2020 Ram 1500 towing

3

Ventilated Seats — If Equipped .................................. 52
Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers ..................................... 54
 HEAD RESTRAINTS ......................................................... 54
Front Head Restraints ................................................... 54
Rear Head Restraints .................................................... 55
 STEERING WHEEL ............................................................ 56
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column ............................. 56
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ..................... 57
 DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED ...... 58
 MIRRORS ............................................................................ 59
Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ................. 59
Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped ............ 60
Outside Mirrors ............................................................ 61
Driver's Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror — If
Equipped......................................................................... 61
Power Mirrors — If Equipped .................................... 61
Power Folding Outside Mirrors For Standard And
Trailer Tow — If Equipped .......................................... 62
Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ..................... 64
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ................................... 65
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse — If Equipped .............. 65
Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped ................ 65
 EXTERIOR LIGHTS ............................................................ 66
Headlight Switch ........................................................... 66
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) — If Equipped ..... 67
Multifunction Lever .....................................................68
High/Low Beam Switch ...............................................68
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control — If
Equipped ........................................................................68
Flash-To-Pass..................................................................69
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped........................70
Parking Lights And Panel Lights ................................70
Headlights On With Wipers (Available With
Automatic Headlights Only)........................................70
Headlight Delay .............................................................70
Lights-On Reminder......................................................71
Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .................................71
Turn Signals ...................................................................71
Lane Change Assist — If Equipped ............................71
Cargo Light With Bed Lights — If Equipped ............72
Battery Saver...................................................................73
 INTERIOR LIGHTS ............................................................73
Courtesy Lights ..............................................................73
Illuminated Entry ..........................................................75
 WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS ......................75
Windshield Wipers........................................................75
Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped ..........................77
 CLIMATE CONTROLS .....................................................78
Manual Climate Control Overview ............................78
Automatic Climate Control Overview .......................82
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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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FUSES.................................................................................. 444
External Power Distribution Center ........................ 445
Internal Power Distribution Center ......................... 449
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .............................. 454
Jack Location ................................................................ 454
Removal Of Jack And Tools ....................................... 455
Removing The Spare Tire ........................................... 458
Preparations For Jacking ............................................ 462
Jacking Instructions ..................................................... 463
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ........................................ 468
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............................... 470
 JUMP STARTING ............................................................ 472
Preparations For Jump Start ...................................... 472
Jump Starting Procedure ............................................ 473
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .................................. 475
 MANUAL PARK RELEASE ............................................ 476
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ...................................... 477
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ................................ 478
Two-Wheel Drive Models .......................................... 480
Four-Wheel Drive Models.......................................... 480
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ................... 481
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................................ 481
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ................................ 481
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .............................................482
Maintenance Plan ........................................................483
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...............................486
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT ............................................487
3.6L Engine With Stop/Start .....................................487
5.7L Engine Without Stop/Start ................................488
5.7L Engine With Stop/Start ......................................489
Checking Oil Level ......................................................490
Adding Washer Fluid..................................................490
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................................... 491
Pressure Washing ........................................................491
 DEALER SERVICE ........................................................... 492
Engine Oil — Gas Engine .......................................... 492
Engine Oil Filter ........................................................... 494
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............................................494
Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................................496
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................................501
Body Lubrication .........................................................502
Windshield Wiper Blades ...........................................503
Exhaust System ........................................................... 505
Cooling System ........................................................... 506
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64 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Outside Mirrors Folding Feature
All outside mirrors are designed to be able to be manually
folded both forward and rearward to prevent damage.Folding MirrorTrailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror head
to provide a greater vision range when towing extra-wide
loads. To change position inboard or outboard, the mirror
head should be rotated (flipped in or out).Trailer Towing Position
NOTE:
Fold the trailer towing mirrors rearward prior to entering an
automated car wash.
CAUTION!
It is recommended to fold the mirrors into the full
rearward position to resist damage when entering a car
wash or a narrow location.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163
7. Temperature Gauge• The pointer shows engine coolant temperature. Thepointer positioned within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfacto -
rily.
• The pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats. Refer to “Cooling System Pressure
Cap” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information if you decide to look under the hood.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
3. Speedometer• Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
• The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tankwhen the ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
• The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
• The pointer shows engine coolant temperature. Thepointer positioned within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfacto -
rily.
• The pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats. Refer to “Cooling System Pressure
Cap” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information if you decide to look under the hood.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer
for service.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
NOTE:
• The charging system is independent from load reduction.The charging system performs a diagnostic on the
charging system continuously.
• If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it may indicate a problem with the charging system. Refer to “Battery
Charge Warning Light” in “Getting To Know Your Instru -
ment Panel” for further information.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if equipped),
and vehicle functions which can be affected by load reduc -
tion:
• Heated Seats / Vented Seats / Heated Wheel
• Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
• HVAC System
• 115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
• Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or more of the
following conditions:
• The charging system cannot deliver enough electrical power to the vehicle system because the electrical loads are
larger than the capability of charging system. The charging
system is still functioning properly. • Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads (e.g. HVAC
to max settings, exterior and interior lights, overloaded
power outlets +12 Volts, 115V AC, USB ports) during
certain driving conditions (city driving, towing, frequent
stopping).
• Installing options like additional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms and similar devices.
• Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long parking periods).
• The vehicle was parked for an extended period of time (weeks, months).
• The battery was recently replaced and was not charged completely.
• The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on when the vehicle was parked.
• The battery w as used for an extended period with t he engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers,
+12 Volt portable appliances like vacuum cleaners,
gam e consoles and similar devices.
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182 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are
pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. — Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light

This warning light will turn on when there's a fault with the
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Refer to “Power Steering”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
— Tailgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the tailgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
— Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has
been disconnected.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmis -
sion fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the trans -
mission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated
you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
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