exhaust system Ram 1500 2020 User Guide

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

Optimal conditions for completing the process are achieved by trav-
eling at 37 mph (60 km/h) with engine speed above 2,000 rpm.

When this symbol switches on, it does not indicate a vehicle
failure and thus it should not be taken to a workshop. On
some versions, together with the symbol switching on, the
display shows a dedicated message.
— Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
The Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator will illumi -
nate if the vehicle is low on Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Refer
to “Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Low Diesel Exhaust Emissions Additive (UREA)
Indicator Light — If Equipped
The Low Diesel Exhaust Emissions Additive (UREA) indi -
cator light illuminates when the UREA level is low.

Fill the UREA tank as soon as possible with at least 1.3 gallons
(5 liters) of UREA.

If filling the tank is done with a remaining range of UREA in
the tank equal to zero, you may need to wait two minutes
before starting the vehicle.
Refer to “Starting And Operating” for further information. — Water In Fuel Indicator Light — If Equipped
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illuminate when
there is water detected in the fuel filter. If this light remains
on, DO NOT start the vehicle before you drain the water
from the fuel filter to prevent engine damage, and please see
an authorized dealer.
— Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate for approximately two
seconds when the ignition is turned to the RUN position. Its
duration may be longer based on colder operating condi -
tions. Vehicle will not initiate start until telltale is no longer
displayed
CAUTION!
The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may
cause severe damage to the injection system and
irregular engine operation. If the indicator light is
illuminated, contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible to bleed the system. If the above indications
come on immediately after refuelling, water has
probably been poured into the tank: switch the engine
off immediately and contact an authorized dealer.
3
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 191

286 SAFETY
Exhaust Gas
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust
system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.
Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or retractor
condition, replace the seat belt.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/rear doors open, make sure that all windows are closed and
the climate control BLOWER switch is set at high
speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running, adjust your heating or cooling controls
to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at
high speed.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 286

STARTING AND OPERATING 429
Off-Road Driving Tips
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills or
driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural obstacles
force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill, choose a
mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible. Keep the
vehicle moving and make turns slowly and cautiously.
If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diago-
nally across the hill. When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift to
low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly to
avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always
a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle. Check
tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and exhaust
system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and suspension.
Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values spec -
ified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel
lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage to
your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always inspect
your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle,
etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky
or foamy in appearance) after driving through standing
water. Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any
fluid appears contaminated, as this may result in
further damage. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. CAUTION!
(Continued)
5
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 429

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 483
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it
occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following pages for
required maintenance.
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door hinge roller pivot joints twice a year to prevent premature wear. At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change the oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect the battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
• Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
• Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
7
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 483

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 505
(Continued)
Installing The Front Wipers
1. Lift the wiper arm off of the glass, until the wiper arm isin the full up position.
2. Position the wiper blade near the hook on the tip of the wiper arm.
3. Slide the wiper blade up into the hook on the wiper arm, latch engagement will be accompanied by an audible
click.
4. Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system; or
if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have
an authorized technician inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, dete -
riorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is raised for lubrica
-
tion or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
• Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventu -
ally poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to “Safety
Tips” in “Safety” for further information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over materials that can burn. Such materials might be grass
or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust system.
Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective -
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device and
may seriously reduce engine performance and cause
serious damage to the engine.
7
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 505

552 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions control system can
result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignitionmalfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to over -
heat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or some
light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact an authorized dealer for service assistance.
• The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel
system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may void or
not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. CAUTION!
(Continued)WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage,
and never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte -
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 552

660
Differential, Limited Slip ....................................................... 332
Disable Vehicle Towing ......................................................... 478
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .............................................. 509
Do Not Disturb ........................................................................ 646
Door Ajar.......................................................................... 182, 183
Door Ajar Light ............................................................... 182, 183
Door Locks Automatic ............................................................................... 41
Doors........................................................................................... 35
Drag And Drop Menu ............................................................ 557
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .............................................................. 42
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ..................................................................................... 427
Dual Rear Wheels ................................................................... 547 E
Electric Brake Control System ............................................... 199 Anti-Lock Brake System ..................................................... 198
Electronic Roll Mitigation .......................................... 200, 210
Electric Parking Brake ............................................................ 297
Electrical Power Outlets......................................................... 128
Electronic Range Select (ERS)................................................ 309
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control).......................... 337
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ........................................ 201
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ......................... 181 Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ............................311, 314
Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ..............................................477Hazard Warning Flasher ....................................................431
Jump Starting .......................................................................472
Emission Control System Maintenance ...............................196
Engine .......................................................................................487 Air Cleaner ...........................................................................494
Block Heater .........................................................................296
Break-In Recommendations...............................................297Compartment .......................................................487, 488, 489Compartment Identification ..............................487, 488, 489Coolant (Antifreeze)............................................................ 554
Exhaust Gas Caution................................................... 286, 552Fails To Start.........................................................................295
Flooded, Starting .................................................................295
Fuel Requirements ......................................................548, 553
Jump Starting .......................................................................472Oil ..........................................................................492, 553, 554
Oil Filler Cap ................................................................487, 493
Oil Filter ................................................................................494Oil Selection .................................................................492, 553
Oil Synthetic .........................................................................493
Overheating..........................................................................475
Starting..................................................................................292
Engine Oil Viscosity................................................................493
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 660

661
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart .................................................... 493
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ......................... 262, 481
Entry System, Illuminated ....................................................... 75
Ethanol...................................................................................... 550
Exhaust Gas Cautions .................................................... 286, 552
Exhaust System ............................................................... 286, 505
Exterior Lighting ....................................................................... 66 Exterior Lights ................................................................... 66, 289 F
Filters Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 494Air Conditioning ........................................................... 93, 497
Engine Oil..................................................................... 494, 554
Engine Oil Disposal ............................................................ 494
Flashers Turn Signals ........................................................... 71, 193, 289
Flash-To-Pass ............................................................................. 69
Flat Tire Stowage .................................................................... 468
Fluid Capacities ....................................................................... 553
Fluid Leaks ............................................................................... 289
Fluid Level Checks Brake ..................................................................................... 512
Fluid, Brake .............................................................................. 556
Fluids And Lubricants ........................................................... 554
Fog Lights........................................................................... 71, 441
Fold-Flat Seats ........................................................................... 42 Forward Collision Warning................................................... 222
Four Wheel Drive .................................................................... 310
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................................................431
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .........................................................477
Front Axle (Differential) .........................................................515
Fuel ............................................................................................548 Adding ..................................................................................403
Additives ..............................................................................550
Clean Air...............................................................................549
Ethanol ..................................................................................550
Gasoline ................................................................................548Light ...................................................................................... 185
Materials Added ..................................................................550
Methanol...............................................................................550
Octane Rating.......................................................548, 549, 554Requirements ...............................................................548, 553Tank Capacity ......................................................................553
Fuses..........................................................................................444 G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........................................109
Gasoline, Clean Air .................................................................549
Gasoline, Reformulated..........................................................549
General Information ...............................................................233
Glass Cleaning .........................................................................545
Grocery Bag Retainer ................................................................54
Gross Axle Weight Rating .....................................................408
11
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 661

666
R
Radial Ply Tires ....................................................................... 527
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......................... 507, 509
Radio Operation ...................................................................... 626
Rain Sensitive Wiper System................................................... 77
Rear Axle (Differential) .......................................................... 515
Rear Camera ............................................................................ 398
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails................................................ 144
Rear Cross Path ....................................................................... 216
Rear ParkSense System .......................................................... 361
Rear Window, Sliding .............................................................. 97
Reclining Rear Seats ................................................................. 45
Recreational Towing ............................................................... 422 Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N) .......................... 424
Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N) ..................... 426
Reformulated Gasoline .......................................................... 549
Refrigerant ............................................................................... 497
Release, Hood .......................................................................... 105
Release, Tailgate ...................................................................... 107
Reminder, Seat Belt................................................................. 236
Remote Keyless Entry .............................................................. 19 Panic Alarm ........................................................................... 20
Programming Additional Key Fobs ............................. 24, 31
Remote Starting Exit Remote Start Mode ....................................................... 29 Uconnect Customer Programmable
Features.................................................................569, 590, 612
Uconnect Settings ................................................569, 590, 612
Replacement Bulbs..................................................................436
Replacement Keys .....................................................................32
Replacement Tires ...................................................................530
Reporting Safety Defects ........................................................655
Restraints, Child ......................................................................265
Restraints, Head ........................................................................54 Rotation, Tires..........................................................................537 S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle .................................................286
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ..............................................289
Safety Defects, Reporting .......................................................655
Safety Information, Tire .........................................................516
Safety Tips ................................................................................285
Safety, Exhaust Gas.................................................................286
Schedule, Maintenance........................................................... 482
Seat Belt Reminder ..................................................................179
Seat Belts ...........................................................................236, 286 Adjustable Shoulder Belt....................................................241
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...........................241
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage...................241
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) ................................244
Child Restraints ...................................................................265Energy Management Feature ............................................243
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 666

INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING
EQUIPMENT
Special design considerations are incorporated into this
vehicle’s electronic system to provide immunity to radio
frequency signals. Mobile two-way radios and telephone
equipment must be installed properly by trained person-
nel. The following must be observed during installation.
The positive power connection should be made
directly to the battery and fused as close to the battery as
possible. The negative power connection should be made
to body sheet metal adjacent to the negative battery
connection. This connection should not be fused.
Antennas for two-way radios should be mounted on
the roof or the rear area of the vehicle. Care should be
used in mounting antennas with magnet bases. Magnets
may affect the accuracy or operation of the compass on
vehicles so equipped.
The antenna cable should be as short as practical and
routed away from the vehicle wiring when possible. Use
only fully shielded coaxial cable.
Carefully match the antenna and cable to the radio to
ensure a low Standing Wave Ratio (SWR). Mobile radio equipment with output power greater than
normal may require special precautions.
All installations should be checked for possible

interference between the communications equipment
and the vehicle’s electronic systems.
Operating, servicing and maintain -
ing a passenger vehicle or off-highway
motor vehicle can expose you to chemicals
including engine exhaust, carbon monox -
ide, phthalates, and lead, which are known
to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
To minimize exposure, avoid breathing
exhaust, do not idle the engine except as
necessary, service your vehicle in a
well-ventilated area and wear gloves or
wash your hands frequently when servicing
your vehicle. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle .
WARNING: