mirror RAM 1500 2021 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2021, Model line: 1500, Model: RAM 1500 2021Pages: 496, PDF Size: 20.89 MB
Page 58 of 496

56GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
CARGO LIGHTS/TRAILER SPOTTER
L
IGHTS WITH BED LIGHTS — IF
E
QUIPPED
The cargo light, bed lights, and trailer spotter
lights are turned on by pushing the cargo light
button located on the lower half of the headlight
switch.
Cargo/Bed Lights Button On Headlight Switch Cargo Lights
When the vehicle is stationary, these lights can
also be turned on using the switch located just
inside the pickup box, on the lower part of the
bed light lens. A telltale will illuminate in the
instrument cluster display when these lights are
on. Pushing the switch a second time will turn
the lights off.
Bed Light Switch (Without RamBox)
The cargo light and bed lights (if equipped) will
turn on for approximately 30 seconds when a
key fob unlock button is pushed, as part of the
Illuminated Entry feature.
When these lights are activated using the
button on the headlight switch, the trailer
spotter lights will remain illuminated when the
vehicle transmission is in PARK, NEUTRAL, or
REVERSE. The trailer spotter lights will turn off
when the vehicle transmission is placed in
DRIVE.
NOTE:
The cargo light will automatically turn off if the
vehicle is shifted into NEUTRAL or DRIVE, and
will turn back on when the vehicle is shifted into
PARK or REVERSE. The bed lights are not
affected by gear selection.
NOTE:
For vehicles shipped to or sold in the states of
California or Mississippi, the cargo, bed, and
mirror spotter lights will not work while the
vehicle is in motion. In every other state, the
cargo and mirror spotter lights will turn off when
the vehicle is in motion, but the bed light will
remain on. In all states, including California and
Mississippi, if a bed camera is deactivated, the
bed lights will turn back on.
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 56
Page 60 of 496

58GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
With the parking lights or headlights on, rotating
the right dimmer control upward will increase
the brightness of the instrument panel lights.
Rotating the left dimmer control will adjust the
interior and ambient light levels when the
headlights are on.
NOTE:
The dimming of the touchscreen is program -
mable through the Uconnect system
Ú page 237.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
key fob to unlock the doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lamps
located beneath the outside mirrors (if
equipped).
The lights will fade to off after approximately
30 seconds, or they will immediately fade to off
once the ignition switch is placed in the ON/
RUN position from the OFF position.
The front courtesy overhead console and door
courtesy lights will not turn off if the Dome ON
button on the overhead console is pushed. The
overhead and door courtesy lights will turn off
after 10 minutes to protect the battery. The illuminated entry system will not operate if
the Dome Defeat button on the overhead
console is pushed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Illuminated
Approach lights under the outside mirrors, they
will also be turned off by pushing the Dome
Defeat button.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The windshield wiper/washer controls are
located on the multifunction lever on the left
side of the steering column. The front wipers are
operated by rotating a switch, located on the
end of the lever.
Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION
Intermittent Wipers
The intermittent feature of this system was
designed for use when weather conditions
make a single wiping cycle, with a variable
pause between cycles, desirable. For maximum
delay between cycles, rotate the control knob
upward to the first detent.
The delay interval decreases as you rotate the
knob until it enters the low continual speed
position. The delay can be regulated from a
maximum of about 18 seconds between cycles,
to a cycle every one second. The delay intervals
will double in duration when the vehicle speed
is 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.Windshield Washers
To use the windshield washer, push the washer
knob, located on the end of the multifunction
lever, inward and hold. Washer fluid will be
sprayed and the wiper will operate for two to
three cycles after the washer knob is released.
If the washer knob pushed while in the delay
range, the wiper will operate for several
seconds after the washer knob is released. It
will then resume the intermittent interval
previously selected. If the washer knob is
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 58
Page 63 of 496

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE61
Recirculation Button
Press and release this button on the
touchscreen, or push the button on
the faceplate, to change the system
between Recirculation mode and
outside air mode. The Recirculation indicator
and the A/C indicator illuminate when the
Recirculation button is pressed. Recirculation
can be used when outside conditions, such as
smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are
present. Recirculation can be used in all modes.
Recirculation may be unavailable (button on the
touchscreen greyed out) if conditions exist that
could create fogging on the inside of the
windshield. The A/C can be deselected
manually without disturbing the mode control
selection. Continuous use of the Recirculation
mode may make the inside air stuffy and
window fogging may occur. Extended use of this
mode is not recommended.
Auto Button
Set your desired temperature and
press AUTO. AUTO will achieve and
maintain your desired temperature by
automatically adjusting the blower speed and air distribution. AUTO mode is highly
recommended for efficiency.
You can turn AUTO on in one of two ways:
Press and release this button on the touch
-
screen.
Push the button on the faceplate.
Toggling this function will cause the system to
switch between manual mode and automatic
mode Ú page 65.
Front Defrost Button
Press and release the Front Defrost
button on the touchscreen, or push
and release the button on the
faceplate, to change the current
airflow setting to Defrost mode. The Front
Defrost indicator illuminates when Front
Defrost is on. Air comes from the windshield
and side window demist outlets. When the
defrost button is selected, the blower level may
increase. Use Defrost mode with maximum
temperature settings for best windshield and
side window defrosting and defogging. When
toggling the front defrost mode button, the
climate system will return to the previous
setting.
Rear Defrost Button
Press and release the Rear Defrost
button on the touchscreen, or push
and release the button on the
faceplate, to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). The Rear Defrost indicator
illuminates when the rear window defroster is
on. The rear window defroster automatically
turns off after 15 minutes.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
Use care when washing the inside of the
rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the
window. Use a soft cloth and a mild
washing solution, wiping parallel to the
heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.
2
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 61
Page 66 of 496

64GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
A/C Button
Push the A/C button to engage the Air
Conditioning (A/C). The A/C indicator
illuminates when A/C is on.
NOTE:
For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is
in Mix, Floor or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be
turned off, but the A/C system shall remain
active to prevent fogging of the windows.
If fog or mist appears on the windshield or
side glass, select Defrost mode, and increase
blower speed if needed.
If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the
A/C condenser (located in front of the radi -
ator), for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Clean with a gentle water spray from the front
of the radiator and through the condenser.
Recirculation Button
Push the Recirculation button to
change the system between
recirculation mode and outside air
mode. The Recirculation indicator and
the A/C indicator illuminate when the
Recirculation button is pressed. Recirculation can be used when outside conditions, such as
smoke, odors, dust, or humidity are present.
Recirculation can be used in all modes except
for Defrost. Recirculation may be unavailable if
conditions exist that could create fogging on the
inside of the windshield. The A/C can be
deselected manually without disturbing the
mode control selection. Continuous use of the
Recirculation mode may make the inside air
stuffy and window fogging may occur. Extended
use of this mode is not recommended.
On systems with Manual Climate Controls, the
Recirculation mode is not allowed in Defrost
mode to improve window cleaning operation.
Recirculation is disabled automatically if this
mode is selected. Attempting to use
Recirculation while in this mode causes the LED
in the control button to blink and then turn off.
Front Defrost Setting
Turn the mode control knob to the
Front Defrost mode setting. Air comes
from the windshield and side window
demist outlets. When the defrost
button is selected, the blower level may
increase. Use Defrost mode with maximum
temperature settings for best windshield and
side window defrosting and defogging.
Rear Defrost Button
Push and release the Rear Defrost
Control button to turn on the rear
window defroster and the heated
outside mirrors (if equipped). The
Rear Defrost indicator illuminates when the rear
window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after
15 minutes.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
Use care when washing the inside of the
rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the
window. Use a soft cloth and a mild
washing solution, wiping parallel to the
heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 64
Page 127 of 496

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL125
BATTERY SAVER ON/BATTERY SAVER
M
ODE MESSAGE — ELECTRICAL LOAD
R
EDUCTION ACTIONS — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional
monitoring of the electrical system and status
of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system
failure, or the vehicle battery conditions are
deteriorating, electrical load reduction actions
will take place to extend the driving time and
distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing
power to or turning off non-essential electrical
loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is
running. It will display a message if there is a
risk of battery depletion to the point where the
vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical supply,
or will not restart after the current drive cycle.
When load reduction is activated, the message
“Battery Saver On Some Systems May Have
Reduced Power” will appear in the instrument
cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery
has a low state of charge and continues to lose electrical charge at a rate that the charging
system cannot sustain.
NOTE:The charging system is independent from
load reduction. The charging system
performs a diagnostic on the charging
system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it
may indicate a problem with the charging
system Ú
page 128.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if
equipped), and vehicle functions which can be
affected by load reduction:
Heated Seats / Vented Seats / Heated Wheel
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or
more of the following conditions:
The charging system cannot deliver enough
electrical power to the vehicle system
because the electrical loads are larger than the capability of charging system. The
charging system is still functioning properly.
Turning on all possible vehicle electrical
loads (e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and
interior lights, overloaded power outlets
+12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports) during
certain driving conditions (city driving,
towing, frequent stopping).
Installing options like additional lights,
upfitter electrical accessories, audio
systems, alarms and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated
by long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended
period of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was
not charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical
load left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volt portable appli
-
ances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles
and similar devices.
3
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 125
Page 142 of 496

140 (Continued)
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
GASOLINE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10-second intervals. Waiting a few
seconds between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating. DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your
seat belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to
25-second intervals. Waiting a few minutes
between such intervals will protect the starter
from overheating.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the keyless ignition node is in the OFF
mode, remove the key fob from the vehicle
and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-
dren, and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
WARNING! (Continued)WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then shift the automatic
transmission into PARK and apply the
parking brake.
Always make sure the ENGINE START/STOP
button is in the OFF mode, key fob is
removed from the vehicle and vehicle is
locked.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally
injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
gear selector.
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 140
Page 188 of 496

186STARTING AND OPERATING
and snow, or tunnels with reflective tiles). The
ACC system will recover after the vehicle has left
these areas. Under rare conditions, when the
radar is not tracking any vehicles or objects in
its path this warning may temporarily occur.
NOTE:
If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar
Sensor” warning is active, Fixed Speed Cruise
Control is still available.
If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver
should examine the sensor. It may require
cleaning or removal of an obstruction. The
sensor is located in the camera in the center of
the windshield, on the forward side of the
rearview mirror.
To keep the ACC system operating properly, it is
important to note the following maintenance
items:
Always keep the sensor clean. Carefully clear
the windshield.
Do not remove any screws from the sensor.
Doing so could cause an ACC system
malfunction or failure and require a sensor
realignment.
Do not attach or install any accessories near
the sensor, including transparent material.
Doing so could cause an ACC system failure
or malfunction.
When the condition that deactivated the system
is no longer present, the system will return to
the “Adaptive Cruise Control Off” state and will
resume function by simply reactivating it.
NOTE:
If the “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front
Radar Sensor” message occurs frequently
(e.g. more than once on every trip) without
any snow, rain, mud, or other obstruction,
have the radar sensor realigned at an autho -
rized dealer.
Installing a snow plow, front-end protector,
an aftermarket grille or modifying the grille is
not recommended. Doing so may block the
sensor and inhibit ACC/FCW operation. “Clean Front Windshield” Warning
The “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean
Front Windshield” warning will display and also
a chime will indicate when conditions
temporarily limit system performance. This
most often occurs at times of poor visibility,
such as in snow or heavy rain and fog. The ACC
system may also become temporarily blinded
due to obstructions, such as mud, dirt, or ice on
windshield, driving directly into the sun and fog
on the inside of glass. In these cases, the
instrument cluster display will show “ACC/FCW
Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield”
and the system will have degraded
performance.
This message can sometimes be displayed
while driving in adverse weather conditions. The
ACC/FCW system will recover after the vehicle
has left these areas. Under rare conditions,
when the camera is not tracking any vehicles or
objects in its path this warning may temporarily
occur.
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 186
Page 189 of 496

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
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 187
Page 206 of 496

204STARTING AND OPERATING
AUX CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two
AUX Cameras, which display rearview and side
view images from the trailer on the
touchscreen.
Activation
The AUX Camera is activated by first pressing
the Backup Camera or Surround View Camera
(if equipped) button on the touchscreen,
followed by the AUX button located in the upper
left corner of the rearview display. The AUX
camera can also be activated when the vehicle
is in REVERSE by pressing the AUX button.
If equipped with two AUX Cameras, you can
switch between each camera by pressing the
AUX1 or AUX2 buttons on the Trailer Camera
display.
AUX1 Camera Button
AUX2 Camera Button Deactivation
The AUX Camera is deactivated by pressing the
“X” in the upper right corner of the touchscreen.
This will return the display back to the
previously displayed screen.
NOTE:
If the AUX button is pressed and no AUX
Camera is connected, the touchscreen will
display a blue screen along with the message
“Camera System Unavailable.” The screen
can be exited out by pressing the “X” in the
upper right hand corner. This will return the
display back to the previously displayed
screen.
Zoom View is not available with the AUX
Camera feature.
The display will always default to the Trailer
Camera display (AUX 1).
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The Surround View Camera system allows you
to see an on-screen image of the surroundings
and the Top View of your vehicle. This occurs
whenever the gear selector is in REVERSE or when enabled through the Uconnect system.
The Top View of the vehicle will also show if any
doors are open. The image will be displayed on
the touchscreen along with a caution note
“Check Entire Surroundings”. After five
seconds, this note will disappear. The Surround
View Camera system is comprised of four
cameras located in the front grille, rear tailgate
and side mirrors.
NOTE:
The Surround View Camera system has
programmable settings that may be selected
through the Uconnect system Ú
page 237.
Press this button on the touchscreen
to enter the Surround View Camera
menu in the Uconnect system.
When the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE, the
Rear View and Top View is the default view of
the system.
If the camera delay is turned on, the camera
image will display for up to 10 seconds after
shifting out of REVERSE. The camera image will
not display for 10 seconds if the vehicle speed
exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted
into PARK, or the ignition is placed in the OFF
position. The “X” button on the touchscreen
disables the display of the camera image.
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 204
Page 207 of 496

STARTING AND OPERATING205
If the camera delay is turned off, the camera
image will close and display the previous screen
after shifting out of REVERSE.
If active guidelines are enabled, the lines are
overlaid on the image in the Rear View to
illustrate the width of the vehicle. The view will
also include the side view mirrors and its
projected back up path based on the steering
wheel position.
There are different colored zones to indicate the
distance to the rear of the vehicle. Refer to the
chart below:
Modes Of Operation
Standard Rear View can be manually activated
by selecting “Back Up Camera” through the
Controls menu within the Uconnect system. Top View
The Top View will show in the Uconnect system
with Rear View and Front View in a split screen
display. There are integrated ParkSense arcs in
the image at the front and rear of the vehicle.
The arcs will change color from yellow to red
corresponding the distance zones to the
oncoming object.
Surround View Camera View
NOTE:
Front tires will be seen in the image when the
tires are turned.
Due to wide angle cameras in the mirrors, the
image will appear distorted.
The Top View will show which doors are open.
Open front doors will block the outside
image.
Rear View This is the default view of the system
in REVERSE and is always paired with
the Top View of the vehicle with
optional active guidelines for the
projected path when enabled.
Rear Cross Path View Pressing the Rear Cross Path soft key
will give the driver a wider angle view
of the rear camera system. The Top
View will be disabled when this is
selected.
Front View The Front View will show you what is
immediately in front of the vehicle
and is always paired with the Top View
of the vehicle.
Zone
Distance To The Rear
Of The Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 6.5 ft
(30 cm - 2 m)
Green 6.5 ft or greater
(2 m or greater)
4
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 205