towing RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owners Manual

2
INTRODUCTION
Symbols Key ..........................................................10
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS ..........................10
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS .........10
Symbol Glossary ...................................................11
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
KEYS ......................................................................15
Key Fob......................................................... 15
SENTRY KEY ..........................................................17
IGNITION SWITCH .................................................18
Keyless Push Button Ignition ...................... 18
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (GASOLINE) ..20
How To Use Remote Start ........................... 20
To Exit Remote Start Mode ......................... 21
Remote Start Front Defrost
Activation — If Equipped .............................. 21 Remote Start Comfort Systems —
If Equipped ................................................... 21 Remote Start Abort Message ...................... 22
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (DIESEL) .........22
How To Use Remote Start ........................... 23
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ...23
To Arm The System ...................................... 23
To Disarm The System................................. 24
Rearming Of The System............................. 24
Security System Manual Override .............. 24 DOORS .................................................................. 24
Manual Door Locks...................................... 24
Power Door Locks — If Equipped ............... 25
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry
(If Equipped) ................................................ 26 Automatic Unlock Doors On
Exit — If Equipped ........................................ 28 Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 28
Child-Protection Door Lock — If Equipped.. 28
STEERING WHEEL ............................................... 29
Tilt Steering Column .................................... 29
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ....... 29
UCONNECT VOICE RECOGNITION ....................... 30
Introducing Voice Recognition .................... 30
Basic Voice Commands............................... 31
Get Started ................................................... 31
Additional Information ................................. 31
DRIVER MEMORY SETTINGS — IF EQUIPPED ... 32
Programming The Memory Feature............ 32
Linking And Unlinking The Remote
Keyless Entry Key Fob To Memory ............. 32 Memory Position Recall............................... 33
SEATS .................................................................... 33
Manual Front Seat Adjustment................... 34
Power Driver Seat Adjustment —
If Equipped ................................................... 35 Heated Seats — If Equipped ....................... 36
Ventilated Seats — If Equipped................... 37
Head Restraints ........................................... 38 DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS —
IF EQUIPPED .........................................................40
MIRRORS ..............................................................41
Inside Rearview Mirror ................................ 41
Illuminated Vanity Mirror — 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.................................. 46
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ..................... 46

Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse — If Equipped ... 46

Outside Mirrors Folding Feature ................. 46
UNIVERSAL GARAGE DOOR OPENER
(HOMELINK®) — IF EQUIPPED ...........................47
Before You Begin Programming
HomeLink® .................................................. 47 Erasing All The HomeLink® Channels ....... 47
Identifying Whether You Have A Rolling
Code Or Non-Rolling Code Device .............. 47 Programming HomeLink® To A Garage
Door Opener................................................. 48 Programming HomeLink® To A
Miscellaneous Device ................................. 49 Reprogramming A Single HomeLink®
Button ........................................................... 49 Canadian/Gate Operator Programming..... 50

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5
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ........................... 183 LaneSense Operation ................................183Turning LaneSense On Or Off ...................184LaneSense Warning Message ..................184
Changing LaneSense Status .....................186
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............ 186
AUX Camera — If Equipped .......................188
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED ........................................................... 189
AUX Camera — If Equipped .......................194
ENGINE RUNAWAY ............................................ 195
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GASOLINE
ENGINE ................................................................ 195
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................196
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL
ENGINE ............................................................... 196
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................196
VEHICLE LOADING ............................................ 199
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......199Payload .......................................................199Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............200
Tire Size ......................................................200
Rim Size......................................................200
Inflation Pressure ......................................200
Curb Weight................................................200
Loading .......................................................200 TRAILER TOWING ............................................... 200
Common Towing Definitions ..................... 201Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ........................................................ 204 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ......................................... 205 Trailer And Tongue Weight ....................... 205
Towing Requirements ............................... 205Towing Tips ................................................ 211
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED ............................ 212
Before Plowing ........................................... 212
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 212 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached ..................................................... 213 Operating Tips ............................................ 213General Maintenance................................ 213
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME) ...................................................214
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 214 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 215 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 215
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 218
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 218
Driving Through Water .............................. 218
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS ....................................... 220
CYBERSECURITY ............................................... 220
UCONNECT 3.0 ................................................... 221 Introduction................................................ 221
Radio Mode ................................................ 222
Media Mode ............................................... 224
Phone Mode............................................... 225
UCONNECT SETTINGS ....................................... 228
Customer Programmable Features .......... 228
UCONNECT INTRODUCTION.............................. 244
System Overview ...................................... 244
Safety And General Information ............... 246
UCONNECT MODES ........................................... 247
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ................. 247
Radio Mode ............................................... 247
Media Mode .............................................. 255Phone Mode .............................................. 258
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES.... 269
Regulatory And Safety Information .......... 269
OFF-ROAD PAGES — IF EQUIPPED .................. 270
Off-Road Pages Status Bar ....................... 270Vehicle Dynamics ...................................... 271
Accessory Gauge ....................................... 271
Pitch & Roll................................................. 272Forward Facing Camera ............................ 272

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6
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 273
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 273
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...274
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 281
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................281 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ..........................................284
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 292
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....292
Important Safety Precautions ...................293Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 293Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...302Child Restraints..........................................312
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 330
Transporting Passengers ..........................330
Transporting Pets ......................................330
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................330 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................332 Exhaust Gas ...............................................333Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................333
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .......................334
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 335
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ........................339
4500/5500 Models .................................. 339Preparations For Jacking........................... 339
Jacking Instructions 4500 And
5500 Series ............................................... 340 To Stow The Flat Or Spare —
If Equipped ................................................ 343 Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ... 343
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 344
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 344Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 345
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .........................346
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 347
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................. 348
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................349
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................350 Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 351
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 351Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 352
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................. 352
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................352
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE ................................................................ 353
Maintenance Plan ..................................... 354
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 357
Oil Change Indicator System — Cummins
Diesel.......................................................... 357 Perform Service Indicator — Cummins
Diesel ......................................................... 358 Maintenance Plan — Cummins Diesel
Engine ....................................................... 359
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 364
6.4L Engine ............................................... 364
6.7L Engine ................................................ 365
Checking Oil Level ..................................... 366
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 366Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 366Pressure Washing...................................... 367
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................. 367
Engine Oil .................................................. 368
Engine Oil Filter.......................................... 369
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................... 369
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................... 371
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............... 374Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter....... 375Engine Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement.............................................. 376

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46GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
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
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 the
main mirror and can be adjusted manually.
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) Ú
page 58.
TILT SIDE MIRRORS IN REVERSE — IF
E
QUIPPED
This feature provides automatic outside mirror
positioning which will assist with the driver’s
ground visibility. 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 REVERSE. If the vehicle is equipped with
Driver Memory Settings, this feature will be
linked to the programmable settings.
NOTE:
The Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse feature can be
turned on and off using the Uconnect system
Ú
page 228.
OUTSIDE MIRRORS FOLDING FEATURE
All outside mirrors are designed to be able to be
manually folded both forward and rearward to
prevent damage.

Folding Mirror

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82GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
6. 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. 7. 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.
WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. It is recommended to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the hood
yourself, Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph
Ú
page 383.

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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84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS

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 Ú page 90.

Premium Instrument Cluster Display

The display always shows one of the main
menu item after ignition on. 3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. 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. 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.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. It is recommended to call an authorized
dealer for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, Follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph
Ú
page 383.

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 PANEL105
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
authorized 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.

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.
3

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106GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 Úpage 108.
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 capa -
bility 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.
The battery was discharged by an electrical
load left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volt portable appli -
ances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles
and similar devices. What to do when an electrical load reduction
action message is present (“Battery Saver On”
or “Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if
possible:

Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior).

Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volt AC, USB ports.

Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature).

Check the audio settings (volume).
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and
review specifications if any (load and Ignition
Off Draw currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).

The vehicle should have service performed if the
message is still present during consecutive trips
and the evaluation of the vehicle and driving
pattern did not help to identify the cause.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL109
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate the engine oil temperature is
high. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the
engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil
temperature to return to normal levels.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the ETC
system. If a problem is detected while
the vehicle is running, the light will
either stay on or flash depending on the nature
of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the
vehicle is safely and completely stopped and
the transmission is placed in the PARK position.
The light should turn off. If the light remains
on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will
usually be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible. 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.Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Ú
page 163.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the Trailer Brake has been
disconnected Ú page 200.
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.
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.
3

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110GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 Ú page 166.
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
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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
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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