automatic transmission RAM 1500 2021 Owner's Guide

SAFETY353
eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water.
For nose or throat irritation, move to fresh air.
If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If
these particles settle on your clothing, follow
the garment manufacturer’s instructions for
cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have
deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the air bags will not be in place to
protect you.
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the inte -
rior trim, but they will open during air bag
deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication
network remains intact, and the power remains
intact, depending on the nature of the event,
the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) will
determine whether to have the Enhanced
Accident Response System perform the
following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if
equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has
power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on
as long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locks
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform
any of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the
HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circula -
tion Door
Cut off battery power to the:
Engine
Electric Motor (if equipped)
Electric power steering
Brake booster
Electric park brake
Automatic transmission gear selector
Horn
Front wiper
Headlamp washer pump
NOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the igni -
tion to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and
remove the key from the ignition switch to avoid
draining the battery. Carefully check the vehicle
for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on
the ground near the engine compartment and
fuel tank before resetting the system and
starting the engine. If there are no fuel leaks or
damage to the vehicle electrical devices (e.g.
headlights) after an accident, reset the system
by following the procedure described below. If
you have any doubt, contact an authorized
dealer.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt
pretensioners cannot protect you in another
collision. Have the air bags, seat belt
pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor
assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Also, have the Occupant
Restraint Controller System serviced as well.
6

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 353

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY377
(Continued)
NOTE:
Your vehicle may be transmitting data as
authorized by the subscriber.
Never place anything on or near the vehicle’s
LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) and GPS
antennas. You could prevent LTE (voice/
data) or 4G (data) and GPS signal reception,
which can prevent your vehicle from placing
an emergency call. An operable LTE (voice/
data) or 4G (data) network connection and a
GPS signal is required for the SOS Call
system to function properly.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compli -
ance could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with an air suspen -
sion system, there is a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled to assist with
changing a tire. This feature can be activated
through the Uconnect system Ú page 249.
PREPARATIONS FOR JACKING
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Air Suspension,
you will need to enable Tire Jack Mode in the
Uconnect system Úpage 165 before changing
the tire.

1. Park on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.

2. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Shift the transmission into Park (P).
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side
of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull
far enough off the road to avoid the danger
of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
Being under a jacked-up vehicle is
dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the
jack and fall on you. You could be crushed.
Never put any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
Never start or run the engine while the
vehicle is on a jack.
The jack is designed to be used as a tool for
changing tires only. The jack should not be
used to lift the vehicle for service purposes.
The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of
the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far
enough off the road to avoid being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
7

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY387

Positive Battery Post

See below steps to prepare for jump starting:

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and
turn the ignition OFF.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all electrical accessories.
3. Pull upward and remove the protective cover over the remote positive (+) battery
post.
4. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables’ reach, apply the parking brake and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
Connecting The Jumper Cables

Jumper Cable Connections

WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan
whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can
be injured by moving fan blades.
Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,
watch bands and bracelets that could
make an inadvertent electrical contact. You
could be seriously injured.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can
burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as
this could establish a ground connection and
personal injury could result.
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump starting procedure
could result in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
7

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392IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing
service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable,
disabled vehicles may also be towed as
described on Úpage 230. NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with the Active-Level Four
Corner Air Suspension System must be placed
in Transport mode, before tying them down
(from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck
Ú
page 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 instruc -
tions may cause fault codes to be set and/or
cause loss of proper tie-down tension.When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels
too fast may lead to transmission over -
heating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
CAUTION! (Continued)
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The
Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
• 30 miles (48 km) max distance Detailed instruction on
Ú page 230
• Automatic Transmission in PARK
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD

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426SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives
FCA strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired
by supplemental additives. Therefore, do not
add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required, therefore the transmission has no
dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit an authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an
improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not
required. However, change the fluid and filter if
the fluid becomes contaminated (with water,
etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for
any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use only the
recommended transmission fluid
Úpage 478.
It is important to maintain the transmission fluid
at the correct level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
REAR AXLE AND 4X4 FRONT DRIVING
A
XLE FLUID LEVEL
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks
are not required. When the vehicle is serviced
for other reasons the exterior surfaces of the
axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level
Ú page 478. This inspection should be made
with the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the fill hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of
hole) for the front axle and rear axle.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An
authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder
Ú page 478.

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478TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic TransmissionUse only Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use
the correct fluid may affect the function or performance of your transmission.
Transfer Case – 48-11 Active On-Demand 2–speed
Transfer Case (With 4WD AUTO) We recommend you use Mobil Fluid LT.
Transfer Case – 48-12 Part Time 2–Speed Transfer
Case (Without 4WD AUTO) We recommend you use Shell Spirax S2 ATF A389.
Front Axle We recommend you use Mopar GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Rear Axle (3.21/3.55) We recommend you use Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-90 (MS-A0160).
Limited-Slip Rear Axles require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar Limited Slip Additive
(MS-10111).
Rear Axle (3.92) We recommend you use Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (MS-8985).
Limited-Slip Rear Axles require the addition of 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar Limited Slip Additive
(MS-10111).
Max Tow Rear Axle (3.92) We recommend You Use Dana SAE 80W90 Axle Lubricant.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1709.

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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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484
Blind Spot Monitoring
.................................... 318Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile PhoneOr Audio Device After Pairing
................275Body Builders Guide........................................ 11Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 418B-Pillar Location............................................. 447Brake Assist System...................................... 311Brake Control System.................................... 311Brake Fluid.......................................... 425, 478Brake System...................................... 425, 467Fluid Check............................................... 425Master Cylinder......................................... 425Parking...................................................... 151Warning Light............................................ 126Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 155Bulb Replacement......................................... 437Bulbs, Light.......................................... 371, 437
C
Camera.......................................................... 202Camera, AUX........................................ 204, 208Camera, Rear...................................... 202, 204Camper............................................................ 97Capacities, Fuel............................................. 474Caps, FillerOil (Engine)................................................ 404Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 423Car Washes................................................... 462
Carbon Monoxide Warning................... 371, 372Cargo Light....................................................... 56CD................................................................. 268Cellular Phone.............................................. 309Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 442Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 68Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 424Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 444Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)............................................................. 138Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 369Checks, Safety.............................................. 369Child Restraint.............................................. 355Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 358Child Seat Installation..................... 364, 365How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 363Infant And Child Restraints....................... 357Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 362Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 360Older Children And Child Restraints......... 357Seating Positions...................................... 359Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 469CleaningWheels..................................................... 456Climate Control................................................ 60Automatic.................................................... 60Manual........................................................ 63Cold Weather Operation............................... 146
Compact Spare Tire...................................... 455Connected Services...................................... 282Connected Services FAQ............................... 301Connected Services Features....................... 286Connected Services, Getting Started............ 284Connected Services, Introduction................. 282Contract, Service........................................... 480Controls........................................................ 259Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 423Cooling System............................................. 421Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 422Coolant Level................................... 421, 423Cooling Capacity....................................... 474Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 423Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 422Inspection................................................. 423Points To Remember................................ 424Pressure Cap............................................ 423Radiator Cap............................................. 423Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 422, 474, 475Corrosion Protection..................................... 461Cruise ControlAccel/Decel.............................................. 178Cancel....................................................... 179Resume.................................................... 179Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 177, 179Cruise Light................................................... 136Customer Assistance.................................... 479Cybersecurity................................................ 236

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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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491
Tires
................................... 371, 449, 455, 460Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 452Air Pressure............................................... 449Chains....................................................... 458Compact Spare......................................... 455Dual........................................................... 467General Information........................ 449, 455High Speed................................................ 451Inflation Pressure...................................... 450Life Of Tires............................................... 452Load Capacity............................................ 447Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)........................................ 131, 327Quality Grading.......................................... 460Radial........................................................ 451Replacement............................................. 453Rotation.................................................... 460Safety.............................................. 443, 449Sizes.......................................................... 444Snow Tires................................................. 454Spare Tires...................................... 455, 456Spinning.................................................... 452Trailer Towing............................................ 222Tread Wear Indicators............................... 452Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 467To Open Hood.................................................. 84Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight....................... 219Tonneau Cover....................................... 97, 462Tonneau Cover Cleaning................................ 462
Towing................................................. 214, 392Disabled Vehicle....................................... 392Guide........................................................ 218Recreational............................................. 230Weight...................................................... 218Towing Behind A Motorhome........................ 230Traction......................................................... 234Traction Control............................................ 318Trailer Reverse Steering Control................... 219Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 318Trailer Towing............................................... 214Hitches..................................................... 218Minimum Requirements........................... 221Mirrors......................................................... 48Tips........................................................... 227Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 219Wiring....................................................... 225Trailer Towing Guide..................................... 218Trailer Weight................................................ 218Transfer Case............................................... 427Electronically Shifted....................... 161, 163Fluid......................................................... 478Transmission................................................ 156Automatic........................................ 156, 426Fluid......................................................... 478Maintenance............................................ 426Shifting..................................................... 154Transporting Pets.......................................... 369Tread Wear Indicators.................................. 452Turn Signals......................... 55, 136, 439, 441
U
UconnectPhone Call Features
................................. 276Things You Should Know About Your Uconnect Phone................................... 279Uconnect App................................................ 284Uconnect Phone................................... 272, 273Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — Call Currently In Progress..................... 278Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — No Call Currently In Progress................ 277Bluetooth Communication Link................ 281Call Continuation...................................... 279Call Controls............................................. 277Call Termination....................................... 279Cancel Command..................................... 273Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing................ 275Help Command......................................... 273Join Calls.................................................. 279Making A Phone Or Audio Device AFavorite................................................ 275Making A Second Call While Current Call Is In Progress........................................ 278Managing Your Favorites.......................... 276Natural Speech......................................... 272Operation.................................................. 272Overview................................................... 27111

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