Ram 1500 2020 Owner's Manual

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
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330 STARTING AND OPERATING
The indicator lamps 1 through 4 will illuminate to show the
current position of the vehicle. Flashing indicator lamps will
show a position which the system is working to achieve.
When raising or lowering, the flashing indicator lamp is the
position the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector switch up once will move the
suspension one position higher from the current position,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN posi-
tion, engine running, speed below threshold, etc). The height
selector switch can be pushed up multiple times, each push
will raise the requested level by one position up to a
maximum position of OR or the highest position allowed
based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the height selector switch down once will move the
suspension one position lower from the current level,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN posi -
tion, engine running, doors closed, speed below threshold,
etc). The height selector switch can be pushed down multiple
times, each push will lower the requested level by one posi -
tion down to a minimum of Entry/Exit Mode or the lowest
position allowed based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle
speed, etc.)
Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle speed
and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps and instrument cluster display messages will operate the same
for automatic changes and user requested changes.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, 2, and 1 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR1.
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, and 2 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
• Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 3 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
• Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 4 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in Entry Exit Mode. Entry/Exit mode
can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h). If vehicle speed
is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph (24 km/h) indicator
lamp 3 will flash and indicator lamp 4 will remain solid
until Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at which point indicator
lamp 3 will turn off.
• Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
• Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 1 will be illumi -
nated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
• Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 2, 3, and 4 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
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AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically locking rear
differential. This differential, when engaged, mechanically
lock together the axle shafts forcing the wheels to spin at an
equal rate. The locking of the rear differential should only be
engaged during low-speed, extreme off-road situations
where one wheel is likely to not be in contact with the
ground. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the
differentials locked on pavement due to the reduced ability
to turn and speed limitations.Axle Lock Button The locking rear axle is controlled by the AXLE LOCKER
button.
Under normal driving conditions, the rear axle should be
unlocked.
During the command to lock the rear axle, the indicator light
will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command has
been successfully executed, the light will remain on solid.
Operating in 4WD LOW the locker can be engaged up to
40 mph (64 km/h) and will remain engaged throughout the
4WD LOW speed range.
CAUTION!
• Do not lock the rear axle on hard surfaced roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced and damage to the
drivetrain may occur when the axle is locked on hard
surfaced roads.
• Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is stuck and the tires are spinning. You can damage drivetrain
components. Lock the rear axle before attempting situ -
ations or navigating terrain, which could possibly
cause the vehicle to become stuck.
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332 STARTING AND OPERATING
Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD
LOCK/HIGH the locker can be engaged up to 20 mph
(32 km/h). While driving with the locker engaged, if speed
exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the locker will automatically
disengage, but will automatically reengage at 20 mph
(32 km/h).
NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be necessary to
allow the rear axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is
flashing after selecting the rear axle lock mode, drive the
vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking
action.
The axle locker could become torque locked due to side to
side loads on the rear axle. Driving slowly while turning the
steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or
driving in REVERSE for a short distance may be required to
release the torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle; push the AXLE LOCK button. The
AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear axle is
unlocked.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction on
snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when there is a difference between the traction characteristics of the
surface under the right and left rear wheels. During normal
driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit performs simi
-
larly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces,
however, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the rear wheel having the better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during slip -
pery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a slippery
surface, a slight application of the accelerator will supply
maximum traction. When starting with only one rear wheel
on an excessively slippery surface, slight momentary appli -
cation of the parking brake may be necessary to gain
maximum traction.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could cause
both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide side -
ways on the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a limited-slip or
locking differential never run the engine with one rear
wheel off the ground since the vehicle may drive
through the rear wheel remaining on the ground and
result in unintended movement.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 333
POWER STEERING
Electric Power Steering
The electric power steering system will give you effective
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and proper feel while driving. If the
electric steering system experiences a fault that prevents it
from providing assist, you will still have the ability to steer
the vehicle manually.
If the Steering icon is flashing, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for service. It is likely the
vehicle has lost power steering assistance.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “POWER STEERING
SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is displayed on the instru-
ment cluster screen, they indicate that extreme steering
maneuvers may have occurred which caused an over
temperature condition in the power steering system. Once
driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle
for a few moments until the icon and message turn off. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE POWER
STEERING – ASSIST OFF” message is displayed the instru-ment cluster screen, they indicate the vehicle needs to be
taken to the dealer for service. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:
• Even if the power steering assistance is no longer opera
-
tional, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under these
conditions there will be a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at low speeds and during parking
maneuvers.
• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for service.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES ONLY —
IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting off
four of the engine's eight cylinders during light load and
cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no driver
inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:
This system may take some time to return to full function -
ality after a battery disconnect.
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334 STARTING AND OPERATING
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to save fuel and reduce
emissions. The system will stop the engine automatically
during a vehicle stop if the required conditions are met.
Releasing the brake pedal or shifting out of DRIVE will auto-
matically restart the engine.
Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a heavy duty motor
generator and an additional hybrid electric battery to store
energy from vehicle deceleration for use on engine startup
after a stop as well as providing launch torque assist.
Automatic Mode
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every normal
customer engine start. It will remain in STOP/START NOT
READY until you drive forward with a vehicle speed greater
than 2 mph (3 km/h). At that time, the system will go into
STOP/START READY and if all other conditions are met,
can go into an STOP/START AUTO STOP ACTIVE
“Autostop” mode.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following Must
Occur:
1. The system must be in STOP/START READY state. A STOP/START READY message will be displayed in the instrument cluster within the Stop/Start section. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
2. The vehicle must be completely stopped.
3. The transmission Gear Selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal depressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will move to the
zero position and the stop/start telltale will illuminate indi -
cating you are in an Autostop. While in an Autostop, the
Climate Controls system may automatically adjust airflow to
maintain cabin comfort. Customer settings will be main -
tained upon return to an engine running condition.
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check many safety
and comfort conditions to see if they are fulfilled. In
following situations, the engine will not Autostop:
• Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
• Driver’s door is not closed
• The vehicle is on a steep grade
• Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an acceptable cabin temperature has not been achieved
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STARTING AND OPERATING 335
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower speed
• Engine has not reached normal operating temperature
• Engine temperature too high
• The battery is charging
• The transmission is not in DRIVE
• Hood is open
• Vehicle is in 4L transfer case mode
• TOW/HAUL mode is selected
• Accelerator pedal input
• Excessive 12 volt loads
It may be possible to operate the vehicle several consecutive
times in extreme conditions and not meet all criteria to
enable an Autostop state.
To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode
While in DRIVE, the engine will start when the brake pedal
is released or the throttle pedal is depressed and the trans-
mission will automatically reengage upon engine restart. Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start Automat
-
ically While In Autostop Mode
The engine will start automatically when:
• The transmission selector is moved from DRIVE to REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or PARK
• To maintain cabin temperature near the HVAC settings
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode
• 12 volt demand requires engine restart
• Low brake vacuum (e.g. after several brake pedal applica -
tions)
• STOP/START OFF switch is pushed
• 4WD system is put into 4L mode
• The emissions system override is present
• A STOP/START system error present
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336 STARTING AND OPERATING
Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To Park While
In Autostop Mode
The engine will not start automatically and the transmission
will be placed in PARK if:
• The driver door is open and brake pedal released.
• The driver door is open and the driver seat belt isunbuckled.
• The engine hood has been opened.
• A STOP/START system error present.
The engine may then be restarted by moving the transmis -
sion shift selector out of PARK (e.g. to DRIVE) or, in some
cases, only by a KEY START. The instrument cluster will
display a SHIFT OUT OF PARK message, or a STOP/START
KEY START REQUIRED message, to indicate which action is
required.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.To Manually Turn Off The Stop Start System
1. Push the STOP/START Off switch (located near the gear selector). The light on the switch will illuminate.
STOP/START OFF Switch
2. The STOP/START OFF message will appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
3. At the next vehicle stop (after turning off the STOP/ START system) the engine will not be stopped.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 337
4. If the STOP/START system is manually turned off, theengine can be started and stopped by cycling the ignition
switch or pressing the STOP/START switch again.
5. The STOP/START system will reset itself back to an ON condition every time the key is turned off and back on.
To Manually Turn On The Stop Start System
1. Push the STOP/START Off switch (located near the gearselector module).
2. The light on the switch will turn off.
System Malfunction
If there is a malfunction in the STOP/START system, the
system will not shut down the engine. A “SERVICE STOP/
START SYSTEM” message will appear in the instrument
cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further infor -
mation.
The system will need to be checked by your authorized
dealer.
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 20 mph (32 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of the
steering wheel.
Speed Control Buttons
1 — CANC/Cancel
2 — SET (+)/Accel
3 — On/Off
4 — RES/Resume
5 — SET (-)/Decel
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338 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed Control
system has been designed to shut down if multiple Speed
Control functions are operated at the same time. If this
occurs, the Speed Control system can be reactivated by
pushing the Speed Control on/off button and resetting the
desired vehicle set speed.
To Activate
Push the On/Off button to activate the Speed Control. The
cruise indicator light in the instrument cluster display will
illuminate. To turn the system off, push the On/Off button a
second time. The cruise indicator light will turn off. The
system should be turned off when not in use.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on.
NOTE:
The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed and on
level ground before pushing the SET (+) or SET (-) button.
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push the
SET (+) or SET (-) button and release. Release the accelerator
and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by
pushing the SET (+) button.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could go
too fast for the conditions, and you could lose control
and have an accident. Do not use Speed Control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or
slippery.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in use is
dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the system
off when you are not using it.
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