technical specifications RAM 1500 2021 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 10
2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE ..................................................................................17
3 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................................... 104
4 STARTING AND OPERATING .............................................................................................. 140 5 MULTIMEDIA .............................................................................................................................. 236
6 SAFETY .........................................................................................................................................310 7 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY .................................................................................................... 373
8 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................... 395
9 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................ 467
10 CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE ..................................................................................................... 479 11 INDEX ............................................................................................................................................. 483

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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................. 409 Engine Oil — Gas Engine ...........................410
Engine Oil Filter ..........................................410Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............................411
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter —
Diesel Engine ............................................412 Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement — Diesel Engine ..................413 Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel — Diesel Engine .................................414 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow (Diesel Engine) ....414 Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................415Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................415
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection................417Body Lubrication ........................................418
Windshield Wiper Blades ..........................418
Exhaust System ........................................420
Cooling System .........................................421
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler (Diesel
Engine)........................................................ 424 Brake System ............................................425
Automatic Transmission ...........................426
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level .................................................426 Transfer Case ............................................427
FUSES .........................................................427
BULB REPLACEMENT ................................437 TIRES....................................................................443
Tire Safety Information .............................. 443
Tires — General Information ..................... 449Tire Types ................................................... 454
Spare Tires — If Equipped ......................... 455
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................... 456Snow Traction Devices .............................. 458
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............. 460
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................. 460
Treadwear .................................................. 460
Traction Grades ......................................... 461
Temperature Grades ................................. 461
STORING THE VEHICLE ......................................461
BODYWORK ........................................................ 461
Protection From Atmospheric Agents....... 461
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 462Preserving The Bodywork .......................... 462
INTERIORS ......................................................... 464
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 464
Plastic And Coated Parts ........................... 465
Leather Surfaces ....................................... 465Glass Surfaces .......................................... 466
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ................ 467
BRAKE SYSTEM ................................................ 467
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................ 467
Torque Specifications ............................... 467
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE
ENGINE ............................................................... 468
3.6L Engine ............................................... 468
5.7L Engine ................................................ 469
Reformulated Gasoline ............................. 469
Materials Added To Fuel ........................... 469
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..................... 469
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel
Vehicles ...................................................... 470 CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications .. 470Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl (MMT) In Gasoline .................. 470 Fuel System Cautions................................ 470
FUEL REQUIREMENTS – DIESEL ENGINE ....... 471
Diesel Fuel Specifications......................... 471
Biodiesel Fuel Requirements.................... 472
FLUID CAPACITIES ............................................ 474
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................ 475
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ............... 478

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11
SYMBOLS KEY
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures
that could result in a collision, bodily injury and/or death. It also contains
CAUTIONS against procedures that could result in damage to your vehicle.
If you do not read this entire Owner’s Manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not apply to body modifications or
special equipment installed by van conversion/camper manufacturers/
body builders. US residents refer to the Warranty Information, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the “What Is Not Covered” section of
the Warranty Information. Such equipment includes video monitors, DVD/
Blu-Ray™, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment installed by the
conversion/camper manufacturer should also be supplied with your
vehicle. For any additional instructions, please contact your conversion/
camper manufacturer.
To obtain dimensional and technical specifications for your vehicle, refer
to the Body Builder’s Guide at https://www.ramtrucks.com/
ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation,
which if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION! An unsafe practice which may result in personal
injury or damage to the vehicle.
NOTE: A suggestion which will improve installation,
operation, and reliability. If not followed, may
result in damage.
TIP: General ideas/solutions/suggestions on easier
use of the product or functionality.
PAGE REFERENCE
ARROW
Follow this reference for additional information
on a particular feature.
FOOTNOTE Supplementary and relevant information
pertaining to the topic.
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its
roadworthiness and safety and may lead to a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
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467
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found
on the left front corner of the instrument panel,
visible through the windshield.
Vehicle Identification Number

NOTE:
It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the
engine off), the brakes will still function.
However, you will experience a substantial
increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses
normal braking capability, the remaining
system will still function with some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during
application, greater pedal force required to slow
or stop, and the “Brake Warning Light” and the
“ABS Warning Light” will activate during brake
use.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to
ensure that the wheel is properly mounted to
the vehicle. Any time a wheel has been removed
and reinstalled on the vehicle, the lug nuts/
bolts should be torqued using a properly
calibrated torque wrench using a six sided (hex)
deep wall socket.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
**Use only authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.
Lug Nut/ Bolt
Torque Lug Nut/
Bolt Type **Lug
Nut/Bolt Size Lug Nut/
Bolt
Socket Size
130
Ft-Lbs
(176 N·m) Cone
M14 x
1.50 22 mm
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468TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE:
Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to
mounting the tire and remove any corrosion or
loose particles.

Wheel Mounting Surface

Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until
each nut/bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure
that the socket is fully engaged on the lug nut/
bolt (do not insert it halfway).
After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt torque to be sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are
properly seated against the wheel.
Four, Five, And Six Lug Nuts/Bolts Torque Pattern

FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE ENGINE
While operating on gasoline with the required
octane number, hearing a light knocking sound
from the engine is not a cause for concern.
However, if the engine is heard making a heavy
knocking sound, see a dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with a lower than recommended octane number can cause engine failure and
may void or not be covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you
experience these symptoms, try another brand
of gasoline before considering service for the
vehicle.
3.6L ENGINE
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends
greater than 15% in this engine.
This engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide
optimum fuel economy and
performance when using high quality
unleaded “Regular” gasoline having a posted
octane number of 87 as specified by the (R+M)/
2 method. The use of higher octane “Premium”
gasoline is not required, as it will not provide
any benefit over “Regular” gasoline in these
engines.WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not tighten the lug nuts/bolts fully
until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to
follow this warning may result in personal
injury.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS469
5.7L ENGINE
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends
greater than 15% in this engine.
This engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide
satisfactory fuel economy and
performance when using high-quality
unleaded gasoline having an octane range of
87 to 89 as specified by the (R+M)/2 method.
The use of 89 octane “Plus” gasoline is
recommended for optimum performance and
fuel economy.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner burning gasoline referred to as
“reformulated gasoline”. Reformulated
gasoline contains oxygenates and are
specifically blended to reduce vehicle
emissions and improve air quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is
recommended. Properly blended reformulated
gasoline will provide improved performance
and durability of engine and fuel system
components.
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the
proper octane rating, gasolines that contain
detergents, corrosion and stability additives are
recommended. Using gasolines that have these
additives will help improve fuel economy,
reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle
performance.
Designated TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline contains a higher level of
detergents to further aide in
minimizing engine and fuel system
deposits. When available, the usage of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is recommended. Visit
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning
agents should be avoided. Many of these
materials intended for gum and varnish
removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket
and diaphragm materials.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline
with oxygenates such as ethanol.
Problems that result from using gasoline
containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15) or
gasoline containing methanol are not the
responsibility of FCA and may void the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use E-85, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasoline containing more than
15% ethanol (E-15). Use of these blends may
result in starting and drivability problems,
damage critical fuel system components,
cause emissions to exceed the applicable
standard, and/or cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to illuminate. Please observe
pump labels as they should clearly
communicate if a fuel contains greater than
15% ethanol (E-15).
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470TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
(Continued)
DO NOT USE E-85 IN NON-FLEX FUEL
V
EHICLES
Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are compatible
with gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
(E-15). Use of gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with
E-85 fuel, the engine will have some or all of
these symptoms:
Operate in a lean mode.
OBD II Malfunction Indicator Light on.
Poor engine performance.
Poor cold start and cold drivability.
Increased risk for fuel system component
corrosion.
CNG AND LP FUEL SYSTEM
M
ODIFICATIONS
Modifications that allow the engine to run on
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid
Propane (LP) may result in damage to the
engine, emissions, and fuel system
components. Problems that result from running CNG or LP are not the responsibility of FCA and
may void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
METHYLCYCLOPENTADIENYL
M
ANGANESE TRICARBONYL (MMT) IN
G
ASOLINE
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic
additive that is blended into some gasoline to
increase octane. Gasoline blended with MMT
provides no performance advantage beyond
gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces
spark plug life and reduces emissions system
performance in some vehicles. FCA
recommends that gasoline without MMT be
used in your vehicle. The MMT content of
gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline
pump; therefore, you should ask the gasoline
retailer whether the gasoline contains MMT.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California
reformulated gasoline.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions
control system can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle’s performance:
The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by
Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can
impair engine performance and damage
the emissions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or igni -
tion malfunctions can cause the catalytic
converter to overheat. If you notice a
pungent burning odor or some light smoke,
your engine may be out of tune or malfunc -
tioning and may require immediate service.
Contact an authorized dealer for service
assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now
being sold as octane enhancers, is not
recommended. Most of these products
contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor -
mance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsi -
bility of FCA and may void or not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS471
FUEL REQUIREMENTS – DIESEL ENGINE
Federal law requires that you must fuel this
vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel
fuel (15 ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits
the use of Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel
(500 ppm Sulfur maximum) to avoid damage to
the emissions control system.
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable
supplier in your vehicle. For most year-round
service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
(formerly known as the American Society for
Testing and Materials) specification D-975
Grade S15 will provide good performance. If the
vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 20°F
or -7°C), or is required to operate at
colder-than-normal conditions for prolonged
periods, use Climatized Number 2 diesel fuel or
dilute the Number 2 diesel fuel with 50%
Number 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better
protection from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of
the fuel filters. Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water.
To prevent fuel system trouble, drain the
accumulated water from the fuel/water
separator filter using the fuel/water separator
drain provided on the fuel filter housing. If you
buy good quality fuel and follow the cold
weather advice above, fuel conditioners should
not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel
may offer improved cold-starting and warm-up
performance.
DIESEL FUEL SPECIFICATIONS
This diesel engine has been developed to take
advantage of the high energy content and
generally lower cost Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur
diesel fuel or Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur
Climatized diesel fuels.
NOTE:
If you accidentally fill the fuel tank with gaso
-
line on your diesel vehicle, do not start the
engine. Damage to the engine and fuel
system could occur. Please call an autho -
rized dealer for service.
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting
ASTM specification D-975 may be used with
your diesel engine without any adjustments
to regular service schedules.
Commercially available fuel additives are not
necessary for the proper operation of your
diesel engine.
Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should
only be used where extended arctic condi -
tions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under
certain conditions and hazardous or
explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains
on, DO NOT START engine before you drain
the water from the fuel filter(s) to avoid
engine damage Ú page 412.9

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472TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BIODIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting
ASTM specification D975 is recommended for
use with your diesel engine. If frequent
operation with Biodiesel blends that are
between 6% and 20% (B6–B20) is desired, the
maintenance schedule is subject to shorter
intervals.
The oil and filter change along with fuel filter
replacement is subject to shorter intervals
when operating your engine on biodiesel
greater than 5%. Do not use biodiesel greater
than 20%.
For regular use of biodiesel blends between 6%
and 20% (B6–B20) it is important that you
understand and comply with these
requirements. For further direction
Úpage 403. Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable
resources typically derived from animal fat,
rapeseed oil (Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME)
base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl Ester (SME or
SOME) base).
Biodiesel fuel has inherent limitations which
require that you understand and adhere to the
following requirements if you use blends of
Biodiesel between 6% and 20% (B6–B20).
There are no unique restrictions for the use of
B5.
Biodiesel Fuel Properties — Low Ambient
Temperatures
Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient
temperatures, which may pose problems for
both storage and operation. Precautions can be
necessary at low ambient temperatures, such
as storing the fuel in a heated building or a
heated storage tank, or using cold temperature
additives.
CAUTION!
Failure to comply with Oil Change
requirements for vehicles operating on
biodiesel blends between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20) will result in premature engine
wear. Such wear is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Use of blends greater than 20% is not
approved. Use of blends greater than 20%
can result in engine damage. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
In the event that the vehicle is filled with
biodiesel and not used for more than a
month, the fuel should either be used up by
driving (up to quarter tank) and filled with
standard diesel blends with less than 5% that
is normally available. This will help prevent
the fuel filter clogging and potential damage
to the fuel injection system due to degraded
biodiesel, which is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS473
Fuel Quality — Must Comply With ASTM
Standards
The quality of Biodiesel fuel may vary widely.
Only fuel produced by a BQ9000 supplier to the
following specifications may be blended to
meet Biodiesel blend B6 – B20 fuel meeting
ASTM specification D-7467:
Petrodiesel fuel meeting ASTM specification
D-975 and Biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting ASTM
specification D-6751
Fuel Oxidation Stability — Must Use Fuel
Within Six Months Of Manufacture
Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability which
can result in long term storage problems. Fuel
produced to approved ASTM standards, if
stored properly, provides for protection against
fuel oxidation for up to six months.
Fuel Water Separation — Must Use Mopar
Approved Fuel Filter Elements
Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity to water and
water accelerates microbial growth. Your Mopar
filtration system is designed to provide
adequate fuel water separation capabilities.
Fuel In Oil Dilution — Must Adhere To
Required Oil Change Interval
Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been
observed with the use of Biodiesel fuel. Fuel in
oil must not exceed 5%. To ensure this limit is
met your oil change interval must be
maintained with in the suggested schedule. The
regular use of biodiesel between 6% and 20%
requires intervals shorter than the outlined
10,000 miles (16,100 km) and must not
exceed the suggested schedule. When routinely
operating on biodiesel between 6% and 20%, oil
and filter replacement intervals must not
exceed 8,000 Miles (12,900 km) or six months,
which ever comes first.
Biodiesel Fuel Filter Change Intervals
The use of biodiesel requires more frequent fuel
filter change intervals. When operating on
biodiesel between 6% and 20%, fuel filter
replacement intervals should be every second
oil change, and must not exceed 16,000 miles
(25,750 km).
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km) or
six months, if regular operation occurs with 6%
- 20% biodiesel blends. Under no circumstances
should fuel filter replacement intervals exceed
every second oil change and must not exceed
16,000 miles (25,750 km), if regular operation
occurs with 6% - 20% biodiesel blends. Failure
to comply with these oil change and fuel filter
requirements for vehicles operating on
biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in prema -
ture engine wear. Such wear is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The engine
may suffer severe damage if operated with
concentrations of biodiesel higher than 20%.
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