stop start RAM 1500 2021 Workshop Manual

208STARTING AND OPERATING
AUX CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two
AUX Cameras, which display images from the
trailer on the touchscreen.
Activation
The AUX Camera is activated any of the
following ways:
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
Pressing the AUX button in the Apps menu
Pressing the AUX button when the vehicle is
in REVERSE
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 when the
following situations occur:
The “X” in the upper right corner of the touch -
screen is pressed. This will return the display
back to the previously displayed screen.
The vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h)
for 10 seconds.
The vehicle is shifted into PARK.
The ignition is placed in the OFF position. 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).
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GASOLINE
ENGINE
The capless fuel filler is located on the left side
of the vehicle.
The capless system is sealed by two flapper
doors.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, Surround View
should only be used as a parking aid. The
Surround View camera is unable to view
every obstacle or object in your drive path.
To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must
be driven slowly when using Surround View
to be able to stop in time when an obstacle
is seen. It is recommended that the driver
look frequently over his/her shoulder when
using Surround View.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 208

212STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
2. Insert DEF fill adapter/nozzle into DEF tank filler neck.
NOTE:
The DEF gauge may take up to five seconds
to update after adding a gallon or more of
(DEF) to the DEF tank. If you have a fault
related to the DEF system, the gauge may not
update to the new level. See an authorized
dealer for service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 12°F (-11°C). The DEF line
heater will possibly warm up the DEF fluid
and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is
possible that the gauge may not reflect the
new fill level for several drives.
Refilling With Nozzles
You can fill up at any DEF distributor.
Proceed as follows:
Insert the DEF nozzle in the filler, start
refilling and stop refilling at the first
shut-off (the shut-off indicates that the
DEF tank is full). Do not proceed with the
refilling, to prevent spillage of DEF.
Extract the nozzle. Refilling With Containers
Proceed as follows:
Check the expiration date.
Read the advice for use on the label
before pouring the content of the bottle
into the DEF tank.
If systems which cannot be screwed in
(e.g. tanks) are used for refilling, after the
indication appears on the instrument
panel display Ú
page 114 fill the DEF
tank with no more than 2 Gallons (8
liters).
If containers which can be screwed to the
filler are used, the reservoir is full when
the DEF level in the container stops
pouring out. Do not proceed further.
CAUTION!
To avoid DEF spillage, and possible
damage to the DEF tank from overfilling, do
not “top off” the DEF tank after filling.
DO NOT OVERFILL. DEF will freeze below
12ºF (-11ºC). The DEF system is designed
to work in temperatures below the DEF
freezing point, however, if the tank is over -
filled and freezes, the system could be
damaged.
When DEF is spilled, clean the area imme -
diately with water and use an absorbent
material to soak up the spills on the ground.
Do not attempt to start your engine if DEF is
accidentally added to the diesel fuel tank
as it can result in severe damage to your
engine, including but not limited to failure
of the fuel pump and injectors.
CAUTION! (Continued)

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 212

STARTING AND OPERATING213
3. Stop filling the DEF tank immediately when
any of the following happen: DEF stops
flowing from the fill bottle into the DEF tank,
DEF splashes out the filler neck, or a DEF
pump nozzle automatically shuts off.
4. Reinstall cap onto DEF tank.
Filling The Def Tank In Cold Climates
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic DEF
heating system. This allows the DEF injection
system to operate properly at temperatures below 12°F (-11°C). If your vehicle is not in
operation for an extended period of time with
temperatures below 12°F (-11°C), the DEF in
the tank may freeze. Do not overfill the DEF
tank. If the tank is overfilled and freezes, it
could be damaged.
Extra care should be taken when filling with
portable containers to avoid overfilling. Keep an
eye on the DEF gauge in your instrument
cluster. You may safely add a maximum of
2 gallons (7.6 Liters) when your DEF gauge is
reading at the half mark.
VEHICLE LOADING
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your
vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle,
options and cargo. The label also specifies
maximum capacities of front and rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Total load must be
limited so GVWR and front and rear GAWR are
not exceeded.
PAYLOAD
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the
allowable load weight a truck can carry,
including the weight of the driver, all
passengers, options and cargo.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on
the front and rear axles. The load must be
distributed in the cargo area so that the GAWR
of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the
components in the system with the lowest load
carrying capacity (axle, springs, tires or wheels).
Heavier axles or suspension components
sometimes specified by purchasers for
increased durability does not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
TIRE SIZE
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Never add anything other than DEF to the
tank – especially any form of hydrocarbon
such as diesel fuel, fuel system additives,
gasoline, or any other petroleum-based
product. Even a very small amount of these,
less than 100 parts per million or less than
1 oz. per 78 gallons (295 liters) will contam -
inate the entire DEF system and will require
replacement. If owners use a container,
funnel or nozzle when refilling the tank, it
should either be new or one that is has only
been used for adding DEF. Mopar provides
an attachable nozzle with its DEF for this
purpose.
CAUTION! (Continued)
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 213

STARTING AND OPERATING219
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT

Weight Distribution

Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options or
dealer-installed options must be considered as
part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to
the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
TRAILER REVERSE STEERING CONTROL
Trailer Reverse Steering Control (TRSC) is a
feature that will allow the driver to back up a
trailer using a knob located on the center stack.
The feature works by the user first hooking up a
trailer and then performing the calibration
maneuvers.
Calibration:
First bring the vehicle and trailer to a complete
stop in a large open area, place the vehicle in
PARK and push the TRSC button located above
the knob in the center stack.
To calibrate a trailer, the driver must drive
forward 100 ft (30 m). Then perform a 90
degree turn and return to a straight position for
65 ft (20 m). Perform another 90 degree turn,
followed by another 65 ft (20 m) straight drive. Upon completion this the feature will be
available to activate.
NOTE:
The 90 degree turns could be in either the left
or right direction.

Trailer Reverse Steering Control Calibration

CAUTION!
Always observe the position of the trailer and
surroundings using the camera and mirrors to
avoid damage to the truck or trailer.
1 — Straight 100 ft (30 m)
2 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft
(15-20 m) in either direction
3 — Straight 50 ft (15 m)
4 — Intersection turn with radius 50-65 ft
(15-20 m) in either direction
5 — Straight 50 ft (15 m)
6 — Straight 65 ft (20 m), making sure to align ve -
hicle/trailer to path center line
7 — Feature is active, turn knob left or right to
back the trailer up
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 219

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.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 220

222STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h)
when towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 443.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake
system or vacuum system of your vehicle
with that of the trailer.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer
with electronically actuated brakes. When
towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic
surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for
trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the
parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the
tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can over -
load your brake system and cause it to fail.
You might not have brakes when you need
them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stop -
ping distance. When towing, you should
allow for additional space between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) loaded, it should have its own
brakes and they should be of adequate
capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake
pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 222

STARTING AND OPERATING223
Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Module (ITBM) for Electric and Electric
Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.
NOTE:
This module has been designed and verified
with electric trailer brakes and new EOH
systems. Some previous EOH systems may not
be compatible with ITBM.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)
The user interface consists of the following:
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake
control power output to the trailer brakes in
0.5 increments. The GAIN setting can be
increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased to
a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake
control for the specific towing condition and
should be changed as towing conditions
change. Changes to towing conditions include
trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and
weather.
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the left
to activate power to the trailer's electric brakes
independent of the tow vehicle's brakes. If the
manual brake control lever is activated while
the brake is also applied, the greater of the two
inputs determines the power sent to the trailer
brakes. The trailer and the vehicle’s stop lamps will
come on when braking normally with the vehicle
brake pedal. Only the trailer stop lamps will
come on when the manual brake control lever is
applied.
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical
connection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the
ignition is turned on, pushing the GAIN
adjustment button or sliding the manual brake
control lever will display the GAIN setting for
10 seconds and the “Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light” will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the
“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will flash.
1 — GAIN (-) Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN (+) Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 223

STARTING AND OPERATING225
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the
instrument cluster display. Display messages,
along with a single chime, will be displayed
when a malfunction is determined in the trailer
connection, trailer brake control, or on the
trailer Úpage 114. NOTE:
An aftermarket controller may be available
for use with trailers with air or elec
-
tric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems. To
determine the type of brakes on your trailer
and the availability of controllers, check with
your trailer manufacturer or dealer.
Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it
may cause damage to the electrical system
and electronic modules of the vehicle. See
your authorized dealer if an aftermarket
module is to be installed.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the
trailer size, stoplights and turn signals on the
trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin
and seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory
approved trailer harness and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness. The electrical connections are all complete to
the vehicle but you must connect the harness to
a trailer connector. Refer to the following
illustrations.
NOTE:
Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the
vehicle before launching a boat (or any other
device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connect) into water.
Be sure to reconnect once clear from water
area.

Four-Pin Connector

WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible
with the ITBM system may result in reduced
or complete loss of trailer braking. There may
be a increase in stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in personal
injury.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible
with the ITBM system may result in reduced
or complete loss of trailer braking. There may
be a increase in stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in damage to
your vehicle, trailer, or other property.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 225

226STARTING AND OPERATING

Seven-Pin Connector

Trailer Light Check
This feature will run the trailer lights through a
sequence to check the trailer light function. It is
available in the Instrument Cluster under the
Trailer Tow menu Ú page 118.
When activated the feature will enable all of the
exterior lights sequentially for up to two minutes
for time to walk around and verify functionality. The following exterior lights will remain on for
the entirety of the sequence:
Park/Running Lamps
Side Marker Lamps (if equipped)
License Lamp
Signature Lamp (if equipped)
Low Beams
Fog Lamps (if equipped)
Daytime Running Lamps
During this time the following lights will
sequence, each activating for three seconds:

1. Brake and CHMSL (third brake light)

2. Left turn signal
3. Right turn signal
4. Reverse Lamps
5. High Beam
This light check sequence will continue for a
total of two minutes. The sequence will only activate if the following
conditions are met:
Vehicle is equipped with the Trailer Tow
Package
Vehicle is in PARK
Vehicle is not in motion
Ignition in ACC or RUN
Remote start is inactive
Brakes are not applied
Left turn signal is not applied
Right turn signal not applied
Hazard switch is not applied
The sequence will cancel if any of the following
conditions occur:
Brakes are applied
Vehicle is shifted from PARK
Vehicle is no longer stationary
Left turn signal activated from stalk
Right turn signal is activated from stalk
1 — Battery
2 — Backup Lamps
3 — Right Stop/Turn
4 — Electric Brakes
5 — Ground
6 — Left Stop/Turn
7 — Running Lamps

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 226

STARTING AND OPERATING227
Hazard switch is activated
Any button on the key fob is pushed
Ignition button is pushed
High Beam stalk position is changed
Sequence is canceled in the instrument
cluster
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away
from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the (ERS) shift control) on more
severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experi
-
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from
the vehicle, the air suspension system can be
used Ú page 165. NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a
factory installed option. These packages
include components necessary to equip your
vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:
Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain
and follow the recommendations contained
within the current Body Builders Guide. See an
authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manu
-
facturer for this information. There are unique
electrical systems that must be connected to
properly ensure operator safety and prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 227