towing 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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7
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 296 ParkSense Sensors ...................................296
ParkSense Warning Display ......................296
ParkSense Display ..................................... 297Enabling And Disabling ParkSense ..........299
Service The ParkSense Rear Park
Assist System .............................................299 Cleaning The ParkSense System ..............299
ParkSense System Usage Precautions ....299
PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR
PARK ASSIST ..................................................... 301
ParkSense Sensors ...................................301
ParkSense Warning Display ......................301
ParkSense Display ..................................... 301Enabling And Disabling Front And/Or
Rear ParkSense .........................................304 Service The ParkSense Front/Rear
Park Assist System ....................................305 Cleaning The ParkSense System ..............305
ParkSense System Usage Precautions ....305
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ........................... 306
LaneSense Operation ................................306Turning LaneSense On Or Off ...................307LaneSense Warning Message ..................307
Changing LaneSense Status .....................309 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA..............309
AUX Camera — If Equipped ...................... 311
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ....................................................... 312
AUX Camera — If Equipped ...................... 318
ENGINE RUNAWAY — DIESEL ENGINE ............ 319
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE ...... 319
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................ 320

REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE ... 320

Diesel Exhaust Fluid .................................. 321
VEHICLE LOADING ............................................324
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 324
Payload ....................................................... 324Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............ 324
Tire Size ...................................................... 324
Rim Size ..................................................... 324
Inflation Pressure ...................................... 324
Curb Weight................................................ 324
Loading ....................................................... 324
TRAILER TOWING ............................................... 325
Common Towing Definitions ..................... 325Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum
Trailer Weight ............................................. 329 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ......................................... 330 Trailer And Tongue Weight ........................ 330
Towing Requirements ............................... 330Towing Tips ................................................ 335 SNOWPLOW ...................................................... 336
Before Plowing ........................................... 337
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 337 Over The Road Operation With
Snowplow Attached ................................... 338 Operating Tips............................................ 338General Maintenance................................ 338
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ......................................... 339
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 339 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models........................................................ 339 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models........................................................ 340
DRIVING TIPS ..................................................... 343
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 343
Driving Through Water ............................. 343
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................. 344
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ...................... 346
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .... 346General Information .................................. 350

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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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46GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
TRAILER TOWING MIRRORS — IF
E
QUIPPED
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable
mirror head to provide a greater vision range
when towing extra-wide loads. To change
position inboard or outboard, the mirror head
should be rotated (flipped in or out).

Trailer Towing Position

NOTE:
Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior to
entering an automated car wash.
A small blindspot mirror is located next to main
mirror and can be adjusted separately.
Blindspot Mirror

HEATED MIRRORS — IF EQUIPPED
These mirrors are heated to melt frost
or ice. This feature will be activated
whenever you turn on the rear window
defroster (if equipped).
Refer to “Climate Controls” in this chapter for
further information.
TILT SIDE MIRRORS IN REVERSE — IF
E
QUIPPED
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse provides automatic
outside mirror positioning which will aid the
driver’s view of the ground rearward of the front
doors. The outside mirrors will move slightly
downward from the present position when the
vehicle is shifted into REVERSE. The outside mirrors will then return to the original position
when the vehicle is shifted out of the REVERSE
position. Each stored memory setting will have
an associated Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse
position.
NOTE:
The Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse feature is not
turned on when delivered from the factory.
This feature can be programmed through the
Uconnect system. Refer to “Uconnect Settings”
in “Multimedia” for further information.
POWER FOLDING OUTSIDE MIRRORS
F
OR STANDARD AND TRAILER TOW — IF
E
QUIPPED
If equipped with power folding mirrors, they can
be electrically folded rearward and unfolded
into the drive position.
The switch for the power folding mirrors is
located between the power mirror switches L
(left) and R (right). Push the switch once and the
mirrors will fold in, push the switch a second
time and the mirrors will return to the normal
driving position.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL107
3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate the oil
pressure when the engine is running. A
continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme -
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition is in the ON/
RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
7. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads “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 the “H,” turn the engine off
immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL109
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
5. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads “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 the “H,” turn the engine off
immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.
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128GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages
There are five different messages which are
displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected. The vehicle
may be limited to a maximum speed of 5 MPH
(8 km/H) if the DEF system is not serviced
within less than 200 miles (322 km) of the fault
being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the
following warnings will display:
Service DEF System See Dealer — This
message will display when the fault is initially
detected, each time the vehicle is started,
and periodically during driving. The message
will be accompanied by a single chime. We
recommend you drive to your nearest autho -
rized dealer and have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible.

5 MPH Max Speed in 150 mi Service DEF
System See Dealer — This message will display
if the DEF system has not been serviced after
the “Service DEF System – See Dealer”
message is displayed. This message will
continuously display until the mileage counter reaches zero, and will be accompanied by a
periodic chime. The message will continue to
countdown until it reaches zero unless the
vehicle is serviced. We recommend you drive
to your nearest authorized dealer and have
your vehicle serviced immediately.

NOTE:
Under some circumstances this mileage
counter may start with a value of less than
150 miles (241 km). For example, if recurring faults are detected in a time interval of less
than 40 hours, the counter may restart at the
value where it stopped when a previous fault
was temporarily remedied, or at a minimum of
50 miles (80 km).
5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or
Refuel Service DEF See Dealer — This
message will continuously display when the
mileage counter reaches zero, and will be
accompanied by a periodic chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a
maximum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of
the following conditions to occur:
If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.

If the vehicle is idled for an extended period
of time, approximately one hour or greater.

If the system detects that the level of fuel
in the tank has increased.
5 MPH Max Speed Service DEF System See
Dealer — This message will continuously
display, and will be accompanied by a peri -
odic chime. Although the vehicle can be
started and placed in gear, the vehicle will
only operate at a maximum speed of 5 MPH.
Your vehicle will require towing, see an
authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:
When this message is displayed, the engine can
still be started. However, the vehicle will only
operate at a maximum speed of 5 MPH.
Incorrect DEF Detected See Dealer — This
message will display when the fault is initially
detected, each time the vehicle is started,
and periodically during driving. The message
will be accompanied by a single chime. We
recommend you drive to your nearest autho -
rized dealer and have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible.
RAM Active Air System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Ram
Active Air system that provides enhanced
performance, especially when towing under

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL129
demanding hot or high altitude conditions. If the
instrument cluster display displays the
message “Active Airbox Service Required See
Dealer”, vehicle performance may be reduced
until service is performed by an authorized RAM
dealer.
BATTERY SAVER ON/BATTERY SAVER
M
ODE MESSAGE — ELECTRICAL LOAD
R
EDUCTION ACTIONS — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional
monitoring of the electrical system and status
of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system
failure, or the vehicle battery conditions are
deteriorating, electrical load reduction actions
will take place to extend the driving time and
distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing
power to or turning off non-essential electrical
loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is
running. It will display a message if there is a
risk of battery depletion to the point where the
vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical supply,
or will not restart after the current drive cycle. When load reduction is activated, the message
“Battery Saver On Some Systems May Have
Reduced Power” will appear in the instrument
cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery
has a low state of charge and continues to lose
electrical charge at a rate that the charging
system cannot sustain.
NOTE:The charging system is independent from
load reduction. The charging system
performs a diagnostic on the charging
system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it
may indicate a problem with the charging
system. Refer to “Warning Lights And
Messages” in “Getting To Know Your Instru
-
ment Panel” for further information.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if
equipped), and vehicle functions which can be
affected by load reduction:
Heated Seats/Vented Seats/Heated Wheel
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or
more of the following conditions:
The charging system cannot deliver enough
electrical power to the vehicle system
because the electrical loads are larger than
the capability of charging system. The
charging system is still functioning properly.
Turning on all possible vehicle electrical
loads (e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and
interior lights, overloaded power outlets
+12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports) during
certain driving conditions (city driving,
towing, frequent stopping).
Installing options like additional lights,
upfitter electrical accessories, audio
systems, alarms and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated
by long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended
period of time (weeks, months).
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL133
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the Trailer Brake has been
disconnected.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until
the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you
may continue to drive normally.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a
door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a single
chime.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the ACC system.
Contact a local authorized dealer for
service.
For further information, refer to “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC)” in “Starting And
Operating.”
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will illuminate when a fault is
detected with the air suspension
system.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an
Onboard Diagnostic System called
OBD II that monitors engine and
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
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134GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
automatic transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition is
in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If
the bulb does not come on when turning the
ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several
typical driving styles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and will not require
towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash
to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when
the Electronic Stability Control system
is Active. The “ESC Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC is
activated. It should go out with the engine
running. If the “ESC Indicator Light” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this warning light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible to have
the problem diagnosed and corrected.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” and the “ESC
Indicator Light” come on momentarily each
time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This
could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage
to the vehicle control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.

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