tires RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 User Guide

208STARTING AND OPERATING
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), the
“Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light” will flash.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake
control power output to the trailer brakes in
0.5 increments. The GAIN setting can be
increased to a maximum of 10 or decreased
to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake
control for the specific towing condition and
should be changed as towing conditions
change. Changes to towing conditions include
trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and
weather.
Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:
This should only be performed in a traffic-free
environment at speeds of approximately
20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See a trailer dealer
if necessary.

2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer
manufacturer's instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in, the trailer connected message
should appear in the instrument cluster
display (if the connection is not recognized
by the ITBM, braking functions will not be
available), the GAIN setting will illuminate
and the correct type of trailer must be
selected from the instrument cluster display
options.
4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheel until “TRAILER TOW”
appears on the screen.
5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “TRAILER TOW”. 6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the
Trailer Brake Type appears on the screen.
7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer
Brake Type appears on the screen.
8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed of
20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze
the manual brake control lever completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if
the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the
GAIN setting.
Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at
a point just below trailer wheel lockup. If towing
a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup may not be
attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting
of 10.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 208

273
(Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The ABS provides increased vehicle stability
and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically prevents
wheel lock, and enhances vehicle control during
braking.

The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure
that the ABS is working properly each time the
vehicle is started and driven. During this
self-check, you may hear a slight clicking sound
as well as some related motor noises.

ABS is activated during braking when the
system detects one or more wheels are
beginning to lock. Road conditions such as ice,
snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops may increase the
likelihood of ABS activation(s).You also may experience the following normal
characteristics when ABS activates:
The ABS motor noise or clicking sounds (you
may continue to hear for a short time after
the stop)
Brake pedal pulsations
A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of
the stop

ABS is designed to function with the Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires. Modification
may result in degraded ABS performance.

WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to inter -
ference caused by improperly installed or
high output radio transmitting equipment.
This interference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment should be performed by
qualified professionals.

Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you
need to slow down or stop.

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle
too closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
WARNING! (Continued)
6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 273

276SAFETY
(Continued)
ESC Operating Modes

Depending upon model and mode of operation, the
ESC system may have multiple operating modes.

ESC On

This is the normal operating mode for the ESC
system. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC
system will be in this mode. This mode should be
used for most driving conditions. Alternate ESC
modes should only be used for specific reasons
as noted in the following paragraphs.

Partial Off
This mode may be useful if the vehicle becomes
stuck. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than normally allowed.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily
push the ESC OFF button and the ESC OFF
Indicator Light will illuminate. To turn the ESC
on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF button
and the ESC OFF Indicator Light will turn off.WARNING!

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions. ESC
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC
also cannot prevent accidents resulting from
loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci -
dents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle, and
may negatively affect the performance of the
ESC system. Changes to the steering system,
suspension, braking system, tire type and size
or wheel size may adversely affect ESC perfor -
mance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn
tires may also degrade ESC performance.
Any vehicle modification or poor vehicle main -
tenance that reduces the effectiveness of the
ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.

WARNING! (Continued)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 276

278SAFETY

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction
and the ESC system becomes active. The ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also
flashes when TCS is active. If the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to
adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions.

The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates
that the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) is in a reduced mode.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light and the ESC OFF Indicator Light come
on momentarily each time the ignition is
placed in the ON position.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON
position, the ESC system will be on even if it
was turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive
following the maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped
HDC is intended for low speed off-road driving
while in 4WD Low. HDC maintains vehicle speed
while descending hills during various driving
situations. HDC controls vehicle speed by
actively controlling the brakes.
HDC Has Three States:

1. Off (feature is not enabled and will not activate).

2. Enabled (feature is enabled and ready but activation conditions are not met, or driver
is actively overriding with brake or throttle
application).
3. Active (feature is enabled and actively controlling vehicle speed).
Enabling HDC
HDC is enabled by pushing the HDC switch, but
the following conditions must also be met to
enable HDC:
The driveline is in 4WD Low.
The vehicle speed is below 5 mph (8 km/h).
The parking brake is released.
The driver door is closed. Activating HDC
Once HDC is enabled it will activate
automatically if driven down a grade of
sufficient magnitude. The set speed for HDC is
selectable by the driver, and can be adjusted by
using the gear shift +/-. The following
summarizes the HDC set speeds:
HDC Target Set Speeds
P = No set speed. HDC may be enabled but
will not activate.
R = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
N = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)
D = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
1st = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
2nd = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)
3rd = 1.8 mph (3 km/h)
4th = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
5th = 3.1 mph (5 km/h)
6th = 3.7 mph (6 km/h)
7th = 4.3 mph (7 km/h)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 278

284SAFETY
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
S
YSTEM (TPMS)
(Vehicles Under 10K Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) Only)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based
on the vehicle recommended cold placard
pressure.
NOTE:
The TPMS Warning Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster and a chime will sound when
tire pressure is low in one or more of the four
active road tires. In addition, the instrument
cluster will display a graphic showing the pres -
sure values of each tire with the low tire pres -
sure values in a different color, or the Uconnect
radio will display a TPMS message. When this
occurs you must increase the tire pressure to
the recommended cold placard pressure in
order for the TPMS Warning Light to turn off.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature
by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).
This means that when the outside temperature
decreases, the tire pressure will decrease.
Tire pressure should always be set based on
cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three hour period.
The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed
the maximum inflation pressure molded into
the tire sidewall. The tire pressure will also
increase as the vehicle is driven — this is normal
and there should be no adjustment for this
increased pressure.
See
Úpage 406 on how to properly inflate the
vehicle’s tires.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire
pressure if the tire pressure falls below the
low-pressure warning limit for any reason,
including low temperature effects and natural
pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
tire pressure as long as the condition exists,
and will not turn off until the tire pressure is
at or above the recommended cold placard
pressure. Once the low TPMS Warning Light
illuminates, you must increase the tire pressure
to the recommended cold placard pressure in
order for the TPMS Warning Light to turn off.
The system will automatically update and the
TPMS Warning Light will turn off once the
system receives the updated tire pressures. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order
for the TPMS to receive this information.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
need to be increased up to an additional 4 psi
(28 kPa) above the recommended cold placard
pressure in order to turn the TPMS Warning
Light off.

For example, your vehicle may have a
recommended cold (parked for more than
three hours) placard pressure of 30 psi
(207 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F
(20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 27 psi
(186 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately
23 psi (158 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently
low enough to turn on the TPMS Warning Light.
Driving the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to
rise to approximately 27 psi (186 kPa), but the
TPMS Warning Light will still be on. In this
situation, the TPMS Warning Light will turn off
only after the tires are inflated to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure value

Ú

page 449.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 284

SAFETY285
NOTE:
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal
tire care and maintenance or to provide
warning of a tire failure or condition.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the Tire
Fill Alert feature the TPMS should not be used
as a tire pressure gauge while adjusting your
tire pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsi -
bility to maintain correct tire pressure using an
accurate tire pressure gauge, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level to trigger illu -
mination of the TPMS Warning Light.

Seasonal temperature changes will affect
tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the
actual tire pressure in the tire.
Example: Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
uses wireless technology with wheel rim
mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle
monthly and to maintain the proper pressure.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the orig -
inal equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been estab -
lished for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or
sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the
same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable.
After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to
an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres -
sure always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from
entering the valve stem, which could
damage the TPMS sensor.
6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 285

286SAFETY
The TPMS consists of the following
components:
Receiver module
Four Tire Pressure Monitoring System
sensors
Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System
messages, which display in the instrument
cluster

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Low
Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster when tire pressure
is low in one or more of the four active
road tires. The instrument cluster will display a
graphic showing the pressure values of each
tire with the low tire pressure values in a
different color. An "Inflate to XX" message will
also be displayed.
Example: Low Tire Pressure Display

Should this occur, you should stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tires with a low pressure
condition (those in a different color in the
instrument cluster graphic) to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure inflation
value as shown in the "Inflate to XX" message.
Once the system receives the updated tire
pressures, the system will automatically
update, the graphic display in the instrument
cluster will return to its original color, and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light
will turn off. The vehicle may need to be driven
for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h)
in order for the TPMS to receive this
information. NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
need to be increased up to an additional 4 psi
(28 kPa) above the recommended cold placard
pressure in order to turn the Tire Pressure Moni
-
toring System Warning Light off.
Service TPMS Warning
If a system fault is detected, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then remain on
solid. In addition, the instrument cluster will
display a "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message for
a minimum of five seconds and then display
dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value to
indicate which sensor is not being received.

If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will
repeat, providing the system fault still exists.
If the system fault no longer exists, the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will no
longer flash, and the "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM"
message will no longer display, and a pressure

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 286

SAFETY287

value will display in place of the dashes. A system
fault can occur due to any of the following:

Signal interference due to electronic devices
or driving next to facilities emitting the same
radio frequencies as the TPMS sensors.
Installing aftermarket window tinting that
contains materials that may block radio wave
signals.
Accumulation of snow or ice around the
wheels or wheel housings.
Using tire chains on the vehicle.
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS
sensors.

A system fault may occur due to an incorrect
TPMS sensor location condition. When a system
fault occurs due to an incorrect TPMS sensor
location, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds
and then remain on solid. The system fault will
also sound a chime. In addition, the instrument
cluster will display a “Tire Pressure Temporarily
Unavailable” message in place of the tire
pressure display screen. If the ignition switch is
cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the
system fault still exists. If the system fault no longer exists, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Indicator Light will no longer flash and the
tire pressure display screen will be displayed
showing the tire pressure values in the correct
locations.

Vehicles With Non-Matching Full Size Spare Or
Compact Spare
The non-matching full size spare or compact
spare tire does not have a TPMS sensor.
Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the
pressure in the non-matching full size spare
or compact spare tire.
If you install the non-matching full size spare
or compact spare tire in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure
warning limit, upon the next ignition switch
cycle, the TPMS Warning Light and a “LOW
TIRE” message will remain on and a chime
will sound. In addition, the graphic in the
instrument cluster will still display a pressure
value in a different color and an “Inflate to
XX” message.
After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes
above 15 mph (24 km/h), the TPMS Warning
Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and
then remain on solid. In addition, the instru -ment cluster will display a "SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM" message for a minimum of
five seconds and then display dashes (- -) in
place of the pressure value.

For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a
chime will sound, the TPMS Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on solid, and the instrument cluster will
display a "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message for
a minimum of five seconds and then display
dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value.

Once you repair or replace the original road
tire and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of
the non matching full size spare or compact
spare, the TPMS will update automatically.
In addition, the TPMS Warning Light will turn
off and the graphic in the instrument cluster
will display a new pressure value instead of
dashes (- -), as long as no tire pressure is
below the low-pressure warning limit in any of
the four active road tires. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.
6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 287

288SAFETY
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TTPMS) — If Equipped
The Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TTPMS) is a feature that displays the trailer tire
pressure values and warns the driver of a low
tire pressure event based on the drivers set
target tire pressure value, through TTPMS
settings found in the radio.

The TTPMS monitors the pressure of each tire
and warns the driver through the instrument
cluster, when either a low tire pressure condition
falls below 25% of the driver’s set pressure or if a
system malfunction occurs. The instrument
cluster will display the actual tire pressure or
dashes for each of the trailer tires in the correct
trailer position, based on trailer configuration.
The TTPMS can support up to 12 trailer tires per
configured trailer on up to four configurable
trailers
Ú
page 228. Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Trailer Tire Pressure Sensor Pairing
In order use this feature, the provided tire
pressure sensors must be installed in the
desired trailer tires and the sensors must be
paired to the truck. If the target trailer requires
more than the provided four sensors, additional
sensors can be purchased at an authorized
Ram dealership.
With the sensors installed and the trailer near
or connected to your Ram truck, initiate the
pairing process by entering the settings menu in
the radio and select trailer. Select the desired
trailer profile to pair to, open the “Tire Pressure”
menu, and hit “Setup All Tires” Ú page 228.NOTE:
The Vehicle may not be driven until the pairing
process is complete.

Trailer Tire Pressure SettingsTrailer Tire Pressure Pairing

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 288

SAFETY289
Follow the on screen prompts to select the
number of axles (1 - 3), the number of trailer
tires (2, 4, 6, 8, or 12), and the set trailer tire
pressure. The range is selectable anywhere
between 25-125 psi (172-862 kPa).
Once psi (kPa) is programmed, the pairing
screen appears. Tire sensors must be paired in
order shown. Starting with Tire 1, deflate tire by
5 psi (34 kPa) and wait for a horn chirp. It may
take up to three minutes for the chirp to occur,
indicating that the sensor has paired. Repeat
process on each tire, in order, until complete.
Do not exit the pairing screen until process is
complete. If pairing was unsuccessful, a double
horn chirp will sound, and a prompt on the
touchscreen will allow you to retry the
procedure; “Retry” will only appear when setup
fails. Each tire must be successfully paired
during a single pairing process to receive the
success screen.
NOTE:
If the pairing process times out after three
minutes of no communication with a sensor, a
double horn chirp will occur indicating the
pairing has failed and a message will display on
the radio indicating the process was unsuc -
cessful. Under certain circumstances, the double horn chirp may continue to happen
every three minutes indicating the failed
pairing. If this happens, the horn chirping may
be canceled by cycling the ignition button OFF
and then back to ON/RUN position.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Low Pressure
Warnings
When a low tire pressure in one or more of the
active road tires is detected, the instrument
cluster will display a message stating “Trailer
Tire Pressure Low”. The instrument cluster will
then display the TTPMS graphic showing the
pressure values of each tire with the low tire
pressure values in a different color.
Should this occur, you should stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tires with a low pressure
condition (those in a different color in the
instrument cluster graphic) to the customer
programmed target tire pressure value as
shown at the top of the TTPMS instrument
cluster graphic. Once the tire(s) are inflated, the
system will automatically update the graphic
display in the instrument cluster, returning to its
original color. The vehicle may need to be driven
for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h)
in order for the TTPMS to receive the updated
information.Service TTPMS Warning
If a system fault is detected, the instrument
cluster will display a “Trailer Tire Pressure
System Service Required” message for a
minimum of five seconds.

Once the system fault is corrected the "Trailer
Tire Pressure System Service Required" message
will no longer be displayed. The vehicle may need
to be driven for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) in order for the TTPMS to receive the
trailer tire pressure information.

Trailer Tire Pressure System Not Configured
A “Trailer Tire Pressure System Not Configured”
message will be displayed in the Instrument
Cluster on the TTPMS instrument cluster
graphic when a trailer number is selected that
has not had trailer tire pressure sensors paired
Ú
page 228.
6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 289