Main ignition Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 2020 Owner's Manual

4

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ....... 118
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity..............................................118
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ...................................................... 119
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 120
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 120
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...121
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 129
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................129 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) .....................................................132
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 141
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....141
Important Safety Precautions ...................141Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 142Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...151Child Restraints ........................................160
Transporting Pets ....................................179
SAFETY TIPS .................................................... 180
Transporting Passengers ..........................180
Exhaust Gas ........................................... 180
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................180 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................182
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GAS ENGINE .........183
Automatic Transmission............................ 183
Tip Start Feature ....................................... 183Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ................... 184
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button ............................................ 184 Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ......................... 187 After Starting .............................................. 187
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE .... 187
Automatic Transmission............................ 187
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ................... 188
Extreme Cold Weather .............................. 190
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66°F (19°C) ....... 191 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F
(–18°C to 19°C) ....................................... 191 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............. 192 Starting Fluids ............................................ 193 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ....... 194
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 194
Engine Idling ............................................. 197
Noise .......................................................... 198
Stopping The Engine ................................. 198Idle Shutdown ............................................ 199
Programmable Maximum Vehicle Speed ..... 199

Operating Precautions .............................. 200
Cooling System Tips .................................. 200
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Manual
Regeneration - If Equipped ....................... 201
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ........ 201
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GAS ENGINE ...................................................... 202
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE .................................................. 202
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) ........................................... 203
PARKING BRAKE .............................................. 204
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ........................... 205 Ignition Park Interlock ............................... 206Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System ....................................................... 206 Six–Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ................................................ 207 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ................................................. 213
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ........... 218

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14GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To Lock The Doors
If the vehicle is equipped with remote power
door locks, push and release the lock button on
the key fob to lock all doors. The turn signal
lights will flash and the horn will chirp to
acknowledge the signal.
Sound Horn With Remote Key Lock
This feature will cause the horn to chirp when
the doors are locked with the key fob. This
feature can be turned on or turned off.
NOTE:
Pushing the lock button on the key fob while you
are in the vehicle will activate the vehicle secu -
rity alarm system. Opening a door with the
vehicle security alarm system activated will
cause the alarm to sound. Push the unlock
button to deactivate the vehicle security alarm
system.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Using The Panic Alarm
To turn the Panic Alarm feature on or off, push
the Panic button on the key fob. When the Panic
Alarm is activated, the turn signals will flash, the
horn will pulse on and off, and the interior lights
will turn on.
The Panic Alarm will stay on for three minutes
unless you turn it off by either pushing the Panic
button a second time or driving the vehicle at a
speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) or greater.
NOTE:
The interior lights will turn off if you place the
ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position while
the Panic Alarm is activated. However, the
exterior lights and horn will remain on.
You may need to be less than 35 ft (11 m)
from the vehicle when using the key fob to
turn off the Panic Alarm due to the radio
frequency noises emitted by the system.
Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob With
Remote Control
The replacement battery model is one CR2032
battery. NOTE:
Perchlorate Material — special handling may
apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazard -
ouswaste/perchlorate for further informa -
tion.
Do not touch the battery terminals that are
on the back housing or the printed circuit
board.

1. Remove the emergency key by pushing and holding the release button located on
the side of the key fob while pulling the
emergency key out with your other hand.

Emergency Key Release button

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18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
The engine only runs when the ignition is in the
ON/RUN 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
emergency key) of the key fob against the
START/STOP ignition button and push to
operate the ignition switch.
Back Up Starting Method

NOTE:
The key fob may not be able to be detected by
the vehicle keyless-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-go
system from starting the vehicle.
NOTE:
Refer to "Starting The Engine" in "Starting And
Operating" for further information.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED
(GASOLINE)
This system uses the key fob to start
the engine conveniently from outside
the vehicle while still maintaining
security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
Obstructions between the vehicle and the key
fob may reduce this range.
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met
before the engine will remote start:
Gear selector 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
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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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE19
System not disabled from previous remote
start event
Vehicle security alarm not active
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 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 Without 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.
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.
2

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20GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive 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 secu -
rity alarm system (if equipped). Then, prior to
the end of the 15 minute cycle, place the igni -
tion in the ON/RUN position.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If
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.
NOTE:
The Remote Start Comfort System can be acti -
vated and deactivated through the Uconnect
System. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multi -
media” for further information on Remote Start
Comfort System operation.
General Information
The following regulatory statement applies to all
Radio Frequency (RF) devices equipped in this
vehicle:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules and with Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interfer -
ence, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR
d`Innovation, Science and Economic Develop -
ment applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux
conditions suivantes:

1. l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouil -
lage, et

2. l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en comprom -
ettre le fonctionnement. La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las
siguientes dos condiciones:

1. es posible que este equipo o dispositivo no
cause interferencia perjudicial y

2. este equipo o dispositivo debe aceptar cual -
quier interferencia, incluyendo la que
pueda causar su operación no deseada.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compli -
ance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (DIESEL)
This system uses the key fob to start
the engine conveniently from outside
the vehicle while still maintaining
security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
Obstructions between the vehicle and the
key fob may reduce this range.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE21
The Remote Start system will wait for the
“Wait To Start” Indicator Light to extinguish
before cranking the engine. This allows time
for the intake heater to preheat the incoming
air, and is normal operation in cold weather.
Refer to “Wait To Start Light,” located in
“Warning Lights And Messages” within
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
more information.
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.
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.
2

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22GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
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.
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without 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 shut downs, the system
will disable for two seconds after receiving a
valid Remote Start request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The
Vehicle
To exit Remote Start Mode and drive the vehicle
before the end of the 15 minute cycle, push and
release the unlock button on the key fob to
unlock the door 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.
NOTE:
The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN posi
-
tion in order to drive the vehicle.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If
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.
NOTE:
The Remote Start Comfort System can be acti -
vated and deactivated through the Uconnect
System. Refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multi -
media” for further information on Remote Start
Comfort System operation.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents
unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling the
engine. The system does not need to be armed
or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless
of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses a key fob, keyless push button
ignition and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to
prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. There -
fore, only key fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle can be used to start and operate the
vehicle. The system cannot reprogram a key fob
obtained from another vehicle.
After placing the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position, the vehicle security light will turn on for
three seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates
that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the
bulb check, it indicates that someone
attempted to start the engine with an invalid key
fob. In the event that a valid key fob is used to
start the engine but there is an issue with the
vehicle electronics, the engine will start and
shut off after two seconds.

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24GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las
siguientes dos condiciones:

1. es posible que este equipo o dispositivo no
cause interferencia perjudicial y

2. este equipo o dispositivo debe aceptar cual -
quier interferencia, incluyendo la que
pueda causar su operación no deseada.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compli -
ance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM
The vehicle security alarm monitors the vehicle
doors and ignition for unauthorized operation.
When the vehicle security alarm is activated,
interior switches for door locks are disabled.
The system 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.
To Arm The System
Follow these steps to arm the vehicle security
alarm:

1. Remove the key from the ignition system. Refer to "Starting The Engine" in "Starting
And Operating" for further information.

Make sure the vehicle ignition system is OFF.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the vehicle:
Push lock button on the interior power door lock switch with the driver and/or
passenger door open.
Push the lock button on the exterior Passive Entry Door Handle with a valid
key fob available in the same exterior
zone Refer to "Keyless Enter-N-Go —
Passive Entry" in "Doors" in this chapter
for further information.
Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
The vehicle security alarm will set when you use
the power door locks, or use the key fob to lock
the doors. After all the doors are locked and closed, the vehicle security light, in the instru
-
ment panel cluster, will flash rapidly for about
16 seconds to indicate that the alarm is being
set. After the alarm is set, the vehicle security
light will flash at a slower rate to indicate that
the system is armed.
To Disarm The System
The vehicle security alarm can be disarmed
using any of the following methods:

1. Push the unlock button on the key fob.

2. Grasp the Passive Entry Unlock Door Handle with a valid key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
Passive Entry door handle. If equipped,
refer to "Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive
Entry" in "Doors" in this chapter for further
information.
3. Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position.
The vehicle security alarm is designed to protect
your vehicle. However, you can create condi -
tions 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.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE45
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate
when the engine is started and the transmis -
sion 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
Uconnect System, refer to “Uconnect Settings”
in “Multimedia” for further information.
High/Low Beam Switch
Push the multifunction lever toward the instru-
ment 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 Control —
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 function improp -
erly.
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 Head -
lamp Control mirror is replaced, the mirror must
be re-aimed to ensure proper performance. See
a local authorized dealer.
To Activate

1. The Automatic High Beams are enabled through the Uconnect system. Refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for
further information.

2. Turn the headlight switch to the AUTO head -
light position.
3. Push the multifunction lever away from you (toward front of vehicle) to engage the high
beam mode.
2

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46GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
The Automatic High Beams will not activate until
the vehicle is at or above 12 mph (20 km/h).
To Deactivate

1. Pull the multifunction lever toward you (or
rearward in vehicle) to manually deactivate
the system (normal operation of low
beams).

2. Push back on the multifunction lever to reactivate the system.
The Automatic High Beams can also be deacti -
vated through the Uconnect system. Refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further
information.
Flash-To-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your head -
lights by lightly pulling the multifunction lever
toward you. This will cause the high beam head -
lights to turn on, and remain on, until the lever
is released.
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped
This system automatically turns your headlights
on or off based on ambient light levels. To turn
the system on, turn the headlight switch clock-
wise, aligning the indicator with the AUTO on the
headlight switch. When the system is on, the
Headlight Time Delay feature is also on. This
means your headlights will stay on for up to 90
seconds after you place the ignition switch in
the OFF position. To turn the Automatic System
off, turn the headlight switch counterclockwise
to the O (off) position.
NOTE:
The engine must be running before the head -
lights will come on in the Automatic mode.
Parking Lights And Panel Lights
To turn on the parking lights and instrument
panel lights, from the O (off) position, rotate the
headlight switch clockwise to the first detent. To
turn off the parking lights, rotate the headlight
switch back to the O (off) position.
Directional LED Headlamp System — If
Equipped
This is a system consisting of LED (low/high
beam) headlights that incorporate dynamic
cornering with 5-degree inboard/15-degree
outboard swivel. The headlights continuously
and automatically adapt to the driving condi -
tions around bends or when cornering based on
steering wheel angle.
The system directs the headlights to light up the
road in the best way, taking into account the
speed of the vehicle and the bend or corner
angle, as well as the speed of steering.
The adaptive lights are automatically activated
when the vehicle is traveling above approxi -
mately 5 mph (8 km/h).
Headlights On With Wipers (Available With
Automatic Headlights Only)
When this feature is active, the headlights will
turn on approximately 10 seconds after the
wipers are turned on if the headlight switch is
placed in the AUTO position. In addition, the
headlights will turn off when the wipers are
turned off, if they were turned on by this feature.

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