brakes Ram 1500 2020 User Guide

304 STARTING AND OPERATING
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be running and
the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
The transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic gear
selector located on the instrument panel. The transmission
gear range (PRND) is displayed both above the gear selector
and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear range, simply
rotate the gear selector. You must press the brake pedal to
shift the transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the
vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds). To shift past
multiple gear ranges at once (such as PARK to DRIVE),
simply rotate the gear selector to the appropriate detent.
Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector position
and the actual transmission gear (for example, driver selects
PARK while driving), the position indicator will blink
continuously until the selector is returned to the proper posi
-
tion, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,
and precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions. Manual downshifts can be
made using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.
Pressing the GEAR-/GEAR+ switches (on the steering
wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the highest
available transmission gear, and will display that gear limit
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NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to the
vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive Cruise
Control and Forward Collision Warning System.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
0 mph (0 km/h).
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster display will read “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”NOTE:
You cannot engage ACC under the following conditions:
• When in Four-Wheel Drive Low
• When you apply the brakes
• When the parking brake is applied
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE or
NEUTRAL
• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range
• When the brakes are overheated
• When the driver door is open at low speed
• When the driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speed
• ESC Full-Off Mode is active
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350 STARTING AND OPERATING
Distance Setting 1 Bar (Short)
To increase the distance setting, push the Distance Setting —
Increase button and release. Each time the button is pushed,
the distance setting increases by one bar (longer).
To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance Setting —
Decrease button and release. Each time the button is pushed,
the distance setting decreases by one bar (shorter).

If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the set
speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the same lane,
the instrument cluster displays the “Sensed Vehicle Indicator”
icon, and the system adjusts vehicle speed automatically to
maintain the distance setting, regardless of the set speed.
The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:
• The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the set
speed.
• The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of the sensor.
• The distance setting is changed.
• The system disengages. (Refer to the information on ACC Activation).
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however,
the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if neces -
sary.
NOTE:
The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC system
applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts
that its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain
the set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE” will
flash in the instrument cluster display and a chime will
sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum braking
capacity.
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Brake Alert
NOTE:
The “BRAKE!” Screen in the instrument cluster display is a
warning for the driver to take action and does not necessarily
mean that the Forward Collision Warning system is
applying the brakes autonomously.
Overtake Aid
When driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
engaged, and following a vehicle, the system will provide an
additional acceleration up to the ACC set speed to assist in passing the vehicle. This additional acceleration is triggered
when the driver utilizes the left turn signal and will only be
active when passing on the left hand side.
ACC Operation At Stop
In the event that the ACC system brings your vehicle to a
standstill while following a target vehicle, if the target
vehicle starts moving within two seconds of your vehicle
coming to a standstill, your vehicle will resume motion
without the need for any driver action.
If the target vehicle does not start moving within two
seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill, the driver will
either have to push the RES (resume) button, or apply the
accelerator pedal to reengage the ACC to the existing Set
Speed.
NOTE:
After the ACC system holds your vehicle at a standstill for
approximately 3 consecutive minutes, the parking brake will
be activated, and the ACC system will be cancelled.
While ACC is holding your vehicle at a standstill, if the
driver seatbelt is unbuckled or the driver door is opened, the
parking brake will be activated, and the ACC system will be
cancelled.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 355
able. If this occurs, try activating ACC again later, following
an ignition cycle. If the problem persists, see your authorized
dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection issues.
In these cases, ACC may brake late or unexpectedly. The
driver needs to stay alert and may need to intervene.
NOTE:
• Aftermarket add-ons such as snow plows, lift kits, andbrush/grille bars can hinder module performance. Ensure
the radar/camera has no obstructions in the field of view.
• Height modifications can limit module performance and functionality.
• Do not put stickers or easy passes over the camera/radar field of view.
• Any modifications to the vehicle that may obstruct the field of view of the radar/camera are not recommended.
Cleaning Instructions
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the cover and block the
camera lens. Clean the camera lens with a soft microfiber
cloth, being careful not to damage or scratch the module. Towing A Trailer
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only with an
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Aftermarket trailer
brake controllers will not activate the trailer brakes when
ACC is braking.
Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is offset
from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle merging in from
a side lane. There may not be sufficient distance to the
vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and out of the
line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to brake or accel
-
erate unexpectedly.
Offset Driving Condition Example
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STARTING AND OPERATING 357
Lane Changing
ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the
lane in which you are traveling. In the illustration shown,
ACC has not yet detected the vehicle changing lanes and it
may not detect the vehicle until it's too late for the ACC
system to take action. ACC may not detect a vehicle until it
is completely in the lane. There may not be sufficient
distance to the lane-changing vehicle. Always be attentive
and ready to apply the brakes if necessary.Lane Changing Example Narrow Vehicles
Some narrow vehicles traveling near the outer edges of the
lane or edging into the lane are not detected until they have
moved fully into the lane. There may not be sufficient
distance to the vehicle ahead.
Narrow Vehicle Example
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358 STARTING AND OPERATING
Stationary Objects And Vehicles
ACC does not react to stationary objects and stationary vehi-
cles. For example, ACC will not react in situations where the
vehicle you are following exits your lane and the vehicle
ahead is stopped in your lane. Always be attentive and ready
to apply the brakes if necessary.
Stationary Object And Stationary Vehicle ExampleGeneral Information
The following regulatory statement applies to all Radio
Frequency (RF) devices equipped in this vehicle:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesired opera -
tion.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d`Innovation,
Science and Economic Development applicables aux appar -
eils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux
deux conditions suivantes:
1. l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
2. l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible
d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 361
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will continue to decrease in 10 km/h decrements until the
button is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected in
the instrument cluster display.
To Cancel
The following conditions will cancel the Normal (Fixed
Speed) Cruise Control without clearing the memory:
• The brake pedal is applied.
• The CANC button is pushed.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control System (ESC/TCS) activates.
• The vehicle parking brake is applied.
• The braking temperature exceeds normal range (over -
heated).
• The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position.
• The driver switches ESC to Full Off mode. To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES button and
release. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h).
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and erase the set speed in memory if:
• The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/off button is
pushed.
• The ignition is placed in the OFF position.
• You engage Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is pushed.
PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR PARK ASSIST
The ParkSense Park Assist system provides visual and
audible indications of the distance between the rear and/or
front fascia and a detected obstacle when backing up or
moving forward (e.g. during a parking maneuver). If your
vehicle is equipped with the automatic braking function, the
vehicle brakes may be automatically applied and released
when performing a reverse parking maneuver if the system
detects a possible collision with an obstacle.
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362 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
• The driver can override the automatic braking function bypressing the gas pedal, turning ParkSense off via Park -
Sense switch, or changing the gear while the automatic
brakes are being applied.
• Automatic brakes will not be available if ESC is not avail -
able.
• Automatic brakes will not be available if there is a faulted condition detected with the ParkSense Park Assist system
or the Braking System Module.
• The automatic braking function may only be applied if the vehicle deceleration is not enough to avoid colliding with
a detected obstacle.
• The automatic braking function will not be available if vehicle is in 4LO transfer case mode.
• The automatic braking function may not be applied fast enough for obstacles that move toward the rear of the
vehicle from the left and/or right sides.
• The automatic braking function can be enabled/disabled from the Customer Programmable Features section of the
Uconnect System. • ParkSense will retain its last known configuration state for
the automatic braking function through ignition cycles.
• Trailer hitch ball assembly may cause false braking events if left attached after towing.
The automatic braking function is intended to assist the
driver in avoiding possible collisions with detected obstacles
when backing up in REVERSE gear.
NOTE:
• The driver is always responsible for controlling the vehicle.
• The system is provided to assist the driver and not to substitute the driver.
• The driver must stay in full control of the vehicle's acceler -
ation and braking and is responsible for the vehicle's
movements.
Refer to “ParkSense System Usage Precautions” in this
section for limitations of this system and recommendations.
ParkSense will retain the last system state (enabled or
disabled) from the last ignition cycle when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN position.
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PARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is intended to assist
the driver during parallel and perpendicular parking
maneuvers by identifying a proper parking space, providing
audible/visual instructions, and controlling the steering
wheel. The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is defined as
“semi-automatic” since the driver maintains control of the
accelerator, gear selector and brakes. Depending on the
driver's parking maneuver selection, the ParkSense ActivePark Assist system is capable of maneuvering a vehicle into
a parallel or a perpendicular parking space on either side
(i.e., driver side or passenger side).
NOTE:
• The driver is always responsible for controlling the
vehicle, responsible for any surrounding objects, and must
intervene as required.
• The system is provided to assist the driver and not to substitute the driver.
• During a semi-automatic maneuver, if the driver touches the steering wheel after being instructed to remove their
hands from the steering wheel, the system will cancel, and
the driver will be required to manually complete the
parking maneuver.
• The system may not work in all conditions (e.g. environ -
mental conditions such as heavy rain, snow, etc., or if
searching for a parking space that has surfaces that will
absorb the ultrasonic sensor waves).
• New vehicles from the dealership must have at least 30 miles (48 km) accumulated before the ParkSense Active
Park Assist system is fully calibrated and performs accu -
rately. This is due to the system’s dynamic vehicle calibra -
CAUTION!
• ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
• The vehicle must be driven slowly when using Park -
Sense in order to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the driver
looks over his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.
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