2019 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual

The locking rear axle is controlled by the AXLE LOCKER
button.
Under normal driving conditions, the rear axle should be
unlocked.
During the command to lock the rear axle, the indicator
light will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock
command has been successfully executed, the light will
remain on solid.
Operating in 4WD LOW the locker can be engaged up to
40 mph (64 km/h) and will remain engaged throughout the
4WD LOW speed range.
Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD
LOCK/HIGH the locker can be engaged up to 20 mph
(32 km/h). While driving with the locker engaged, if speed
exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the locker will automatically
disengage, but will automatically reengage at 20 mph
(32 km/h).
NOTE:Left to right wheel speed difference may be neces-
sary to allow the rear axle to fully lock. If the indicator light
is flashing after selecting the rear axle lock mode, drive the
vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking
action. The axle locker could become torque locked due to side to
side loads on the rear axle. Driving slowly while turning
the steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand
turn or driving in REVERSE for a short distance may be
required to release the torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle; push the AXLE LOCK button. The
AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear axle
is unlocked.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction on
snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when there is
a difference between the traction characteristics of the
surface under the right and left rear wheels. During normal
driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit performs simi-
larly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces,
however, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the rear wheel having the better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator will
supply maximum traction. When starting with only one
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rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight mo-
mentary application of the parking brake may be necessary
to gain maximum traction.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a limited-slip
or locking differential never run the engine with one
rear wheel off the ground since the vehicle may drive
through the rear wheel remaining on the ground and
result in unintended movement.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could cause
both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide
sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.
POWER STEERING
Electric Power Steering
The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel while driving. If the electric steering system experiences a fault that prevents it
from providing assist, you will still have the ability to steer
the vehicle manually.
If the Steering icon is flashing, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for service. It is likely the
vehicle has lost power steering assistance.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “POWER STEER-
ING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster screen, they indicate that extreme steer-
ing maneuvers may have occurred which caused an over
temperature condition in the power steering system. Once
driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle
idle for a few moments until the icon and message turn off.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE POWER
STEERING – ASSIST OFF” message is displayed the in-
strument cluster screen, they indicate the vehicle needs to
be taken to the dealer for service. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
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NOTE:
•Even if the power steering assistance is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for
service.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES ONLY
— IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting off
four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load and
cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no driver
inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE: This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to save fuel and
reduce emissions. The system will stop the engine auto-
matically during a vehicle stop if the required conditions
are met. Releasing the brake pedal will automatically
restart the engine. Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a heavy duty
motor generator and an additional hybrid electric battery
to store energy from vehicle deceleration for use on engine
startup after a stop as well as providing launch torque
assist.
Automatic Mode
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every normal cus-
tomer engine start. It will remain in STOP/START NOT
READY until you drive forward with a vehicle speed
greater than 2 mph (3 km/h). At that time, the system will
go into STOP/START READY and if all other conditions
are met, can go into an STOP/START AUTO STOP ACTIVE
“Autostop” mode.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following Must
Occur:
1. The system must be in STOP/START READY state. A
STOP/START READY message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster within the Stop/Start section. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
2. The vehicle must be completely stopped.
3. The transmission Gear Selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal depressed.
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The engine will shut down, the tachometer will move to
the zero position and the stop/start telltale will illuminate
indicating you are in an Autostop. While in an Autostop,
the Climate Controls system may automatically adjust
airflow to maintain cabin comfort. Customer settings will
be maintained upon return to an engine running condition.
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check many
safety and comfort conditions to see if they are fulfilled. In
following situations, the engine will not Autostop:
•Driver ’s seat belt is not buckled.
• Driver ’s door is not closed.
• The vehicle is on a steep grade.
• Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an acceptable
cabin temperature has not been achieved.
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower speed.
• Engine has not reached normal operating temperature.
• Engine temperature too high.
• The battery is charging.
• The transmission is not in DRIVE. •
Hood is open.
• Vehicle is in 4LO transfer case mode.
• Accelerator pedal input.
• Excessive 12 volt loads.
It may be possible to operate the vehicle several consecu-
tive times in extreme conditions and not meet all criteria to
enable an Autostop state.
To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode
While in DRIVE, the engine will start when the brake pedal
is released or the throttle pedal is depressed and the
transmission will automatically reengage upon engine
restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start Auto-
matically While In Autostop Mode
The engine will start automatically when:
• The transmission selector is moved from DRIVE to
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or PARK.
• To maintain cabin temperature near the HVAC settings.
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode.
• 12 volt demand requires engine restart.
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•Low brake vacuum (e.g. after several brake pedal appli-
cations).
• STOP/START OFF switch is pushed.
• 4WD system is put into 4LO mode.
• The emissions system override is present.
• A STOP/START system error present.
Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To Park While
In Autostop Mode
The engine will not start automatically and the transmis-
sion will be placed in PARK if:
• The driver door is open and brake pedal released.
• The driver door is open and the driver seat belt is
unbuckled.
• The engine hood has been opened.
• A STOP/START system error present.
The engine may then be restarted by moving the transmis-
sion shift selector out of PARK (e.g. to DRIVE) or, in some
cases, only by a KEY START. The instrument cluster will
display a SHIFT OUT OF PARK message, or a STOP/
START KEY START REQUIRED message, to indicate which
action is required. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
To Manually Turn Off The Stop Start System
1. Push the STOP/START Off switch (located near the gear
selector). The light on the switch will illuminate.
2. The STOP/START OFF message will appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
STOP/START OFF Switch Below 4x4 Switch
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3. At the next vehicle stop (after turning off the STOP/START system) the engine will not be stopped.
4. If the STOP/START system is manually turned off, the engine can be started and stopped by cycling the
ignition switch or pressing the STOP/START switch
again.
5. The STOP/START system will reset itself back to an ON condition every time the key is turned off and back on.
To Manually Turn On The Stop Start System
1. Push the STOP/START Off switch (located near the gearselector module).
2. The light on the switch will turn off.
System Malfunction
If there is a malfunction in the STOP/START system, the
system will not shut down the engine. A “SERVICE STOP/
START SYSTEM” message will appear in the instrument
cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
The system will need to be checked by your authorized
dealer.
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 20 mph (32 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of
the steering wheel.
Speed Control Buttons
1 — SET (+)/Accel 4 — SET (-)/Decel
2 — On/Off 5 — CANC/Cancel
3 — RES/Resume
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NOTE:
•In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed Control
System has been designed to shut down if multiple
Speed Control functions are operated at the same time. If
this occurs, the Speed Control System can be reactivated
by pushing the Speed Control on/off button and reset-
ting the desired vehicle set speed.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control and have an accident. Do not use Speed Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy,
snow-covered or slippery.
To Activate
Push the on/off button to activate the Speed Control. The
cruise indicator light in the instrument cluster display will
illuminate. To turn the system off, push the on/off button
a second time. The cruise indicator light will turn off. The
system should be turned off when not in use.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in use
is dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the system
off when you are not using it.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on.
NOTE: The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed
and on level ground before pushing the SET (+) or SET (-)
button.
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push the
SET (+) or SET (-) button and release. Release the accelera-
tor and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by
pushing the SET (+)button.
The driver ’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings. Refer to ”Instrument Cluster
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Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
more information. The speed increment shown is depen-
dent on the chosen speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric
(km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
•Pushing the SET (+)button once will result ina1mph
increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (+)button once will result in a 1 km/h
increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
To Decrease Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can decrease speed by
pushing the SET (-)button. The driver ’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings. Refer to ”Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
more information. The speed increment shown is depen-
dent on the chosen speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric
(km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
•
Pushing the SET (-)button once will result in a 1 mph
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 mph.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-)button once will result in a 1 km/h
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
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