ignition RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2021, Model line: CHASSIS CAB, Model: RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021Pages: 463, PDF Size: 21.5 MB
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STARTING AND OPERATING207
Integrated Trailer Brake Module — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Module (ITBM) for Electric and Electric
Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes.
NOTE:
This module has been designed and verified
with electric trailer brakes and new EOH
systems. Some previous EOH systems may not
be compatible with ITBM.
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)
The user interface consists of the following:
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the left
to activate power to the trailer's electric brakes
independent of the tow vehicle's brakes. If the
manual brake control lever is activated while
the brake is also applied, the greater of the two
inputs determines the power sent to the trailer
brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle’s stop lamps will
come on when braking normally with the vehicle
brake pedal. Only the trailer stop lamps will
come on when the manual brake control lever is
applied.
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical
connection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the
ignition is turned on, pushing the GAIN adjustment
button or sliding the manual brake control lever will
display the GAIN setting for 10 seconds and the
“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will not be
displayed.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can over
-
load your brake system and cause it to fail.
You might not have brakes when you need
them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stop -
ping distance. When towing, you should
allow for additional space between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) loaded, it should have its own
brakes and they should be of adequate
capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake
pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
1 — GAIN - Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN + Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever
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STARTING AND OPERATING211
This light check sequence will continue for a
total of five minutes.
The sequence will only activate if the following
conditions are met:
Vehicle is equipped with the Trailer Tow
Package
Vehicle is in PARK
Vehicle is not in motion
Ignition in ACC or RUN
Remote start is inactive
Brakes are not applied
Left turn signal is not applied
Right turn signal not applied
Hazard switch is not applied
The sequence will cancel if any of the following
conditions occur:
Brakes are applied
Vehicle is shifted from PARK
Vehicle is no longer stationary
Left turn signal activated from stalk
Right turn signal is activated from stalk
Hazard switch is activated
Any button on the key fob is pushed
Ignition button is pushed
High Beam stalk position is changed
Sequence is canceled in the instrument
cluster
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area
located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control). NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Only
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades
at low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or below),
holding your vehicle in FIRST gear (using the
ERS shift control) can help to avoid
transmission overheating.
If you regularly tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then
change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter(s) as specified for "police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing." Ú
page 354.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing (Six-speed automatic only).
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STARTING AND OPERATING215
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive
models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are
OFF the ground. This may be accomplished
using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow
dolly, follow this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place automatic transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key fob.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NOTE:
Both the manual shift and electronically shifted
transfer cases must be shifted into N (Neutral)
for recreational towing. Automatic transmis -
sions must be shifted into PARK for recreational
towing. Refer to the following for the proper
transfer case N (Neutral) shifting procedure for
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
will cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Do not disconnect the driveshaft because
fluid may leak from the transmission,
causing damage to internal parts.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any four-wheel drive
vehicle. Towing with only one set of wheels
on the ground (front or rear) will cause
severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON
the ground, or OFF the ground (using a
vehicle trailer).
Tow only in the forward direction. Towing
this vehicle backwards can cause severe
damage to the transfer case.
Before recreational towing, the transfer
case must be in NEUTRAL. To be certain the
transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL, perform
the procedure outlined under “Shifting Into
NEUTRAL”. Internal transmission damage
will result, if the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL during towing.
The transmission must be placed in PARK
for recreational towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis-
sion and/or transfer case damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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216STARTING AND OPERATING
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on
level ground, with the engine running.
Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the transfer case into N (Neutral):
With manual shift transfer case, shift the
transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
With electronically shifted transfer
case, push and hold the transfer case
N (Neutral) button. Some models have a
small, recessed "N" button (at the center
of the transfer case switches) that must be
pressed using a ballpoint pen or similar
object. Other models have a rectangular
N (Neutral) switch, below the rotary
transfer case control knob. The N (Neutral)
indicator light will blink while the shift is in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay
on solid) when the shift to N (Neutral) is
complete. After the shift is completed and
the N (Neutral) light stays on, release the
N (Neutral) button.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with automatic transmission in DRIVE.
9. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn off the engine.
For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, push
and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button
until the engine shuts off.
10. Shift the transmission into PARK.
11. Place the ignition in the OFF mode, and remove the key fob.
12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
13. Release the parking brake.
Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft
because fluid will leak from the transfer
case, causing damage to internal parts.
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on
tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face
bar will be damaged.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case N (NEUTRAL) position disengages both
the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to
roll, even if the automatic transmission is
in PARK (or manual transmission is in gear).
The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION! (Continued)CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to
prevent damage to internal parts.
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STARTING AND OPERATING217
NOTE:
With electronically shifted transfer case:
Steps 2 through 3 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N (Neutral)
button, and must continue to be met until the
shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met before pushing the
N (Neutral) button or are no longer met
during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light
will flash continuously until all requirements
are met or until the N (Neutral) button is
released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for
a shift to take place and for the position indi -
cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is
not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop,
leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine, and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
With manual shift transfer case, shift the
transfer case lever to the desired position.
With electronically shifted transfer case
with rotary selector switch, push and hold
the transfer case N (Neutral) button until
the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off.
After the N (Neutral) indicator light turns
off, release the N (Neutral) button. After
the N (Neutral) button has been released,
the transfer case will shift to the position
indicated by the selector switch.
With electronically shifted transfer case
with push-button selector switch, push
and hold the switch for the desired
transfer case position, until the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off and the
desired position indicator light turns on.
NOTE:
When shifting the transfer case out of
N (Neutral), turning the engine off is not
required, but may be helpful to avoid gear clash.
With 8-speed automatic transmission, the
engine must remain running, since turning the
engine off will shift the transmission to PARK
(and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL for
the transfer case to shift out of NEUTRAL).
5. Turn the engine off. Shift automatic transmission into PARK. On 8-speed
transmissions the shifter will automatically
select PARK when the engine is turned off.
6. Release the brake pedal.
7. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
8. Start the engine.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Release the parking brake.
11. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal, and check that the vehicle
operates normally.
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218STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
With electronically shifted transfer case:
Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be
met before pushing the button to shift out of
N (Neutral), and must continue to be met
until the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before
pushing the button or are no longer met
during the shift, the N (Neutral) indicator light
will flash continuously until all requirements
are met or until the button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for
a shift to take place and for the position indi -
cator lights to be operable. If the ignition is
not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or
other slippery surfaces may cause the driving
wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This
phenomenon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause
sudden pulling of the rear wheels. You could
lose control of the vehicle and possibly have a
collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path
where water is flowing and/or rising (as in
storm run-off). Flowing water can wear
away the road or path's surface and cause
your vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can
carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to
follow this warning may result in injuries that
are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.
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MULTIMEDIA225
USB Mode
USB Mode is entered by either inserting a USB
device into the USB port, or by pushing the
Media button. Once in Media Mode, push the
Media button and select USB. The display will
show the track number, and track time in
minutes and seconds. Play will begin at the start
of track one.
Bluetooth® Mode
Bluetooth® Streaming Audio (BTSA) or
Bluetooth® Mode is entered by pairing a
Bluetooth® device containing music to the
Uconnect system.
Before proceeding, the Bluetooth® device
must be paired with the Uconnect Phone to
communicate with the Uconnect system.
Once the Bluetooth® device is paired to the
Uconnect system, push the Media button
located on the faceplate. Once in Media Mode,
push the Media button and then select
Bluetooth®.
For mobile phone compatibility and pairing
instructions, please visit UconnectPhone.com.
AUX Mode
AUX Mode is entered by inserting an AUX device
using a cable with a 3.5 mm stereo audio jack
into the AUX port, or by pushing Media button.
Once in Media Mode, push the Media button
and select AUX.
If you insert an auxiliary device with the ignition
ON/RUN and the radio On, the unit will switch to
AUX Mode and begin to play when you insert the
device cable.
Controlling The Auxiliary Device
The control of the auxiliary device (e.g.,
selecting playlists, play, fast forward, etc.)
cannot be provided by the radio. Use the device
controls instead. Adjust the volume with the
On/Off Volume rotary knob or with the volume
of the attached device.
NOTE:
The vehicle radio unit is acting as the amplifier
for audio output from the auxiliary device.
Therefore, if the volume control on the auxiliary
device is set too low, there will be insufficient
audio signal for the radio unit to play music from
the device.
PHONE MODE
Operating Phone Mode
Phone Mode Voice Commands
The Uconnect Phone is a voice-activated,
hands-free, communications system with Voice
Command Capability. The Uconnect Phone
allows you to dial a phone number with your
mobile phone using simple voice commands.
NOTE:
The Uconnect Phone requires a mobile phone
equipped with the Bluetooth® Hands-Free
Profile. To check mobile phone compatibility,
please visit UconnectPhone.com.
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226MULTIMEDIA
Uconnect System Support:
US residents visit
DriveUconnect.com
or call
1-877-855-8400 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Canadian residents visit DriveUconnect.ca or
call 1-800-465-2001 (English) or
1-800-387-9983 (French)
Monday–Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, ET
Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, ET
Sunday: Closed
Changing The Volume
1. Start a call by pushing the Phone button, then
adjust the volume during a normal call.
2. Use the radio On/Volume rotary knob to adjust the volume to a comfortable level. Please note the volume setting for
Uconnect phone is different than the
audio system volume setting.
Making A Phone Call
1. Push the Phone button on the steering wheel.
2. After the beep, say “dial” or “call” and then
the full name or phone number.
NOTE:
A phone call can also be made by pushing the Phone
button on the radio, and selecting a particular
contact in the phonebook or recent calls.
Mute (Or Unmute) Microphone During Call
Push the “Play/Pause/Mute” button on
the radio or during a call, push the Voice
Recognition button on the steering wheel.
After the beep, say “mute” (or “mute off”).
Pairing A Phone
To begin using your Uconnect Phone, you must
pair your compatible Bluetooth®-enabled mobile
phone. Mobile phone pairing is the process of
establishing a wireless connection between a
cellular phone and the Uconnect system. To complete the pairing process, you will need to
reference your mobile phone Owner's Manual.
Please visit
UconnectPhone.com
for complete
mobile phone compatibility information.
NOTE:
You must have Bluetooth® enabled on your
phone to complete this procedure.
The vehicle must be in PARK.
1. Place the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
2. Push the Phone button.
NOTE:
If there are no phones currently connected with
the system, a pop-up will appear asking if you
would like to pair a mobile phone.
3. Select “Yes” to begin the pairing process.
4. Search for available devices on your Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phone.
Press the Settings button on your mobile
phone.
Select “Bluetooth®” and ensure it is
enabled. Once enabled, the mobile
phone will begin to search for Bluetooth®
connections.
WARNING!
ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the
wheel. You have full responsibility and
assume all risks related to the use of the
Uconnect features and applications in this
vehicle. Only use Uconnect when it is safe
to do so. Failure to do so may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
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MULTIMEDIA235
Mirrors & Wipers
When the Mirrors & Wipers button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to the vehicle’s mirrors and wipers.
Brakes
After pressing the Brakes button on the touchscreen, the following settings will be available:
Setting Name Description
Tilt Side Mirrors In ReverseThis setting will tilt the outside side-view mirrors when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position
and the transmission gear selector is in the REVERSE position. The mirrors will move back to
their previous position when the transmission is shifted out of REVERSE. The available
settings are “On” and “Off”.
Rain Sensing Auto Wipers This setting will turn the rain sensing auto wipers on or off.
Headlights With Wipers This setting will turn the headlights on when the wipers are activated.
Setting Name Description
Auto Park BrakeThis setting will turn the Auto Park Brake on or off.
Brake Service This setting will allow you to retract the brakes for servicing.
5
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238MULTIMEDIA
Power Side Steps
When the Power Side Steps button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system will display the setting related to the lowering of the power side steps.
Seats & Comfort/Auto-On Comfort
When Seats & Comfort/Auto-On Comfort button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to the vehicle’s comfort systems
when remote start has been activated or the vehicle has been started.
Setting Name Description
Power Side Steps
This setting will raise and lower or stow the power side steps. The available options are “Automatic” to
raise and lower the power side steps and “Stow” to deactivate the power side steps.
Setting Name
Description
Auto-On Driver Heated/Ventilated Seat & Heated
Steering Wheel With Vehicle Start
This setting will activate the vehicle’s comfort systems and heated seats (if equipped) or
heated steering wheel (if equipped) when the vehicle is remote started or ignition is started.
The “Off” setting will not activate the comfort systems. The “Remote Start” setting will only
activate the comfort systems when using Remote Start. The “All Start” setting will activate the
comfort systems whenever the vehicle is started.
Easy Exit Seats This setting will automatically move the driver seat rearward when the engine is shut off.
The available settings are “On” and “Off”.
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