2020 Ram 1500 ECO mode

426 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
• Steps 2 and 3 are requirements that must be met beforepushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to
be met until the shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met before pushing the NEUTRAL
(N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the
NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until
all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button
is released.
• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be oper -
able. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator lights will be
on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi -
cates that shift requirements have not been met.
• If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the engine should be started and left running for a minimum of 60
seconds (with all the doors closed) at least once every 24
hours. This process allows the air suspension to adjust the
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for temperature
effects. Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected
to the tow vehicle.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift the trans -
mission into NEUTRAL.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (at the center
of the transfer case switches).
5. When the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
6. Turn the engine OFF. The transmission will automatically select PARK when the engine is turned off.
7. Release the brake pedal.
8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 426

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 435
Even if the SOS Call system is fully functional, factors
beyond FCA US LLC’s control may prevent or stop the SOS
Call system operation. These include, but are not limited to,
the following factors:
• Delayed accessories mode is active
• The ignition is in the OFF position
• The vehicle’s electrical systems are not intact
• The SOS Call system software and/or hardware aredamaged during a crash
• The vehicle battery loses power or becomes disconnected during a vehicle crash
• LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network and/or Global Positioning Satellite signals are unavailable or obstructed
• Equipment malfunction at the SOS operator facility • Operator error by the SOS operator
• LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network congestion
• Weather
• Buildings, structures, geographic terrain, or tunnels
NOTE:
• Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized by
the subscriber.
• Never place anything on or near the vehicle’s LTE (voice/ data) or 4G (data) and GPS antennas. You could prevent
LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) and GPS signal reception,
which can prevent your vehicle from placing an emer -
gency call. An operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data)
network connection and a GPS signal is required for the
SOS Call system to function properly.
• The Occupant Restraint Control module turns on the
air bag Warning Light on the instrument panel if a
malfunction in any part of the system is detected. If the
Air Bag Warning Light is illuminated, have your autho -
rized dealer service the Occupant Restraint Control
system immediately.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to the road.
ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the steering
wheel. You have full responsibility and assume all risks
related to the use of the features and applications in this
vehicle. Only use the features and applications when it is
safe to do so. Failure to do so may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
6
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 435

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 477
NOTE:
When the lever is locked in the released position the access
cover cannot be reinstalled.
4. Behind the Manual Park Release access cover is theorange tether strap. Pull the tether strap out as far as it
will go, then release it. The tether and lever will remain
outside of the trim panel and the transmission should
now be in NEUTRAL, allowing the vehicle to be moved.
To Reset The Manual Park Release:
1. Apply firm pressure to the brake pedal while seated in the driver’s seat.
2. Pull the tether strap out again, then release it.
3. Allow the tether to retract with the lever back to its orig -
inal position.
4. Verify the transmission is in PARK.
5. Confirm that the tether has retracted fully and re-install the access cover. If the access cover cannot be reinstalled,
repeat steps 1 though 4.
6. Re-install the access cover.FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels.
Then shift back and forth between DRIVE (D) and REVERSE
(R), while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least
amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain the
rocking motion, without spinning the wheels or racing the
engine.
NOTE:
Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved at
wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the trans -
mission remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more than two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE or
REVERSE.
NOTE:
Push the “ESC Off” switch, to place the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system in “Partial Off” mode, before rocking
the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control” in “Safety”
for further information. Once the vehicle has been freed,
push the “ESC Off” switch again to restore “ESC On” mode.
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478 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled
vehicles may also be towed as described under “Recreational
Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.)” in the “Starting And
Operating” section.
NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with the Active-Level Four Corner Air
Suspension System must be placed in Transport mode,
before tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or
flatbed truck. If the vehicle cannot be placed in Transport
mode (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs must be
fastened to the axles (not to the body). Failure to follow these
instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause loss
of proper tie-down tension.
Refer to "Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension System
— If Equipped" in "Starting And Operating" for more infor-
mation.
WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by
excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even failure, of
the axle and tires. A tire could explode and injure someone.
Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/ h) or for longer than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

CAUTION!
• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine to
idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmission
failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster than
15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It can also
damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occur-
ring).

2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 478

480 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with all
four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission is
operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear wheels on the
ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
Refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section for instruc -
tions on shifting the transmission to NEUTRAL when the
engine is OFF.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 30 miles (48 km).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than 30 miles (48 km), tow with the rear wheels OFF the ground. Accept -
able methods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed, or with the
front wheels raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly, or
(when using a suitable steering wheel stabilizer to hold the
front wheels in the straight position) with the rear wheels
raised and the front wheels on the ground.
Four-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels OFF
the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a
flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the opposite
end on a towing dolly.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transfer case is
operable, the vehicle may be towed (in the forward direction,
with ALL wheels on the ground), IF the transfer case is in
NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission is in PARK.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating”
for further information and detailed instructions. CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
• Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if the remaining wheels are on the ground). Internal damage
to the transmission or transfer case will occur if a front
or rear wheel lift is used when towing.
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 480

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.
7
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502 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Conditions that would require replacement:
• Rib chunking (one or more ribs has separated from beltbody)
• Rib or belt wear
• Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between two ribs)
• Belt slips
• “Groove jumping" (belt does not maintain correct position on pulley)
• Belt broken
• Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or rumble is heard or felt while drive belt is in operation)
NOTE:
Identify and correct problem before new belt is installed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Stop/Start belt must be
replaced with an OEM grade Mopar belt.
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty component such
as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys should be carefully inspected for
damage and proper alignment. Belt replacement on some models requires the use of special
tools, we recommend having your vehicle serviced at an
authorized dealer.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as seat
tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate, tailgate,
decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated
periodically with a lithium based grease, such as Mopar
Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy operation and to
protect against rust and wear. Prior to the application of any
lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease
should be removed. Particular attention should also be given
to hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood latch
release mechanism, and safety catch should be cleaned and
lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a year,
preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small amount of a
high quality lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubri
-
cant directly into the lock cylinder.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 507
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty
in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and
refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C
condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water
from a garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C
condenser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT. Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant properly.
Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to severe
internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed to be added
to the system please contact an authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with
OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica
-
tions” for further information.
NOTE:
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (anti -
freeze), may result in engine damage and may decrease
corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant is different and should not be mixed with
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon
-
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the OFF
mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can start at
any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
WARNING! (Continued)
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