light RAM 1500 2021 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2021, Model line: 1500, Model: RAM 1500 2021Pages: 496, PDF Size: 20.89 MB
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STARTING AND OPERATING227
Hazard switch is activated
Any button on the key fob is pushed
Ignition button is pushed
High Beam stalk position is changed
Sequence is canceled in the instrument
cluster
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away
from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
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 (ERS) shift control) on more
severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experi
-
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from
the vehicle, the air suspension system can be
used Ú page 165. NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a
factory installed option. These packages
include components necessary to equip your
vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:
Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain
and follow the recommendations contained
within the current Body Builders Guide. See an
authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manu
-
facturer for this information. There are unique
electrical systems that must be connected to
properly ensure operator safety and prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
4
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228STARTING AND OPERATING
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and
proper fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for
excessive wear. The cutting edge should be
¼ to ½ inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground
in snow plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected
and functioning properly.
SNOWPLOW PREP PACKAGE MODEL
A
VAILABILITY
For Information about snowplow applications
visit www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current
Body Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the
truck should not exceed two.
2. The total GVWR, Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the
snowplow system, all aftermarket accessories,
driver, passengers, options, and cargo, must
not exceed either the Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings.
These weights are specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on the driver's
side door opening. NOTE:
Detach the snowplow when transporting
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to
specifications at the factory without
consideration for the weight of the plow. Front
end toe-in should be checked and reset if
necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven
tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the
vehicle is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and
snowplow equipment following the
recommendations provided by the specific
snowplow manufacturer.
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!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.
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232STARTING AND OPERATING
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on
level ground, with the 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 N
(Neutral) button (at the center of the
transfer case switches). The N (Neutral)
indicator light will illuminate, and remain lit,
when the shift to N (Neutral) is complete.
After the shift is completed and the N
(Neutral) light stays on, release the N
(Neutral) 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 off.
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.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case N (Neutral) position disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the power -
train and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if
the transmission is in PARK. The parking
brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be cer -
tain that the transfer case is fully in N (Neu -
tral) before recreational towing to prevent
damage to internal parts.
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STARTING AND OPERATING233
NOTE:
Steps 2 and 3 are requirements that must be
met before pushing the N (Neutral) button,
and must continue to be met until the shift has
been completed. If any of these requirements
are not met before pushing the N (Neutral)
button or are no longer met during the shift,
the N (Neutral) indicator light will flash contin -
uously until all requirements are met or until
the N (Neutral) button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for
a shift to take place and for the position indi -
cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is
not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
the engine should be started and left running
for a minimum of 60 seconds (with all the
doors closed) at least once every 24 hours.
This process allows the air suspension to
adjust the vehicle’s ride height to compen -
sate for temperature effects.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop,
leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N
(Neutral) button (at the center of the
transfer case switches).
5. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off, release the N (Neutral) button.
6. Turn the engine off. The transmission will automatically select PARK when the engine
is turned off.
7. Release the brake pedal.
8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Start the engine. 11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release
the brake pedal, and check that the vehicle
operates normally.
NOTE:
Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be
met before pushing the button to shift out of
N (Neutral), and must continue to be met
until the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before
pushing the button or are no longer met
during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light
will flash continuously until all requirements
are met or until the button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for
a shift to take place and for the position indi -
cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is
not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
4
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234STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or
other slippery surfaces may cause the driving
wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This
phenomenon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving
through shallow standing water, consider the
following Cautions and Warnings before doing
so.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sud
-
den pulling of the rear wheels. You could lose
control of the vehicle and possibly have a col -
lision. Accelerate slowly and carefully when -
ever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path
where water is flowing and/or rising (as in
storm run-off). Flowing water can wear away
the road or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Further -
more, flowing and/or rising water can carry
your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious
or fatal to you, your passengers, and others
around you.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not
exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it. Never drive
through standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
WARNING! (Continued)
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238MULTIMEDIA
Language
When the Language button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the different language options. Once an option is selected, the system
will display in the chosen language. The available setting is:
Display
When the Display button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system will display the options related to the theme (if equipped), brightness, and color of
the touchscreen. The available settings are:
Setting Name Description
Language This setting will change the language of the Uconnect system. The
available languages are English, Français, and Español.
Setting Name
Description
Display Mode This setting will allow you to set the brightness manually or have the
system set it automatically. The “Auto” setting has the system
automatically adjust the display brightness. The “Manual” setting will
allow the user to adjust the brightness of the display.
Display Brightness With Headlights ON/Brightness This setting will allow you to set the brightness when the headlights are
on. To access this setting, Display Mode must be set to Manual. The “+”
setting will increase the brightness; the “-” will decrease the brightness.
Display Brightness With Headlights OFF/Brightness This setting will allow you to set the brightness when the headlights are
off. To access this setting, Display Mode must be set to Manual. The “+”
setting will increase the brightness; the “-” will decrease the brightness.
Set Theme — If Equipped This setting will allow you to change the display theme.
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MULTIMEDIA243
LaneSense Warning This setting will change the distance at which the steering wheel will
provide lane departure feedback. The available settings are “Early”,
“Medium”, and “Late”.
LaneSense Strength
This setting will change the strength of the steering wheel feedback
during a lane departure. The available setting are “Low”, “Medium”, and
“High”.
ParkSense This setting will change the type of ParkSense alert when a close object is
detected. The “Sound Only” setting will provide an audible chime when
an object is detected. The “Sound and Display” setting will provide both
an audible chime and a visual display when an object is detected.
Front ParkSense Volume This setting adjusts the volume of the Front ParkSense system. The
available settings are “Low”, “Medium”, and “High”.
Rear ParkSense Volume This setting adjusts the volume of the Rear ParkSense system. The
available settings are “Low”, “Medium”, and “High”.
Rear ParkSense Braking Assist This setting will turned the Rear ParkSense Braking Assist on or off.
Blind Spot Alert This setting will change the type of alert provided when an object is
detected in a vehicle’s blind spot. The “Off” setting will turn off Blind Spot
Alert. The “Lights” setting will activate the Blind Spot Alert lights on the
outside mirrors. The “Lights & Chime” setting will activate both the lights
on the outside mirrors and an audible chime.
Trailer Length For Blind Spot Alert This setting will auto detect the length of an attached trailer. The “Auto”
setting will have the system automatically set the trailer length. The
“Max” setting will always set the length to the maximum 39.5 ft (12 m).
Hill Start Assist This setting will turn the Hill Start Assist system on or off.
Setting NameDescription
5
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244MULTIMEDIA
Mirrors & Wipers — If Equipped
When the Mirrors & Wipers button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to the vehicle’s mirrors and wipers.ParkView Backup Camera Delay
This setting will add a timed delay to the rear backup camera when
shifting out of reverse.
ParkView Backup Camera Active Guidelines This setting will turn the Backup Camera Active Guidelines on or off.
ParkView Backup Camera Fixed Guidelines This setting will turn the Backup Camera Fixed Guidelines on or off.
Tire Fill Assist This setting will turn Tire Fill Assist on or off.
Power Side Step — If Equipped This setting will raise and lower or stow the power side steps. The
available options are “Automatic” to raise and lower the power side steps
or “Stow” to deactivate the power side steps.
Setting Name
Description
Setting NameDescription
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse This setting will tilt the outside side-view mirrors when the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position and the transmission gear selector is in the
REVERSE position. The mirrors will move back to their previous position
when the transmission is shifted out of REVERSE. The available settings
are “On” and “Off”.
Rain Sensing Auto Wipers This setting will turn the rain sensing auto wipers on or off.
Headlights With Wipers This setting will turn the headlights on when the wipers are activated.
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MULTIMEDIA245
Brakes
After pressing the Brakes button on the touchscreen, the following settings will be available:
Lights
When the Lights button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to the vehicle’s exterior and interior lights.
NOTE:
When the “Daytime Running Lights” feature is selected, the daytime running lights can be turned on or off. This feature is only allowed by law in the
country of the vehicle purchased.
Setting Name Selectable Options
Auto Park Brake This setting will turn the Auto Park Brake on or off.
Brake Service This setting will allow you to retract the brakes for servicing.
Setting NameDescription
Headlight Off Delay This setting will allow you to set the amount of time it takes for the
headlights to shut off after the vehicle is turned off. The available
settings are “0 sec”, “30 sec”, “60 sec”, and “90 sec”.
Headlight Illumination On Approach This setting will allow you to set the amount of time it takes for the
headlights to shut off after the vehicle is unlocked. The available settings
are “0 sec”, “30 sec”, “60 sec”, and “90 sec”.
Headlights with Wipers This setting will turn the headlights on when the wipers are activated.
Daytime Running Lights This setting will allow you to turn the Daytime Running Lights on or off.
Flash Lights With Lock This setting will allow you to turn the flashing of the lights when the Lock
button is pushed on the key fob on or off.
5
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246MULTIMEDIA
Doors & Locks
When the Doors & Locks button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to locking and unlocking the vehicle’s doors.Auto Dim High Beams — If Equipped
This setting will allow you to turn the Auto Dim High Beams on or off.
Steering Directed Lights — If Equipped This setting will turn the headlights with the steering wheel. The available
options are “On” or “Off”.
Setting Name
Description
Setting NameDescription
Auto Door Locks This setting will allow you to change if the doors lock automatically when
the vehicle reaches 12 mph (19 km/h).
Auto Unlock On Exit This setting will unlock the doors when any of the doors are opened from
the inside.
Flash Lights With Lock This setting will allow you to turn the flashing of the lights when the Lock
button is pushed on the key fob on or off.
Sound Horn With Lock This setting will sound the horn when the Lock button is pushed on the
key fob. The “Off” setting will not sound the horn when the Lock button is
pushed. The “1st Press” setting will sound the horn when the Lock button
is pushed once. The “2nd Press” setting will sound the horn when the
Lock button is pushed twice.
Sound Horn With Remote Start This setting will sound the horn when the remote start is activated from
the key fob.
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