brake light Ram 3500 2020 Workshop Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING333
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the
“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will flash.
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.
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 with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in, 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.
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334STARTING AND OPERATING
* The suggested selection depends and may
change depending on the customer
preferences for braking performance. Condition
of the trailer brakes, driving and road state may
also affect the selection.
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. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. NOTE:
An aftermarket controller may be available
for use with trailers with air or elec
-
tric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems. To
determine the type of brakes on your trailer
and the availability 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, stoplights and turn signals on the
trailer are required for motoring safety.
Light Electric Heavy Electric Light EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric over Hydraulic
Trailer BrakesElectric over Hydraulic
Trailer Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING341
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.
Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transfer case into N (Neutral):
With manual shift transfer case, shift the
transfer case lever into N (Neutral)
With electronic shift transfer case, push
and hold the transfer case N (Neutral)
button. Some models have a small,
recessed “N” button (at the center of the
transfer case switches) that must be
pushed using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. Other models have a rectangular
N (Neutral) switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The N
(Neutral) indicator light will blink while
the shift is in progress. The light will stop
blinking (stay on solid) 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.
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 automatic transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly 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.
10. Shift the transmission into PARK. On 8-speed transmissions the shifter will
automatically select PARK when the engine
is turned off.
11. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode, then cycle the ignition to the RUN mode and back
to the OFF mode. Remove the key fob from
the ignition.
12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
13. Release the parking brake.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both
the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to
prevent damage to internal parts.
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342STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
Steps 2 through 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 indi -
cator 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 compen
-
sate 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. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
With manual shift transfer case, shift the
transfer case lever to the desired posi -
tion.
With electronic shift transfer case with
rotary selector switch, push and hold the
transfer case N (Neutral) button until the
N (Neutral) indicator light turns off. After
the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off,
release the N (Neutral) button. After the
N (Neutral) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position indi -
cated by the selector switch.
With electronic shift transfer case with
push-button selector switch, push and
hold the switch for the desired transfer
case position, until the N (Neutral) indi -
cator light turns off and the desired posi -
tion indicator light turns on.
NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case N (Neutral),
turning the engine OFF is not required, but may
be helpful to avoid gear clash. With the 8-speed
automatic transmission, the engine must
remain running, since turning the engine OFF
will shift the transmission to PARK (and the
transmission must be in NEUTRAL for the
transfer case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine off. Shift automatic transmission into PARK. On 8-speed
transmissions the shifter will automatically
select PARK when the engine is turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal.
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.

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STARTING AND OPERATING343
(Continued)
11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal, and check that the vehicle
operates normally.
NOTE:
With electronic shift transfer case:
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 continuously 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 indi -
cator 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.
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344STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
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.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.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
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 compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, 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.
CAUTION! (Continued)

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY359
F0640 Amp Green –Steering Torque Overlay Module (STOM)
F07 40 Amp Green –Starter Solenoid
F08 20 Amp Blue –NOX Sensor – If Equipped
F09 40 Amp Green –Diesel / Fuel Heater – If Equipped
F09 30 Amp Pink –Gas / Brake Vacuum Pump – If Equipped
F10 40 Amp Green –CBC #2 / Ext Lights
F11 40 Amp Green –Brake System Module (ECU and Valves)
F12 40 Amp Green –CBC #3 / Pwr Locks
F13 40 Amp Green –Blower Motor
F14 40 Amp Green –CBC #4 / Ext Lights
F15 30 Amp Pink –Power Side Steps — If Equipped
F16 30 Amp Pink –Smart-Bar Module – If Equipped
F17 30 Amp Pink –Winch Control Module – If Equipped
F19 30 Amp Pink –Diesel SCR Feed– If Equipped
F20 30 Amp Pink –Passenger Door Module
F21 30 Amp Pink –Drive Train Control Module
F22 20 Amp Blue –Gas / ECM– If Equipped
F22 25 Amp White –Diesel PCM – If Equipped
F23 30 Amp Pink –CBC #1 / Int Light
F24 30 Amp Pink –Driver Door Module
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description
6

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360IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
F2530 Amp Pink –Front Wiper
F26 —–Spare
F27 —–Spare
F28 20 Amp Blue –Trailer Tow Backup Lights – If Equipped
F29 20 Amp Blue –Trailer Tow Parking Lights – If Equipped
F30 30 Amp Pink –Trailer Tow Receptacle / Trailer Tow (Separate E-Brake) /
Trailer Tow
F31 ––Spare
F32 ––Spare
F33 20 Amp Blue –Trans Control Module – If Equipped
F34 30 Amp Pink –Vehicle System Interface Module #2 – If Equipped
F35 30 Amp Pink –Sunroof – If Equipped
F36 30 Amp Pink –Electric Back Light – If Equipped
F37 30 Amp Pink –Diesel Frame / Fuel Heater #2– If Equipped
F38 30 Amp Pink –Integrated Trailer Brake Module – If Equipped
F39 ––Spare
F40 –10 Amp Red Ventilated Seats – If Equipped
F41 –10 Amp Red Active Grille Shutter / Active Air Dam – If Equipped
F42 –20 Amp Yellow Horn
F43 –15 Amp Blue Heated Steering Wheel – If Equipped
F44 –10 Amp Red Diagnostic Port
CavityCartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description

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385
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Severe Operating
Conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).

An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change.If a scheduled oil change is performed by
someone other than an authorized dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
NOTE:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominantly at idle, or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:Check engine oil level
Check windshield washer fluid level
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, power steering and
automatic transmission (six-speed only) and
fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights7

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414SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
the Diesel Particulate Filter, the engine idle
speed will return to normal when the brake
pedal is applied. A small change in engine tone
or a slight change in engine performance while
accelerating may also be noticeable at speeds
below 20 mph (32 km/h). This operating mode
may last for up to an hour of idle time, or around
20 minutes of driving time.
Additionally, your vehicle has the ability to alert
you to additional maintenance required on your
truck or engine.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known
simply by the name of its active component,
UREA—is a key component of selective catalytic
reduction (SCR) systems, which help diesel
vehicles meet stringent emission regulations.
DEF is a liquid reducing agent that reacts with
engine exhaust in the presence of a catalyst to
convert smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx)
into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specification” for further information.
You can receive assistance in locating DEF in
the United States by calling 866-RAM-INFO
(866-726-4636). In Canada call
1–800–465–2001 (English) or
1–800–387–9983 (French)
You can receive assistance in locating DEF by
contacting an authorized dealer.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points
and rollers, liftgate, tailgate, decklid, sliding
doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated
periodically with a lithium based grease, such as Mopar Spray White Lube to ensure quiet,
easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant,
the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating, excess
oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When
performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the Autumn and
Spring. Apply a small amount of a high quality
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder
Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and
the windshield periodically with a sponge or soft
cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will
remove accumulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long
periods may cause deterioration of the wiper
blades. Always use washer fluid when using the
wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry
windshield.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do not
park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything
that can burn.

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