towing Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 2020 Owner's Manual

2
INTRODUCTION
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL ...............................11
Essential Information .................................. 11
Symbols ........................................................ 11
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ...............................11
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS .........................11
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS .......11
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
VEHICLE USER GUIDE — IF EQUIPPED ...............12
KEYS ......................................................................13
Key Fob......................................................... 13
IGNITION SWITCH ...............................................17
Keyless Push Button Ignition ...................... 17
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (GASOLINE) ...18
How To Use Remote Start ........................... 18
Remote Start Abort Message ...................... 19
To Enter Remote Start Mode ...................... 19
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without
Driving
The Vehicle .................................................. 19 To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The
Vehicle .......................................................... 20 Remote Start Comfort Systems —
If Equipped ................................................... 20 General Information .................................... 20 REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (DIESEL)......... 20
How To Use Remote Start ........................... 21
Remote Start Abort Message...................... 21
To Enter Remote Start Mode ...................... 21
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without
Driving The Vehicle ...................................... 22 To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The
Vehicle .......................................................... 22 Remote Start Comfort Systems —
If Equipped ................................................... 22
SENTRY KEY.......................................................... 22
Key Programming ....................................... 23
Replacement Keys ..................................... 23
General Information .................................... 23
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM .............................. 24
To Arm The System ...................................... 24
To Disarm The System ................................ 24
Rearming Of The System............................. 25
Security System Manual Override .............. 25
DOORS .................................................................. 25
Manual Door Locks...................................... 25
Power Door Locks — If Equipped ............... 26
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry .......... 26
Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped ....... 29
Child-Protection Door Lock ........................ 29
SEATS ................................................................ 30
Manual Front Seat Adjustment................... 30
Power Driver Seat Adjustment —
If Equipped ................................................... 31 Driver Memory Seats — If Equipped .......... 32
Heated Seats — If Equipped ....................... 34
Ventilated Seats — If Equipped................... 35 HEAD RESTRAINTS ..........................................36
Front Head Restraints ................................. 36
Rear Head Restraint Adjustment ............... 37
Rear Head Restraint Removal .................... 37
STEERING WHEEL .............................................38
Tilt Steering Column .................................. 38
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ...... 38
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS —
IF EQUIPPED .........................................................39
MIRRORS ..............................................................40
Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ...... 40
Automatic Dimming Mirror —
If Equipped .................................................. 40 Automatic Dimming Mirror With Rear View
Camera Display — If Equipped ................... 40 Outside Mirrors ........................................... 41
Driver's Outside Automatic Dimming
Mirror — If Equipped .................................... 41 Power Mirrors — If Equipped ...................... 41
Power Convex Mirror Switch —
If Equipped ................................................... 42 Trailer Towing Mirrors.................................. 42
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped .................... 43
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse —
If Equipped ................................................... 43 Outside Mirrors Folding Feature ................. 43
Illuminated Vanity Mirror —
If Equipped ................................................... 44

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6
REFUELING THE VEHICLE —
DIESEL ENGINE ................................................. 269 Fuel Filler Cap ............................................269
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ................269Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ...............269
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................270Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ....................270
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ........... 271
VEHICLE LOADING .......................................... 273
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......273Payload .......................................................273Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............273
Tire Size ......................................................273
Rim Size......................................................273
Inflation Pressure ......................................273
Curb Weight................................................273
Loading .......................................................273
TRAILER TOWING ............................................ 274
Common Towing Definitions .....................274Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum
Trailer Weight .............................................278 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) .......................................279 Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................279
Towing Requirements ...............................279
Towing Tips ................................................284 SNOWPLOW ....................................................... 286
Before Plowing ........................................... 286
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 286 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached ..................................................... 287 Operating Tips ............................................ 287General Maintenance................................ 287
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) .......................................... 288
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 288 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 289 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 289
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 292
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 292
Driving Through Water .............................. 292
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .................... 294
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 294General Information .................................. 299
BULB REPLACEMENT ......................................300
Replacement Bulbs .............................. 300
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ........................... 301
FUSES ..................................................................305
Power Distribution Center ......................... 306 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...................... 314
4500/5500 Models .................................. 315
Preparations For Jacking .......................... 315
Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ............................................... 315 To Stow The Flat Or Spare —
If Equipped ................................................ 318 Hub Caps/Wheel Covers —
If Equipped ............................................... 318
JUMP STARTING ............................................... 319
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 320
Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 320
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 321
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 322
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 323
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 324
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...................... 326
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 327
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 327
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 328
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................ 328
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ....................... 328

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42GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Using the mirror control switch, push on any of
the four arrows for the direction that you want
the mirror to move.

Power Mirror Movement

Power Convex Mirror Switch — If Equipped
The Power Convex Mirror Switch is located on
the door trim panel, above the power mirror
controls. The switch enables the movement of
the convex portion of both the driver and
passenger outside mirrors.
Power Convex Mirror Switch

To adjust the convex portion of the outside
mirrors, push the Power Convex Mirror Switch.
Then, select the mirror you want to adjust by
using the L (left) or R (right) buttons.
To return the control to the large mirror, push
the Power Convex Mirror Switch a second time.

Trailer Tow Power Convex Mirror
NOTE:
If the Power Convex Mirror Switch is not pushed
a second time, the switch will automatically
default back to the larger portion of the outside
mirrors after a period of time.
Trailer Towing Mirrors
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable
mirror head to provide a greater vision range
when towing extra-wide loads. To change posi
-
tion 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.

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84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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, see “Servicing And
Maintenance.” Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
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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86GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. 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.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. 4. 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.
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, see “Servicing And
Maintenance.” Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
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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106GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 the 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 accompa -
nied by a periodic chime. The message will
continue to countdown until it reaches zero
unless the vehicle is serviced. We recom -
mend you drive to your nearest authorized
dealer and have your vehicle serviced imme -
diately.
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 the 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
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.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL107
Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode
Message — Electrical Load Reduction
Actions — If Equipped
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional moni-
toring 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 “Battery Charge Warning
Light” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
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 Volt 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 Volt 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).
The battery was recently replaced and was
not charged completely.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL111
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.
Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the Electric Power
Steering (EPS) system. Refer to
“Power Steering” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the Trailer Brake has been discon -
nected.
Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” 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 or NEUTRAL, 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 Oper -
ating.”
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.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.
3

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112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning
Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) is a part of an
Onboard Diagnostic System called
OBD II that monitors engine and auto -
matic 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 acti -vated. It should go out with the engine running.
If the “ESC Indicator Light” comes on continu
-
ously 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 diag -
nosed 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.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
This light will come on when the vehicle is in
an ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the Elec -
tronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/
RUN or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system
will be on, even if it was turned off previously.
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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118GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Blue Indicator Lights
High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate that the high beam head -
lights are on. With the low beams acti -
vated, push the multifunction lever
forward (toward the front of the vehicle) to turn
on the high beams. Pull the multifunction lever
rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn
off the high beams. If the high beams are off,
pull the lever toward you for a temporary high
beam on, "flash to pass" scenario.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the emis -
sions, engine, and transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current govern -
ment regulations. If any of these systems require service, the OBD
II system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes
and other information to assist your service
technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need
towing, see an authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard
Diagnostic system (OBD II) and a connection
port to allow access to information related to
the performance of your emissions controls.
Authorized service technicians may need to access this information to assist with the diag
-
nosis and service of your vehicle and emissions
system.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity”
in “Multimedia”.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must
be serviced before any emissions tests can
be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to read the VIN,
diagnose, or service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected to
the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety related systems, could
be impaired or a loss of vehicle control
could occur that may result in an acci -
dent involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access, infor -
mation stored in your vehicle systems,
including personal information.

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