Service Ram 1500 2020 User Guide

56 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Release Button
The center head restraint is not adjustable or removable.
NOTE:
The head restraints should only be removed by qualified
technicians, for service purposes only. If any of the head
restraints require removal, see an authorized dealer. For child restraint tethering, refer to “Occupant Restraint
Systems” in “Safety” for further information.
STEERING WHEEL
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
This feature allows you to tilt the steering column upward or
downward. It also allows you to lengthen or shorten the
steering column. The tilt/telescoping lever is located on the
steering column, below the multifunction lever.
Tilt/Telescoping Lever
WARNING!
Sitting in a seat with the head restraint in its lowered
position could result in serious injury or death in a
collision. Always make sure the outboard head restraints
are in their upright positions when the seat is to be
occupied.
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92 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
• It is not necessary to move the temperature settings forcold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts the
temperature, mode, and blower speed to provide comfort
as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric units by selecting the U.S./Metric customer-programmable
feature. Refer to the “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
for further information.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan will remain on
low until the engine warms up. The blower will increase in
speed and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC display will be
turned off when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for suggested
control settings for various weather conditions. Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor
-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration of
coolant is used. Use of the Air Recirculation mode during
Winter months is not recommended, because it may cause
window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e.,
vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 93
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy,
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select Defrost
or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed. Do not use
the Recirculation mode without A/C for long periods, as
fogging may occur.Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the wind
-
shield, is free of obstructions, such as leaves. Leaves collected
in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they enter the
plenum, they could plug the water drains. In Winter months,
make sure the air intake is clear of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen from
the air. Contact an authorized dealer to service your cabin air
filter, and to have it replaced when needed.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to the
heating elements:
• Use care when washing the inside of the rear window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window. Use a soft cloth and a mild
washing solution, wiping parallel to the heating
elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking with
warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the interior surface of the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
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162 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Tachometer• Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute(RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter
• When the vehicle is in the RUN state, the gauge indi -
cates the electrical system voltage. The pointer should
stay within the normal range if the battery is charged.
If the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and
remains there during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with Stop/Start, a reduced voltage may
be present during an Autostop.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
• When the appropriate conditions exist, this displayshows the instrument cluster display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information. 4. Oil Pressure Gauge
• The pointer should always indicate the oil pressurewhen the engine is running. A continuous high or low
reading under normal driving conditions may indicate
a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with Stop/Start, an oil pressure indica -
tion of zero is normal during an Autostop.
5. Speedometer
• Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
• The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tankwhen the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
• The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163
7. Temperature Gauge• The pointer shows engine coolant temperature. Thepointer positioned within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfacto -
rily.
• The pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats. Refer to “Cooling System Pressure
Cap” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information if you decide to look under the hood.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
3. Speedometer• Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
• The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tankwhen the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
• The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
• The pointer shows engine coolant temperature. Thepointer positioned within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfacto -
rily.
• The pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats. Refer to “Cooling System Pressure
Cap” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information if you decide to look under the hood.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
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178 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
What to do when an electrical load reduction action
message is present (“Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver
Mode”)
During a trip:
• Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:• Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior).

• Check what may be plugged in to power outlets +12 Volts,115V AC, USB ports.

• Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature).
• Check the audio settings (volume).
After a trip:
• Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (addi -
tional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems,
alarms) and review specifications if any (load and Ignition
Off Draw currents).
• Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance, driving time and parking time).
• The vehicle should have service performed if the message is still present during consecutive trips and the evaluation
of the vehicle and driving pattern did not help to identify
the cause.WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the instru-
ment panel together with a dedicated message and/or
acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indic -
ative and precautionary and as such must not be considered
as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information
contained in the Owner’s Manual, which you are advised to
read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information in
this chapter in the event of a failure indication. All active tell -
tales will display first if applicable. The system check menu
may appear different based upon equipment options and
current vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and may
not appear.
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180 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering
maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions. The vehicle
should have service performed, and the brake fluid level
checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate
repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON/
RUN position. The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off unless theparking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the
light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It
does not show the degree of brake application.
— Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the hood is ajar/
open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
— Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped

This light will flash at a fast rate for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle security alarm is arming, and then will flash
slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.

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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This warning light warns of an overheated engine condition.
If the engine coolant temperature is too high, this indicator
will illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the tempera -
ture reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will sound
for four minutes or until the engine is able to cool: whichever
comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case Of Emer -
gency” for further information.
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the charging system.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component. — Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate low engine oil
pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle,
shut off the engine as soon as possible, and contact an autho -
rized dealer. A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This
light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The
engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
— Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the engine oil
temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Wait
for oil temperature to return to normal levels.
— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either stay on
or flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the igni -
tion when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the
transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.

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182 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are
pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. — Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light

This warning light will turn on when there's a fault with the
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Refer to “Power Steering”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Tailgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the tailgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans -
mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated
you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
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