wheel RAM 1500 2023 Repair Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING185
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
 Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight -
ness.
 Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be ¼ to ½ inches
(6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in snow plowing
position.
 Check that snowplow lighting is connected and
functioning properly.
SNOWPLOW PREP PACKAGE MODEL
A
VAILABILITY
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body Builder’s
Guide.

1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed one.

2. The total GVWR, Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's side door
opening.
NOTE:Detach the snowplow when transporting passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to
specifications at the factory without consideration for the
weight of the plow. Front end toe-in should be checked
and reset if necessary at the beginning and end of the
snowplow season. This will help prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle is
parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow
equipment following the recommendations provided by
the specific snowplow manufacturer.
OVER THE ROAD OPERATION WITH
S
NOWPLOW ATTACHED
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and causes the
engine to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Therefore, when transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or surface
conditions permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The
operator should always maintain a safe stopping distance
and allow adequate passing clearance.
NOTE:Lane Departure Warning / Lane Keep Assist is not
available when a snow plow is attached.
OPERATING TIPS
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph (32 km/h)
should be maximum operating speed. The operator should
be familiar with the area and surface to be cleaned.
Reduce speed and use extreme caution when plowing
unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance with the
plow manufacturer's instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and battery
terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and drivetrain
damage, the following precautions should be observed:
 Operate with transfer case in 4WD LOW when plowing
small or congested areas where speeds are not likely to
exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in
4WD HIGH.
 Vehicles with automatic transmissions should use
4WD LOW when plowing deep or heavy snow for
extended periods of time to avoid transmission over -
heating.
 Do not shift the transmission unless the engine has
returned to idle and wheels have stopped. Make a
practice of stepping on the brake pedal while shifting
the transmission.
4

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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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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.
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190STARTING AND OPERATING
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills
or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural
obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,
choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.
Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously.
If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diagonally
across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, shift
to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator slowly
to avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always
a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
 Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required. 
Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly
on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and
suspension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to
the values specified in the Service Manual.
 Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
 After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
 If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing water before
driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
 Determine the condition of the road or the path that
is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.
 Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
 Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always
inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis -
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
 Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not
have full braking power when you need it to prevent a
collision. If you have been operating your vehicle in dirty
conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as
necessary.

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194MULTIMEDIA
Phone Pop-ups Displayed In Cluster This setting will display smartphone notifications and messages in the Instrument
Cluster Display.
Time Format This setting will allow you to set the time format (AM/PM). Sync Time With GPS must be
“Off” for this setting to be available. The “12 hrs” setting will set the time to a 12-hour
format. The “24 hrs” setting will set the time to a 24-hour format.
Voice Options This setting will allow you to change the voice options for the radio to “Male” or “Female”.
Wake Up Word This setting will allow you to set the system “Wake Up” word. The available options are
“Off”, “Hey, Uconnect”, and “Hey, Ram”.
Voice Barge-in This setting will allow Voice Barge-in to be turned on or off.
Show Command List This setting will allow the Command List to be shown. The options are “On” and “Off”.
Navigation Settings This setting will redirect to the list of Navigation settings. Refer to your Uconnect Radio
Instruction Manual for further information.
Auto-On Driver Heated/Ventilated Seat & Heated Steering Wheel This setting will activate the vehicle’s comfort system and heated seats or heated
steering wheel when the vehicle is remote started or ignition is started. The “Off” setting
will not activate the comfort systems. The “Remote Start” setting will only activate the
comfort systems when using Remote Start. The “All Start” setting will activate the comfort
systems whenever the vehicle is started.
Radio Power Off This setting will keep certain electrical features running after the engine is turned off.
When any door is opened, the electronics will deactivate. The available settings are
“0 sec”, “45 sec”, “5 min”, and “10 min”.
Radio Off With Door This setting will allow you to determine if the radio shuts off when any of the doors
are opened.
Audio Settings This setting will open the submenu, containing the audio settings
Úpage 211.
App Drawer Favoriting Pop-ups This setting will allow you to favorite app drawer pop-ups with “On” and “Off” options.
App Drawer Unfavoritings Pop-ups This setting will allow you to unfavorite app drawer pop-ups with “On” and “Off” options.
New Text Message Pop-ups This setting will allow you to have pop-up notifications for new text messages. Setting
options are “On” and “Off”.
Setting Name
Description

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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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MULTIMEDIA203
Trailer 4 Options for each Trailer are “Use This Trailer”, “Braking” (Light Electric, Heavy Electric,
Light Electric Over Hydraulic, and Heavy Electric Over Hydraulic), “Trailer Name”, and
“Tire Pressure” (Setup All Tires, Replace Single Tire, Set Target Tire Pressure, and Delete
Tire Settings).
Trailer Surround Camera This setting will let you access options related to the “Trailer Surround Camera”.
Trailer Select Select from “Trailer 1”, “Trailer 2”, “Trailer 3”, and “Trailer 4”. These trailer designations
can be used to save different trailer settings.
Trailer Brake Type This setting will set the system to a specific trailer type. The available options are
“Light Electric”, “Heavy Electric”, “Light Electric Over Hydraulic”, and “Heavy Electric
Over Hydraulic”.
Trailer Name This setting will personalize the trailer name depending on the type of trailer you are
hauling. Select the trailer name from the following list: trailer, boat, car, cargo, dump,
equipment, flatbed, gooseneck, horse, livestock, motorcycle, snowmobile, travel, utility,
and 5th wheel.
Setting Name
Description
5

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206MULTIMEDIA
Brakes
Headlights with Wipers This setting will turn the headlights on when the wipers are activated.
Daytime Running Lights This setting will allow you to turn the Daytime Running Lights on or off.
Flash Lights With Lock This setting will allow you to turn the flashing of the lights when the Lock button is pushed
on the key fob on or off.
Auto Dim High Beams This setting will allow you to turn the Auto Dim High Beams on or off.
Steering Directed Lights This setting will turn the headlights with the steering wheel. The available options are
“On” and “Off”.
Setting Name
Description
After pressing the Brakes button on the touchscreen, the following settings will be available:
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting NameDescription
Auto Park Brake This setting will turn the Auto Park Brake on or off.
Brake Service This setting will allow you to retract the brakes for servicing.

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208MULTIMEDIA
Seats & Comfort/Auto-On Comfort Systems
Key Off Options/Engine Off Options
When Seats & Comfort/Auto-On Comfort Systems button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to the vehicle’s comfort systems when remote start
has been activated or the vehicle has been started.
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting Name Description
Auto-On Driver Heated/Ventilated Seat & Heated Steering Wheel With Vehicle Start This setting will activate the vehicle’s comfort systems and heated seats or heated
steering wheel when the vehicle is remote started or ignition is started. The “Off” setting
will not activate the comfort systems. The “Remote Start” setting will only activate the
comfort systems when using Remote Start. The “All Start” setting will activate the comfort
systems whenever the vehicle is started.
Easy Exit Seats This setting will automatically move the driver seat rearward when the engine is shut off.
The available settings are “On” and “Off”.
When the Key Off Options/Engine Off Options button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to vehicle shutoff. These settings will only activate when
the ignition is set to OFF.
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting Name
Description
Easy Exit Seat This setting adjusts the seats to make exiting the vehicle easier.
Key Off Power Delay/Engine Off Power Delay This setting will keep certain electrical features running after the engine is turned off.
When any door is opened, the electronics will deactivate. The available settings are
“0 sec”, “45 sec”, “5 min”, and “10 min”.

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