manual transmission Ram 3500 2020 Owner's Manual

6
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .......................... 233Ignition Park Interlock ...............................234
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System .......................................................235 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................235 Six-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped .................................................239
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ........... 246
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION ........................ 246
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 246
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ........246 Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Six
Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ........250 Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped .................................................253
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED.... 256
Description .................................................256
Air Suspension Modes...............................256
Instrument Cluster Display Messages......257Operation....................................................258 AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED).......................... 258
STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY ....................................................260
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER WAGON
ONLY ...................................................................261
Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics ........................................... 261 Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ............... 262
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other
High Points) ................................................ 263 Hill Climbing ............................................... 264Driving Through Water............................... 266Airing Down For Off-Road Driving ............. 267Vehicle Recovery........................................ 268
After Driving Off-Road ................................ 270
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ........................... 270
WINCH USAGE — POWER WAGON ONLY
(IF EQUIPPED) .....................................................271
Things To Know Before Using
Your Winch ................................................. 271 Understanding The Features Of
Your Winch ................................................. 271 Winch Accessories .................................... 272
Operating Your Winch ............................... 273Rigging Techniques .................................. 279 FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY — GAS ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED) .................................................... 279
SPEED CONTROL .............................................. 280
To Activate.................................................. 280
To Set A Desired Speed ............................ 280To Vary The Speed Setting ........................ 280
To Accelerate For Passing ........................ 281
To Resume Speed ..................................... 281
To Deactivate ............................................. 281 ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) —
IF EQUIPPED
....................................................... 282

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation ... 283
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ... 284

To Activate/Deactivate.............................. 284
To Set A Desired ACC Speed..................... 285
To Cancel ................................................... 285
To Turn Off ................................................. 285
To Resume ................................................. 285To Vary The Speed Setting ........................ 286
Setting The Following Distance In ACC .... 287
Overtake Aid............................................... 288
ACC Operation At Stop............................... 289Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu ........ 289
Display Warnings And Maintenance ........ 290
Precautions While Driving With ACC......... 291
General Information .................................. 294
Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control
Mode .......................................................... 294

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8
BULB REPLACEMENT ....................................... 351 Replacement Bulbs ..................................351Replacing Exterior Bulbs ...........................353
FUSES .................................................................. 358
Power Distribution Center .........................358
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...................... 365
Jack Location .............................................365Removal Of Jack And Tools .......................365
Removing The Spare Tire ..........................367
Preparations For Jacking...........................368
Jacking Instructions ...................................368
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ........................ 372Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ...............373
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ...374
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 375
Preparations For Jump Start .....................375Jump Starting Procedure...........................376
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 377
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 378
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 379
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 380 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .......................381
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 382
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 383Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 384
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................. 384
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................384
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GAS ENGINE .......385
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine...... 386
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle................. 389
SCHEDULED SERVICING— DIESEL ENGINE .... 389
Oil Change Indicator System —
Cummins Diesel......................................... 390 Perform Service Indicator —
Cummins Diesel ........................................ 390 Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine ........................................................ 391
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 396
6.4L Engine ................................................ 396
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed 68RFE ... 397
6.7L Diesel Engine — Six-Speed AISIN
(AS69RC HD) .............................................. 398 Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ............. 399
Checking Oil Level — Diesel Engine .......... 399
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 399Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 400Pressure Washing...................................... 400
DEALER SERVICE .............................................. 401
Engine Oil .................................................. 401
Engine Oil Filter ......................................... 403Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................... 403
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................... 405
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............... 408Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter —
Diesel Engine ............................................ 409 Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement — Diesel Engine .................. 410 Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement — Diesel Engine .................. 412 Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel — Diesel Engine ................................. 412 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow ............................. 413 Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 414
Body Lubrication ........................................ 414

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11
INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer, congratulations on selecting your new vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go places and perform tasks that are not intended for conventional passenger vehicles. It handles and
maneuvers differently from many passenger vehicles both on-road and off-road, so take time to become familiar with your vehicle. If equipped, the
two-wheel drive version of this vehicle was designed for on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving or use in other severe conditions suited
for a four-wheel drive vehicle. Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering, transmission, and transfer case shifting. Learn how your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Your
driving skills will improve with experience. When driving off-road, or working the vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect the vehicle to overcome
the natural laws of physics. Always observe federal, state, provincial and local laws wherever you drive. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or a collision. Refer to the “Driving Tips” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
This Owner's Manual has been prepared with the assistance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance
of your vehicle. It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and customer-oriented documents. Within this information, you will find a description of
the services that FCA US LLC offers to its customers, the vehicle's warranty coverage, and the details of the terms and conditions for maintaining its
validity. Please take the time to read all of these publications carefully before driving your vehicle for the first time. Following the instructions,
recommendations, tips, and important warnings in this manual will help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
This Owner's Manual describes all versions of this vehicle. Options and equipment dedicated to specific markets or versions are not expressly indicated
in the text. Therefore, you should only consider the information which is related to the trim level, engine, and version that you have purchased. Any
content introduced throughout the Owner's Information, that may or may not be applicable to your vehicle, will be identified with the wording “If
Equipped”. All data contained in this publication are intended to help you use your vehicle in the best possible way. FCA US LLC aims at a constant
improvement of the vehicles produced. For this reason, it reserves the right to make changes to the model described for technical and/or commercial
reasons. For further information, contact an authorized dealer.
When it comes to service, remember that an authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained technicians and genuine MOPAR® parts,
and cares about your satisfaction.1

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26GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
The vehicle security alarm is designed to protect
your vehicle. However, you can create
conditions where the system will give you a false
alarm. If one of the previously described arming
sequences has occurred, the vehicle security
alarm will arm regardless of whether you are in
the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle
and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the vehicle security alarm.
If the vehicle security alarm is armed and the
battery becomes disconnected, the vehicle
security alarm will remain armed when the
battery is reconnected; the exterior lights will
flash, and the horn will sound. If this occurs,
disarm the vehicle security alarm.
REARMING OF THE SYSTEM
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is
taken to disarm it, the vehicle security alarm will
turn the horn off after 29 seconds, 5 seconds
between cycles, up to 8 cycles if the trigger
remains active and then the vehicle security
alarm will rearm itself.
SECURITY SYSTEM MANUAL OVERRIDE
The vehicle security alarm will not arm/disarm if
you lock/unlock the doors using the manual
door lock.
DOORS
MANUAL DOOR LOCKS
Front and rear doors may be locked by moving
the lock knob down. The lock knobs will unlock
when the interior handle is used to open the
doors.
Door Lock Knob
Front doors may be opened with the inside door
handle without lifting the lock knob.
Doors locked before closing will remain locked
when closed.
The emergency key will unlock the driver door
lock on your vehicle.WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
For personal security and safety in the
event of an collision, lock the vehicle doors
as you drive as well as when you park and
leave the vehicle.
Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the
automatic transmission into PARK, apply
the parking brake, turn the vehicle OFF,
remove the key fobs from vehicle, and lock
all doors. and lock your vehicle.

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SAFETY151
Disabling HDC
HDC will be deactivated and disabled if any of
the following conditions occur:
The driver pushes the HDC switch.
The driveline is shifted out of 4L Range.
The parking brake is applied.
The driver door opens.
The vehicle is driven greater than 20 mph
(32 km/h) for greater than 70 seconds.
The vehicle is driven greater than 40 mph
(64 km/h) (HDC exits immediately).
HDC detects excessive brake temperature.
Feedback To The Driver
The instrument cluster has an HDC icon and the
HDC switch has an LED icon, which offers
feedback to the driver about the state HDC is in.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will illumi -
nate and remain on solid when HDC is
enabled or activated. This is the normal oper -
ating condition for HDC.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for
several seconds then extinguish when the
driver pushes the HDC switch but enable
conditions are not met.
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
pressure 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.
4

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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!
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.
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 pressure 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 activate 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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213
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GAS ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10-second intervals. Waiting a few
seconds between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK
position. Apply the brake before shifting into any
driving range.NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal
must be pressed to shift out of PARK.
If equipped with an 8-speed transmission,
starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL is not
possible unless the Manual Park Release has
been activated. For the Manual Park Release
operation refer to Manual Park Release in “In
Case Of Emergency”.
TIP START FEATURE
Do not
press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition
switch briefly to the START position and release
it. The starter motor will continue to run and will
automatically disengage when the engine is
running.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the keyless ignition node is in the
"OFF" mode, remove the key fob from the
vehicle and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-
dren, and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
WARNING! (Continued)
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING231
(Continued)
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before
the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel
economy and power may be seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements,
refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” of the Owners Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins®
Turbo Diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced
by loaded operating conditions which allow the
engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during
the first 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK.
The foot-operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
park brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
Parking Brake Release

When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in
the instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is
detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application. When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade. Apply the parking brake before placing
the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make
it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied
whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi
-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally
injured.
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING235
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be
running and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift
from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the
vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.
EIGHT-SPEED AUTOMATIC
T
RANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the
instrument panel. The transmission gear range
(PRND) is displayed both above the gear
selector and in the instrument cluster. To select
a gear range, simply rotate the gear selector.
You must press the brake pedal to shift the
transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when
the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds).
To shift past multiple gear ranges at once (such
as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear
selector to the appropriate detent. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving. NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission
gear (for example, driver selects PARK while
driving), the position indicator will blink continu
-
ously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, or the requested shift can be
completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission
adapts its shift schedule based on driver inputs,
along with environmental and road conditions.
The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on
a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is
a normal condition, and precision shifts will
develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when
the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle
is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when shifting between these gears.

The transmission gear selector has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions.
Manual downshifts can be made using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.
Pressing the GEAR -/GEAR + switches (on the
steering wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the highest available transmission gear,
and will display that gear limit in the instrument
cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to “Electronic
Range Select (ERS) Operation” in this section
for further information. Some models will
display both the selected gear limit, and the
actual current gear, while in ERS mode.

Electronic Transmission Gear Selector

Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another
gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment
to allow the selected gear to engage before
accelerating. This is especially important when
the engine is cold.
5

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240STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
The electronically-controlled transmission
provides a precise shift schedule. The
transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop
within a few hundred miles (kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
when the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
the brake pedal when shifting between these
gears.
The transmission gear selector has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions.
Manual downshifts can be made using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.
Pressing the ERS (-/+) switches (on the steering
wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the
highest available transmission gear, and will
display that gear limit in the instrument cluster
as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to "Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Operation" in this section for further
information. Some models will display both the
selected gear limit, and the actual current gear,
while in ERS mode.Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another
gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment
to allow the selected gear to engage before
accelerating. This is especially important when
the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift
the transmission into PARK first, and then apply
the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK,
otherwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the
gear selector out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the
curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the engine off.
Remove the key fob.
NOTE:
On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the trans -
mission is in PARK before exiting the
vehicle.

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