Trailer towing Ram 2500 2020 Owner's Manual

3
Power Mirrors — If Equipped ...................... 45
Power Convex Mirror Switch —
If Equipped ................................................... 46 Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ......... 46
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ..................... 47
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse —
If Equipped ................................................... 47 Power Folding Outside Mirrors For
Standard And Trailer Tow — If Equipped .... 47 Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped ..... 48
EXTERIOR LIGHTS.................................................49
Multifunction Lever ...................................... 49
Headlight Switch .......................................... 49
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) —
If Equipped ................................................... 49 High/Low Beam Switch ............................... 50
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control —
If Equipped ................................................... 50 Flash-To-Pass ............................................... 51
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped ......... 51
Directional LED Headlamp System — If
Equipped ...................................................... 51 Parking Lights And Panel Lights ................. 51
Headlights On With Wipers (Available With
Automatic Headlights Only) ......................... 51 Headlight Delay ............................................ 51
Lights-On Reminder ..................................... 52 Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .................. 52
Turn Signals ................................................ 52
Lane Change Assist — If Equipped ............. 52
Cargo Lights/Trailer Spotter Lights With
Bed Lights — If Equipped............................. 52 Battery Saver ............................................... 53
INTERIOR LIGHTS ................................................ 53
Courtesy Lights ............................................ 53
Illuminated Entry ......................................... 55
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS............. 55
Windshield Wipers ....................................... 55
Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped ........... 56
CLIMATE CONTROLS ........................................... 57
Manual Climate Control Overview .............. 57
Automatic Climate Control Overview .......... 61
Climate Control Functions........................... 68
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ....... 68
Operating Tips ............................................. 69
WINDOWS ............................................................ 70
Power Windows ........................................... 70
Wind Buffeting ............................................ 72
POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED .................... 72
Single Pane Power Sunroof —
If Equipped ................................................... 72
HOOD .................................................................... 74
To Open The Hood ...................................... 74
To Close The Hood ....................................... 75 TAILGATE ...............................................................75
Opening ........................................................ 75
Closing.......................................................... 75
Bed Step — If Equipped ............................... 75
GARAGE DOOR OPENER — IF EQUIPPED ..........76
Before You Begin Programming
HomeLink® .................................................. 77 Canadian/Gate Operator Programming..... 79
Using HomeLink®........................................ 80
Security ........................................................ 80
Troubleshooting Tips ................................... 80
General Information .................................... 81
INTERNAL EQUIPMENT ........................................82
Storage ......................................................... 82
Cupholders .................................................. 87
Electrical Power Outlets .............................. 88
Power Inverter — If Equipped ..................... 90
Wireless Charging Pad — If Equipped ....... 91
Overhead Sunglass Storage ....................... 92
PICKUP BOX .........................................................92
Cargo Camera — If Equipped ...................... 93
RAMBOX — IF EQUIPPED .....................................94
RamBox Integrated Box Side Storage
Bins............................................................... 95 RamBox Safety Warning ............................. 96
Bed Divider — If Equipped ........................... 96
Bed Rail Tie-Down System —
If Equipped .................................................. 98

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 3

7
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............. 302 AUX Camera — If Equipped .......................304
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED ........................................................... 305
AUX Camera — If Equipped .......................311
ENGINE RUNAWAY — DIESEL ENGINE ............ 312
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE ..... 312
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................313
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL
ENGINE ............................................................... 313
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................314
VEHICLE LOADING ............................................. 317
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......317
Payload .......................................................317
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............317
Tire Size ......................................................317
Rim Size......................................................318
Inflation Pressure ......................................318
Curb Weight................................................318
Loading .......................................................318
TRAILER TOWING .............................................. 318
Common Towing Definitions .....................318
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight.........................................................322 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..........................................323 Trailer And Tongue Weight ........................ 323
Towing Requirements ...............................323
Towing Tips ................................................328 SNOWPLOW ....................................................... 329
Before Plowing ........................................... 329
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 330 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached ..................................................... 330 Operating Tips ............................................ 330
General Maintenance................................ 330
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) .......................................... 331
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 331 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 331 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 332
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 335
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 335
Driving Through Water .............................. 335
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................. 336
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS........................338
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 338
General Information .................................. 342 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...................... 342
Jack Location ............................................. 343
Removal Of Jack And Tools....................... 343
Removing The Spare Tire .......................... 345
Preparations For Jacking .......................... 346
Jacking Instructions................................... 347
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ....................... 350
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............... 352
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ... 352
FUSES .................................................................. 353
Power Distribution Center ........................ 354
JUMP STARTING ............................................... 362
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 363
Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 363
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 365
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 366
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 367
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 367
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................ 369
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 370
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 370
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 371

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 7

46GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To adjust a mirror, push either the L (left) or R
(right) button to select the mirror that you want
to adjust.
Using the mirror control switch, push on any of
the four arrows for the direction that you want
the mirror to move.

Power Mirror Movement

Power Convex Mirror Switch — If Equipped
The Power Convex Mirror Switch is located on
the door trim panel, above the power mirror
controls. The switch enables the movement of
the convex portion of both the driver and
passenger outside mirrors.
Power Convex Mirror Switch

To adjust the convex portion of the outside
mirrors, push the Power Convex Mirror Switch.
Then, select the mirror you want to adjust by
using the L (left) or R (right) buttons.
To return the control to the large mirror, push
the Power Convex Mirror Switch a second time.

Trailer Tow Power Convex Mirror
NOTE:
If the Power Convex Mirror Switch is not pushed
a second time, the switch will automatically
default back to the larger portion of the outside
mirrors after a period of time.
Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable
mirror head to provide a greater vision range
when towing extra-wide loads. To change posi
-
tion inboard or outboard, the mirror head
should be rotated (flipped in or out).

Trailer Towing Position

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 46

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE47
NOTE:
Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior to
entering an automated car wash.
A small blindspot mirror is located next to main
mirror and can be adjusted separately.

Blindspot Mirror

Heated Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are heated to melt frost
or ice. This feature will be activated
whenever you turn on the rear window
defroster (if equipped).
Refer to “Climate Controls” in this chapter for
further information.
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse — If Equipped
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse provides automatic
outside mirror positioning which will aid the
driver’s view of the ground rearward of the front
doors. The outside mirrors will move slightly
downward from the present position when the
vehicle is shifted into REVERSE. The outside
mirrors will then return to the original position
when the vehicle is shifted out of the REVERSE
position. Each stored memory setting will have
an associated Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse posi -
tion.
NOTE:
The Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse feature is not
turned on when delivered from the factory.
This feature can be programmed through the
Uconnect system. Refer to “Uconnect Settings”
in “Multimedia” for further information.
Power Folding Outside Mirrors For Standard
And Trailer Tow — If Equipped
If equipped with power folding mirrors, they can
be electrically folded rearward and unfolded
into the drive position. The switch for the power folding mirrors is
located between the power mirror switches L
(left) and R (right). Push the switch once and the
mirrors will fold in, push the switch a second
time and the mirrors will return to the normal
driving position.
If the mirror is manually folded after electrically
cycled, a potential extra button push is required
to get the mirrors back to the home position. If
the mirror does not electrically fold, check for
ice or dirt build up at the pivot area which can
cause excessive drag.

Power Folding Mirror Switch

2

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 47

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL109
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Gas Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter
When the vehicle is in the RUN state, the gauge indicates the electrical system
voltage. The pointer should stay within
the normal range if the battery is
charged. If the pointer moves to either
extreme left or right and remains there
during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion. 4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate the oil
pressure when the engine is running. A
continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme -
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door is
located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. 7. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
3

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 109

112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gas Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door is
located. Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
5. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads “H,” pull over and
stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H,” turn the engine off
immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 112

132GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly. If
it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the elec -
trical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil
temperature to return to normal levels.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the Electronic
Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the vehicle
is running, the light will either stay on or flash
depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle
the ignition when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is
placed in the PARK (P) position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service
as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the Trailer Brake has been discon
-
nected.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” for further information.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until
the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you
may continue to drive normally.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL137
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the Forward Colli-
sion Warning System. Contact an
authorized dealer for service.
Refer to "Forward Collision Warning (FCW)" in
"Safety" for further information.
Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
signal a fault with the 4WD system. If
the light stays on or comes on during
driving, it means that the 4WD system
is not functioning properly and that service is
required. We recommend you drive to the
nearest service center and have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
Speed Control Fault Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the Speed Control System is
not functioning properly and service is
required. Contact an authorized
dealer.
Sway Bar Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate when there is
a fault in the sway bar disconnect
system.
Refer to “Stabilizer/Sway Bar System — Power
Wagon Only” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
Yellow Indicator Lights
Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator Light
— If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indi -
cate that Forward Collision Warning is
off.
Refer to “Auxiliary Driving Systems” in “Safety”
for further information.
Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate that the maximum payload
may have been exceeded or load
leveling cannot be achieved at its
current ride height. Protection Mode will auto -
matically be selected in order to “protect” the air suspension system, air suspension adjust
-
ment is limited due to payload.
TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate
when TOW/HAUL mode is selected.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
Cargo Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the cargo light is activated by
pushing the cargo light button on the
headlight switch.
Cold Ambient Derate Mode Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when a derate (engine power reduc -
tion) is activated for protection of the
turbocharger in cold ambient
temperatures.
For further information, refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel”.
3

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 137

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.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152

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.
4

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 153