2019 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual

and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range
provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased
torque at the wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information on four-
wheel drive operation and proper use.
— 4WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive HIGH mode. The front and rear drive-
shafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
— NEUTRAL Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the 4WD power transfer
case is in the NEUTRAL mode and the front and rear
driveshafts are disengaged from the powertrain.
Green Indicator Lights
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With
Target Light — If Equipped
This will display when the ACC is set and a target vehicle
is detected. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With No
Target Detected Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when the Adaptive Cruise Control is
SET and there is no target vehicle detected.
Refer to Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped in
Starting And Operating for further information.
— ECO Mode Indicator Light
This light will turn on when ECO Mode is active.
— Park/Headlight On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the park lights or
headlights are turned on.
— LaneSense Indicator Light — If Equipped
The LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid green when
both lane markings have been detected and the system is
“armed” and ready to provide visual and torque warnings
if an unintentional lane departure occurs.
Refer to “LaneSense — If Equipped in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

— Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
— Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated, the turn
signal indicator will flash independently and the corre-
sponding exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals
can be activated when the multifunction lever is moved
down (left) or up (right).
NOTE:
•A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
• If equipped with fog lamps, the fog lamp on the side of
the activated turn signal will also illuminate to provide
additional light when turning.
— Speed Control SET Indicator Light — If
Equipped With 7 Inch Instrument Cluster Display
This light will turn on when the speed control is set. Refer to “Speed Control” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
— Stop/Start Active Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the Stop/Start
function is in “Autostop” mode.
— 4WD AUTO Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive auto mode, and the front axle is engaged,
but the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four-
wheel drive will be automatically engaged when the
vehicle senses a loss of traction.
For further information on four-wheel drive operation and
proper use, refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating.”
White Indicator Lights
— Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Ready Light —
If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the vehicle equipped with
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has been turned on but not
set.
192 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Cruise Control Ready Indicator
This indicator light will illuminate when the speed control
is ready, but not set.
— Speed Control SET Indicator Light — If
Equipped With 3.5 Inch Instrument Cluster Display
This light will turn on when the speed control is set.
Refer to “Speed Control” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
— Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent Control (HDC)
feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC
is armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is
in the “4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less
then 20 mph (32 km/h). If these conditions are not met
while attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indi-
cator light will flash on/off.
— LaneSense Indicator Light — If Equipped
When the LaneSense system is ON, but not armed, the
LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid white. This
occurs when only left, right, or neither lane line has been
detected. If a single lane line is detected, the system is
ready to provide only visual warnings if an unintentional
lane departure occurs on the detected lane line.
Refer to “LaneSense — If Equipped in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Blue Indicator Lights
— High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the high
beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated,
push the multifunction lever forward (toward the front of
the vehicle) to turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunc-
tion lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn
off the high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever
toward you for a temporary high beam on, flash to pass
scenario.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine, and transmission
control systems. When these systems are operating prop-
erly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and
fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see
an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to ac-
cess this information to assist with the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should con-
nect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to read the VIN, diagnose, or service your
vehicle.
(Continued)
194 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!(Continued)
•If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD
II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety
related systems, could be impaired or a loss of
vehicle control could occur that may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including personal
information.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in “Mul-
timedia”.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an
inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Main-
tenance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is
not on when the engine is running, and that the
OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not ready
for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195

Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which you
can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your
vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the follow-
ing:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do notcrank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about ten seconds and then return
to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the igni-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is not readyand you should notproceed
to the I/M station. •
The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off posi-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is readyand you can proceed to the I/M
station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see an
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle
as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the above test routine may then
indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
196 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

SAFETY
CONTENTS
SAFETY FEATURES ..................... .198
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............198
▫ Electronic Brake Control System ............199
 AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS .............210
▫ Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) — If Equipped . . .210
▫ Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped ................221
▫ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......225
 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ..........231
▫ Occupant Restraint Systems Features ........231
▫ Important Safety Precautions ..............231▫
Seat Belt Systems ..................... .233
▫ Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ........243
▫ Child Restraints ...................... .263
▫ Transporting Pets ..................... .284
 SAFETY TIPS .......................... .284
▫ Transporting Passengers ..................284
▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... .285
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. .285
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle .......................... .287
5

SAFETY FEATURES
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most brak-
ing 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 begin to lock. Road conditions such as
ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or
panic stops may increase the likelihood of ABS activa-
tion(s).
You also may experience the following when ABS activates:
•The ABS motor noise (it may continue to run for a short
time after the stop).
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves.
• Brake pedal pulsations.
• A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop. These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
•
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip-
ment that may be susceptible to interference caused
by improperly installed or high output radio trans-
mitting equipment. This interference can cause pos-
sible 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 brak-
ing 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.
(Continued)
198 SAFETY