towing 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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6
VEHICLE LOADING ............................................. 213 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......213Payload .......................................................213Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............213
Tire Size ......................................................213
Rim Size......................................................214
Inflation Pressure ......................................214
Curb Weight................................................214
Loading .......................................................214
TRAILER TOWING .............................................. 214
Common Towing Definitions .....................214Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight.........................................................218 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..........................................218 Trailer And Tongue Weight ........................ 219Trailer Reverse Steering Control ...............219
Towing Requirements ...............................221
Towing Tips ................................................227
SNOWPLOW ...................................................... 227
Before Plowing ........................................... 228
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 228 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached .....................................................229 Operating Tips ............................................229
General Maintenance ................................229 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME) ...................................................230
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 230 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 230 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 231
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 234
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 234
Driving Through Water .............................. 234
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................. 235
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS .......................................236
CYBERSECURITY ............................................... 236
UCONNECT SETTINGS ........................................ 237Customer Programmable Features .......... 237
HEAD-UP DISPLAY (HUD) .................................. 254
UCONNECT INTRODUCTION ..............................256
System Overview ....................................... 256Safety And General Information ............... 258
UCONNECT MODES ............................................259
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ................ 259
Radio Mode ............................................... 259Media Mode .............................................. 268
Phone Mode .............................................. 271 CONNECTED VEHICLE SERVICES —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 282
Is My Vehicle Connected? ......................... 282
Introduction To Connected Vehicle
Services ..................................................... 282 Getting Started With Connected Vehicle
Services ..................................................... 284 Using SiriusXM Guardian™ ...................... 286
Manage My SiriusXM Guardian™
Account ...................................................... 301
CONNECTED SERVICES FAQs ......................... 301
Connected Services SOS FAQs ................ 301
Connected Services Remote Door Lock/
Unlock FAQs .............................................. 302 Connected Services Roadside
Assistance FAQs ....................................... 302 Connected Services Send & Go FAQs ..... 302Connected Services Vehicle Finder
FAQs .......................................................... 303 Connected Services Stolen Vehicle
Assistance FAQs ....................................... 303 Connected Services Remote Vehicle
Start FAQs ................................................. 303 Connected Services Remote Horn &
Lights FAQs ................................................ 304 Connected Services Account FAQs........... 304
Data Collection & Privacy .......................... 306

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7
OFF-ROAD PAGES — IF EQUIPPED .................. 307 Off-Road Pages Status Bar .......................307
Vehicle Dynamics.......................................308
Accessory Gauge........................................308
Pitch & Roll .................................................308
Suspension ................................................309
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES.... 309
Regulatory And Safety Information........... 309
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 310 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 310
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...311
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 318
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ................................................318 Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................324 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ........................................................ 327
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 334
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....334
Important Safety Precautions ...................334Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 335Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...342Child Restraints..........................................355 SAFETY TIPS ....................................................... 369
Transporting Passengers .......................... 369Transporting Pets ...................................... 369
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................ 369 Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle ........................ 371 Exhaust Gas .............................................. 371
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...................... 372IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS........................373
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .... 373
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................377 Preparations For Jacking........................... 377
Jack Location ............................................. 378
Removal Of Jack And Tools ....................... 378
Removing The Spare Tire .......................... 380Jacking Instructions ................................... 381
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ........................ 384
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............... 385
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 386
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 386Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 387
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY –
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 389
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .........................389
MANUAL PARK RELEASE .................................. 390
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................391 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................ 392
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 393
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 393
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 394
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................ 394
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ....................... 394
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE ............................................................... 395
Maintenance Plan ..................................... 395
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 399
Maintenance Plan — Diesel Fuel Up To
B5 Biodiesel .............................................. 400 Additional Maintenance — B6 To B20
Biodiesel..................................................... 403
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 404
3.6L Engine With Stop/Start .................... 404
5.7L Engine Without Stop/Start ............... 4055.7L Engine With Stop/Start..................... 406
3.0L Diesel Engine .................................... 407Checking Oil Level ..................................... 408
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 408Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 409Pressure Washing...................................... 409

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48GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Resetting The Power Folding Outside Mirrors
You may need to reset the power folding mirrors
if the following occurs:
The mirrors are accidentally blocked while
folding.
The mirrors are accidentally manually
folded/unfolded (by hand or by pushing the
power folding mirror switch).
The mirrors come out of the unfolded posi -
tion.
The mirrors shake and vibrate at normal
driving speeds.
To reset the power folding mirrors: Fold and
unfold them by pushing the button (this may
require multiple attempts). This resets them to
their normal driving position.
TRAILER TOWING MIRRORS — IF
E
QUIPPED
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable
mirror head to provide a greater vision range
when towing extra-wide loads. To change
position inboard or outboard, the mirror head
should be rotated (flipped in or out).
Trailer Towing Position

NOTE:
Fold the trailer towing mirrors prior to entering
an automated car wash.
A small blindspot mirror is located next to the
main mirror and can be adjusted manually.

Blindspot Mirror

HEATED MIRRORS — IF EQUIPPED
These mirrors are heated to melt frost
or ice. This feature will be activated
whenever you turn on the rear window
defroster (if equipped) Ú page 60.
TILT SIDE MIRRORS IN REVERSE — IF
E
QUIPPED
This feature provides automatic outside mirror
positioning which will assist with the driver’s
ground visibility. The outside mirrors will move
slightly downward from the present position
when the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE. The
outside mirrors will then return to the original
position when the vehicle is shifted out of
REVERSE. If the vehicle is equipped with Driver
Memory Settings, this feature will be linked to
the programmable settings.
NOTE:
The Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse feature can be
turned on and off using the Uconnect system
Ú page 237.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL105
BASE / MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS — GASOLINE

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter
When the vehicle is in the RUN state, the
gauge indicates the electrical system
voltage. The pointer should stay within
the normal range if the battery is
charged. If the pointer moves to either
extreme left or right and remains there
during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with Stop/Start, a reduced
voltage may be present during an Autostop.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú page 114.
Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

The display always show one of the main
menu item after ignition on.
4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate the oil
pressure when the engine is running. A
continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme -
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with Stop/Start, an oil
pressure indication of zero is normal during an
Autostop. 5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door
is located.
7. Temperature Gauge
The pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The pointer will likely indicate a higher
temperature when driving in hot weather,
up mountain grades, or when towing a
trailer. It should not be allowed to exceed
the upper limits of the normal operating
range.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

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108GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS — GASOLINE

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú page 114.

Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

The display always show one of the main
menu item after ignition on. 3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door
is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
The pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The pointer will likely indicate a higher
temperature when driving in hot weather,
up mountain grades, or when towing a
trailer. It should not be allowed to exceed
the upper limits of the normal operating
range.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats Ú page 423.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads “H,” pull over and
stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H,” turn the engine off
immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL125
BATTERY SAVER ON/BATTERY SAVER
M
ODE MESSAGE — ELECTRICAL LOAD
R
EDUCTION ACTIONS — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional
monitoring of the electrical system and status
of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system
failure, or the vehicle battery conditions are
deteriorating, electrical load reduction actions
will take place to extend the driving time and
distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing
power to or turning off non-essential electrical
loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is
running. It will display a message if there is a
risk of battery depletion to the point where the
vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical supply,
or will not restart after the current drive cycle.
When load reduction is activated, the message
“Battery Saver On Some Systems May Have
Reduced Power” will appear in the instrument
cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery
has a low state of charge and continues to lose electrical charge at a rate that the charging
system cannot sustain.
NOTE:The charging system is independent from
load reduction. The charging system
performs a diagnostic on the charging
system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it
may indicate a problem with the charging
system Ú
page 128.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if
equipped), and vehicle functions which can be
affected by load reduction:
Heated Seats / Vented Seats / Heated Wheel
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or
more of the following conditions:
The charging system cannot deliver enough
electrical power to the vehicle system
because the electrical loads are larger than the capability of charging system. The
charging system is still functioning properly.
Turning on all possible vehicle electrical
loads (e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and
interior lights, overloaded power outlets
+12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports) during
certain driving conditions (city driving,
towing, frequent stopping).
Installing options like additional lights,
upfitter electrical accessories, audio
systems, alarms and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated
by long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended
period of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was
not charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical
load left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volt portable appli
-
ances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles
and similar devices.
3

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128GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/
C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service Ú page 389.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly. If
it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the
engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil
temperature to return to normal levels.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the ETC
system. If a problem is detected while
the vehicle is running, the light will
either stay on or flash depending on the nature
of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and
the transmission is placed in the PARK position.
The light should turn off. If the light remains on
with the vehicle running, your vehicle will
usually be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.

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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.
3

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130GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The MIL is a part of an Onboard
Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition is
in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If
the bulb does not come on when turning the
ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several
typical driving styles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and will not require
towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash
to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
Electronic Park Brake Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the Electronic Park Brake is
not functioning properly and service is
required. Contact an authorized
dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when
the ESC system is Active. The ESC
Indicator Light in the instrument
cluster will come on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position, and when ESC is activated. It should go
out with the engine running. If the ESC Indicator
Light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the
ESC system. If this warning light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible to have
the problem diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indi -
cator Light come on momentarily each time
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
This light will come on when the vehicle is in
an ESC event.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This
could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage
to the vehicle control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.

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