open hood Ram 3500 2020 Owner's Manual

3
HEAD RESTRAINTS...............................................38 Front Head Restraints ................................. 39
Front Head Restraint Removal ................... 40
Rear Head Restraint Adjustment ................ 40
Rear Head Restraint Removal .................... 40
STEERING WHEEL.................................................41
Tilt Steering Column ................................... 41
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ....... 41
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS —
IF EQUIPPED .........................................................42
MIRRORS ..............................................................42
Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ...... 42

Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped ... 43

Automatic Dimming Mirror With Rear
View Camera Display — If Equipped .......... 43 Outside Mirrors ........................................... 44
Driver's Outside Automatic Dimming
Mirror — If Equipped .................................... 44 Power Mirrors — If Equipped ...................... 44

Power Convex Mirror Switch — If Equipped .. 45

Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ......... 46
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped .................... 46

Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse — If Equipped ... 46

Power Folding Outside Mirrors For
Standard And Trailer Tow — If Equipped .... 46 Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped ..... 48 EXTERIOR LIGHTS ............................................... 48
Multifunction Lever...................................... 48
Headlight Switch .......................................... 48
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) —
If Equipped ................................................... 49 High/Low Beam Switch ............................... 49
Automatic High Beam Headlamp
Control — If Equipped .................................. 49 Flash-To-Pass ............................................... 50
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped .......... 50
Directional LED Headlamp System —
If Equipped ................................................... 50 Parking Lights And Panel Lights ................. 51
Headlights On With Wipers (Available
With Automatic Headlights Only) ................ 51 Headlight Delay............................................ 51
Lights-On Reminder ..................................... 51
Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .................. 51
Turn Signals ................................................. 51
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 ........................................ 54
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........................... 67
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...... 67
Operating Tips ............................................. 68
WINDOWS ............................................................70
Power Windows .......................................... 70
Wind Buffeting ............................................ 71
POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED ....................72

Single Pane Power Sunroof — If Equipped ... 72

HOOD......................................................................74
To Open The Hood ...................................... 74
To Close The Hood....................................... 74
TAILGATE ...............................................................74
Opening ........................................................ 74
Closing.......................................................... 75
Bed Step — If Equipped ............................... 75

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20GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
REMOTE START ABORT MESSAGE
The following messages will display in the
instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to
remote start or exits remote start prematurely:
Remote Start Cancelled — Door Open
Remote Start Cancelled — Hood Open
Remote Start Cancelled — Fuel Low
Remote Start Cancelled — System Fault
Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to
Reset
The instrument cluster display message stays
active until the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
position.
TO ENTER REMOTE START MODE
Push and release the Remote Start
button on the key fob twice within five
seconds. The parking lights will flash,
vehicle doors will lock, and the horn
will chirp twice (if programmed). Once the
vehicle has started, the engine will run for
15 minutes. NOTE:
If your power door locks were unlocked,
Remote Start will automatically lock the
doors.
If an engine fault is present or fuel level is
low, the vehicle will start and then shut down
in 10 seconds.
The park lamps will turn on and remain on
during Remote Start mode.
For security, power window and power
sunroof operation (if equipped) are disabled
when the vehicle is in the Remote Start
mode.
The engine can be started two consecutive
times (two 15 minute cycles) with the key
fob. However, the ignition must be placed in
the ON/RUN position before you can repeat
the start sequence for a third cycle.
TO EXIT REMOTE START MODE
W
ITHOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Push and release the remote start button one
time or allow the engine to run for the entire
15 minute cycle. NOTE:
To avoid unintentional shutdowns, the system
will disable for two seconds after receiving a
valid Remote Start request
TO EXIT REMOTE START MODE AND
D
RIVE THE VEHICLE
Before the end of the 15 minute cycle, push and
release the unlock button on the key fob to
unlock the doors and disarm the vehicle
security alarm system (if equipped). Then, prior
to the end of the 15 minute cycle, place the
ignition in the ON/RUN position.
REMOTE START COMFORT SYSTEMS —
I
F EQUIPPED
When remote start is activated, the heated
steering wheel, and driver heated seat features
will automatically turn on in cold weather. In
warm weather, the driver vented seat feature
will automatically turn on when the remote start
is activated. These features will stay on through
the duration of remote start or until the ignition
switch is placed in the ON/RUN position.

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22GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
HOW TO USE REMOTE START
All of the following conditions must be met
before the engine will remote start:
Transmission in PARK
Doors closed
Hood closed
Hazard switch off
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not
pushed)
Battery at an acceptable charge level
PANIC button not pushed
Fuel meets minimum requirement
Water In Fuel Indicator Light is not illumi -
nated
Wait To Start Light Indicator Light is not illu -
minated
Malfunction Indicator Light is not illuminated
REMOTE START ABORT MESSAGE
The following messages will display in the
instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to
remote start or exits remote start prematurely:
Remote Start Aborted — Door Open
Remote Start Aborted — Hood Open
Remote Start Aborted — Fuel Low
Remote Start Aborted — System Fault
The instrument cluster display message is
stored until the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
position.
TO ENTER REMOTE START MODE
Push and release the Remote Start button on
the key fob twice, within five seconds. The
parking lights will flash and the horn will chirp
twice (if programmed). In cold ambient
temperature conditions, the diesel vehicle may
delay crank up to 30 seconds for the Intake Air
Heater. Once the vehicle has started, the
engine will run for 15 minutes.
NOTE:
Crank may be delayed up to 75 seconds for
intake air heater operation at high altitudes,
and/or extreme cold.
The park lamps will turn on and remain on
during Remote Start mode.

For security, power window and power sunroof
operation (if equipped) are disabled when the
vehicle is in the Remote Start mode.

Additional features, such as windshield
wipers, will also not be available while the
vehicle is in the Remote Start mode.

The engine can be started two consecutive
times (two 15 minute cycles) with the key fob.
However, the ignition switch must be placed in
the ON/RUN position before you can repeat
the start sequence for a third cycle.

WARNING!
Do not start or run an engine in a closed
garage or confined area. Exhaust gas
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which is
odorless and colorless. Carbon Monoxide is
poisonous and can cause serious injury or
death when inhaled.
Keep key fobs away from children. Opera -
tion of the Remote Start System, windows,
door locks or other controls could cause
serious injury or death.

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74GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
HOOD
TO OPEN THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be
released.

1. Pull the hood release lever located below
the steering wheel at the base of the
instrument panel.

Hood Release

2. Reach into the opening beneath the center of the hood and push the safety latch lever
to the left to release it, before raising the
hood.
Safety Latch Location

TO CLOSE THE HOOD

Lower the hood to approximately 12 inches
(30 cm) from the engine compartment and
drop it. Make sure that the hood is completely
closed.

TAILGATE
OPENING
The power tailgate may be opened by pushing
the tailgate release pad located on the tailgate
door.
The tailgate damper strut will lower the tailgate
to the open position (if equipped).
Electronic Tailgate Release — If Equipped
The key fob may be equipped with an
electronic release feature for the
tailgate, allowing hands-free tailgate
opening. To activate, push and
release the Tailgate Release button on the key
fob twice within five seconds. The tailgate door
will unlatch, and slowly lower into the open
position.WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before
driving your vehicle. If the hood is not fully
latched, it could open when the vehicle is in
motion and block your vision. Failure to follow
this warning could result in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the
hood to close it. Use a firm downward push at
the front center of the hood to ensure that
both latches engage.

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132GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the hood is ajar/open and not fully
closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool; whichever comes first. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning
(A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
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
electrical 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.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY353
REPLACING EXTERIOR BULBS
Base Quad: Low Beam Headlamp, High
Beam Headlamp, Front Park And Turn — If
Equipped
Low Beam

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
3. Reach into the front wheel house ahead of the front wheel, remove the fastener, and
lift the cover over the access hole in the
front of the wheel house splash shield.
Access to the rear of the lamp can be gained
through this access hole.

Splash Shield Access Cover
4. Reach through the access hole of the wheel
house splash shield and disengage the bulb
access cover by rotating counterclockwise.

Bulb Access Cover

5. Disconnect the internal lamp wiring harness connector from the low beam bulb. 6. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise a quarter
turn to unlock the bulb from the lamp.
7. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing.
8. Reverse the procedure for installation of new bulb and covers.
High Beam

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.

Bulb Access Cover

3. Look under the hood and behind the headlamp to find the high beam bulb
access cover.
CAUTION!
Do not contaminate the bulb glass by
touching it with your fingers or by allowing it
to contact other oily surfaces. Shortened
bulb life will result.
Always use the correct bulb size and type
for replacement. An incorrect bulb size or
type may overheat and cause damage to
the lamp, the bulb socket, or the lamp
wiring.
6

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354IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
4. Reach behind the headlamp and disengage
the access cover by rotating counter -
clockwise.
5. Disconnect the internal lamp wiring harness connector from the high beam bulb.
6. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise a quarter turn to unlock the bulb from the lamp.
7. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing.
8. Reverse the procedure for installation of new bulb and covers. Front Park And Turn

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
3. Look under the hood and behind the headlamp to find the park and turn socket.

Park And Turn Socket

4. Reach behind the headlamp and unlock the park and turn socket from the lamp by
rotating counterclockwise a quarter turn.
5. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing.
6. Separate the bulb from the socket without twisting. 7. Reverse the procedure for installation of
new bulb and covers.
Side Marker Lamp

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Reach into the front wheel house ahead of the front wheel, remove the fastener, and
lift the cover over the access hole in the
front of the wheel house splash shield.
Access to the rear of the lamp can be gained
through this access hole.

Splash Shield Access Cover

CAUTION!
Do not contaminate the bulb glass by
touching it with your fingers or by allowing it
to contact other oily surfaces. Shortened
bulb life will result.
Always use the correct bulb size and type
for replacement. An incorrect bulb size or
type may overheat and cause damage to
the lamp, the bulb socket, or the lamp
wiring.

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380IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then
shift back and forth between DRIVE (D) and
REVERSE (R), while gently pressing the
accelerator. Use the least amount of
accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain
the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels
or racing the engine.
NOTE:
For trucks equipped with an 8–speed trans -
mission, shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE
can only be achieved at wheel speeds of
5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the trans -
mission remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more
than two seconds, you must press the brake
pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
Push the “ESC OFF” switch, to place the Elec -
tronic Stability Control (ESC) system in
“Partial Off” mode, before rocking the
vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in “Safety” for further information.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the
“ESC OFF” switch again to restore “ESC On”
mode.WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (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 HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle
and tires. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer
than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE417
Under normal operating conditions, the
catalytic converter will not require
maintenance. However, it is important to keep
the engine properly tuned to ensure proper
catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage. NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching
odor may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans
-
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri -
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor -
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.7

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE421
(Continued)
CHARGE AIR COOLER — INTER-COOLER
The charge air cooler is positioned below the
radiator and the air conditioner condenser. Air
enters the engine through the air cleaner and
passes through the turbocharger, where it is
pressurized. This pressurized air rapidly
reaches high temperature. The air is then
directed through a hose to the charge air cooler
and through another hose to the intake
manifold of the engine. The air entering the
engine has been cooled by about 50° to 100°F
(10° to 38°C). This cooling process enables
more efficient burning of fuel resulting in fewer
emissions.
To guarantee optimum performance of the
system, keep the surfaces of the charge air
cooler, condenser and radiator clean and free
of debris. Periodically check the hoses leading
to and from the charge air cooler for cracks or
loose clamps resulting in loss of pressure and
reduced engine performance.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be
inspected periodically. Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood
service or immediately if the brake system
warning lamp indicates system failure.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the
designated marks on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the
top of the master cylinder area before removing
cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected
to fall as the brake linings wear. However, an
unexpected drop in fluid level may be caused by
a leak and a system check should be
conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot
resting or riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
WARNING!

Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further infor-
mation. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system
and/or impair its performance. The proper
type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also
identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid
that has been in a tightly closed container.
Keep the master cylinder reservoir cap
secured at all times. Brake fluid in a open
container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or
prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
7

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