2019 Ram 1500 four wheel drive

INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer, congratulations on selecting your new
vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workman-
ship, distinctive styling, and high quality.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go places and
perform tasks that are not intended for conventional pas-
senger vehicles. It handles and maneuvers differently from
many passenger vehicles both on-road and off-road, so
take time to become familiar with your vehicle. If
equipped, the two-wheel drive version of this vehicle was
designed for on-road use only. It is not intended for
off-road driving or use in other severe conditions suited for
a four-wheel drive vehicle. Before you start to drive this
vehicle, read the Owner ’s Manual. Be sure you are familiar
with all vehicle controls, particularly those used for brak-
ing, steering, transmission, and transfer case shifting.
Learn how your vehicle handles on different road surfaces.
Your driving skills will improve with experience. When
driving off-road, or working the vehicle, don’t overload the
vehicle or expect the vehicle to overcome the natural laws
of physics. Always observe federal, state, provincial and
local laws wherever you drive. As with other vehicles of
this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result
in loss of control or a collision. Refer to the “Driving Tips”
in “Starting and Operating” for further information.This Owner ’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you
with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle. It is
supplemented by Warranty Information, and customer
oriented documents. In the attached Warranty Booklet you
will find a description of the services that FCA offers to its
customers, the Warranty Certificate and the details of the
terms and conditions for maintaining its validity. Please
take the time to read all of these publications carefully
before driving your vehicle for the first time. Following the
instructions, recommendations, tips, and important warn-
ings in this manual will help assure safe and enjoyable
operation of your vehicle.
This Owner ’s Manual describes all versions of this vehicle.
Options and equipment dedicated to specific markets or
versions are not expressly indicated in the text. Therefore,
you should only consider the information which is related
to the trim level, engine, and version that you have
purchased. Any content introduced throughout the Own-
er ’s Information, that may or may not be applicable to your
vehicle, will be identified with the wording “If Equipped”.
All data contained in this publication are intended to help
you use your vehicle in the best possible way. FCA aims at
a constant improvement of the vehicles produced. For this
reason, it reserves the right to make changes to the model
4 INTRODUCTION

For further information, refer to “Active-Level Four Corner
Air Suspension System — If Equipped” in “Starting And
Operating”.
/— Air Suspension Normal Height Indicator
Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air suspension system is
set to the Normal setting.
For further information, refer to “Active-Level Four Corner
Air Suspension System — If Equipped” in “Starting And
Operating”.
/— Air Suspension Aerodynamic Height
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air suspension system is
set to the Aerodynamic setting.
/— Entry/Exit Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the vehicle is automatically
lowered from ride height position downward for easy
entry and exit of the vehicle.
For further information, refer to “Active-Level Four Corner
Air Suspension System — If Equipped” in “Starting And
Operating”.
/— Air Suspension Ride Height Raising
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that the vehicle is
changing to a higher ride height.
/— Air Suspension Ride Height Lowering
Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver that the vehicle is
changing to a lower ride height.
— Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the rear axle lock has been
activated.
— 4WD Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive mode, and the front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed.
— 4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and rear drive-
shafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front
190 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
4
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

WARNING!(Continued)
or apply more vehicle brake pressure prior to releas-
ing the brake pedal.
• HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting your vehicle. Also,
be certain to place the transmission in PARK.
• Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
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,
refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
• If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings, refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further infor-
mation.
For vehicles not equipped with an instrument cluster
display, perform the following steps:
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels pointing straight forward). 2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than one-half
turn to the left.
6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the lower switch bank below the climate control four times within 20
seconds. The “ESC Off Indicator Light” should turn on
and turn off two times.
7. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an additional slightly more than one-half turn to the right.
8. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode and then back to ON. If the sequence was completed properly, the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will blink several times to confirm HSA
is disabled.
9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may
apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or
202 SAFETY

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this section may be
standard equipment on some models, or may be optional
equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in a
collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) moni-
tors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring asso-
ciated with the electrical Air Bag System Components.
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following Air Bag
System Components:
Air Bag System Components
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
•Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags •
Front and Side Impact Sensors
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Seat Track Position Sensors
• Occupant Classification System
Air Bag Warning Light
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If
the ignition switch is in the OFF position or in the
ACC position, the air bag system is not on and the air bags
will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may
deploy the air bag system even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the instru-
ment panel for approximately four to eight seconds for a
self-check when the ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN
position. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will
turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either mo-
mentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound to alert
you if the light comes on again after initial startup.
5
SAFETY 243

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................293
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................293
▫ Tip Start Feature ...................... .294
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............294
▫ Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button ............................. .294
▫ Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ..................299
▫ After Starting ......................... .299
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .299
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .299
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .300
▫ Electric Park Brake (EPB) .................300
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............304
▫ Ignition Park Interlock ...................306 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .306
▫ Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission .........306
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .313
▫ Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Eight Speed Transmission Only) —
If Equipped ......................... .314
▫ Five-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Eight Speed Transmission Only) —
If Equipped ......................... .318
 ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR SUSPENSION
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .................322
▫ Description .......................... .322
▫ Air Suspension Modes ...................325
▫ Instrument Cluster Display Messages .........326
▫ Operation ........................... .326
6

REFUELING THE VEHICLE ................404
 VEHICLE LOADING .....................406
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ........406
▫ Payload ............................. .406
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ..........406
▫ Tire Size ............................ .406
▫ Rim Size ............................ .406
▫ Inflation Pressure ...................... .406
▫ Curb Weight ......................... .407
▫ Loading ............................ .407
 TRAILER TOWING ..................... .407
▫ Common Towing Definitions ...............408
▫ Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ............................. .413
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ............................ .414▫
Trailer And Tongue Weight ...............414
▫ Towing Requirements ...................414
▫ Towing Tips ......................... .422
 SNOWPLOW .......................... .423
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ....................424
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle. . . .424
▫ Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ............................. .425
▫ Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ............................. .425
 DRIVING TIPS ......................... .429
▫ Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............429
▫ Driving Through Water ..................430
▫ Of

f-Road Driving Tips ...................431
292 STARTING AND OPERATING