height RAM 1500 2021 User Guide

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.

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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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170STARTING AND OPERATING
OR, if the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) the vehicle height will be automat -
ically lowered to NRH. Off-Road may not be
available due to vehicle payload, an instru -
ment cluster display message will be shown
when this occurs Ú page 114.

Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi -
mately 0.6 inches (15 mm)) – This position
provides improved aerodynamics by
lowering the vehicle. The vehicle will auto -
matically enter Aero Mode when the vehicle
speed remains between 62 mph (100 km/h)
and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds
66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle will return to NRH from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed
remains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and
35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed falls
below 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:
The vehicle will automatically enter Aero
Mode when the vehicle speed remains
between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 66 mph
(106 km/h) for greater than
20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds
66 mph (106 km/h).
Speed thresholds for raising the vehicle only
apply if Automatic Aero Mode is enabled.
To enter Aero Mode manually push the height
selector switch down once from NRH at any
vehicle speed. To return to NRH push the
height selector switch up once while vehicle
speed is less than 56 mph (90 km/h).
Automatic Aero Mode may be disabled
through vehicle settings on your Uconnect
Radio.
Entry/Exit Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 3 inches (73 mm))
– This position
lowers the vehicle for easier passenger entry
and exit as well as lowering the rear of the
vehicle for easier loading and unloading of
cargo. To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the
height selector switch down twice from the
NRH while the vehicle speed is below 33 mph
(53 km/h). Once the vehicle speed goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle height
will begin to lower. If the vehicle speed
remains between 15 mph (24 km/h) and
25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than
60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will
be canceled. To return to Normal Height
Mode, push the height selector switch up
twice 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 display message will
be shown when this occurs Ú
page 114.
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.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is in Off-Road setting, be aware
of your surroundings, you may not have the
clearance required for certain areas and
vehicle damage may occur.
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.

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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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STARTING AND OPERATING187
If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver
should examine the windshield and the camera
located on the back side of the inside rear view
mirror. They may require cleaning or removal of
an obstruction.
When the condition that created limited
functionality is no longer present, the system
will return to full functionality.
NOTE:
If the “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean
Front Windshield” message occurs frequently
(e.g. more than once on every trip) without any
snow, rain, mud, or other obstruction, have the
windshield and forward facing camera
inspected at an authorized dealer.
Service ACC/FCW Warning
If the system turns off, and the instrument
cluster displays “ACC/FCW Unavailable Service
Required” or “Cruise/FCW Unavailable Service
Required”, there may be an internal system
fault or a temporary malfunction that limits ACC
functionality. Although the vehicle is still
drivable under normal conditions, ACC will be
temporarily unavailable. If this occurs, try
activating ACC again later, following an ignition
cycle. If the problem persists, see an authorized
dealer.Precautions While Driving With ACC
NOTE:
Aftermarket add-ons such as snow plows, lift
kits, and brush/grille bars can hinder module
performance. Ensure the radar/camera has
no obstructions in the field of view.
Height modifications can limit module perfor -
mance and functionality.
Do not put stickers or easy passes over the
camera/radar field of view.
Any modifications to the vehicle that may
obstruct the field of view of the radar/camera
are not recommended.
In certain driving situations, ACC may have
detection issues. In these cases, ACC may
brake late or unexpectedly. The driver needs to
stay alert and may need to intervene. The
following are examples of these types of
situations:
Towing A Trailer
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only
with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.
Aftermarket trailer brake controllers will not
activate the trailer brakes when ACC is braking. Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane
that is offset from your direct line of travel, or a
vehicle merging in from a side lane. There may
not be sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead.
The offset vehicle may move in and out of the
line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to
brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

Turns And Bends
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the
system may decrease the vehicle speed and
acceleration for stability reasons, with no
vehicle in front detected. Once the vehicle is out
of the curve the system will resume your original
set speed. This is a part of normal ACC system
functionality.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING215
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and
equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in
or on the trailer in its “loaded and ready for
operation” condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in
combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR
Ú
page 213.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider this
as part of the load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height
multiplied by the maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The TSC can be a mechanical telescoping link
that can be installed between the hitch receiver
and the trailer tongue that typically provides
adjustable friction associated with the
telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted
trailer swaying motions while traveling. If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine
power to attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer
tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located
at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of
the vehicle. These kinds of hitches are
commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are
typically used for heavier loads to distribute
trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front
axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer's directions,
it provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control, thereby
enhancing towing safety. The addition of a
friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer sway control and a weight
distributing (load equalizing) hitch are
WARNING!

If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)
or more, it is recommended to use a weight-dis
-
tributing hitch to ensure stable handling of your
vehicle. If you use a standard weight-carrying
hitch, you could lose control of your vehicle and
cause a collision.

WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the vehi -
cle and have a collision.
4

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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 OPERATING217
4. Measure the height of the top of the front
wheel opening on the fender to ground; this
is height H1.

Measuring Height (H)

5. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected. 6. Measure the height of the top of the front
wheel opening on the fender to ground; this
is height H2.
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per FCA recommendations
so that the height of the front fender is
approximately (H2-H1)/3+H1 (about 1/3
the difference between H2 and H1 above
normal ride height [H1]).
8. Use the instrument cluster or touchscreen radio settings and switch off tire jack mode.
Make sure the truck returns to normal ride
height. Perform a visual inspection of the
trailer and weight distributing hitch to
confirm FCA recommendations have been
met. 9. The truck can now be driven.
NOTE:
For all towing conditions, we recommend towing
with tow haul mode engaged.
Measurement
Example Example Height
(mm)
H1 925
H2 946
H2-H1 21
(H2-H1)/3 7
(H2-H1)/3 + H1 932
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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