tow RAM 1500 2023 Repair Manual

180STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
 An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actu -
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
 Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lb (907 kg).
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) —
If Equipped
Your vehicle may have an ITBM for electric and Electric
Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.
NOTE:This module has been designed and verified with electric
trailer brakes and new EOH systems. Some previous EOH
systems may not be compatible with ITBM.

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)

The user interface consists of the following:
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake control power
output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. The GAIN
setting can be increased to a maximum of 10 or
decreased to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake control for
the specific towing condition and should be changed as
towing conditions change. Changes to towing conditions
include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and
weather.
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer's electric brakes independent of the
tow vehicle's brakes. If the manual brake control lever is
activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the
two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle’s stop lamps will come on when
braking normally with the vehicle brake pedal. Only the
trailer stop lamps will come on when the manual brake
control lever is applied.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an acci -
dent.
 Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for addi -
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should
be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.
1 — GAIN (-) Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN (+) Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever

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STARTING AND OPERATING181
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical connection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is
turned on, pushing the GAIN adjustment button or sliding
the manual brake control lever will display the GAIN
setting for 10 seconds and the Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the Integrated
Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light will flash.
Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:This should only be performed in a traffic free environment
at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working
condition, functioning normally and properly
adjusted. See your trailer dealer if necessary.

2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer manufacturer's
instructions.
3. When a trailer is plugged in with electric or EOH brakes, the trailer connected message should appear
in the instrument cluster display (if the connection is
not recognized by the ITBM, braking functions will not
be available), the GAIN setting will illuminate and the
correct type of trailer must be selected from the
instrument cluster display options.
4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheel until “TRAILER TOW” appears on the screen.
5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “TRAILER TOW”. 6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the Trailer Brake
Type appears on the screen.
7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears
on the screen.
8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph
(30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual brake
control lever completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels
turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a point
just below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a heavier trailer,
trailer wheel lockup may not be attainable even with the
maximum GAIN setting of 10.
*The suggested selection may change depending on the
customer preferences for braking performance. Condition
of the trailer brakes, driving and road state may also affect
the selection.
Light Electric Heavy Electric Light EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer BrakesElectric Trailer BrakesElectric Over Hydraulic Trailer
BrakesElectric Over Hydraulic Trailer
Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lb*Above 10,000 lb*Under 10,000 lb*Above 10,000 lb
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182STARTING AND OPERATING
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the instrument
cluster display. Display messages, along with a single
chime, will be displayed when a malfunction is determined
in the trailer connection, trailer brake control, or on the
trailer
Úpage 98.
NOTE:
An aftermarket controller may be available for use with
trailers with air or EOH trailer brake systems. To deter -
mine the type of brakes on your trailer and the avail -
ability of controllers, check with your trailer
manufacturer or dealer.
 Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may cause
damage to the electrical system and electronic
modules of the vehicle. See an authorized dealer if an
aftermarket module is to be installed.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights
And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness. The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must connect the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
NOTE:

Disconnect the trailer wiring connector from the vehicle
(or any other device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connectors) before launching a boat into water.
 Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.

Four-Pin Connector

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

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STARTING AND OPERATING183

Seven-Pin Connector

Trailer Light Check
This feature will run the trailer lights through a sequence
to check the trailer light function. It is available in the
Instrument Cluster under the Trailer Tow menu
Úpage 103. When activated the feature will enable all of the exterior
lights sequentially for up to five minutes for time to walk
around and verify functionality. The following exterior
lights will remain on for the entirety of the sequence:

Park/Running Lamps
 Side Marker Lamps (if equipped)
 License Lamp
 Signature Lamp (if equipped)
 Low Beams
 Fog Lamps (if equipped)
 Daytime Running Lamps
During this time the following lights will sequence, each
activating for three seconds:

1. Brake and CHMSL (third brake light)

2. Left turn signal
3. Right turn signal
4. Reverse Lamps
5. High Beam
This light check sequence will continue for a total of five
minutes. The sequence will only activate if the following conditions
are met:

Vehicle is equipped with the Trailer Tow Package
 Vehicle is in PARK
 Vehicle is not in motion
 Ignition is in ACC or ON/RUN
 Remote start is inactive
 Brakes are not applied
 Left turn signal is not applied
 Right turn signal is not applied
 Hazard switch is not applied
The sequence will cancel if any of the following conditions
occur:
 Brakes are applied
 Vehicle is shifted from PARK
 Vehicle is no longer stationary
 Left turn signal activated from stalk
 Right turn signal is activated from stalk
 Hazard switch is activated
 Any button on the key fob is pushed
 Ignition button is pushed
 High Beam stalk position is changed
 Sequence is canceled in the instrument cluster
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
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184STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up
the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL
mode or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear range
(using the ERS shift control) while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide
better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in
hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the (ERS)
shift control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
 When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
 Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,
the air suspension system can be used Úpage 134.
Selecting Tow/Haul or connecting a trailer with an
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) will disable
Automatic Aero mode to avoid height changes while
towing and shifting loads or tongue weights.
NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the engine running position
while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air
suspension system.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom -
mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow the
recommendations contained within the current Body
Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer, installer or
snowplow manufacturer for this information. There are
unique electrical systems that must be connected to
properly ensure operator safety and prevent overloading
vehicle systems.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision.
Do not expect that the airbag will perform as described
earlier in this manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exterior
lamps are not properly installed.

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186STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable
state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details.
 Vehicles equipped with Active-Level Four Corner Air
Suspension 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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will
result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground.
This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the
vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly. 3. Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission
in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight
position.
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
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause
severe transmission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

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STARTING AND OPERATING187
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neutral) for
recreational towing. The transmission must be shifted into
PARK for recreational towing. Refer to the following for the
proper transfer case N (Neutral) shifting procedure for
your vehicle.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground,
with the engine running. Apply the parking brake.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. The driver's door must be closed (or the driver's seat belt buckled) so
that the transmission will remain in NEUTRAL when
the brake pedal is released.
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with air suspension, ensure the
vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N (Neutral) button (at the
center of the transfer case switches). The N (Neutral)
indicator light will illuminate, and remain lit, when the
shift to N (Neutral) is complete. After the shift is
completed and the N (Neutral) light stays on, release
the N (Neutral) button.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing with only
one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear) will
cause severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the
ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
 Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this vehicle
backwards can cause severe damage to the transfer
case.
 Before recreational towing, the transfer case must
be in N (Neutral). To be certain the transfer case is
fully in N (Neutral), perform the procedure outlined
under “Shifting Into N (Neutral)”. Internal transmis -
sion damage will result, if the transfer case is not in
N (Neutral) during towing.
 The transmission must be in PARK for recreational
towing.
 Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require -
ments can cause severe transmission and/or
transfer case damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
 Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid
will leak from the transfer case, causing damage to
internal parts.
 Do not use a fascia/bumper-mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The fascia/bumper face bar will
be damaged.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should
always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
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188STARTING AND OPERATING
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Apply the parking brake. Turn off the engine. For vehicles with Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™, push and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button until the engine shuts off. The
transmission will automatically select PARK when the
engine is turned off.
10. Turn the ignition off.
11. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
12. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start the engine.
13. Release the parking brake.
14. Turn the ignition OFF.NOTE:
 Steps 2 and 3 are requirements that must be met
before pushing the N (Neutral) button, and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed.
If any of these requirements are not met before
pushing the N (Neutral) button or are no longer met
during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the
N (Neutral) button is released.
 The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to
take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.
 A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light indicates
that shift requirements have not been met.
 If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the
engine should be started and left running for a
minimum of 60 seconds (with all the doors closed) at
least once every 24 hours. This process allows the air
suspension to adjust the vehicle’s ride height to
compensate for temperature effects.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it
connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N (Neutral) button
(at the center of the transfer case switches).
5. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off, release the N (Neutral) button.
6. Turn the engine off. The transmission will automat -
ically select PARK when the engine is turned off.
7. Release the brake pedal.

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STARTING AND OPERATING189
8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Start the engine.
11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake
pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.
NOTE:
Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met
before pushing the button to shift out of N (Neutral),
and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met
before pushing the button or are no longer met during
the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light will flash contin -
uously until all requirements are met or until the button
is released.
 The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to
take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.
 A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light indicates
that shift requirements have not been met.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through shallow
standing water, consider the following Cautions and
Warnings before doing so.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where water is
flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flowing water
can wear away the road or path's surface and cause
your vehicle to sink into deeper water. Furthermore,
flowing and/or rising water can carry your vehicle away
swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s
traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h)
when driving through standing water.
 Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s
braking capabilities, which increases stopping
distances. Therefore, after driving through standing
water, drive slowly and lightly press on the brake
pedal several times to dry the brakes.
 Failure to follow these warnings may result in injuries
that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and
others around you.
4

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198MULTIMEDIA
LaneSense Warning This setting will change the distance at which the steering wheel will provide lane
departure feedback. The available settings are “Early”, “Medium”, and “Late”.
LaneSense Strength This setting will change the strength of the steering wheel feedback during a lane
departure. The available settings are “Low”, “Medium”, and “High”.
ParkSense This setting will change the type of ParkSense alert when a close object is detected and
can provide both an audible chime and a visual display.
Front ParkSense Volume This setting adjusts the volume of the Front ParkSense system. The available settings are
“Low”, “Medium”, and “High”.
Rear ParkSense Volume This setting adjusts the volume of the Rear ParkSense system. The available settings are
“Low”, “Medium”, and “High”.
Rear ParkSense Braking Assist This setting will turn the Rear ParkSense Braking Assist on or off.
Blind Spot Alert This setting will change the type of alert provided when an object is detected in a
vehicle’s blind spot. The “Off” setting will turn off Blind Spot Alert. The “Lights” setting will
activate the Blind Spot Alert lights on the outside mirrors. The “Lights & Chime” setting
will activate both the lights on the outside mirrors and an audible chime.
Trailer Length For Blind Spot Alert This setting will auto detect the length of an attached trailer. The “Auto” setting will have
the system automatically set the trailer length. The “Max” setting will always set the
length to the maximum 39.5 ft (12 m).
Hill Start Assist This setting will turn the Hill Start Assist system on or off.
ParkView Backup Camera Delay This setting will add a timed delay to the ParkView Backup Camera when shifting
out of REVERSE.
ParkView Backup Camera Active Guidelines This setting will turn the ParkView Backup Camera Active Guidelines on or off.
ParkView Backup Camera Fixed Guidelines This setting will turn the ParkView Backup Camera Fixed Guidelines on or off.
Tire Fill Assist This setting will turn Tire Fill Assist on or off.
Power Side Steps This setting will raise and lower or stow the power side steps. The available options are
“Automatic” to raise and lower the power side steps and “Stow” to deactivate the power
side steps.
Setting Name
Description

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