air condition RAM 1500 2023 Service Manual

SAFETY289
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may
deploy the air bag system even if the battery loses power
or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds
for a self-check when the ignition switch is first in the
ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warning
Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any
part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light,
either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will
sound to alert you if the light comes on again after initial
startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the
instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
detected that could affect the air bag system. The
diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction.
While the air bag system is designed to be maintenance
free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized
dealer service the air bag system immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the
four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first in
the ON/RUN position.
 The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
 The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine related
gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) may also be disabled. In this condition the air bags
may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light is
detected, which could affect the Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS), the Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light will illuminate on the instrument
panel. The Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will stay on
until the fault is cleared. In addition, a single chime will
sound to alert you that the Redundant Air Bag Warning
Light has come on and a fault has been detected. If the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently
or remains on while driving have an authorized dealer
service the vehicle immediately
Úpage 107.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder belts for
both the driver and front passenger. The front air bags are
a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver
front air bag is mounted in the center of the steering
wheel. The passenger front air bag is mounted in the
instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The
words “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed on the air
bag covers.

Front Air Bag/Knee Bolster Locations

WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instrument
panel could mean you won’t have the air bag system to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on
as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned on,
stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as
you drive, have an authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags
2 — Driver And Passenger Knee Impact Bolsters
6

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298SAFETY
(Continued)
Enhanced Accident Response System
Reset Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response System
functions after an event, the ignition switch must be
changed from ignition START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the engine
compartment and fuel tank before resetting the system
and starting the engine. After an accident, if the vehicle
will not start after performing the reset procedure, the
vehicle must be towed to an authorized dealer to be
inspected and to have the Enhanced Accident Response
System reset.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain
crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The
EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time,
typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
 Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts
were buckled/fastened;
 How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the acceler -
ator and/or brake pedal; and,
 How fast the vehicle was traveling. These data can help provide a better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE:EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial
crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR
under normal driving conditions and no personal data
(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could
combine the EDR data with the type of personally identi
-
fying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is
required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed.
In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties,
such as law enforcement, that have the special
equipment, can read the information if they have access
to the vehicle or the EDR.
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times, including babies and children. Every state in the
United States, and every Canadian province, requires that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years or younger should ride properly buckled
up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics,
children are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seats rather than in the front.
WARNING!
 Modifications to any part of the air bag system could
cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured
if the air bag system is not there to protect you. Do
not modify the components or wiring, including
adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering
wheel hub trim cover or the upper passenger side of
the instrument panel. Do not modify the front fascia/
bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket
side steps or running boards.
 It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag
system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on
your vehicle that it has an air bag system.
Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag
system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or may
not function properly if modifications are made. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any air bag
system service. If your seat, including your trim cover
and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way
(including removal or loosening/tightening of seat
attachment bolts), take the vehicle to an authorized
dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accesso -
ries may be used. If it is necessary to modify the air
bag system for persons with disabilities, contact an
authorized dealer.
WARNING!

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SAFETY311
SAFETY TIPS
TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
TRANSPORTING PETS
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in a
collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped)
in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by
seat belts.
CONNECTED VEHICLES
Privacy of any wireless and wired communications cannot
be assured. Third parties may unlawfully intercept
information and private communications without your
consent. For further information, refer to “Data Collection
& Privacy” in your Uconnect Radio Instruction Manual or
“Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity”
Úpage 116.
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE
I
NSIDE THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system. If your vehicle is involved in a collision, or if you have
questions regarding the seat belt or retractor conditions,
take your vehicle to an authorized FCA dealer or
authorized FCA Certified Collision Care Program facility for
inspection.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag Warning Light will turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first placed in the ON/RUN
position. If the light is either not on during
starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. After the bulb check, this light will illuminate with
a single chime when a fault with the Air Bag System has
been detected. It will stay on until the fault is removed.
If the light comes on intermittently or remains on while
driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle
immediately.
See
Úpage 282 for further information.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See an
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
WARNING!
 Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
 It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
 Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
 Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
WARNING!
It is not possible to know or to predict all of the possible
outcomes if your vehicle’s systems are breached. It may
be possible that vehicle systems, including safety
related systems, could be impaired or a loss of vehicle
control could occur that may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
6

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316IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
SOS Call System Limitations
Vehicles sold in Mexico
DO NOT have SOS Call system
capabilities.
SOS or other emergency line operators in Mexico may not
answer or respond to SOS system calls.
If the SOS Call system detects a malfunction, any of the
following may occur at the time the malfunction is
detected, and at the beginning of each ignition cycle:
 The overhead console lights located within the ASSIST
and SOS buttons will continuously illuminate red.
 The Device Screen will display the following message:
“Vehicle device requires service. Please contact an
authorized dealer.”
 Where applicable, an In-Vehicle Audio message will
state “Vehicle device requires service. Please contact
an authorized dealer.” Even if the SOS Call system is fully functional, factors
beyond FCA US LLC’s control may prevent or stop the SOS
Call system operation. These include, but are not limited
to, the following factors:

The ignition is in the OFF position
 The vehicle’s electrical systems are not intact
 The SOS Call system software and/or hardware are
damaged during a crash
 The vehicle battery loses power or becomes
disconnected during a vehicle crash
 LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network and/or Global
Positioning Satellite signals are unavailable or
obstructed
 Equipment malfunction at the SOS operator facility
 Operator error by the SOS operator
 LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network congestion
 Weather
 Buildings, structures, geographic terrain, or tunnels
WARNING!
If anyone in the vehicle could be in danger (e.g., fire
or smoke is visible, dangerous road conditions or
location), do not wait for voice contact from an Emer -
gency Services Agent. All occupants should exit the
vehicle immediately and move to a safe location.
 Never place anything on or near the vehicle’s oper -
able network and GPS antennas. You could prevent
operable network and GPS signal reception, which
can prevent your vehicle from placing an emergency
call. An operable network and GPS signal reception is
required for the SOS Call system to function properly.
 The SOS Call system is embedded into the vehicle’s
electrical system. Do not add aftermarket electrical
equipment to the vehicle’s electrical system. This
may prevent your vehicle from sending a signal to
initiate an emergency call. To avoid interference that
can cause the SOS Call system to fail, never add
aftermarket equipment (e.g., two-way mobile radio,
CB radio, data recorder, etc.) to your vehicle’s elec -
trical system or modify the antennas on your vehicle.
IF YOUR VEHICLE LOSES BATTERY POWER FOR ANY
REASON (INCLUDING DURING OR AFTER AN ACCI -
DENT), THE UCONNECT FEATURES, APPS AND
SERVICES, AMONG OTHERS, WILL NOT OPERATE.
 Modifications to any part of the SOS Call system
could cause the air bag system to fail when you need
it. You could be injured if the air bag system is not
there to help protect you.
WARNING!
Ignoring the overhead console light could mean you
will not have SOS Call services. If the overhead
console light is illuminated and no SOS call placed,
have an authorized dealer service the SOS Call
system immediately.
The Occupant Restraint Control module turns on the
air bag Warning Light on the instrument panel if a
malfunction in any part of the system is detected.
If the Air Bag Warning Light is illuminated, have an
authorized dealer service the Occupant Restraint
Control system immediately.
WARNING!

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328IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
In the event it is observed that the temperature gauge is
moving towards or close to the HOT (H) position, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
 In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes.
 If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
 You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supple -
ment to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.MANUAL PARK RELEASE
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as a
depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is available.
Follow these steps to activate the Manual Park Release:

1. Apply firm pressure to the brake pedal while seated in the driver’s seat.

2. Apply the parking brake if possible.
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, open the Manual Park Release cover, which is located to the
lower left of the steering column.

Manual Park Release Access Cover

4. Behind the Manual Park Release access cover is the orange tether strap. Pull the tether strap out as far as
it will go, then release it. The tether and lever will
remain outside of the trim panel and the
transmission should now be in NEUTRAL, allowing the
vehicle to be moved.

Manual Park Release Tether

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your
vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads HOT (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 HOT (H),
and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the parking
brake before activating the Manual Park Release. In
addition, you should be seated in the driver’s seat with
your foot firmly on the brake pedal when activating the
Manual Park Release. Activating the Manual Park
Release will allow your vehicle to roll away if it is not
secured by the parking brake, or by proper connection
to a tow vehicle. Activating the Manual Park Release on
an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious injury or
death for those in or around the vehicle.

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330IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may also be towed as described on
Úpage 186.
NOTE:Vehicles equipped with the Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension System must be placed in Transport mode, before tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck Úpage 134. If the vehicle cannot be placed in Transport mode (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these
instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat TowNONENOT ALLOWED See Instructions
 Transmission in PARK
 Transfer case in N (Neutral)
 Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK

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334SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE PLAN
Refer to the Maintenance Plan for required maintenance. More frequent maintenance may be needed in severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip driving. In some
extreme conditions, additional maintenance not specified in the maintenance schedule may be required.
NOTE:Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door hinge roller pivot joints twice a year to prevent premature wear.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System
Change the oil and filter.
 Rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
 Inspect the battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
 Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
 Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
 Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses.
 Inspect the exhaust system.
 Inspect the engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions, replace the engine air cleaner, as necessary.
 Inspect and replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter as necessary; replacement may be more frequent if vehicle is operated in extreme dusty conditions.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE335
Mileage Or Time Passed (Whichever Comes
First)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary. X
X X XX XX
Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces. If gear
oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level.
If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing, change
axle fluid. X
X XXX
Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary. X XX XX XX
Inspect transfer case fluid. X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin air filter. To be replaced every 12,000 miles (19,000 km).
For severe dusty driving conditions, inspect and
replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter
as necessary; replacement may be more
frequent depending on conditions. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Replace engine air cleaner filter. XX XXX
If equipped with Stop/Start, replace accessory
drive belt with OEM grade Mopar® belt. X
8

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344SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is present
before replacing the engine air cleaner filter.

1. Install the engine air cleaner filter onto the engine
air cleaner filter assembly.

2. Install the engine air cleaner filter cover onto the engine air cleaner filter assembly.
3. Tighten the fasteners (four) on the engine air cleaner filter assembly.
4. Install the engine cover.
G/T AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Clean Engine Air Filter
The G/T air filter comes equipped with a unique filter
media which is washable. See the following cleaning
procedure to prolong the life of the air filter component.
For recommended cleaning/replacement intervals
Úpage 334.

1. Spray the air filter with the recommended Mopar® air filter cleaner or apply mild dishwashing detergent
and water and let sit for at least 10 minutes to
loosen dirt before rinsing.

NOTE:Never use strong detergents, high pressure, or gasoline on
the air filter.
2. Rinse the air filter with cool low-pressure water applied from the inside (clean side) out in order to
flush the dirt out of the filter. Continue to rinse the
filter until all traces of the cleaner have been
removed.
NOTE:It may be necessary to repeat steps 1 and 2 if the air filter
is not completely clean.
3. After rinsing the air filter, gently shake off the excess water and allow air filter to dry naturally.
NOTE:Do not use forced air pressure as it may damage the
filtering capabilities of the filter’s microfibers and also void
its warranty.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer at the
start of each warm season. This service should include
cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling —
R–1234yf
R–1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a
Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an ozone-friendly
substance with a low global-warming potential. It is
recommended that air conditioning service be performed
by an authorized dealer using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:Use only the manufacturer approved A/C system PAG
compressor oil, and refrigerants.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 334.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi -
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, for further warranty
information.
 The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury
or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air
conditioning components. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the vehicle is
running, or while the ignition is in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. With the cabin air filter removed and the blower
operating, the blower can contact hands and may
propel dirt and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 344

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE347
Any belt with cracks running along a rib must be replaced.
Also have the belt replaced if it has excessive wear, frayed
cords or severe glazing.

Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)

Conditions that would require replacement:
Rib chunking (one or more ribs has separated from
belt body)
 Rib or belt wear
 Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between two ribs)
 Belt slips
 Groove jumping (belt does not maintain correct posi -
tion on pulley)
 Belt broken
 Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or rumble is
heard or felt while drive belt is in operation)
NOTE:Identify and correct problem before new belt is installed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a Stop/Start, belt must be
replaced with an OEM grade Mopar® belt.
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty component
such as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys should be carefully
inspected for damage and proper alignment.
Belt replacement on some models requires the use of
special tools, we recommend having your vehicle serviced
at an authorized dealer.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically. Use a lithium-based grease, such
as Mopar® Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy
operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the
application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should
be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When performing
other underhood services, the hood latch release
mechanism, and safety catch should be cleaned and
lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Autumn and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar® Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations
of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may
cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending on
geographical area and frequency of use. If chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots are present, clean the
wiper blades or replace as necessary.
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected
periodically, not just when wiper performance problems
are experienced. This inspection should include the
following points:
Wear or uneven edges
 Foreign material
 Hardening or cracking
 Deformation or fatigue
If a wiper blade or wiper arm is damaged, replace the
affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not
attempt to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged.
8

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