manual transmission RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 User Guide

212STARTING AND OPERATING
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
SNOWPLOW — IF EQUIPPED
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a
factory installed option. These packages
include components necessary to equip your
vehicle with a snowplow. NOTE:
Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain
and follow the recommendations contained
within the current Body Builders Guide. See an
authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manu
-
facturer for this information. There are unique
electrical systems that must be connected to
properly ensure operator safety and prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and
proper fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for
excessive wear. The cutting edge should be
¼ to ½ inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground
in snow plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected
and functioning properly.
SNOWPLOW PREP PACKAGE MODEL
A
VAILABILITY
For Information about snowplow applications
visit www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current
Body Builders Guide.

1. The maximum number of occupants in the
truck should not exceed two.

2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options or passengers, etc.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could
adversely affect performance of the airbag
system in a collision. Do not expect that the
airbag will perform as described earlier in this
manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if
exterior lamps are not properly installed.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 212

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.

4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 215

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.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 216

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.
4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 217

280SAFETY
(Continued)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
HSA is designed to mitigate roll back from a
complete stop while on an incline. If the driver
releases the brake while stopped on an incline,
HSA will continue to hold the brake pressure for
a short period. If the driver does not apply the
throttle before this time expires, the system will
release brake pressure and the vehicle will roll
down the hill as normal.
The following conditions must be met in order
for HSA to activate:
The feature must be enabled.
The vehicle must be stopped.
The parking brake must be off.
The driver door must be closed.
The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
The gear selection must match vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in
forward gear; vehicle backing uphill is in
REVERSE gear).

HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward
gears. The system will not activate if the trans-
mission is in PARK or NEUTRAL. For vehicles
equipped with a manual transmission, if the
clutch is pressed, HSA will remain active.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To
change the current setting, proceed as follows:

If disabling HSA using your instrument cluster
display, see
Ú
page 90 for further information.

If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings, see
Úpage 228 for further information.
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll
back while towing a trailer.
WARNING!

There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, such as on minor hills or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer. HSA is
not a substitute for active driving involvement.
It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people,
and objects, and most importantly brake
operation to ensure safe operation of the
vehicle under all road conditions. Your
complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision or serious personal injury.

WARNING!

If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, the trailer brakes may be activated
and deactivated with the brake switch. If so,
there may not be enough brake pressure to
hold both the vehicle and the trailer on a hill
when the brake pedal is released. In order to
avoid rolling down an incline while resuming
acceleration, manually activate the trailer
brake or apply more vehicle brake pressure
prior to releasing the brake pedal.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 280

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY347
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such
as a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release
is available.

1. Turn the engine OFF.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the full up position.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal. 5. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the
access port (ringed circle) on the bottom of
the steering column, and push and hold the
override release lever up.

Gear Selector Override Access Port Location Gear Selector Override Access Port Engaging The Access Port

6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (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 HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
7

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 347

348IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such
as a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release
is available. Follow these steps to activate the Manual Park
Release:

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool,
remove the Manual Park Release access
cover, which is just above the parking brake
release handle, below and to the left of the
steering column.

Manual Park Release Cover

3. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
4. Using the screwdriver or similar tool, push the Manual Park Release lever locking tab
(just below the middle of the lever) upwards.
Manual Park Release Pull Strap

5. While holding the locking tab in the disengaged position, pull the tether strap to
rotate the lever rearward, until it locks in
place pointing towards the driver's seat.
Release the locking tab and verify that the
Manual Park Release lever is locked in the
released position.
6. The vehicle is now out of PARK and can be towed. Release the parking brake only when
the vehicle is securely connected to a tow
vehicle.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying
the parking brake before activating the
Manual Park Release. In addition, you should
be seated in the driver’s seat with your foot
firmly on the brake pedal when activating the
Manual Park Release. Activating the Manual
Park Release will allow your vehicle to roll
away if it is not secured by the parking brake,
or by proper connection to a tow vehicle.
Activating the Manual Park Release on an
unsecured vehicle could lead to serious injury
or death for those in or around the vehicle.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 348

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY349
To Reset The Manual Park Release:

1. Push the locking tab to the right, to unlock
the lever.

2. Rotate the Manual Park Release lever forward to its original position, until the
locking tab snaps into place to secure the
lever.
3. Pull gently on the tether strap to confirm that the lever is locked in its stowed
position.
4. Re-install the access cover.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then shift
back and forth between DRIVE (D) and REVERSE
(R), while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the
least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that
will maintain the rocking motion, without
spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:
For trucks equipped with an 8–speed trans
-
mission, shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE
can only be achieved at wheel speeds of
5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the trans -
mission remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more
than two seconds, you must press the brake
pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.

Push the ESC OFF switch, to place the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in
“Partial Off” mode, before rocking the vehicle

Ú
page 274. Once the vehicle has been freed,
push the ESC OFF switch again to restore ESC
On mode.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle and
tires. A tire could explode and injure someone.
Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping
when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

CAUTION!

Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.

When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels
too fast may lead to transmission over -
heating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
7

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 349

451
Belts, Seat
..................................................... 330Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................262Body Builders Guide........................................ 10Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 380B-Pillar Location............................................. 411Brake Assist System...................................... 274Brake Control System.................................... 274Brake Fluid.......................................... 387, 444Brake System...................................... 387, 431Fluid Check............................................... 387Master Cylinder......................................... 387Parking...................................................... 137Warning Light............................................ 107Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 141Bulb Replacement......................................... 401Bulbs, Light.......................................... 332, 401
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights.............................. 405Camera.......................................................... 186Camera, AUX........................................ 188, 194Camera, Rear...................................... 186, 189Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 439Capacities, Fluid............................................ 439Caps, FillerOil (Engine)................................................ 364Power Steering.......................................... 163Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 385
Car Washes................................................... 428Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 333Cargo Light....................................................... 54CD................................................................. 255Cellular Phone.............................................. 269Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 405Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 67Changing A Flat Tire...................................... 339Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 386Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 407Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light).............................................. 117Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 330Checks, Safety.............................................. 330Child Restraint.............................................. 312Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 315Child Seat Installation..................... 323, 325How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 322Infant And Child Restraints....................... 313Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 320Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 317Older Children And Child Restraints......... 314Seating Positions...................................... 316Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 433CleaningWheels..................................................... 421Climate Control................................................ 58Automatic.................................................... 59Manual........................................................ 62
Cold Weather Operation................................ 122Compact Spare Tire...................................... 419Contract, Service........................................... 446Controls........................................................ 247Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 385Cooling System............................................. 383Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 384Coolant Level................................... 384, 386Cooling Capacity....................................... 439Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 385Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 384Inspection................................................. 386Points To Remember................................ 386Pressure Cap............................................ 385Radiator Cap............................................. 385Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 384, 440Corrosion Protection..................................... 427Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 164, 166Cruise Light................................................... 115Customer Assistance.................................... 445Cybersecurity................................................ 220
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................51Dealer Service............................................... 367Defroster, Rear Window...................................62Defroster, Windshield............................ 62, 331Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................57Deleting A Phone........................................... 262Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 116
11

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 451

457
Service Manuals
............................................ 448Settings, Audio.............................................. 253Shift Lever Override....................................... 347Shifting.......................................................... 140Automatic Transmission.................. 141, 146Transfer Case............................................ 161Transfer Case, Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N)................................... 216Transfer Case, Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N)................................... 217Signals, Turn..................................54, 115, 332Sirius Satellite Radio..................................... 249Favorites................................................... 252Replay....................................................... 251SiriusXM Satellite RadioBrowse in SXM.......................................... 252Favorites................................................... 252Replay....................................................... 251Sliding Rear Window, Power............................ 78Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................. 422Snow Plow..................................................... 212Snow Tires..................................................... 419Spare Tires................................. 419, 420, 421Spark Plugs................................................... 440Speed ControlAccel/Decel............................................... 165Cancel....................................................... 165Resume..................................................... 165
Speed Control (Cruise Control)............ 164, 166Starting....................................... 118, 119, 122Automatic Transmission.................. 118, 123Button......................................................... 18Cold Weather............................................ 122Engine Block Heater................................. 125Engine Fails To Start................................. 121Starting And Operating.................................. 119Starting Procedures............................. 119, 122Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines)........... 122Starting Procedures (Gas Engines)............... 118SteeringPower....................................................... 163Tilt Column.................................................. 29Wheel, Heated............................................. 29Wheel, Tilt.................................................... 29Steering Wheel Audio Controls..................... 247Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System...... 247Storage............................................................ 66Storage Compartment, Center Seat................. 67Storage, Vehicle......................................65, 427Store Radio Presets...................................... 253Storing Your Vehicle...................................... 427Sunglasses Storage......................................... 69Sway Control, Trailer..................................... 281Synthetic Engine Oil...................................... 368
T
Telescoping Steering Column...........................29Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC).............64TiltDown...........................................................35Up................................................................35Tilt Steering Column.........................................29Tip Start............................................... 118, 123Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 411Tire Markings................................................ 406Tire Safety Information.................................. 406Tires.................................. 332, 414, 419, 425Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 417Air Pressure.............................................. 414Chains...................................................... 422Changing.................................................. 339Compact Spare......................................... 419Dual........................................342, 425, 432General Information........................ 414, 419High Speed............................................... 415Inflation Pressure..................................... 415Jacking...................................................... 339Life Of Tires.............................................. 417Load Capacity........................................... 411Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)......................................... 111, 284Quality Grading......................................... 425Radial....................................................... 416Replacement............................................ 417
11

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 457