power steering RAM 1500 2021 Owners Manual

2
INTRODUCTION
Symbols Key ..........................................................11
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ...............................11
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS ..........................11
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS .........11
Symbol Glossary ...................................................12
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
KEYS ......................................................................17
Key Fob......................................................... 17
SENTRY KEY ..........................................................20
IGNITION SWITCH .................................................21
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ..................... 21
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (GASOLINE) ...22
How To Use Remote Start ........................... 22
To Exit Remote Start Mode ......................... 23
Remote Start Front Defrost Activation — If
Equipped ...................................................... 24 Remote Start Comfort Systems —
If Equipped ................................................... 24 Remote Start Windshield Wiper De-Icer
Activation — If Equipped .............................. 25 Remote Start Abort Message ...................... 25
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (DIESEL) ........25
How To Use Remote Start ........................... 25 VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .. 26
To Arm The System ...................................... 26
To Disarm The System ................................ 26
Rearming Of The System............................. 27
Security System Manual Override .............. 27
DOORS .................................................................. 27
Manual Door Locks...................................... 27
Power Door Locks — If Equipped ............... 28
Power Side Steps — If Equipped ................. 28
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry .......... 28
Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit —
If Equipped ................................................... 30 Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 30
Child-Protection Door Lock System —
Rear Doors ................................................... 31
STEERING WHEEL ................................................ 31
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column .............. 31
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ...... 32
DRIVER MEMORY SETTINGS — IF EQUIPPED ... 32
Programming The Memory Feature............ 33
Linking And Unlinking The Key Fob To
Memory ........................................................ 33 Memory Position Recall............................... 34
SEATS ................................................................... 34
Manual Adjustment (Front Seats) — If
Equipped ...................................................... 34 Manual Adjustment (Rear Seats) ............... 36 Power Adjustment (Front Seats) —
If Equipped ................................................... 36 Heated Seats — If Equipped ...................... 38
Ventilated Seats — If Equipped................... 39
Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers ................... 39
Head Restraints ........................................... 40
UCONNECT VOICE RECOGNITION ......................41
Introducing Voice Recognition .................... 41
Basic Voice Commands .............................. 42
Get Started................................................... 43
Additional Information................................. 43
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................................................43
MIRRORS ..............................................................44
Inside Rearview Mirror ................................ 44
Outside Mirrors ........................................... 46
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirrors — If
Equipped ...................................................... 47 Power Mirrors............................................... 47
Power Folding Outside Mirrors For
Standard And Trailer Tow — If Equipped .... 47 Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ......... 48
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ..................... 48
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse —
If Equipped ................................................... 48

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5
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .......................... 154 Ignition Park Interlock ...............................155
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System .......................................................155 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission.......156
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 161
Four-Position Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case — If Equipped ....................161 Five-Position Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case — If Equipped ....................163
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR
SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ........... 165 Description .................................................165
Air Suspension Modes...............................167
Instrument Cluster Display Messages......168Operation....................................................168
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR
SUSPENSION SYSTEM (REBEL MODELS
ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED ....................................... 169 Description .................................................169
Air Suspension Modes...............................171
Instrument Cluster Display Messages......171Operation....................................................172
AXLE LOCK SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .............. 173
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL —
IF EQUIPPED ....................................................... 174
POWER STEERING ............................................. 174 Electric Power Steering ............................174 FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED......................................... 175
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ............ 175 Autostop Mode........................................... 175
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not
Autostop ..................................................... 175 To Start The Engine While In Autostop
Mode........................................................... 176 To Manually Turn Off The Stop Start
System ........................................................ 176 To Manually Turn On The Stop Start
System ........................................................ 177 System Malfunction................................... 177
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 177
Cruise Control — If Equipped..................... 177Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) —
If Equipped ................................................. 179
PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ....................................189
ParkSense Sensors ................................... 190
ParkSense Warning Display ...................... 190
ParkSense Display ..................................... 190
Enabling And Disabling Front And/Or
Rear ParkSense ......................................... 193 Service The ParkSense Park Assist
System ........................................................ 193 Cleaning The ParkSense System.............. 194
ParkSense System Usage Precautions .... 194 PARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ................................... 195
Enabling And Disabling The ParkSense
Active Park Assist System ......................... 196 Parallel/Perpendicular Parking Space
Assistance Operation ................................ 197
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ........................... 199
LaneSense Operation................................ 199
Turning LaneSense On Or Off ................... 200
LaneSense Warning Message .................. 200Changing LaneSense Status..................... 202
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............. 202
AUX Camera — If Equipped ...................... 204
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED ........................................................... 204
AUX Camera — If Equipped ...................... 208
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GASOLINE
ENGINE ................................................................ 208
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL
ENGINE ............................................................... 210
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ............... 210Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ............... 210Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 211
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage .................... 211Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................... 211

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12
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
Some car components have colored labels with symbols indicating
precautions to be observed when using this component. It is important to
follow all warnings when operating your vehicle. See below for the
definition of each symbol Úpage 104.
Red Warning Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Úpage 126
Air Bag Warning Light Úpage 126
Brake Warning Light Úpage 126
Hood Open Warning Light Úpage 127
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 127
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light Úpage 128
Battery Charge Warning Light
Úpage 128
Oil Pressure Warning Light Úpage 128
Oil Temperature Warning Light Úpage 128
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light Úpage 128
Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light Úpage 129
Tailgate Open Warning Light Úpage 129
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light Úpage 129
Red Warning Lights

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84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Venting Sunroof — Express
Push and release the Vent button within one
half second and the sunroof will open to the
vent position. This is called “Express Vent” and
it will occur regardless of sunroof position.
During Express Vent operation, any movement
of the switch will stop the sunroof.
NOTE:
If the sunshade was not already open, it will
automatically open prior to the roof opening to
the vent position.
Ignition Off Operation
The power sunroof switch will remain active for
up to approximately 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
Opening either front door will cancel this
feature.
NOTE:
Ignition Off time is programmable through the
Uconnect system Úpage 237.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth
to clean the glass panel. Periodically check for
and clear out any debris that may have
collected in the tracks.
HOOD
TO OPEN THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be
released.

1. Pull the hood release lever located below
the steering wheel at the base of the
instrument panel.

Hood Release Lever Location
2. Reach into the opening beneath the center
of the hood and push the safety latch lever
to the left to release it, before raising the
hood.

Safety Latch Location

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94GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
The interior of the RamBox will automatically
illuminate when the lid is opened. The timing
can be adjusted within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 237.
Cargo bins feature two removable drain plugs
(to allow water to drain from bins). To remove
plug, pull up on the edge. To install, push plug
downward into drain hole.

RamBox Drain Plug Removal
NOTE:
Provisions are provided in the bins for cargo
dividers. These accessories (in addition to other
RamBox accessories) are available from Mopar.
If equipped, a 115 Volt (400 Watts Maximum)
inverter may be located inside the RamBox of
your vehicle. The inverter can be turned on by
the Instrument Panel Power Inverter switch
located to the left of the steering wheel. The
RamBox inverter can power cellular phones,
electronics and other low power devices
requiring power up to 400 Watts. Certain
high-end video game consoles exceed this
power limit, as will most power tools.

RamBox Power Inverter
The Instrument Panel Power Inverter switch is
only found on vehicles equipped with a
RamBox. The switch only controls on/off
operation of the power outlet in the RamBox; it
does not control on/off operation of the power
outlets located inside the cabin of the vehicle.

Instrument Panel Power Inverter Switch

RAMBOX SAFETY WARNING
Carefully follow these warnings to help prevent
personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
CAUTION!
Leaving the lid open for extended periods of
time could cause the vehicle battery to dis -
charge. If the lid is required to stay open for
extended periods of time, it is recommended
that the bin lights be turned off manually
using the on/off switch.
WARNING!
Always close the storage bin covers when
your vehicle is unattended.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL129
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Úpage 174.
Tailgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the tailgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the Trailer Brake has been
disconnected.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may
continue to drive normally.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a
door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single
chime.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the ACC system.
Contact an authorized dealer for
service Ú page 179.
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will illuminate when a fault is
detected with the air suspension
system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
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STARTING AND OPERATING151
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal operation
is allowed, providing the following
recommendations are followed:
Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for
prolonged periods.
Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera -
ture indicators.
Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
Vary throttle position at highway speeds
when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before
the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel
economy and power may be seen at this time.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving type
lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Ú
page 475.
NOTE:
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers
simple operation, and some additional features
that make the parking brake more convenient
and useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is applied. Also, be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK.
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
Manually, by applying the parking brake
switch.
Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park
Brake feature in the customer programmable
features section of the Uconnect settings. The parking brake switch is located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering
wheel (below the headlamp switch).

Electric Park Brake Switch

To apply the parking brake manually, pull up on
the switch momentarily. You may hear a slight
sound from the back of the vehicle while the
parking brake engages. Once the park brake is
fully engaged, the BRAKE telltale light in the
instrument cluster and an indicator on the
switch will illuminate. If your foot is on the brake
pedal while you apply the parking brake, you
may notice a small amount of brake pedal
movement. The parking brake can be applied
even when the ignition switch is OFF but the
BRAKE telltale light will not illuminate, however,
it can only be released when the ignition is in
the ON/RUN mode.
4

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174STARTING AND OPERATING
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF
EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional
traction on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel,
particularly when there is a difference between
the traction characteristics of the surface under
the right and left rear wheels. During normal
driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit
performs similarly to a conventional differential.
On slippery surfaces, however, the differential
delivers more of the driving effort to the rear
wheel having the better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful
during slippery driving conditions. With both
rear wheels on a slippery surface, a slight
application of the accelerator will supply
maximum traction. When starting with only one
rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface,
slight momentary application of the parking
brake may be necessary to gain maximum
traction. Care should be taken to avoid sudden
accelerations when both rear wheels are on a
slippery surface. This could cause both rear
wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide
sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in
a turn.
POWER STEERING
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The power steering system
adapts to different driving conditions.
If the steering icon is flashing, it indicates that
the vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for
service. It is likely the vehicle has lost power
steering assistance.If the steering icon is displayed and the “POWER
STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, this
indicates an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. Once driving conditions
are safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a
few moments until the icon and message turn
off Ú
page 114.
If the steering icon is displayed and the
“SERVICE POWER STEERING – ASSIST OFF”
message is displayed the instrument cluster
screen, this indicates the vehicle needs to be
taken to the dealer for service Ú page 114.
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to steer
the vehicle. Under these conditions there will
be a substantial increase in steering effort,
especially at low speeds and during parking
maneuvers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a
limited-slip or locking differential never run
the engine with one rear wheel off the ground
since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground and result in
unintended movement.

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

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

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

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STARTING AND OPERATING235
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Care should be taken when attempting to climb
steep hills or driving diagonally across a hill or
slope. If natural obstacles force you to travel
diagonally up or down a hill, choose a mild angle
and keep as little side tilt as possible. Keep the
vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously. If you must back down a hill, back straight down
using REVERSE gear. Never back down in
NEUTRAL or diagonally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft
terrain, shift to low gear and drive steadily.
Apply the accelerator slowly to avoid spinning
the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of
driving.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to check
for damage. That way you can get any problems
taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
Check threaded fasteners for looseness,
particularly on the chassis, drivetrain compo
-
nents, steering, and suspension. Retighten
them, if required, and torque to the values
specified in the Service Manual.
Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses,
axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
After extended operation in mud, sand,
water, or similar dirty conditions, have the
radiator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake
linings, and axle yokes inspected and
cleaned as soon as possible.
If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material.
Impacted material can cause a wheel imbal-
ance and freeing the wheels of it will correct
the situation.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine
can cause it to lock up and stall out, and
cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable
braking. You might not have full braking
power when you need it to prevent a collision.
If you have been operating your vehicle in
dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and
cleaned as necessary.
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