trailer RAM CHASSIS CAB 2017 Owners Manual

NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or
no load operation will extend the time before the engine is
at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” of the Own-
er ’s Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins turbocharged
diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded oper-
ating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve
final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NOTE: Never transport passengers in the cargo area.
WARNING!• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people (Continued) WARNING! (Continued)riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can even-
tually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move your
vehicle in or out of the area.
• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/
rear doors open, make sure that all windows are
closed and the climate control BLOWER switch is set
at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode. (Continued) 2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE CONTENTS  MIRRORS ..............................99
▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ......99
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped .....99
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror With Rear View
Camera Display — If Equipped ........... .104
▫ Outside Mirrors ...................... .105
▫ Outside Mirrors Folding Feature ........... .106
▫ Power Mirrors — If Equipped ............ .106
▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ............ .107
▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped ..... .108
▫ “Slide-On-Rod” Features Of Sun Visor —
If Equipped .......................... .108
▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ...... .109
 SEATS................................110
▫ Driver’s Power Seat — If Equipped ..........110 ▫ Passenger ’s Power Seat — If Equipped .......111
▫ Power Lumbar — If Equipped .............112
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ...............113
▫ Ventilated Seats — If Equipped .............114
▫ Manual Seat Adjuster — If Equipped ........115
▫ 40-20-40 Front Bench Seat — If Equipped .....116
▫ Head Restraints ........................116
 DRIVER MEMORY SEAT — IF EQUIPPED ......119
▫ Programming The Memory Feature ......... .120
▫ Linking And Unlinking The Remote Keyless
Entry Key Fob To Memory ............... .120
▫ Memory Position Recall ................. .121
▫ Easy Entry/Exit Seat ................... .122
 TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD ......... .1233

Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
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). 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.
Trailer Towing Position Blindspot Mirror 3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 109

Enabling And Disabling ParkSense
ParkSense can be enabled and disabled with the ParkSense
switch.
When the ParkSense switch is pushed to disable
the system, the instrument cluster will display
the “PARKSENSE OFF” message for approxi-
mately five seconds. Refer to “Instrument Clus-
ter Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. When the gear selector is moved to
REVERSE and the system is disabled, the instrument
cluster display will show the “PARKSENSE OFF” message
for as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE.
NOTE: The ParkSense system will automatically disable
when the system detects that a trailer with trailer brakes
has been connected to the Integrated Trailer Brake Module.
The instrument cluster display will show “PARKSENSE
OFF” message for as long as the vehicle is in reverse.
The ParkSense switch LED will be ON when ParkSense is
disabled or defective. The ParkSense switch LED will be
OFF when the system is enabled.
If the ParkSense switch is pushed, and the system is
disabled or requires service, the ParkSense switch LED will
blink momentarily, and then the LED will be ON. Service The ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
During vehicle start up, when the ParkSense Rear Park
Assist System has detected a faulted condition, the instru-
ment cluster display will actuate a single chime, once per
ignition cycle, and it will show the  PARKSENSE UN-
AVAILABLE WIPE REAR SENSORS  or the  PARKSENSE
UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED  message. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information. When the gear
selector is moved to REVERSE and the system has detected
a faulted condition, the instrument cluster display will
show the  PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE WIPE REAR SEN-
SORS  or the  PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE RE-
QUIRED  message for as long as the vehicle is in RE-
VERSE. Under this condition, ParkSense will not operate.
If  PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE WIPE REAR SENSORS 
appears in the instrument cluster display make sure the
outer surface and the underside of the rear fascia/bumper
is clean and clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt or other obstruc-
tion, and then cycle the ignition. If the message continues
to appear, see an authorized dealer.
If  PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED 
appears in the instrument cluster display, see your autho-
rized dealer. 3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 147

Cleaning The ParkSense System
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car wash soap and
a soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard cloths. Do not scratch
or poke the sensors. Otherwise, you could damage the
sensors.
ParkSense System Usage Precautions
NOTE:
• Ensure that the rear bumper is free of snow, ice, mud,
dirt and debris to keep the ParkSense system operating
properly.
• Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of ParkSense.
• When you turn ParkSense off, the instrument cluster
display will show  PARKSENSE OFF  . Furthermore,
once you turn ParkSense off, it remains off until you turn
it on again, even if you cycle the ignition key.
• When you move the gear selector to the REVERSE
position and ParkSense is turned off, the instrument
cluster display will show the  PARKSENSE OFF  mes-
sage for as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE.
• ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of the radio
when it is sounding a tone. • Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not to
scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind the fascia/bumper, or it could provide a
false indication that an obstacle is behind the fascia/
bumper.
• Ensure the ParkSense system is OFF if objects such as
bicycle carriers, trailer hitches, etc., are placed within 18
inches (45 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper while driv-
ing the vehicle. Failure to do so can result in the system
misinterpreting a close obstacle as a sensor problem,
causing the  PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE
REQUIRED  message to appear in the instrument cluster
display.
• On vehicles equipped with a tailgate, ParkSense should
be disabled when the tailgate is in the lowered or open
position and the vehicle is in REVERSE. A lowered
tailgate could provide a false indication that an obstacle
is behind the vehicle.148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Cleaning The ParkSense System
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car wash soap and a
soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard cloths. Do not scratch or
poke the sensors. Otherwise, you could damage the sensors.
ParkSense System Usage Precautions
NOTE:
• Ensure that the front and rear bumper are free of snow,
ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep the ParkSense system
operating properly.
• Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of ParkSense.
• When you turn Front or Rear ParkSense off, the instru-
ment cluster display will read “FRONT PARKSENSE
OFF” or “REAR PARKSENSE OFF.” Furthermore, once
you turn Front or Rear ParkSense off, it remains off until
you turn it on again, even if you cycle the ignition key.
• When you move the gear selector to the REVERSE position
and Front or Rear ParkSense is turned off, the instrument
cluster display will show the  FRONT PARKSENSE OFF  or
 REAR PARKSENSE OFF  message for five seconds, fol-
lowed by a vehicle graphic with  OFF  in the corresponding
side. This vehicle graphic will be displayed for as long as
the vehicle is in REVERSE. • ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of the radio
when it is sounding a tone.
• Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not to
scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
• Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense system off
if obstacles such as bicycle carriers, trailer hitches, etc. are
placed within 18 in (45 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper.
Failure to do so can result in the system misinterpreting a
close obstacle as a sensor problem, causing the
“PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED”
message to be appear in the instrument cluster display.
• On vehicles equipped with a tailgate, ParkSense should
be disabled when the tailgate is in the lowered or open
position. A lowered tailgate could provide a false indi-
cation that an obstacle is behind the vehicle. 3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155

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.
5. Temperature Gauge
• The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature 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 “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle”. Follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.
CAUTION!Driving with a hot engine cooling system could dam-
age 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. 4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193

NOTE: The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This cycling operation is
caused by the post-heat cycle of the intake manifold heater
system. The number of cycles and the length of the cycling
operation is controlled by the engine control module. Post-
heat operation can run for several minutes, and then the
electrical system and voltmeter needle will stabilize.
3. Oil Pressure Gauge
• The pointer should always indicate some oil pressure
when the engine is running. A continuous high or low
reading under normal driving conditions may indicate
a lubrication system malfunction. Immediate service
should be obtained from an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer
• Indicates vehicle speed.
5. 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. 6. Instrument Cluster Display
• When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Instrument Cluster Display messages. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
7. Temperature Gauge
• The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature 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. 4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195

Electric Power Steering Fail Warning Light — If Equipped
Red Telltale
Light What It Means
Electric Power Steering Fail Warning — If Equipped
This light is used to manage the electrical warning of the EPS (Electric Power Steering). Refer to
“Power Steering” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
Red Warning
Light What It Means
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Trailer Brake has been disconnected.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
Red Telltale
Light What It Means
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This telltale indicates engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Transmission Temperature Indicator Light
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Transmission Temperature Indicator Light
This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature is running hot. This may occur with
severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and stop the vehicle.
Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
WARNING!If you continue operating the vehicle when the Trans-
mission 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 Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure. 4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211