trailer Ram 2500 2020 Owner's Guide

SAFETY147
ESC Operating Modes
NOTE:
Depending upon model and mode of operation,
the ESC system may have multiple operating
modes. ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used
for most driving conditions. Alternate ESC
modes should only be used for specific reasons
as noted in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for times
when a more spirited driving experience is
desired. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than normally allowed. This mode
may be useful if the vehicle becomes stuck.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily
push the “ESC OFF” switch and the “ESC OFF
Indicator Light” will illuminate. To turn the ESC
on again, momentarily push the “ESC OFF”
switch and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will
turn off.
NOTE:
For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes, a
momentary button push will toggle the ESC
mode. Multiple momentary button pushes may
be required to return to ESC On.
Full Off — If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only and should not be used on any
public roadways. In this mode, TCS and ESC
features are turned off. To enter the “Full Off”
mode, push and hold the “ESC OFF” switch for
five seconds while the vehicle is stopped with
the engine running. After five seconds, a chime
will sound, the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will illu
-
minate, and the “ESC OFF” message will display
in the instrument cluster. To turn ESC on again,
momentarily push the “ESC OFF” switch.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING! (Continued)WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func -
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator
Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
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SAFETY151
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for
several seconds then extinguish when HDC
disables due to excess speed.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash
when HDC deactivates due to overheated
brakes. The flashing will stop and HDC will
activate again once the brakes have cooled
sufficiently.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The Hill Start Assist (HSA) system is designed to
mitigate roll back from a complete stop while on
an incline. If the driver releases the brake while
stopped on an incline, HSA will continue to hold
the brake pressure for a short period. If the
driver does not apply the throttle before this
time expires, the system will release brake pres -
sure and the vehicle will roll down the hill as
normal. The following conditions must be met in order
for HSA to activate:
The feature must be enabled.
The vehicle must be stopped.
The park brake must be off.
The driver door must be closed.
The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
The gear selection must match vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in
forward gear; vehicle backing uphill is in
REVERSE (R) gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all
forward gears. The system will not activate if
the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL (N).
For vehicles equipped with a manual trans
-
mission, if the clutch is pressed, HSA will
remain active.
WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in
controlling vehicle speed when descending
hills. The driver must remain attentive to the
driving conditions and is responsible for
maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, such as on minor hills or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer. HSA
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive to distance to
other vehicles, people, and objects, and most
importantly brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road
conditions. Your complete attention is always
required while driving to maintain safe control
of your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
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152SAFETY
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To
change the current setting, proceed as follows:
If disabling HSA using your instrument cluster
display, refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings,
refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
for further information.
For vehicles not equipped with an instrument
cluster display, perform the following steps:

1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels pointing straight forward).

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than one-half turn to the left. 6. Push the “ESC OFF” button located in the
lower switch bank below the climate control
four times within 20 seconds. The “ESC OFF
Indicator Light” should turn on and turn off
two times.
7. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an additional slightly more than
one-half turn to the right.
8. Place the ignition in the OFF mode and then back to ON. If the sequence was completed
properly, the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will
blink several times to confirm HSA is
disabled.
9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll
back while towing a trailer.
WARNING!
If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, the trailer brakes may be activated
and deactivated with the brake switch. If
so, there may not be enough brake pres -
sure to hold both the vehicle and the trailer
on a hill when the brake pedal is released.
In order to avoid rolling down an incline
while resuming acceleration, manually acti -
vate the trailer brake or apply more vehicle
brake pressure prior to releasing the brake
pedal.
HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when exiting your
vehicle. Also, be certain to place the trans -
mission in PARK.
Failure to follow these warnings can result
in a collision or serious personal injury.

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SAFETY153
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin
of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is
detected, the Traction Control System (TCS)
may apply brake pressure to the spinning
wheel(s) and/or reduce engine power to provide
enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature
of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential (BLD),
functions similar to a limited slip differential
and controls the wheel spin across a driven
axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning
faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more
engine power to be applied to the wheel that is
not spinning. BLD may remain enabled even if
TCS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are in
a reduced mode.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) uses sensors in the
vehicle to recognize an excessively swaying
trailer and will take the appropriate actions to
attempt to stop the sway. TSC will become
active automatically once an excessively
swaying trailer is recognized. NOTE:
TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Always use caution when towing a trailer and
follow the trailer tongue weight recommenda
-
tions. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
When TSC is functioning, the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” will flash, the
engine power may be reduced and you may feel
the brakes being applied to individual wheels to
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” or “Full Off” modes.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) — If Equipped
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system uses
two radar-based sensors, located inside the tail -
lights, to detect highway licensable vehicles
(automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) that enter the blind spot zones from the rear/front/
side of the vehicle.

Rear Detection Zones

When the vehicle is started, the BSM warning
light will momentarily illuminate in both outside
rearview mirrors to let the driver know that the
system is operational. The BSM system sensors
operate when the vehicle is in any forward gear
or REVERSE and enters standby mode when the
vehicle is in PARK.
The BSM detection zone covers approximately
one lane width on both sides of the vehicle 12 ft
(3.8 m). The zone length starts at the outside
rear view mirror and extends approximately
10 ft (3 m) beyond the rear bumper of the
vehicle. The BSM system monitors the detec -
tion zones on both sides of the vehicle when the
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer
sway.
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SAFETY157
Modes Of Operation
Three selectable modes of operation are avail -
able in the Uconnect System.
Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
for further information.
Blind Spot Alert Lights Only
When operating in Blind Spot Alert mode, the
BSM system will provide a visual alert in the
appropriate side view mirror based on a
detected object. However, when the system is
operating in Rear Cross Path (RCP) mode, the
system will respond with both visual and
audible alerts when a detected object is
present. Whenever an audible alert is
requested, the radio is muted.
Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime
When operating in Blind Spot Alert Lights/
Chime mode, the BSM system will provide a
visual alert in the appropriate side view mirror
based on a detected object. If the turn signal is
then activated, and it corresponds to an alert
present on that side of the vehicle, an audible
chime will also be sounded. Whenever a turn
signal and detected object are present on the
same side at the same time, both the visual and
audible alerts will be issued. In addition to the
audible alert the radio (if on) will also be muted. NOTE:
Whenever an audible alert is requested by the
BSM system, the radio is also muted.
When the system is in RCP, the system shall
respond with both visual and audible alerts
when a detected object is present. Whenever
an audible alert is requested, the radio is also
muted. Turn/hazard signal status is ignored;
the RCP state always requests the chime.
Blind Spot Alert Off
When the BSM system is turned off there will be
no visual or audible alerts from either the BSM
or RCP systems.
NOTE:
The BSM system will store the current operating
mode when the vehicle is shut off. Each time
the vehicle is started the previously stored
mode will be recalled and used.
Trailer Merge Assist
NOTE:
When Trailer Merge Assist is activated, Rear
Cross Path is disabled.
NOTE:
When a trailer with an electric brake is
connected to the vehicle, the instrument cluster
display will provide a menu to allow a selection
of the trailer type. There will be two options
provided: Conventional and Goose/Fifth Wheel.
Goose/Fifth Wheel Trailer is incompatible and
when selected, the BSM system will disable
until the trailer is disconnected. If the wrong
option is selected, the system can be reset by
either disconnecting and reconnecting the
trailer harness connector or disabling then
re-enabling the Blind Spot Monitoring System in
the customer settings in the Uconnect. This will
prompt the trailer selection menu again to allow
for the correct selection.
Trailer Merge Assist is a function of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) system that extends the
blind spot zone to work while pulling a trailer.
Trailer Merge Assist consists of three sub func
-
tions:Automatic Trailer Detection
Trailer Length Detection
Trailer Merge Warning
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158SAFETY

Blind Spot Zones With Trailer Merge Assist

Automatic Trailer Detection
There are two modes of operation for the detec -
tion of the trailer length:
Automatic Mode — When “Auto Mode” is
selected, the system will use the blind spot
sensors to automatically determine the pres -
ence and length of a trailer. The presence of
a trailer will be detected using the blind spot
radar within 90 seconds of forward move -
ment of the vehicle. The vehicle must be
moving above 6 mph (10 km/h) to activate
the feature. Once the trailer has been
detected, the system will default to the
maximum blind spot zone until the length has been verified. You will see “Auto” in the
instrument panel cluster .
Max Mode
— When “Max Mode” is selected,
the system will default to the maximum blind
spot zone regardless of what size trailer is
attached .
NOTE:
Selected setting is stored when the ignition is
placed in the OFF position. To change this
setting, it must be selected through the Ucon -
nect Settings. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in
“Multimedia” for further information.
Trailer Length Detection
Once the trailer presence has been established,
the trailer length will be established (by making
a 90 degree turn) and then the trailer length
category (e.g. 10-20 ft (3 m to 6 m)) will be
displayed. This can take up to 30 seconds after
completing the turn.
NOTE:
During the same ignition cycle, if the vehicle is
at a standstill for a minimum of 90 seconds, a
new “trailer detection request” is enabled by
the system once the vehicle resumes motion. Maximum length supported by the Trailer Merge
Assist feature is 39.5 ft (12 m). Trailer length is
considered the forward most portion of the
trailer hitch to the rearward most portion of the
body, bumper, or ramp of the trailer.
Maximum width supported by the Trailer Merge
Assist feature is 8.5 ft (2.59 m). Trailer width is
measured at the widest portion of the trailer
and may include wheels, tires, finders, or rails.
NOTE:
Fifth wheel or gooseneck trailers are not
supported by Trailer Merge Assist.

Trailer Length Detection

1 — Vehicle
2 — Trailer
1 — Trailer Length
2 — Trailer Width
3 — Trailer Hitch

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SAFETY159
Trailer length will be identified and placed into
one of the following categories:
Trailer length up to 10 ft (3 m) — Blind spot
zone will be adjusted to 10 ft (3 m) .
Trailer length between 10 ft to 20 ft (3 m to
6 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted to
20 ft (6 m) .
Trailer length between 20 ft to 30 ft (6 m to
9 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted to
30 ft (9 m) .
Trailer length between 30 ft and 39.5 ft (9 m
to 12 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted to
MAX distance .
NOTE:
Trailer length is determined within +/- 3 ft (1 m)
of actual length. Trailers that are the same size
as the category limit, 10/20/30 ft (3/6/9 m),
could be subject to being placed in the category
above or below the correct one.
Trailer Merge Warning
Trailer Merge Warning is the extension of the
blind spot function to cover the length of the
trailer, plus a safety margin, to warn the driver
when there is a vehicle in the adjacent lane. The
driver is alerted by the illumination of the BSM warning light located in the outside mirror on
the side the other vehicle is detected. In addi
-
tion, an audible (chime) alert will be heard and
radio volume reduced. Refer to “Modes Of Oper -
ation” in this section for further information.
NOTE:
The Trailer Merge Alert system DOES NOT
alert the driver about rapidly approaching
vehicles that are outside the detection zones.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may
experience drop outs (blinking on and off) of
the side mirror warning indicator lamps when
a motorcycle or any small object remains at
the side of the vehicle for extended periods of
time (more than a couple of seconds).
Crowded areas such as parking lots, neigh -
borhoods, etc. May lead to an increased
amount of false alerts. This is normal opera -
tion.
General Information
The following regulatory statement applies to all
Radio Frequency (RF) devices equipped in this
vehicle:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules and with Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interfer -
ence, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
WARNING!
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an
aid to help detect objects in the blind spot
zones. The BSM system is not designed to
detect pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals.
Even if your vehicle is equipped with the BSM
system, always check your vehicle’s mirrors,
glance over your shoulder, and use your turn
signal before changing lanes. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.
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160SAFETY
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR
d`Innovation, Science and Economic Develop -
ment applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux
conditions suivantes:

1. l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouil -
lage, et

2. l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en comprom -
ettre le fonctionnement.
La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las
siguientes dos condiciones:

1. es posible que este equipo o dispositivo no cause interferencia perjudicial y

2. este equipo o dispositivo debe aceptar cual -
quier interferencia, incluyendo la que
pueda causar su operación no deseada.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compli -
ance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped
The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system
provides the driver with audible, visual warnings
(within the instrument cluster display), and may
apply a haptic warning in the form of a brake
jerk, to warn the driver when it detects a poten -
tial frontal collision. The warnings are intended
to provide the driver with enough time to react,
avoid or mitigate the potential collision.
NOTE:
FCW monitors the information from the forward
looking sensors as well as Electronic Brake
Controller (EBC), to calculate the probability of a
forward collision. When the system determines
that a forward collision is probable, the driver
will be provided with audible and visual warn-
ings as well as a possible haptic warning in the
form of a brake jerk.
If the driver does not take action based upon
these progressive warnings, then the system
will provide a limited level of active braking to
help slow the vehicle and mitigate the potential
forward collision. If the driver reacts to the warn -
ings by braking and the system determines that
the driver intends to avoid the collision by
braking but has not applied sufficient brake force, the system will compensate and provide
additional brake force as required. When towing
a trailer, the system will also respond to activate
the trailer brakes (if equipped).
If a FCW with Mitigation event begins at a speed
below 32 mph (52 km/h), the system may
provide the maximum braking possible to miti
-
gate the potential forward collision. If the
Forward Collision Warning with Mitigation event
stops the vehicle completely, the system will
hold the vehicle at standstill for two seconds
and then release the brakes.

FCW Message

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SAFETY161
When the system determines a collision with
the vehicle in front of you is no longer probable,
the warning message will be deactivated.
NOTE:
The minimum speed for FCW activation is
3 mph (5 km/h).
The FCW alerts may be triggered on objects
other than vehicles such as guard rails or
sign posts based on the course prediction.
This is expected and is a part of normal FCW
activation and functionality.
It is unsafe to test the FCW system. To
prevent such misuse of the system, after four
Active Braking events within a key cycle, the
Active Braking portion of FCW will be deacti -
vated until the next key cycle.
The FCW system is intended for on-road use
only. If the vehicle is taken off-road, the FCW
system should be deactivated to prevent
unnecessary warnings to the surroundings.
FCW may not react to irrelevant objects such
as overhead objects, ground reflections,
objects not in the path of the vehicle,
stationary objects that are far away, oncoming traffic, or leading vehicles with the
same or higher rate of speed.
“FCW will be disabled like ACC, with the
unavailable screens.
During a FCW event when towing a trailer,
your Electronic Brake system will respond, to
activate the trailer brakes (if equipped).
Turning FCW On or Off
The FCW button is located in the Uconnect
display in the control settings. Refer to “Ucon
-
nect Settings” in “Multimedia” in the Owner's
Manual for further information.
To turn the FCW system on, press the forward
collision button once.
To turn the FCW system off, press the forward
collision button once.
NOTE:
When the FCW is “on”, this allows the system
to warn the driver of a possible collision with
the vehicle in front.
When the FCW is “off” prevents the system
from warning the driver of a possible collision
with the vehicle in front. If the FCW is set to
“off”, “FCW OFF" will be displayed in the
instrument cluster display.
When FCW status is set to “Only Warning”
prevents the system from providing limited
active braking, or additional brake support if
the driver is not braking adequately in the
event of a potential frontal collision.
When FCW status is set to “Warning and
Braking” this allows the system to warn the
driver of a possible collision with the vehicle
in front using audible/visual warnings and it
applies autonomous braking.
The FCW system state is defaulted to “Full
On” from one ignition cycle to the next. If the
system is turned off, it will reset to “Full On”
when the vehicle is restarted.
WARNING!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not
intended to avoid a collision on its own, nor
can FCW detect every type of potential
collision. The driver has the responsibility to
avoid a collision by controlling the vehicle via
braking and steering. Failure to follow this
warning could lead to serious injury or death.
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SAFETY167
dashes (- -), as long as no tire pressure is
below the low-pressure warning limit in any of
the four active road tires. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TTPMS)
The Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TTPMS) is a feature that displays the trailer tire
pressure values and warn the driver of a low tire
pressure event based on the drivers set target
tire pressure value, through TTPMS settings
found in the radio.
The TTPMS monitors the pressure of each tire
and warns the driver through the instrument
cluster, when either a low tire pressure condi -
tion falls below 25% of the drivers set pressure
or if a system malfunction occurs. The instru -
ment cluster will display the actual tire pressure
or dashes for each of the trailer tires in the
correct trailer position, based on trailer configu -
ration. The TTPMS system can support up to
12 trailer tires per configured trailer on up to
four configurable trailers. Refer to “Uconnect
Settings” in “Multimedia” for further informa -
tion. Trailer Tire Pressure Sensor Pairing
In order use this feature, the provided tire pres
-
sure sensors must be installed in the desired
trailer tires and the sensors must be paired to
the truck. If the target trailer requires more than
the provided four sensors, additional sensors
can be purchased at an authorized Ram dealer -
ship.
With the sensors installed and the trailer near
or connected to your Ram truck, initiate the
pairing process by entering the settings menu in
the radio and select trailer. Refer to “Uconnect
Settings” in “Multimedia” for further informa -
tion. Select the desired trailer profile to pair to,
open the “Tire Pressure” menu, and hit “Setup
All Tires.” NOTE:
The vehicle may not be driven until the pairing
process is complete.4

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