tailgate RAM 1500 2021 Owner's Manual

220STARTING AND OPERATING
Once calibrated the driver can shift to PARK,
push the button on top of the TRSC knob and
activate the feature. The knob is then turned
either to the left or right depending on what
direction the driver wants the trailer to go.

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Knob

NOTE:
When steering the trailer with the knob, remove
hands from the steering wheel.
There is also a holdover state where if during an
active trailer steering maneuver, the driver
shifts to NEURAL or DRIVE to straighten the
trailer, the driver may shift back to REVERSE
and not need to reactivate the feature. However
the feature will cancel after 10 seconds or when
the vehicle speed reaches 8 mph (12 km/h). Instrument Cluster Messages:
“Drive forward to calibrate trailer” will display
when a trailer is not calibrated and the
vehicle is at standstill while the button is
pushed.
“Calibrating trailer” will display when the
trailer is not calibrated and the vehicle is
moving while the button is pushed.
“To activate trailer steering shift to P” will
display when the trailer is calibrated success
-
fully and the vehicle is not in PARK.
“Trailer Steering ready, shift to reverse” will
display when the button is pushed, trailer is
calibrated and the vehicle is in PARK.
“Trailer steering active” will display after the
driver shifts to REVERSE and indicates the
feature is active.
“Trailer Steering Unavailable” will display if
there is a fault in the system preventing acti -
vation, the driver’s door is open, the driver’s
seat belt is unbuckled, or the tailgate is open. Other reasons the feature may cancel:
The driver overrides steering by placing
hands on the steering wheel.
Trailer tracking is lost.
If the trailer angle becomes excessive, the
brakes apply bringing the vehicle to a stop
and then applying the parking brake.
Trailer steering button is pushed while active.
Vehicle speed goes over 8 mph (12 km/h).
Driver door is open and seat belt is
unbuckled.
Transmission shifted to PARK.
Trailer Memory
The trailer steering system can remember up to
five trailers, so recalibration will not be
necessary.
To store a trailer to memory, calibrate the trailer
and then allow the vehicle to be off for a period
of time. The next time the vehicle is started,
place the vehicle in DRIVE and drive a short
distance. The trailer system can then be
activated.

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STARTING AND OPERATING221
(Continued)
NOTE:
Trailers may look different during day and night
conditions. In such cases, the trailer may need
to recalibrate.
Some trailers (such as boat trailers) will need to
recalibrate while loaded and unloaded.
NOTE:
The system may not detect a trailer in low
light conditions. In sunny conditions, the
performance may be degraded as shadows
pass over the trailer.
The driver is always responsible for safe oper -
ation of truck and trailer.
The driver is always in control of the truck as
well as the trailer and is responsible for
controlling the throttle and brakes.
The system may not function when the
camera lens is blocked, blurred (covered with
water, snow, ice, dirt, etc) and will not work
unless the tailgate is upright and fully
latched.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in the
Scheduled Servicing section for the proper
maintenance intervals Ú page 395. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or
GCWR ratings.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have a colli -
sion.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over -
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension,
chassis structure or tires.
Safety chains must always be used
between your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the hook retainers of
the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under
the trailer tongue and allow enough slack
for turning corners.
4

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY379
There are two ways to assemble the tools:
Assembled For Spare Tire Lowering/Raising

Assembled For Spare Tire Lowering/Raising
NOTE:
If the tailgate is lowered, adding the shorter
extension 5 to jack extension 4 will enable
lowering the spare tire without having to raise
the tailgate.
Assembled For Jack Operation

Assembled For Jack Operation

1 — Lug Wrench
2 — Long Extension Without Spring Clip 2
3 — Long Extension With Spring Clip 3
4 — Long Extension With Spring Clip 4
5 — Short Extension 5
CAUTION!
The lug wrench can only be attached to
extension 2.
When attaching the tool to the winch mech -
anism be sure the large flared end opening
on extension 4 is positioned correctly over
the winch mechanism adjusting nut.
Damage to the lug wrench, extensions and
winch mechanism may occur from
improper tool assembly.
1 — Lug Wrench
2 — Long Extension 2
3 — Long Extension 3
4 — Long Extension 4
5 — Short Extension 5
6 — Extension With Hook
WARNING!
After using the jack and tools, always reinstall
them in the original carrier and location.
While driving you may experience abrupt
stopping, rapid acceleration or sharp turns. A
loose jack, tools, bracket or other objects in
the vehicle may move around with force,
resulting in serious injury.
7

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380IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
REMOVING THE SPARE TIRE

1. Remove the spare tire before attempting to
jack up the truck. Attach the lug wrench to
the extension tubes with the curved angle
facing away from the vehicle.

2. Remove the protective cover over the access hole for the winch mechanism by
sliding the cover upward.

Access Hole Cover Location

3. Insert the extension tube through the access hole between the lower tailgate and
the top of the fascia/bumper and into the
winch mechanism tube.
Winch Mechanism Tube
Inserting The Extension Tubes Into The Access Hole

4. Rotate the lug wrench handle counter -
clockwise until the spare tire is on the
ground with enough cable slack to allow you
to pull it out from under the vehicle.
Rotating The Lug Wrench Handle

5. Pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle to gain access to the spare tire
retainer.

Pulling The Spare Tire Out

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY385
3. Remove the extension with the hook and
reattach the short extension 5. Attach the
lug wrench to the extension tubes with the
curved angle facing away from the vehicle
Úpage 378. Insert the extension tubes
through the access hole between the lower
tailgate and the top of the fascia/bumper
and into the winch mechanism tube.

Reinstalling The Flat Or Spare Tire

4. Rotate the lug wrench handle clockwise until the wheel is drawn into place against
the underside of the vehicle. Continue to
rotate until you feel the winch mechanism
slip, or click three or four times. It cannot be
overtightened. Push against the tire several
times to ensure it is firmly in place.
Rotating The Lug Wrench Handle

NOTE:
The winch mechanism is designed for use with
the extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or
other power tools is not recommended and can
damage the winch.
REINSTALLING THE JACK AND TOOLS

1. Tighten the jack all the way down by turning the jack turn-screw counter -
clockwise until the jack is snug.

2. Position the jack and tool bag. Make sure the lug wrench is under the jack near the
jack turn-screw.
Jack And Tool Bag

3. Secure the tool bag straps to the jack.

Jack And Tools Tied

4. Place the jack and tools in the storage position holding the jack by the jack
turn-screw, slip the jack and tools under the
seat so that the bottom slot engages into
the fastener on the floor.
7

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418SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)

Conditions that would require replacement:
Rib chunking (one or more ribs has sepa -
rated from belt body)
Rib or belt wear
Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between
two ribs)
Belt slips
“Groove jumping" (belt does not maintain
correct position on pulley)
Belt broken
Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or
rumble is heard or felt while drive belt is in
operation) NOTE:
Identify and correct problem before new belt is
installed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a Stop/Start,
belt must be replaced with an OEM grade
Mopar belt.
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty
component such as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys
should be carefully inspected for damage and
proper alignment.
Belt replacement on some models requires the
use of special tools, we recommend having your
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points
and rollers, liftgate, tailgate, decklid, sliding
doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated
periodically. Use a lithium-based grease, such
as Mopar Spray White Lube to assure quiet,
easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant,
the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil
and grease should be removed. Particular attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When
performing other underhood services, the hood
latch release mechanism, and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the Autumn and
Spring. Apply a small amount of a high quality
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder
Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and
the windshield periodically with a sponge or soft
cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will
remove accumulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long
periods may cause deterioration of the wiper
blades. Always use washer fluid when using the
wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry
windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or
ice from the windshield. Keep the blade rubber
out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.

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434SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
F29–20 Amp Yellow Mod CRSM (Heat Rear LT)
F30 30 Amp Pink –Mod DTCM / Mod Tailgate
F31 30 Amp Pink –Mod CBC 1 Interior Light
F32 –20 Amp Yellow RT Spot Lamp — If Equipped
F33 –10 Amp RedAssy Overhead Console / Switch 911 / Switch Assist / Heads Up
Display (HUD)
F34 –15 Amp Blue Frt & RR Ventilated Seat Motor
F35 –10 Amp RedMod Inverter / Mtr Sunshade Sunroof / Mtr Dual Sunroof / USB
Charge Only
F36 40 Amp Green –Mod CBC 2 Exterior Light 1
F37 ––Spare
F38 ––Spare
F39 ––Spare
F40 20 Amp Blue –Dome Pursuit Vehicle — If Equipped
F41 A&B –15 Amp BlueLumbar Support & Pass SW / Mod ICS Sw Bank / HVAC Ctrl / Sw
Bank Upper / Mod Ctrl Steering
F42 A&B –10 Amp RedMod Transfer Case Switch Module (TCSM) / SBW / Electric Park
Brake SW / Overhead Console (OHC) SW / E-Call / Bank 3 SW / Seat
LT & RT Vent / Mod Trailer A&B Tire Pressure / Mod Gateway Trailer
F43 A&B –10 Amp Red Port Diagnostics / Mod CD / Front & Rear USB
F44 –20 Amp Yellow Radio / DCSD / Telematics Box Mod / Fleet Telematics Module
(FTM)
Cavity
Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description

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483
INDEX
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise
Control)
................................................ 177, 179Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 422Adding Fuel.......................................... 208, 210Additives, Fuel............................................... 469AdjustDown........................................................... 36Forward....................................................... 36Rearward..................................................... 36Up................................................................ 36Adjustable Pedals............................................ 43Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 279Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 344Air Bag Warning Light...................... 342, 345Enhanced Accident Response......... 353, 394Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 394Front Air Bag............................................. 345If Deployment Occurs................................ 352Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 349Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 354Maintenance............................................. 354Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............343Transporting Pets...................................... 369Air Bag Light............................... 126, 342, 369
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter)............................................................ 411Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 415Air Conditioner Refrigerant........................... 415Air Conditioner System................................. 415Air Conditioning................................................ 63Air Conditioning Filter..............................67, 415Air Conditioning System................................... 65Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 66Air Filter........................................................ 411Air PressureTires......................................................... 450Air Suspension..................................... 165, 169AlarmSecurity Alarm....................................26, 127Alterations/ModificationsVehicle......................................................... 11Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 422, 474Disposal................................................... 423Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 310Anti-Lock Warning Light................................ 132Assist, Hill Start............................................. 317Audio Settings............................................... 266Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 236Auto Down Power Windows............................. 78Automatic Door Locks...................................... 30
Automatic Headlights.......................................54Automatic High Beams.....................................53Automatic Tailgate Release.............................85Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............65Automatic Transmission....................... 156, 426Adding Fluid.............................................. 426Fluid And Filter Change............................. 426Fluid Change............................................. 426Fluid Level Check...................................... 426Fluid Type........................................ 426, 478Special Additives...................................... 426Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 159AutoPark....................................................... 141AUX Camera......................................... 204, 208Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 318Axle Fluid.............................................. 426, 478Axle Lubrication............................................ 426
B
Back-Up......................................................... 202Back-Up Camera........................................... 202Battery................................................. 128, 409Charging System Light.............................. 128Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................18Battery Saver Feature......................................57Belts, Seat.................................................... 369
11

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489
R
Radial Ply Tires
.............................................. 451Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).. 421, 423Radio Presets...................................................... 265Radio Controls............................................... 259Radio Mode................................................... 259Radio Operation.................................. 259, 309Radio Remote Controls.................................. 259Rain Sensitive Wiper System........................... 59Rear Axle (Differential)................................... 426Rear Camera................................................. 204Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails............................ 91Rear Cross Path............................................. 321Rear ParkSense System................................ 189Rear Window, Sliding....................................... 79Reclining Rear Seats....................................... 36Recreational Towing...................................... 230Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 232Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N).. 233Reformulated Gasoline.................................. 469Refrigerant.................................................... 415Registering SiriusXM Guardian...................... 283Release, Hood................................................. 84Release, Tailgate............................................. 85Reminder, Seat Belt...................................... 335Remote Features, Door Lock/Unlock.. 290, 302Remote Features, Horn And Lights................291Remote Features, Starting.................. 291, 303
Remote Keyless EntryProgramming Additional Key Fobs............... 20Remote Sound System (Radio) Control......... 259Remote Start (Diesel)...................................... 25Remote Start (Gasoline).................................. 22Remote StartingExit Remote Start Mode.............................. 23Remote Starting System........................... 22, 25Remove, Tailgate............................................. 86Replacement Bulbs...................................... 437Replacement Tires........................................ 453Reporting Safety Defects.............................. 481Restraints, Child........................................... 355Restraints, Head.............................................. 40Roadside Assistance............................ 292, 302Rotation, Tires.............................................. 460
S
Safety........................................................... 258Safety Checks Inside Vehicle........................ 369Safety Checks Outside Vehicle..................... 371Safety Defects, Reporting............................. 481Safety Features............................................. 258Safety Information, Tire................................ 443Safety Tips.................................................... 369Safety, Exhaust Gas...................................... 371Satellite Radio.............................................. 261Saved Radio Stations................................... 265
Schedule, Maintenance..............395, 399, 400Seat Belt Reminder....................................... 126Seat Belts............................................ 335, 369Adjustable Shoulder Belt.......................... 339Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage..... 339Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage............................................ 339Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)........... 341Child Restraints........................................ 355Energy Management Feature................... 340Extender................................................... 340Front Seat............................... 335, 336, 338Inspection................................................. 369Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 338Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting................... 339Lap/Shoulder Belts................................... 336Operating Instructions.............................. 338Pregnant Women...................................... 340Pretensioners........................................... 340Rear Seat.................................................. 336Reminder.................................................. 335Seat Belt Extender.................................... 340Seat Belt Pretensioner.............................. 340Seat Belt Reminder.................................. 335Untwisting Procedure................................ 339Seat Belts Maintenance................................ 465
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490
Seats
................................................. 34, 35, 36Adjustment........................................... 34, 36Easy Entry................................................... 37Head Restraints.......................................... 40Memory....................................................... 32Power.......................................................... 36Rear Folding................................................ 34Reclining Rear............................................. 36Tilting.......................................................... 34Security System...................................... 26, 127Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)...................475Send & Go........................................... 293, 302Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................................. 20Service Assistance......................................... 479Service Contract............................................ 480Service Manuals............................................ 482Settings, Audio.............................................. 266Shifting.......................................................... 154Automatic Transmission............................ 156Transfer Case, Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N)................................... 232Transfer Case, Shifting Out Of TransferCase Neutral (N)................................... 233Shoulder Belts............................................... 336Side Steps, Power............................................ 28Signals, Turn..................................55, 136, 371Sirius Satellite Radio..................................... 261Favorites................................................... 264Replay....................................................... 262
SiriusXM Satellite RadioBrowse in SXM......................................... 264Favorites................................................... 264Replay...................................................... 262Sliding Rear Window, Power............................ 79Smart Watch................................................. 300Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................ 458Snow Plow.................................................... 227Snow Tires.................................................... 454SOS Call............................................... 286, 301Spare Tires.......................................... 455, 456Spark Plugs................................................... 475Speed Control (Cruise Control)..................... 179Starting....................................... 140, 143, 144Automatic Transmission........................... 141Button......................................................... 21Cold Weather............................................ 146Engine Fails To Start................................. 144Starting And Operating......................... 143, 144Starting Procedures............................. 143, 144Starting Procedures (Gas Engines)............... 140SteeringPower....................................................... 174Tilt Column.................................................. 31Wheel, Heated...................................... 31, 32Wheel, Tilt.................................................... 31Steering Wheel Audio Controls..................... 259Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System...... 259
Steps, Power Side............................................28Stolen Vehicle Assistance.................... 297, 303Storage............................................................68Storage Compartment, Center Seat.................68Storage, Vehicle..................................... 66, 461Store Radio Presets...................................... 265Storing Your Vehicle...................................... 461Sun Roof..................................... 80, 81, 82, 84Sunglasses Storage.........................................70Sunshade Operation........................................81SuspensionAir.................................................... 165, 169Sway Control, Trailer..................................... 318Synthetic Engine Oil...................................... 410
T
Tailgate Removal.............................................86Tailgate, Electronic Lowering...........................85Telescoping Steering Column...........................31Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC).............65TiltDown...........................................................37Up................................................................37Tilt Steering Column.........................................31Tip Start........................................................ 143Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 447Tire Markings................................................ 443Tire Safety Information.................................. 443

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