4WD RAM 1500 2021 User Guide

162STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
The 4WD High and 4WD Low positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Driving in the 4WD High and 4WD Low
positions on dry, hard surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.
The transfer case N (Neutral) button is located
in the center of the 4WD Control Switch and is
pushed by using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
is to be used for recreational towing only
Úpage 231.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
(4WD High and 4WD Low) are located in the
instrument cluster and indicate the current and
desired transfer case selection. When you
select a different transfer case position, the
indicator lights will do the following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the
shift. 3. When the shift is complete, the indicator
light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on.
If the transfer case does not shift into the
desired position, one or more of the following
events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. If the transfer case will not shift, a message
will appear on the cluster stating the 4WD
shift has canceled.
NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new
transfer case position have been met. To retry
the selection, push the current position, wait
five seconds, and retry selection.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the
electronic shift four-wheel drive system. If this
light remains on after engine start up or
illuminates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning
properly and that service is required. NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could
cause damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD Low, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the 2WD or 4WD High positions at a given
road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference in
tire size can cause damage to the drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when
powering down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD
Warning Light” is illuminated. Not engaging
the parking brake may allow the vehicle to roll
which may cause personal injury or death.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 162

STARTING AND OPERATING163
Shifting Procedure
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met,
then the transfer case will not shift. The posi -
tion indicator light for the previous position
will remain on and the newly selected posi -
tion indicator light will continue to flash until
all the requirements for the selected position
have been met.
If all the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have been met, then
the current position indicator light will turn off
and the selected position indicator light will
flash until the transfer case completes the
shift. When the shift is complete, the position
indicator light for the selected position will
stop flashing and remain on.
FIVE-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE — IF
E
QUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer
Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case

This electronically shifted transfer case
provides five mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This
range is for normal street and highway
driving on dry hard surfaced roads. Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.
Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range
(4WD AUTO) — This range sends power to the
front wheels automatically when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction. This range may be
used during varying road conditions.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) —
This range provides torque to the front drive -
shaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows
front and rear wheels to spin at the same
speed. This provides additional traction for
loose or slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) —
This range provides low speed four-wheel
drive. It maximizes torque (increased torque
over 4WD HIGH) to the front driveshaft;
allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This range provides additional
traction and maximum pulling power for
loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the power -
train. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle Ú page 231.
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163

164STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
The 4WD High and 4WD Low positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Driving in the 4WD High and 4WD Low positions on dry hard surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.
The transfer case N (Neutral) button is
located in the center of the 4WD Control
Switch and is pushed by using a ballpoint pen
or similar object. The transfer case N
(Neutral) position is to be used for recre
-
ational towing only Ú page 231.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
(4WD High, 4WD Low, and 4WD Auto) are
located in the instrument cluster and indicate
the current and desired transfer case selection.
When you select a different transfer case
position, the indicator lights will do the
following:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the
shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on. If the transfer case does not shift into the
desired position, one or more of the following
events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position
will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. If the transfer case will not shift, there will
be a cluster message stating the 4WD shift
has canceled.
NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new
transfer case position have been met. To retry
the selection, push the current position, wait
five seconds, and retry selection.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the
electronic shift four-wheel drive system. If this
light remains on after engine start up or
illuminates during driving, it means that the
four-wheel drive system is not functioning
properly and that service is required.
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) posi -
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shaft from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the trans -
mission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if
the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to
PARK, and verify that the transmission gear
position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position
is properly indicated, before exiting the
vehicle.

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STARTING AND OPERATING165
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could
cause damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD Low, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the 2WD, 4WD Auto or 4WD High positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to
overspeed the engine and do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference in
tire size can cause damage to the drivetrain.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.
Shifting Procedure
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met,
then the transfer case will not shift. The posi -
tion indicator light for the previous position
will remain on and the newly selected posi -
tion indicator light will continue to flash until
all the requirements for the selected position
have been met.
If all the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have been met, then
the current position indicator light will turn off
and the selected position indicator light will
flash until the transfer case completes the
shift. When the shift is complete, the position
indicator light for the selected position will
stop flashing and remain on.
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR
SUSPENSION SYSTEM — 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 using the
toggle switch.
Air Suspension Switch

Normal Ride Height (NRH)
– This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is meant
for normal driving.

Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle
approximately 1 inch (26 mm)) – This posi-
tion should be the primary position for all
off-road driving until Off-Road 2 (OR2) is
needed. A smoother and more comfortable
ride will result. To enter OR1, push the

WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when
powering down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD
Warning Light” is illuminated. Not engaging
the parking brake may allow the vehicle to roll
which may cause personal injury or death.
1 — Off-Road 2 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
2 — Off-Road 1 Indicator (Customer Selectable)
3 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer Se -
lectable)
4 — Aero Mode Indicator (Customer Selectable)
5 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer Select -
able)
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING173
AXLE LOCK SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically
locking rear differential. When engaged, this
differential locks 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
LOCK 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. 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.
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 situations or
navigating terrain, which could possibly
cause the vehicle to become stuck.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING175
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
functionality after a battery disconnect.
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
automatically 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.
AUTOSTOP 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.

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
Ú
page 114.

2. The vehicle must be completely stopped.
3. The transmission gear selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal pressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will
move to the zero position and the stop/start
telltale will illuminate indicating 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 maintained upon return to an
engine running condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT 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
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
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
4

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176STARTING AND OPERATING
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
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in DRIVE, the engine will start when the
brake pedal is released or the throttle pedal is
pressed and the transmission will automatically
reengage upon engine restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically 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
Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
The emissions system override is present
A Stop/Start system error present
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 is unbuckled
The engine hood has been opened
A Stop/Start system error present
The engine may then be restarted by moving the
transmission 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 Ú page 114.
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE STOP
S
TART SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will
illuminate. The “STOP/START OFF” message
will appear in the instrument cluster display and
the autostop mode will be disabled
Ú page 114.
NOTE:
The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to
the ON mode every time the ignition is turned
OFF and back ON.

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STARTING AND OPERATING181
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is
pushed, the display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the
instrument cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
the following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the
last display selected after five seconds of no
ACC display activity.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
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 4WD Low
When the brakes are applied
When the parking brake is applied
When the automatic transmission is in PARK,
REVERSE or NEUTRAL
When the vehicle speed is below the
minimum speed range
When the brakes are overheated
When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at
low speeds
When there is a stationary vehicle in front of
your vehicle in close proximity
ESC Full Off mode is active
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
To turn the system off, push and release the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button
again. At this time, the system will turn off and
the instrument cluster display will show
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
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 a collision. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.
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STARTING AND OPERATING183
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and clear the set speed
in memory if:
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button is pushed
The Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off button
is pushed
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
4WD Low is engaged
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory, push the RES
(resume) button and then remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal. The instrument
cluster display will display the last set speed.
Resume can be used at any speed above
20 mph (32 km/h) when only Fixed Speed
Cruise Control is being used.
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph
(0 km/h) when ACC is active. NOTE:
While in ACC mode when the vehicle comes
to a complete stop longer than two seconds,
the system will cancel. The driver will have to
apply the brakes to keep the vehicle at a
standstill.
ACC cannot be resumed if there is a
stationary vehicle in front of your vehicle in
close proximity.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the set
speed by pushing the SET
(+) button, or
decrease speed by pushing the SET (-) button. U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET
(+), or SET (-) button once
will result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust in 5 mph incre -
ments until the button is released. The new
set speed is reflected in the instrument
cluster display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once
will result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment.
Each subsequent tap of the button results in
an adjustment of 1 km/h.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust in 10 km/h
increments until the button is released. The
new set speed is reflected in the instrument
cluster display.
NOTE:
When you override and push the SET (+) button
or SET (-) buttons, the new set speed will be the
current speed of the vehicle.
WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if
traffic and road conditions permit. Resuming
a set speed that is too high or too low for
prevailing traffic and road conditions could
cause the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate
too sharply for safe operation. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision
and death or serious personal injury.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING189
Stationary Objects And Vehicles
ACC does not react to stationary objects and
stationary vehicles. 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
Úpage 482.

Stationary Object And Stationary Vehicle Example

PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Park Assist system provides
visual and audible indications of the distance
between the rear and/or front fascia/bumper
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 the vehicle is in REVERSE if the system
detects a possible collision with an obstacle.
NOTE:
The driver can disable the automatic braking
function by turning ParkSense off via the
ParkSense switch. The driver can also over
-
ride automatic braking by changing the gear
or by pressing the gas pedal over 90% of its
capacity during the braking event.
Automatic brakes will not be available if the
vehicle is in 4WD Low.
Automatic brakes will not be available if ESC
is not available.
Automatic brakes will not be available if there
is a faulted condition detected with the Park -
Sense Park Assist system or the Braking
System.
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 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 configu -
ration state for the automatic braking func -
tion 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 system is provided to assist the driver
and not to substitute the driver.
The driver must stay in full control of the
vehicle's acceleration and braking and is
responsible for the vehicle's movements.
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