air suspension Ram 1500 2020 User Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING 323
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Multimedia” if equipped with a touch screen radio for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automat -
ically resume as soon as system operation requirements are
met. See your authorized dealer if system does not resume.
NOTE:
If towing with air suspension refer to “Trailer Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information. An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error has
been detected.
See an authorized dealer for system service if normal opera
-
tion does not resume.
Operation
Air Suspension Switch
1 — Off-Road 2 Indicator (Customer selectable)
2 — Off-Road 1 Indicator (Customer selectable)
3 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer selectable)
4 — Aero Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer selectable)
6 — Height Selector
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 323

STARTING AND OPERATING 325
• Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 1 will be illumi-
nated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
• Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 3, 4, and 5 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR SUSPENSION
SYSTEM (REBEL MODELS ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The air suspension system provides full time load leveling
capability along with the benefit of being able to adjust
vehicle height by the push of a switch. Rebel Air Suspension Controls
1 — Off-Road Indicator (Customer selectable)
2 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer selectable)
3 — Aerodynamic Height Indicator (Customer Selectable)
4— Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer selectable)
5 — Height Selector
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 325

STARTING AND OPERATING 327
NOTE:
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through vehicle
settings on your Uconnect Radio.
•Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approximately
3 inches (73 mm)) – This position lowers the vehicle for
easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering the
rear of the vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the height
selector switch down twice from the NRH while the
vehicle speed is below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the
vehicle speed goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle
height will begin to lower. If the vehicle speed remains
between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) for
greater than 60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be
cancelled. To return to Normal Height Mode, push the
height selector switch up twice while in Entry/Exit or
drive the vehicle over 15 mph (24 km/h). Entry/Exit
mode may not be available due to vehicle payload, an
instrument cluster display message will be shown when
this occurs.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information. The system requires that the ignition be in the ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors, must be
closed. If a door is opened at any time while the vehicle is
lowering the change will not be completed until the open
door(s) is closed.
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which keeps
the headlights from incorrectly shining into oncoming
traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will
move up first and then the front. When lowering the vehicle,
the front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the air
suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure a
proper appearance.CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 327

328 STARTING AND OPERATING

To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension system
has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

NOTE:
If equipped with a touch screen radio all enabling/disabling
of air suspension features must be done through the radio.
Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further
information.
Air Suspension Modes
The Air Suspension system has multiple modes to protect the
system in unique situations:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension system has a
feature which will put the vehicle into AERO height auto-
matically. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information. NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Tire Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system has
a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be disabled.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in “Multi
-
media” if equipped with a touch screen radio for further
information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the air
suspension system has a feature which will put the vehicle
into Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic load
leveling system. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect
Settings” in “Multimedia” if equipped with a touch screen
radio for further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure volume
of air to operate the system. To avoid personal injury or
damage to the system, see your authorized dealer for
service.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 328

STARTING AND OPERATING 329
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” or “Uconnect Settings” in
“Multimedia” if equipped with a touch screen radio for
further information.
NOTE:
This mode is intended to be enabled with engine running.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension over-
loaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will automat -
ically resume as soon as system operation requirements are
met. See your authorized dealer if system does not resume.
NOTE:
If towing with air suspension refer to “Trailer Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information. An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error has
been detected.
See an authorized dealer for system service if normal opera
-
tion does not resume.
Operation
Air Suspension Switch
1 — Off-Road Indicator (Customer selectable)
2 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer selectable)
3 — Aero Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
4 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer selectable)
5 — Height Selector
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 329

410 STARTING AND OPERATING
With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect) Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
Towing With 1500 Air Suspension
1. Set air suspension to normal ride height. No action is
required if already in normal ride height.
NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine run position with all
doors closed while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of
the air suspension system.
2. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer).
3. Under the instrument cluster or touch screen radio settings, enable tire jack mode. Tire jack mode will be
canceled and procedure must be restarted if the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 5mph (8 kmh).
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to ground, this is height H1.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 410

STARTING AND OPERATING 421
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating,
activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly areas, or
select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speeddrops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you
can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over -
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed. Highway Driving
• Reduce speed
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning
Air Suspension System

To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle, the air
suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air Suspension
System” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.

NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running position
while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air suspen
-
sion system.
SNOWPLOW
NOTE:
Do not use this model vehicle for snowplow applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows and other aftermarket equipment should not
be added to the front end of your vehicle. The airbag
crash sensors may be affected by the change in the front
end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpectedly or
could fail to deploy during a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 421

422 STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable stateand provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details. • Vehicles equipped with Active-Level Four Corner Air
Suspension must be placed in Transport mode before
tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed
truck. Refer to “Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension
– If Equipped” for more information. If the vehicle cannot
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision. Do
not expect that the airbag will perform as described
earlier in this manual.CAUTION!
Using this vehicle for snowplow applications can cause
damage to the vehicle.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The
Ground Two-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED See Instructions
• Transmission in PARK
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 422

STARTING AND OPERATING 423
be placed in Transport mode (for example, engine will not
run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the
body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause fault
codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down
tension.
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:
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the vehicle
is set to Normal Ride Height.
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK. 4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the
dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:
The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) for
recreational towing. The transmission must be shifted into
PARK for recreational towing. Refer to the following for the
proper transfer case NEUTRAL (N) shifting procedure for
your vehicle. CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause
severe transmission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 423

STARTING AND OPERATING 425
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground, withthe engine running. Apply the parking brake.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. The driver's door must be closed (or the driver's seat belt buckled) so that
the transmission will remain in NEUTRAL when the
brake pedal is released.
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the vehicle
is set to Normal Ride Height.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (at the center
of the transfer case switches). The NEUTRAL (N) indi -
cator light will illuminate, and remain lit, when the shift
to NEUTRAL (N) is complete. After the shift is completed
and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the
NEUTRAL (N) button. 5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Apply the parking brake. Turn OFF the engine. For vehicles with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, push and hold the ENGINE START/STOP
button until the engine shuts off. The transmission will
automatically select PARK when the engine is turned off.
10. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode.
11. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
12. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start the engine.
13. Release the parking brake.
14. Turn the ignition OFF.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the
transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 425