parking brake Ram 3500 2020 Owner's Manual

5
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 144Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 144
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ....145
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 153
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ................................................153 Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................160
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .. 163

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 172
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....172
Important Safety Precautions ...................172Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 173Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...182Child Restraints .........................................191
Transporting Pets ......................................209
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 209
Transporting Passengers ..........................209
Exhaust Gas ...............................................209Safety Checks You Should Make
Inside The Vehicle ..................................... 210 Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle ........................ 212
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GAS ENGINE .........213
Automatic Transmission............................ 213
Tip Start Feature ....................................... 213Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ................... 214
Normal Starting Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button ................................. 214 Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F
Or −30°C) .................................................. 217 After Starting .............................................. 217
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE ..... 217
Automatic Transmission............................ 217
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ................... 218
Extreme Cold Weather .............................. 220
Normal Starting Procedure —
Engine Manifold Air Temperature
Above 66° F (19° C) ................................. 220 Starting Procedure —
Engine Manifold Air Temperature 0°F To
66°F (–18°C to 19°C) ............................. 221 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............. 222 Starting Fluids ............................................ 223 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ....... 223
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 223
Engine Idling ............................................. 226
Noise .......................................................... 227
Stopping The Engine ................................. 227Idle Shutdown ............................................ 228
Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed ... 228

Operating Precautions .............................. 228
Cooling System Tips .................................. 228
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — GAS ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED) .................................................... 229
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED) ................................................... 229
Block Heater Usage ................................... 230
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GAS ENGINE ....................................................... 230
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE .................................................. 230
PARKING BRAKE .............................................. 231
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE — ENGINE
BRAKING (IF EQUIPPED) .................................. 232

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18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
START/STOP ignition button, with your foot
applied on the brake pedal, and push to operate
the ignition switch.
Keyless Push Button Ignition

The push button ignition can be placed in the
following modes:
OFF
The engine is stopped.
Some electrical devices (e.g. Central locking,
alarm, etc.) are still available. ACC
Engine is not started.
Some electrical devices are available.
RUN
Driving position.
All the electrical devices are available.
START
The engine will start.
The engine only runs in the ON/RUN ignition
position or from a remote start request.
In case the ignition switch does not change with
the push of a button, the key fob may have a low
or depleted battery. In this situation, a back up
method can be used to operate the ignition
switch. Put the nose side (side opposite of the
1 — OFF
2 — ACC (Accessory)
3 — ON/RUN
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock your
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 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.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation for
thieves. Always remove key fob from the
vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the
vehicle unattended.
WARNING! (Continued)

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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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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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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE27
POWER DOOR LOCKS — IF EQUIPPED
The power door lock switches are on each front
door trim panel. Use these switches to lock or
unlock the doors.
NOTE:
The key fob may not be able to be detected by
the vehicle Keyless Enter-N-Go system if it is
located next to a mobile phone, laptop or other
electronic device; these devices may block the
key fob’s wireless signal and prevent the
Keyless Enter-N-Go system from starting the
vehicle.

Power Door Lock Switches

While the ignition is in the ACC or ON/RUN
position, if you push the power door lock switch,
and any front door is open, the power locks will
not operate. This prevents you from accidentally locking your key fob in the vehicle. Removing
the key fob or closing the door will allow the
locks to operate. A chime will sound if the key
fob is inside the vehicle and a door is open, as
a reminder to remove the key fob.
POWER SIDE STEPS — IF EQUIPPED
The Power Side Steps will extend a step for
easier entry and exit of the vehicle.
When configured for “Auto” mode, under
“Safety And Driving Assistance” within
Uconnect Settings, the Power Side Steps will
deploy when either the driver’s or passenger’s
side door is opened, or when the deploy setting
is activated through the touchscreen. When
configured for “Store” mode, the steps will stay
in their position but can also be deployed
manually through the “controls” menu within
the radio touchscreen.
If the vehicle speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h), or
if the retract setting is selected in the
touchscreen, the steps will retract.
Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
for additional information.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended 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.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE49

Rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the first
detent for parking light and instrument panel
light operation. Rotate the headlight switch to the
second detent for headlight, parking light, and
instrument panel light operation.

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRLS) — IF
E
QUIPPED
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate
when the engine is started and the
transmission is in any gear except PARK. This
provides a constant "lights on" condition until
the ignition is placed in the OFF position. The
lights illuminate at less than half of normal
intensity. If the parking brake is applied, the
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) will turn off.
Also, if a turn signal is activated, the DRL lamp
on the same side of the vehicle may turn off for
the duration of the turn signal activation. Once
the turn signal is no longer active, the DRL lamp
will illuminate.
NOTE:
If allowed by law in the country in which the
vehicle was purchased, the Daytime Running
Lights can be turned on and off using the Ucon -
nect system, refer to “Uconnect Settings” in
“Multimedia” for further information.
HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH
Push the multifunction lever toward the
instrument panel to switch the headlights to
high beam. Pulling the multifunction lever back
toward the steering wheel will turn the low
beams back on, or shut the high beams off.
AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM HEADLAMP
C
ONTROL — IF EQUIPPED

The Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control
system provides increased forward lighting at
night by automating high beam control through
the use of a digital camera mounted on the inside
rearview mirror or forward facing camera. This
camera detects vehicle specific light and
automatically switches from high beams to low
beams until the approaching vehicle is out of view.

NOTE:
The Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control
can be turned on or off by selecting “ON”
under “Auto Dim High Beams” within your
Uconnect settings, as well as turning the
headlight switch to the AUTO position. Refer
to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for
further information.

Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights
and taillights of vehicles in the field of view
will cause headlights to remain on longer
(closer to the vehicle). Also, dirt, film, and
other obstructions on the windshield or
camera lens will cause the system to func -
tion improperly.

To opt out of the Advanced Auto High Beam
Sensitivity Control (default) and enter
Reduced High Beam Sensitivity Control (not
recommended), on vehicles equipped with
mirror controlled automatic high beams and
without the forward facing camera, toggle the
high beam lever six full on/off cycles within
10 seconds of placing the ignition in the ON
position. The system will return to the default
setting when the ignition is OFF.
If the windshield or Automatic High Beam
Headlamp Control mirror is replaced, the mirror
must be re-aimed to ensure proper
performance. See a local authorized dealer.
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL131
on, or turns on while driving, have the system
inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake fluid
level and parking brake application. If
the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a
problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System
reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction or that a problem with the Brake
Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop. The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two
seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
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150SAFETY
HDC Has Three States:

1. Off (feature is not enabled and will not
activate)

2. Enabled (feature is enabled and ready but activation conditions are not met, or driver
is actively overriding with brake or throttle
application)
3. Active (feature is enabled and actively controlling vehicle speed)
Enabling HDC
HDC is enabled by pushing the HDC switch, but
the following conditions must also be met to
enable HDC:
Driveline is in 4L Range
Vehicle speed is below 5 mph (8 km/h)
Parking brake is released
Driver door is closed
Activating HDC
Once HDC is enabled it will activate
automatically if driven down a grade of
sufficient magnitude. The set speed for HDC is selectable by the driver, and can be adjusted by
using the gear shift +/-. The following
summarizes the HDC set speeds:
HDC Target Set Speeds
P = No set speed. HDC may be enabled but
will not activate.
R = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
N = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)
D = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
1st = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
2nd = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)
3rd = 1.8 mph (3 km/h)
4th = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
5th = 3.1 mph (5 km/h)
6th = 3.7 mph (6 km/h)
7th = 4.3 mph (7 km/h)
8th = 5.0 mph (8 km/h)
9th = 5.6 mph (9 km/h) – If Equipped
NOTE:
During HDC the +/- shifter input is used for HDC
target speed selection, but will not affect the
gear chosen by the transmission. When actively
controlling HDC the transmission will shift
appropriately for the driver-selected set speed
and corresponding driving conditions.
Driver Override
The driver may override HDC activation with
throttle or brake application at any time.
Deactivating HDC
HDC will be deactivated but remain available if
any of the following conditions occur:
Driver overrides HDC set speed with throttle
or brake application.
Vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h)
but remains below 40 mph (64 km/h).
Vehicle is on a downhill grade of insufficient
magnitude, is on level ground, or is on an
uphill grade.
Vehicle is shifted to PARK.

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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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