door locks are disabled. The system provides both au-
dible and visible signals for the first three minutes the
horn will sound and the headlights will turn on, the park
lamps and/or turn signals will flash and Vehicle Security
Light will flash repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes
only, the headlights will turn on, the park lamps and/or
turn signals, and Vehicle Security Light will flash.
Rearming Of The System
The Vehicle Security Alarm will rearm itself after the 15
additional minutes of headlights and Vehicle Security
Light flashing, if the system has not been disabled. If the
condition which initiated the alarm is still present, the
system will ignore that condition and monitor the re-
maining doors and ignition.
To Arm The System
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security Alarm:
1. Remove the key from the ignition system (refer to
Starting ProceduresinStarting And Operatingfor
further information).
•For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go,
make sure the vehicle ignition system isOFF.
•For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go,
make sure the vehicle ignition system isOFFand
the key is physically removed from the ignition.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the
vehicle:
•Push LOCK on the interior power door lock switch
with the driver and/or passenger door open.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

RKE Air Suspension (Remote Lowering Of The
Vehicle) — If Equipped
For easy entry and loading, your vehicle can be
lowered by pushing the Key Fob air suspension
lowering button two times. When Remote key
FOB lowering is requested, the vehicle will
send a series of chirps and flashes to alert the customer
that the operation has begun and will continue these
alerts until it successfully lowers.
The following conditions must be met for the vehicle to
lower remotely:
•The vehicle must not already be in Entry/Exit (Park)
ride height.
•The vehicle battery must be fully charged.
•All doors must be closed.
•The ignition key must be out of the vehicle.Cancelling Remote Lowering
Vehicle lowering can be cancelled at anytime. When
vehicle lowering is cancelled, the vehicle will raise up to
the next defined level and lock out the remote lowering
feature until the ignition has been cycled ON/OFF.
To cancel vehicle lowering, push the Key Fob air suspen-
sion lowering button one time during the lowering
process. When vehicle lowering is cancelled, the horn
will chirp two times and the turn signal lamps will flash
four times. Once raising is completed, the horn will chirp
one time.
NOTE:Refer to “Air Suspension System” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
Programming Additional Transmitters
If you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter,
contact your authorized dealer for details.
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Avoid trapping anyone in a vehicle in a collision.
Remember that the rear doors can only be opened
from the outside when the Child-Protection locks are
engaged.
NOTE:
•After setting the Child-Protection Door Lock system,
always test the door from the inside to make certain it
is in the desired position.
•For emergency exit with the system engaged, move the
door lock switch to the UNLOCK position, roll down
the window and open the door with the outside door
handle.
KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO
The Passive Entry system is an enhancement to the
vehicle’s Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system and a
feature of Keyless Enter-N-Go. Refer to “Keyless Enter-
N-Go” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion. This feature allows you to lock and unlock the
vehicle’s door(s) without having to push the RKE trans-
mitter lock or unlock buttons.
NOTE:
•Passive Entry may be programmed ON/OFF. Refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
•If wearing gloves on your hands, or if it has been
raining on the Passive Entry door handle, the unlock
sensitivity can be affected, resulting in a slower re-
sponse time.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

WARNING!(Continued)
particularly unattended children, can become en-
trapped by the windows while operating the power
window switches. Such entrapment may result in
serious injury or death.
Auto-Down
Both the driver and front passenger window switch have
an Auto-Down feature. Push the window switch past the
first detent, release, and the window will go down
automatically. To cancel the Auto-Down movement, op-
erate the switch in either the up or down direction and
release the switch.
To stop the window from going all the way down during
the Auto-Down operation, pull up on the switch briefly.
To open the window part way, push to the first detent
and release it when you want the window to stop.
Auto-Up Feature With Anti-Pinch Protection
(4-Door Models Driver And Front Passenger Door
Only) — If Equipped
Lift the window switch fully upward to the second
detent, release, and the window will go up automatically.
To stop the window from going all the way up during the
Auto Up operation, push down on the switch briefly.
To close the window part way, lift the window switch to the
first detent and release when you want the window to stop.
NOTE:If the window runs into any obstacle during the
auto-closure, it will reverse direction and then go back
down. Remove the obstacle and use the window switch
again to close the window. Any impact due to rough road
conditions may trigger the auto reverse function unex-
pectedly during auto closure. If this happens, pull the
switch lightly to the first detent and hold to close the
window manually.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

WARNING!(Continued)
•A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a
collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect
the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be re-
placed immediately. Do not disassemble or modify
the seat belt system. Seat belt assemblies must be
replaced after a collision.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and
adjust the seat.
2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front
seat, and next to your arm in the rear seat (for vehicles
equipped with a rear seat). Grasp the latch plate and
pull out the seat belt. Slide the latch plate up the
webbing as far as necessary to allow the seat belt to go
around your lap.3. When the seat belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
Pulling Out The Latch Plate
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will
prefer the shoulder belt anchorage in a lower position,
and if you are taller than average, you will prefer the
shoulder belt anchorage in a higher position. After you
release the anchorage button, try to move it up or down
to make sure that it is locked in position.
NOTE:The adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage is
equipped with an Easy Up feature. This feature allows
the shoulder belt anchorage to be adjusted in the upward
position without pushing or squeezing the release but-
ton. To verify the shoulder belt anchorage is latched, pull
downward on the shoulder belt anchorage until it is
locked into position.
First Row Center Seat Belt Operating Instructions
(Regular Cab Only)
The first row center seat belt (Regular Cab only) features
a seat belt with a mini-latch plate and buckle, which
allows the seat belt to detach from the lower anchor whenthe seat is folded. The latch plate and regular latch plate
can then be stored out of the way in the seat for added
convenience to open up utilization of the storage areas
behind the front seats when the seat is not occupied.
1. Remove the mini-latch plate and regular latch plate
from its stowed position on the seat.
Inserting Latch Plate
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