air suspension RAM 1500 2021 User Guide

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 OPERATING167
to Normal Height Mode, push the height
selector switch up once while in Entry/Exit or
drive the vehicle over 15 mph (24 km/h).
Entry/Exit mode may not be available due to
vehicle payload, an instrument cluster
message will be displayed when this occurs
Úpage 114.
NOTE:
Entry/Exit mode may be achieved using your
key fob for easier entry/loading Ú page 17.
The system requires that the ignition be in the
ON/RUN position or the engine running for all
user requested changes. When lowering the
vehicle, all of the doors must be closed. If a door
is opened at any time while the vehicle is
lowering, the change will not be completed until
the open door(s) is closed. This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern
which keeps the headlights from incorrectly
shining into oncoming traffic. When raising the
vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will move up first
and then the front. When lowering the vehicle,
the front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed
that the air suspension system operates briefly;
this is normal. The system is correcting the
position of the vehicle to ensure a proper
appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows
the automatic leveling to be disabled
Ú
page 114.
NOTE:
If equipped with a touchscreen radio, all
enabling/disabling of air suspension features
must be done through the radio Ú page 237.AIR SUSPENSION MODES
The air suspension system has multiple modes
to protect the system in unique situations. The
engine should be running to change between
Air Suspension Modes.
Automatic AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the vehicle
into AERO height automatically Úpage 114.
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled through
vehicle settings in the Uconnect Radio (if
equipped) Ú page 237.
Tire Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows
the automatic leveling to be disabled
Ú page 237.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the
road, the air suspension system has a feature
which will put the vehicle into Entry/Exit height
and disable the automatic load leveling system
Ú page 237.
CAUTION!
When in ENTRY/EXIT setting, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and
vehicle damage may occur.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the system.
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
system, see an authorized dealer for service.
4

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168STARTING AND OPERATING
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this
mode must be enabled Úpage 237.
Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system,
the vehicle will disable load leveling as required
(suspension overloaded, battery charge low,
etc.). Load leveling will automatically resume as
soon as system operation requirements are
met. See an authorized dealer if system does
not resume.
NOTE:
For towing with air suspension Ú page 214.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
M
ESSAGES
When the appropriate conditions exist, a
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display Ú page 114.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a
system error has been detected.
See an authorized dealer for system service if
normal operation does not resume.
OPERATION

Air Suspension Switch

The indicator lamps 1 through 5 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, if multiple indicator lamps are flashing,
the highest flashing indicator lamp is the
position the system is working to achieve. When
lowering, if multiple indicators are flashing, the
lowest solid indicator lamp is the position the
system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector up once will move
the suspension one position higher from the
current position, assuming all conditions are
met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, 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 OR2 or the highest
position allowed based on current conditions
(i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the height selector down once will
move the suspension one position lower from
the current level, assuming all conditions are
met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, 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 position 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.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 168

STARTING AND OPERATING169
Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 5, 4, 3,
2 and 1 will be illuminated when the vehicle
is in OR2.
Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 5, 4,
3 and 2 will be illuminated when the vehicle
is in OR1.
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps
5, 4 and 3 will be illuminated when the
vehicle is in this position.
Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 4 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in this posi -
tion.

Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 5 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 4 will flash and
indicator lamp 5 will remain solid until
Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at which point
indicator lamp 4 will turn off.

Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 1 will
be illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 3,
4, and 5 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment
Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR
SUSPENSION SYSTEM (REBEL MODELS
ONLY) — 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.
Rebel Air Suspension Controls

Normal Ride Height (NRH)
– This is the stan-
dard position of the suspension and is meant
for normal driving.
Off-Road (OR) (Raises the vehicle approxi-
mately 1 inch (26 mm)) – This position is
intended for off-roading use only where
maximum ground clearance is required. To
enter OR, push the height selector switch up
once from the NRH position while vehicle
speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h). While in
1 — Off-Road Indicator (Customer selectable)
2 — Normal Ride Height Indicator (Customer se -
lectable)
3 — Aerodynamic Height Indicator (Customer Se -
lectable)
4 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator (Customer select -
able)
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING171
This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern
which keeps the headlights from incorrectly
shining into oncoming traffic. When raising the
vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will move up first
and then the front. When lowering the vehicle,
the front will move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed
that the air suspension system operates briefly;
this is normal. The system is correcting the
position of the vehicle to ensure a proper
appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows
the automatic leveling to be disabled
Úpage 237.
NOTE:
If equipped with a touchscreen radio, all
enabling/disabling of air suspension features
must be done through the radio Ú page 237.AIR SUSPENSION MODES
The Air Suspension system has multiple modes
to protect the system in unique situations:
AERO Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the vehicle
into AERO height automatically Úpage 114.
Tire Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows
the automatic leveling to be disabled
Ú page 237.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the
road, the air suspension system has a feature
which will put the vehicle into Entry/Exit height
and disable the automatic load leveling system
Ú page 237.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this
mode must be enabled Ú page 237.Protection Strategy
In order to “protect” the air suspension system,
the vehicle will disable load leveling as required
(suspension overloaded, battery charge low,
etc.). Load leveling will automatically resume as
soon as system operation requirements are
met. See an authorized dealer if system does
not resume.
NOTE:
For towing with air suspension Ú
page 214.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
M
ESSAGES
When the appropriate conditions exist, a
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display Ú page 114.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a
system error has been detected.
See an authorized dealer for system service if
normal operation does not resume.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high
pressure volume of air to operate the system.
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
system, see an authorized dealer for service.
4

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172STARTING AND OPERATING
OPERATION

Air Suspension Switch

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 position, 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 position, 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 position 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 posi
-
tion.

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 illuminated. 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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216STARTING AND OPERATING
recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW)
and may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with
GAWR requirements.

Without Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect) With Weight-Distributing Hitch (Correct)
Improper Adjustment Of Weight-Distributing Hitch (Incorrect)
Recommended Distribution Hitch Adjustment
Towing With Air Suspension — If Equipped

1. Verify that the vehicle is at the normal ride
height.

NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine run posi -
tion with all doors closed while attaching a
trailer for proper leveling of the air suspension
system.
2. Position the truck to be ready to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer).
3. Enable tire jack mode through the instrument cluster or touchscreen radio
settings. Tire jack mode will be canceled
and procedure must be restarted if the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 5mph
(8 km/h).
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight distributing
hitch system may reduce handling, stability
and braking performance and could result
in a collision.
Weight distributing systems may not be
compatible with surge brake couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac -
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
dealer for additional information.

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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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230STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow
applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices
for additional details.
Vehicles equipped with Active-Level Four
Corner Air Suspension must be placed in
Transport mode before tying them down
(from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck
Úpage 165. If the vehicle cannot be placed
in Transport mode (for example, engine will
not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these
instructions may cause fault codes to be set
and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive
models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are
OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow
dolly, follow this procedure:
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle,
following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED See InstructionsTransmission in PARK
Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOK

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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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