2020 Ram 1500 axle

6
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE .............................................. 290
Automatic Transmission ............................................ 291
Tip Start Feature ......................................................... 291
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition................................. 291
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/STOP
Button ............................................................................ 292
Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or
−30°C) ........................................................................... 296
After Starting................................................................ 296
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED .............. 296
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ............ 297
 PARKING BRAKE ............................................................ 297
Electric Park Brake (EPB) ........................................... 297
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ................................... 302
Ignition Park Interlock ................................................ 303
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System ........... 304
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission ..................... 304
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
 EQUIPPED ........................................................................ 310
Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Eight Speed Transmission Only) — If
Equipped ...................................................................... 311
Five-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Eight Speed Transmission Only) — If
Equipped ...................................................................... 314 
ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR SUSPENSION
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ...............................................319
Description.................................................................... 319
Air Suspension Modes ................................................322
Instrument Cluster Display Messages ......................323
Operation ......................................................................323
 ACTIVE-LEVEL FOUR CORNER AIR SUSPENSION
SYSTEM (REBEL MODELS ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED .........................................................................325
Description.................................................................... 325
Air Suspension Modes ................................................328
Instrument Cluster Display Messages ......................329
Operation ......................................................................329
 AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ..................331
 LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED ...... 332
 POWER STEERING ..........................................................333
Electric Power Steering ..............................................333
 FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES ONLY —
IF EQUIPPED .....................................................................333
 STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .....................334
Automatic Mode ..........................................................334
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not
Autostop........................................................................334
To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode ........335
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8
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ...................................... 391
LaneSense Operation .................................................. 391
Turning LaneSense On Or Off ................................... 391
LaneSense Warning Message .................................... 392
Changing LaneSense Status ....................................... 395
 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ...................... 396
 SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED ......................................................................... 398
 REFUELING THE VEHICLE .......................................... 403
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................................................... 405
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .................... 405
Payload.......................................................................... 405
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ......................... 406
Tire Size......................................................................... 406
Rim Size ........................................................................ 406
Inflation Pressure......................................................... 406
Curb Weight ................................................................. 406
Loading ......................................................................... 406
 TRAILER TOWING .......................................................... 407
Common Towing Definitions .................................... 407
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight ........................................................................... 411
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ......................................................................... 413
Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................................413
Towing Requirements ................................................413
Towing Tips .................................................................420
 SNOWPLOW .................................................................... 421
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.) ...................................................................................422
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ........422
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ...........................................................................423
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ...........................................................................423
 DRIVING TIPS ...................................................................427
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ...................................427
Driving Through Water .............................................427
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................................429
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS................................. 431
 ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ..............431
 BULB REPLACEMENT ....................................................436
Replacement Bulbs ......................................................436
Replacing Exterior Bulbs ............................................438
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10
Brake System ............................................................... 512
Automatic Transmission ........................................... 513
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ............................................................................. 515
Transfer Case ............................................................... 515
 HOISTING ......................................................................... 516
 TIRES................................................................................... 516
Tire Safety Information............................................... 516
Tires — General Information .................................... 525
Tire Types ..................................................................... 531
Spare Tires — If Equipped ......................................... 532
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .................................... 535
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .................................. 536
Tire Rotation Recommendations .............................. 537
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ............................................... 538
Treadwear..................................................................... 538
Traction Grades ........................................................... 538
Temperature Grades ................................................... 538
 STORING THE VEHICLE................................................ 539
 BODYWORK...................................................................... 539
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ...................... 539
Body And Underbody Maintenance......................... 540
Preserving The Bodywork.......................................... 540 
INTERIORS .......................................................................543
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................................543
Plastic And Coated Parts ............................................544
Leather Parts.................................................................545
Glass Surfaces ..............................................................545
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...............................................546
Vehicle Identification Number ................................. 546
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...............................................................546
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS ....... 546
Torque Specifications ..................................................547
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................548
3.6L Engine ..................................................................548
5.7L Engine ...................................................................549
Reformulated Gasoline ...............................................549
Materials Added To Fuel ............................................550
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ......................................550
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ............551
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ................ 551
MMT In Gasoline .........................................................551
Fuel System Cautions ..................................................551
Carbon Monoxide Warnings......................................552
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This warning light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on
for as long as four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning
and service is required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have the brake
system inspected by an authorized dealer.
— Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate when a rear
axle locker fault has been detected.
— Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the
Forward Collision Warning System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.
Refer to “Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With Mitiga -
tion” in “Safety” for further information.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to your
authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
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190 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the rear axle lock has been acti -
vated.
— 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 driveshafts
are mechanically locked together forcing the front 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 driveshafts
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.
— Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Cleaning In Progress
Indicator Light — Diesel Versions With DPF Only
The symbol switches on constantly to indicate that the DPF
system needs to eliminate the trapped pollutants (particu-
late) through the regeneration process. The symbol does not
switch on during every DPF regeneration, but only when
driving conditions require that the driver is notified. To turn
off the symbol, keep the vehicle in motion until the regener -
ation process is over. On average, the process lasts
15 minutes.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
— Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated, the turn signal
indicator will flash independently and the corresponding
exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be acti -
vated 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 indi -
cator 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 addi -
tional light when turning.
— Cruise 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 func -
tion 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.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
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200 SAFETY
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The Brake Assist System (BAS) is designed to optimize the
vehicle’s braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency braking situa-
tion by sensing the rate and amount of brake application, and
then applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous braking
pressure during the stopping sequence, (do not “pump” the
brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking
is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the
BAS is deactivated. Brake System Warning Light
The red “Brake System Warning Light” will turn on when
the ignition is turned to the ON/RUN mode and may stay on
for as long as four seconds.
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains on or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the brake system is not func
-
tioning properly and that immediate service is required. If
the “Brake System Warning Light” does not come on when
the ignition is turned to the ON/RUN mode, have the light
repaired as soon as possible.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the braking torque
between the front and rear axles by limiting braking pressure
to the rear axle. This is done to prevent overslip of the rear
wheels to avoid vehicle instability, and to prevent the rear
axle from entering ABS before the front axle.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
The Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) system anticipates the
potential for wheel lift by monitoring the driver’s steering
wheel input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM deter -
mines that the rate of change of the steering wheel angle and
vehicle’s speed are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift,
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities
of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
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210 SAFETY

6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the lower switch bankbelow 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 addi -
tional 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)
The Traction Control System (TCS) 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 reduce engine power to provide enhanced
acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake
Limited Differential (BLD), functions similar to a limited slip
differential and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle.
If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other,
the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that
is not spinning. BLD may remain enabled even if TCS and
ESC are in a reduced mode.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) uses sensors in the vehicle to
recognize an excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway. TSC will
become active automatically once an excessively swaying
trailer is recognized.
NOTE:
TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always use
caution when towing a trailer and follow the trailer tongue
weight recommendations. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
When TSC is functioning, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” will flash, the engine power may be reduced
and you may feel the brakes being applied to individual
wheels to attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” or “Full
Off” modes.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle down,
stop at the nearest safe location, and adjust the trailer
load to eliminate trailer sway.
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