heater RAM CHASSIS CAB 2021 Owners Manual

4
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ... 116 Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II) Cybersecurity ................................116
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ........................................................ 117
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
ENGINE ............................................................... 118
Automatic Transmission ............................118
Tip Start Feature .......................................118
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ...................118Normal Starting Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button .................................119 AutoPark — Rotary Shifter and Eight
Speed Transmission Only ..........................120 Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) .........................122 After Starting ..............................................122
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE..... 122
Automatic Transmission ............................123
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ...................123Extreme Cold Weather...............................125
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66°F (19°C) .......125 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature 0°F To 66°F
(–18°C to 19°C)........................................126 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............. 127 Starting Fluids ............................................ 128
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ........128
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 129
Engine Idling ............................................. 131
Noise........................................................... 132
Stopping The Engine ................................. 133
Idle Shutdown ............................................ 133Programmable Maximum Vehicle
Speed ......................................................... 134 Operating Precautions............................... 134Cooling System Tips .................................. 134Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Manual
Regeneration - If Equipped ....................... 135
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ........135
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE ............................................136
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE...................................................137
PARKING BRAKE ............................................... 137
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) ...........................................138
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............................ 140 Ignition Park Interlock ............................... 141Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System ....................................................... 141 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .................................................... 141 Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission — If Equipped ..................... 146 AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ........... 152
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 153
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ........ 153 Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Six Speed Transmission) — If Equipped .. 156 Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped ................................................. 160
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL .......................... 162
POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................................................... 163
POWER STEERING............................................. 163
Hydraulic Power Steering .......................... 163
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 164
Cruise Control — If Equipped ................... 164
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) —
If Equipped ................................................ 166
PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK
ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED ..................................... 177
ParkSense Sensors ................................... 178
ParkSense Warning Display...................... 178
ParkSense Display..................................... 178
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .......... 181Service The ParkSense Park Assist
System........................................................ 182 Cleaning The ParkSense System.............. 182
ParkSense System Usage Precautions .... 182

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10
SYMBOLS KEY
If you do not read this entire Owner’s Manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Cautions and Warnings.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not apply to body modifications or
special equipment installed by van conversion/camper manufacturers/
body builders. US residents refer to the Warranty Information, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the “What Is Not Covered” section of
the Warranty Information. Such equipment includes video monitors,
DVD/Blu-Ray™, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage
and service on these items, contact the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment installed by the
conversion/camper manufacturer should also be supplied with your
vehicle. For any additional instructions, please contact your conversion/
camper manufacturer.
To obtain dimensional and technical specifications for your vehicle,
refer to the Body Builder’s Guide at https://www.ramtrucks.com/
ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!These statements are against operating
procedures that could result in a collision,
bodily injury and/or death.
CAUTION! These statements are against procedures that
could result in damage to your vehicle.
NOTE: A suggestion which will improve installation,
operation, and reliability. If not followed, may
result in damage.
TIP: General ideas/solutions/suggestions on easier
use of the product or functionality.
PAGE REFERENCE
ARROW
Follow this reference for additional information
on a particular feature.
FOOTNOTE Supplementary and relevant information
pertaining to the topic.
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its
roadworthiness and safety and may lead to a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 10

22GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped
The climate controls automatically adjust to an
optimal temperature and mode, dependent on
the outside ambient temperature. When the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position, the
climate controls will resume their previous
settings.
Manual Temperature Control (MTC) — If
Equipped
In ambient temperatures of 40°F (4.5°C) or
below, the climate settings will default to
maximum heat, with fresh air entering the
cabin. If the front defrost timer expires, the
vehicle will enter Mix Mode.
In ambient temperatures from 40°F (4.5°C)
to 78°F (26°C), the climate settings will be
based on the last settings selected by the
driver.

In ambient temperatures of 78°F (26°C) or
above, the climate settings will default to MAX
A/C, Bi-Level mode, with Recirculation on.

For more information on ATC, MTC, and climate
control settings, see Ú page 58. NOTE:
These features will stay on through the duration
of remote start, or until the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN position. The climate control
settings will change, and exit the automatic
defaults, if manually adjusted by the driver
while the vehicle is in remote start mode.
This includes turning the climate controls off
using the OFF button.
REMOTE START ABORT MESSAGE
The following messages will display in the
instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to
remote start or exits remote start prematurely:
Remote Start Cancelled — Door Open
Remote Start Cancelled — Hood Open
Remote Start Cancelled — Fuel Low
Remote Start Cancelled — System Fault

Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset

The instrument cluster display message stays
active until the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
position.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (DIESEL)
This system uses the key fob to start
the engine conveniently from outside
the vehicle while still maintaining
security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
Remote start is used to defrost windows in cold
weather, and to reach a comfortable climate in
all ambient conditions before the driver enters
the vehicle.
NOTE:
Obstructions between the vehicle and the
key fob may reduce this range.
The Remote Start system will wait for the
Wait To Start Light Úpage 114 to extinguish
before cranking the engine. This allows time
for the intake heater to preheat the incoming
air, and is normal operation in cold weather.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE29
STEERING WHEEL
TILT STEERING COLUMN
This feature allows you to tilt the steering
column upward or downward. The tilt lever is
located on the steering column, below the
multifunction lever.
Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to
unlock the steering column. With one hand
firmly on the steering wheel, move the steering
column up or down, as desired. Release the
lever to lock the steering column firmly in place.

Tilt Steering Lever

HEATED STEERING WHEEL — IF EQUIPPED

The steering wheel contains a heating element
that helps warm your hands in cold weather.
The heated steering wheel has only one
temperature setting. Once the heated steering
wheel has been turned on, it will stay on until
the operator turns it off. The heated steering
wheel may not turn on when it is already warm.
The heated steering wheel control button is
located on the center instrument panel below
the touchscreen, as well as within the climate or
controls screen of the touchscreen.
Press the heated steering wheel button
once to turn the heating element on.
Press the heated steering wheel button a
second time to turn the heating element off. NOTE:
The engine must be running for the heated
steering wheel to operate.
For information on use with the Remote Start
system, see Ú
page 21.
WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while
driving. Adjusting the steering column while
driving or driving with the steering column
unlocked, could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury or death.
WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the
skin because of advanced age, chronic
illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medica -
tion, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other phys -
ical conditions must exercise care when
using the steering wheel heater. It may
cause burns even at low temperatures,
especially if used for long periods.
Do not place anything on the steering wheel
that insulates against heat, such as a
blanket or steering wheel covers of any type
and material. This may cause the steering
wheel heater to overheat.
2

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36GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
Power Lumbar — If Equipped
Vehicles equipped with power driver or
passenger seats may also be equipped with
power lumbar. The power lumbar switch is
located on the outboard side of the power seat.
Push the switch forward to increase the lumbar
support. Push the switch rearward to decrease
the lumbar support.
Lumbar Control Switch

Easy Entry/Exit Seat
This feature provides automatic driver’s seat
positioning to enhance driver mobility when
entering and exiting the vehicle. The distance the driver’s seat moves depends
on where you have the driver’s seat positioned
when you remove the key fob from the ignition.
When you place the ignition in the OFF posi
-
tion, the driver’s seat will move about
2.4 inches (60 mm) rearward if the driver’s seat position is greater than or equal to
2.7 inches (67.7 mm) forward of the rear stop. The seat will return to its previously set
position when you place the ignition into the
ACC or RUN position.

When you place the ignition in the OFF position,
the driver’s seat will move to a position
0.3 inches (7.7 mm) forward of the rear stop if
the driver’s seat position is between 0.9 inches
and 2.7 inches (22.7 mm and 67.7 mm) forward of the rear stop. The seat will return to its previ-
ously set position when you place the ignition to
the ACC or RUN position.

The Easy Entry/Exit feature is disabled when
the driver’s seat position is less than
0.9 inches (22.7 mm) forward of the rear stop.
At this position, there is no benefit to the driver
by moving the seat for Easy Exit or Easy Entry.
When enabled in Uconnect Settings, Easy Entry
and Easy Exit positions are stored in each
memory setting profile Ú
page 32.
NOTE:
The Easy Entry/Exit feature is enabled or
disabled through the programmable features in
the Uconnect system Ú page 228.
HEATED SEATS — IF EQUIPPED
On some models, the front and rear seats may
be equipped with heaters located in the seat
cushions and seat backs.
WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the
skin because of advanced age, chronic
illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medica -
tion, alcohol use, exhaustion or other phys -
ical condition must exercise care when
using the seat heater. It may cause burns
even at low temperatures, especially if
used for long periods of time.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE37
Front Heated Seats
The heated seats control buttons are located on
the center instrument panel below the
touchscreen, and are also located within the
climate or controls screen of the touchscreen.
Push the heated seat button once to turn
the HI setting on.
Push the heated seat button a second
time to turn the MED setting on.
Push the heated seat button a third time
to turn the LO setting on.
Push the heated seat button a fourth time
to turn the heating elements off. NOTE:
The engine must be running for the heated
seats to operate.
The level of heat selected will stay on until
the operator changes it.
For information on use with the Remote Start
system, see Ú page 21.
Rear Heated Seats
On some models, the two outboard rear seats
are equipped with heated seats. The heated
seat switches for these seats are located on the
rear of the center console.
There are two heated seat switches that allow
the rear passengers to operate the seats
independently. You can choose from HI, MED,
LO, or OFF heat settings. Amber indicator lights
in each switch indicate the level of heat in use.
Push the heated seat button once to turn
the HI setting on.
Push the heated seat button a second
time to turn the MED setting on.
Push the heated seat button a third time
to turn the LO setting on.
Push the heated seat button a fourth time
to turn the heating elements off.
NOTE:
The level of heat selected will stay on until
the operator changes it.
Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be
felt within two to five minutes.
The engine must be running for the heated
seats to operate.
VENTILATED SEATS — IF EQUIPPED
Front Ventilated Seats

Located in the seat cushion are small fans that
draw the air from the passenger compartment
and move air through fine perforations in the seat
cover to help keep the driver and front passenger
cooler in higher ambient temperatures. The fans
operate at three speeds, HI, MED and LO.

Do not place anything on the seat or seat -
back that insulates against heat, such as a
blanket or cushion. This may cause the seat
heater to overheat. Sitting in a seat that has
been overheated could cause serious
burns due to the increased surface
temperature of the seat.
WARNING! (Continued)
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE65
CLIMATE VOICE RECOGNITION
Adjust vehicle temperatures hands-free and
keep everyone comfortable while you keep
moving ahead.
Push the VR button on the steering wheel. After
the beep, say one of the following commands:
“Set driver temperature to 70 degrees ”
“Set passenger temperature to 70 degrees ”

Did you know: Voice Command for Climate may only
be used to adjust the interior temperature of your
vehicle. Voice Command will not work to adjust the
heated seats or steering wheel if equipped.

OPERATING TIPS
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation

To ensure the best possible heater and defroster
performance, make sure the engine cooling
system is functioning properly and the proper
amount, type, and concentration of coolant is
used. Use of the Air Recirculation mode during
Winter months is not recommended, because it
may cause window fogging.

Vacation/Storage

For information on maintaining the Climate
Control system when the vehicle is being stored
for an extended period of time, see
Ú
page 427.

Window Fogging

Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild,
rainy, and/or humid weather. To clear the
windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and
increase the front blower speed. Do not use the
Recirculation mode without A/C for long periods,
as fogging may occur.

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in
front of the windshield, is free of obstructions,
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air
intake may reduce airflow, and if they enter
the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In Winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and
pollen from the air. Contact an authorized
dealer to service your cabin air filter, and to
have it replaced when needed.
Operating Tips Chart
WEATHER CONTROL SETTINGS
Hot Weather And
Vehicle Interior Is Very Hot Set the mode control
to , on, and blower on high. Roll down the
windows for a minute to flush out the hot air.
Adjust the controls as needed to achieve comfort.
Warm Weather Turn on and set the
mode control to the position.
Cool Sunny Operate in position.
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL87
4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some
oil pressure when the engine is running.
A continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme-
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. 6. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge

The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank. DEF
is required to maintain normal vehicle
operation and emissions compliance. If
something is wrong with the gauge, a DEF
Warning Message or Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) will be displayed. More informa
-
tion is available in the instrument cluster
display section under the heading of DEF
Warning Messages.

7. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel filler door is located. NOTE:
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of DEF
to the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to
the DEF system, the gauge may not update to
the new level. See an authorized dealer for
service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
heater will possibly warm up the DEF fluid
and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is
possible that the gauge may not reflect the
new fill level for several drives.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL89
DIESEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

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. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
DEF is required to maintain normal
vehicle operation and emissions compli -
ance. If something is wrong with the
gauge, a DEF Warning Message or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will be
displayed. More information is available
in the instrument cluster display section
under the heading of Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) Warning Messages.
5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel filler door is located. NOTE:
The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed
with a large amount of full reserve. So the
level sensor will indicate a full reading even
before the tank is completely full. To put it
another way, there’s additional storage
capacity in the tank above the Full mark
that’s not represented in the gauge. You may
not see any movement in the reading – even
after driving up to 200 miles (321 kilome
-
ters) in some cases.
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of DEF
to the DEF tank. If you have a fault related to
the DEF system, the gauge may not update to
the new level. See an authorized dealer for
service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
heater will possibly warm up the DEF fluid
and allow the gauge to update after a period
of run time. Under very cold conditions, it is
possible that the gauge may not reflect the
new fill level for several drives.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

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122STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run,
but not have enough power to continue running
when the ignition button/key is released. If this
occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator
pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key
once the engine is running smoothly.

If the engine shows no sign of starting after a
10 second period of engine cranking with the
accelerator pedal held to the floor, wait 10 to
15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally powered
electric engine block heater (available from
an authorized dealer) is recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and
it will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 25-second intervals. Waiting a few
minutes between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at
a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying
again.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob and lock your vehicle.

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector. Do not leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

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