2020 Ram 1500 air conditioning

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 79
IconDescription
MAX A/C Setting
Rotate the temperature control knob until it is set to MAX A/C. This is the coldest setting and puts the
A/C to maximum power.
A/C Button
Push the A/C button to engage the Air Conditioning (A/C).
Recirculation Button
Push the button on the faceplate to change the system between recirculation mode and outside air
mode. The Recirculation indicator and the A/C indicator illuminate when Recirculation mode is
turned on. Recirculation can be used when outside conditions, such as smoke, odors, dust, or
humidity are present. Recirculation can be used in all modes except for Defrost. Recirculation may be
unavailable if conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of the windshield. The A/C can
be deselected manually without disturbing the mode control selection. Continuous use of the
Recirculation mode may make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur. Extended use of
this mode is not recommended.
Temperature Control
Use this control knob to regulate the temperature of the air inside the passenger compartment.
Rotating the knob counterclockwise, from top center into the blue area of the scale, indicates cooler
temperatures. Rotating the knob clockwise, into the red area, indicates warmer temperatures.
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90 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator to
manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning system.
When the air conditioning system is turned on, cool dehu-
midified air will flow through the outlets into the cabin. Forimproved fuel economy, press the A/C button to turn off the
air conditioning and manually adjust the blower and airflow
mode settings. Also, make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level,
or Floor modes.
Floor Mode
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed through the defrost and side
window demister outlets.
Mix Mode Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side window demister outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good for
maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Climate Control OFF Button
This button turns the Climate Control System off.
Icon
Description
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 91
NOTE:
• On vehicles equipped with a 12-inch display, reducing theblower control all the way down will turn the climate off.
• For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is in Mix, Floor or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be turned off, but the A/C
system shall remain active to prevent fogging of the
windows.
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass, select Defrost mode, and increase blower speed if needed.
• If your air conditioning performance seems lower than expected, check the front of the A/C condenser (located in
front of the radiator), for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Clean with a gentle water spray from the front of the radi -
ator and through the condenser.
MAX A/C
MAX A/C sets the control for maximum cooling perfor -
mance.
Press and release to toggle between MAX A/C and the prior
settings. The button illuminates when MAX A/C is on.
In MAX A/C, the blower level and mode position can be
adjusted to desired user settings. Pressing other settings will
cause the MAX A/C operation to switch to the selected
setting and MAX A/C to exit. Recirculation
In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may lead to
excessive window fogging. The Recirculation feature may be
unavailable (button on the touchscreen greyed out) if condi
-
tions exist that could create fogging on the inside of the
windshield.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If Equipped
Automatic Operation
1. Push the AUTO button on the faceplate, or the AUTO button on the touchscreen on the Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) Panel.
2. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the system to maintain by adjusting the driver and passenger
temperature control buttons. Once the desired tempera -
ture is displayed, the system will achieve and automati -
cally maintain that comfort level.
3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is not necessary to change the settings. You will experience the
greatest efficiency by simply allowing the system to func -
tion automatically.
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92 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
• It is not necessary to move the temperature settings forcold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts the
temperature, mode, and blower speed to provide comfort
as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric units by selecting the U.S./Metric customer-programmable
feature. Refer to the “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
for further information.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan will remain on
low until the engine warms up. The blower will increase in
speed and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC display will be
turned off when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
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 perfor
-
mance, 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
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e.,
vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 421
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating,
activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly areas, or
select a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speeddrops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you
can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over -
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed. Highway Driving
• Reduce speed
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning
Air Suspension System

To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle, the air
suspension system can be used. Refer to “Air Suspension
System” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.

NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running position
while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air suspen
-
sion system.
SNOWPLOW
NOTE:
Do not use this model vehicle for snowplow applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows and other aftermarket equipment should not
be added to the front end of your vehicle. The airbag
crash sensors may be affected by the change in the front
end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpectedly or
could fail to deploy during a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 497
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling — R–1234yf
R–1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluo-
roolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-friendly substance with a
low global-warming potential. The manufacturer recom -
mends that air conditioning service be performed by an
authorized dealer using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system PAG
compressor oil, and refrigerants.
Cabin Filter Replacement (A/C Air Filter)
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance
intervals.WARNING!
• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants approved by the manufacturer for your air condi -
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other unap -
proved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the system
to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to Warranty Infor -
mation Book, for further warranty information.
• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or
damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any repair
requiring lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air
conditioning components. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the vehicle is
running, or while the ignition is in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. With the cabin air filter removed and the blower
operating, the blower can contact hands and may propel
dirt and debris into your eyes, resulting in personal
injury.
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512 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions arerequired, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter oper -
ation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the
correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in unsat -
isfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance, poor
gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals. Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the designated
marks on the side of the reservoir of the brake master
cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in fluid
level may be caused by a leak and a system check should be
conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica
-
tions” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly
a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on
the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
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657
INDEX
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) ............. 340
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ................................... 508
Adding Fuel ............................................................................. 403
Additives, Fuel ........................................................................ 550
Adjust Down....................................................................................... 46
Forward .................................................................................. 46
Rearward ................................................................................ 46
Up ............................................................................................ 46
Adjustable Pedals...................................................................... 58
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ............................................................... 249Air Bag Warning Light ............................................... 246, 250
Enhanced Accident Response ................................... 262, 481
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ............................................... 481
Front Air Bag ....................................................................... 250If Deployment Occurs ........................................................ 261
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................................................... 257Maintaining Your Air Bag System.................................... 263
Maintenance......................................................................... 263
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light .................................. 247
Transporting Pets ................................................................ 285
Air Bag Light ........................................................... 179, 246, 287 Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter).................494
Air Conditioner Maintenance ...............................................496
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ..........................................496, 497
Air Conditioner System..........................................................496
Air Conditioning ................................................................. 78, 90
Air Conditioning Filter .....................................................93, 497
Air Conditioning System .........................................................91
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..........................................92
Air Filter ...................................................................................494
Air Pressure Tires .......................................................................................526
Air Suspension ................................................................319, 325
Alarm Panic ........................................................................................20
Security Alarm ...............................................................33, 180
Alterations/Modifications Vehicle.....................................................................................15
Android Auto ..........................................................................647
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........................................507, 553 Disposal ................................................................................509
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............................................198
Anti-Lock Warning Light.......................................................187
Apple CarPlay .........................................................................648
Assist, Hill Start .......................................................................207
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