power steering 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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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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88GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
POWER INVERTER — IF EQUIPPED
If equipped, a 115 Volt (400 Watts maximum)
inverter may be located inside the center
console toward the right hand side, just under
the Wireless Charging Pad (if equipped). This
inverter can power cellular phones, electronics
and other low power devices requiring power up
to 400 Watts. Certain high-end video game
consoles exceed this power limit, as will most
power tools.

Center Console Power Inverter Outlet

There is also a second 115 Volt (400 Watts
maximum) power inverter located on the rear of
the center console. This inverter can power
cellular phones, electronics and other low
power devices requiring power up to 400 Watts. Certain high-end video game consoles exceed
this power limit, as will most power tools.
All power inverters are designed with built-in
overload protection. If the power rating of
400 Watts is exceeded, the power inverter
shuts down. Once the electrical device has
been removed from the outlet the inverter
should reset.

Rear Center Console Power Inverter Outlet

NOTE:

400 Watts is the maximum for the inverter, not
each outlet. If three outlets are in use, 400 Watts
is shared amongst the devices plugged in.

If your vehicle is equipped with a Ram Box, a
115 Volt (400 Watts Maximum) inverter will be
located inside the Ram Box. The inverter can be
turned on by the Instrument Panel Power Inverter switch located to the left of the steering
wheel. This inverter can power cellular phones,
electronics and other low power devices
requiring power up to 400 Watts. Certain
high-end video game consoles exceed this
power limit, as will most power tools.

Ram Box Power Inverter
Instrument Panel Power Inverter Switch

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146SAFETY
(Continued)
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains on
or comes on while driving, it indicates that the
brake system is not functioning properly and
that immediate service is required. If the “Brake
System Warning Light” does not come on when
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode,
have the light repaired as soon as possible.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the
braking torque between the front and rear axles
by limiting braking pressure to the rear axle.
This is done to prevent overslip of the rear
wheels to avoid vehicle instability, and to
prevent the rear axle from entering Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) before the front axle.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and
stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
corrects for oversteering or understeering of the
vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate
wheel(s) to assist in counteracting the oversteer
or understeer condition. Engine power may also
be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and
compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the
intended path, ESC applies the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.

Oversteer — when the vehicle is turning
more than appropriate for the steering
wheel position.
Understeer — when the vehicle is turning
less than appropriate for the steering wheel
position.

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” located in the instrument cluster will start
to flash as soon as the ESC system becomes
active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” also flashes when the TCS is
active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to
adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions.
WARNING!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe, atten -
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci -
dents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck -
less or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.

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SAFETY147
ESC Operating Modes
NOTE:
Depending upon model and mode of operation,
the ESC system may have multiple operating
modes. ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used
for most driving conditions. Alternate ESC
modes should only be used for specific reasons
as noted in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for times
when a more spirited driving experience is
desired. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than normally allowed. This mode
may be useful if the vehicle becomes stuck.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily
push the “ESC OFF” switch and the “ESC OFF
Indicator Light” will illuminate. To turn the ESC
on again, momentarily push the “ESC OFF”
switch and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will
turn off.
NOTE:
For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes, a
momentary button push will toggle the ESC
mode. Multiple momentary button pushes may
be required to return to ESC On.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING!
(Continued)
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func -
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator
Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
4

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SAFETY149
to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light”
come on momentarily each time the ignition
is placed in the ON position.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON
position, the ESC system will be on even if it
was turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive
following the maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light”
indicates the customer has elected to
have the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) in a reduced mode.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel
lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel
input and the speed of the vehicle. When
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) determines
that the rate of change of the steering wheel
angle and vehicle’s speed are sufficient to
potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the
appropriate brake and may also reduce engine
power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM can only reduce the chance of
wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive
driving maneuvers; it cannot prevent wheel lift
due to other factors, such as road conditions,
leaving the roadway, or striking objects or other
vehicles.
NOTE:
ERM is disabled anytime the ESC is in “Full Off”
mode (if equipped). Refer to “Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)” in this section for a complete
explanation of the available ESC modes.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped
Hill Descent Control (HDC) is intended for low
speed off road driving while in 4L Range. HDC
maintains vehicle speed while descending hills
during various driving situations. HDC controls
vehicle speed by actively controlling the brakes.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions and driving conditions, influence
the chance that wheel lift or rollover may
occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or roll
overs, especially those that involve leaving
the roadway or striking objects or other
vehicles. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
4

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182SAFETY
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
(SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you
in a collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the internal circuits and
interconnecting wiring associated with the
electrical Air Bag System Components. Your
vehicle may be equipped with the following Air
Bag System Components:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system
whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch
is in the OFF position or in the ACC position, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not
inflate. The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system even
if the battery loses power or it becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in
the instrument panel for approximately four to
eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition
switch is first in the ON/RUN position. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn
off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part
of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light, either momentarily or continuously. A
single chime will sound to alert you if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could
affect the air bag system. The diagnostics also
record the nature of the malfunction. While the
air bag system is designed to be maintenance
free, if any of the following occurs, have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the
ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN position.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in colli
-
sions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain occupants who are wearing the
seat belt or children who are using booster
seats. The locked mode is only used to
install rear-facing or forward-facing child
restraints that have a harness for
restraining the child.
WARNING! (Continued)

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SAFETY189
eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water.
For nose or throat irritation, move to fresh air.
If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If
these particles settle on your clothing, follow
the garment manufacturer’s instructions for
cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have
deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the air bags will not be in place to
protect you.
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the inte -
rior trim, but they will open during air bag
deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication
network remains intact, and the power remains
intact, depending on the nature of the event,
the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) will
determine whether to have the Enhanced
Accident Response System perform the
following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if
equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has
power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on
as long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locks
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform
any of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the
HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circula -
tion Door
Cut off battery power to the:
Engine
Electric Motor (if equipped)
Electric power steering
Brake booster
Electric park brake
Automatic transmission gear selector
Horn
Front wiper
Headlamp washer pump
NOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the igni -
tion to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and
remove the key from the ignition switch to avoid
draining the battery. Carefully check the vehicle
for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on
the ground near the engine compartment and
fuel tank before resetting the system and
starting the engine. If there are no fuel leaks or
damage to the vehicle electrical devices (e.g.
headlights) after an accident, reset the system
by following the procedure described below. If
you have any doubt, contact an authorized
dealer.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt
pretensioners cannot protect you in another
collision. Have the air bags, seat belt
pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor
assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Also, have the Occupant
Restraint Controller System serviced as well.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING261
SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING — POWER
WAGON ONLY
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS AND VEHICLE
C
HARACTERISTICS
Your vehicle has excellent on and off-road
capabilities. These off-road capabilities will
allow you to explore those wilderness trails
where few travel, providing a source of exciting
and satisfying recreation. Before you venture
out, you should contact your local governmental
agency to determine the designated Off-Road
Vehicle (ORV) trails or recreation areas. You
should always tread lightly and only use
established roads, trails or ORV recreational
areas. The National Forest Service, Bureau of Land
Management, or local Department of Natural
Resources are a wealth of information and
usually have maps with marked trails.
Skid Plates And Underbody Protection
Steel skid plates protect the major driveline
components of the truck including the fuel tank,
transfer case and steering damper. In addition,
this vehicle is equipped with boxed cross
members and fore/aft rails. This additional
protection allows the vehicle to be utilized in
severe off-road situations that would be
considered impassable by a normal truck.
Ramp Travel Index (RTI)

The RTI is the distance, in inches, that you can
drive your vehicle with one wheel on a 20-degree
ramp without lifting any other wheel off the
ground. This distance up the ramp divided by the
wheelbase of the vehicle and multiplied by 1,000
is the RTI. This vehicle has an RTI of 429
(connected sway bar) or an RTI of 538
(disconnected sway bar), which means you can
articulate one front wheel 22 inches (56 cm) or
27.5 inches (70cm) in the air while the other
three wheels remain in contact with the ground.

Water Fording Characteristics

Water fording characteristic is the vehicle's ability
to cross a body of still water, where the
powertrain and drivetrain are safe from water
ingestion. This vehicle has high water fording
characteristics with the ability to cross a pool of
water, without stopping, 24 inches (60 cm) deep
at a maximum speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) and a
pool of water 30 inches (76 cm) deep at a
maximum speed of 5 mph (8 km/h), both with an
entrance ramp angle of 1.3 degrees.

Simultaneous Brake And Throttle
Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the
simultaneous use of the brake and throttle (two
footed driving). When climbing rocks, logs, or
other stepped objects, using light brake
pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle
from jerking or lurching. This technique is also
used when you need to stop and restart a
vehicle on a steep incline.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to
On-Road mode, vehicle stability is reduced.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle over
18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster than
18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss of control
of the vehicle, which could result in serious
injury or death. Contact your local service
center for assistance.
CAUTION!
The door sill height is 25 inches (63.5 cm).
Water may intrude into the interior of the
vehicle at greater depths.
5

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