2020 Ram 1500 warning light

332 STARTING AND OPERATING
Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD
LOCK/HIGH the locker can be engaged up to 20 mph
(32 km/h). While driving with the locker engaged, if speed
exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the locker will automatically
disengage, but will automatically reengage at 20 mph
(32 km/h).
NOTE:
Left to right wheel speed difference may be necessary to
allow the rear axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is
flashing after selecting the rear axle lock mode, drive the
vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking
action.
The axle locker could become torque locked due to side to
side loads on the rear axle. Driving slowly while turning the
steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or
driving in REVERSE for a short distance may be required to
release the torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle; push the AXLE LOCK button. The
AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear axle is
unlocked.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction on
snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when there is a difference between the traction characteristics of the
surface under the right and left rear wheels. During normal
driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit performs simi
-
larly to a conventional differential. On slippery surfaces,
however, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the rear wheel having the better traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during slip -
pery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a slippery
surface, a slight application of the accelerator will supply
maximum traction. When starting with only one rear wheel
on an excessively slippery surface, slight momentary appli -
cation of the parking brake may be necessary to gain
maximum traction.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could cause
both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide side -
ways on the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a limited-slip or
locking differential never run the engine with one rear
wheel off the ground since the vehicle may drive
through the rear wheel remaining on the ground and
result in unintended movement.
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338 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed Control
system has been designed to shut down if multiple Speed
Control functions are operated at the same time. If this
occurs, the Speed Control system can be reactivated by
pushing the Speed Control on/off button and resetting the
desired vehicle set speed.
To Activate
Push the On/Off button to activate the Speed Control. The
cruise indicator light in the instrument cluster display will
illuminate. To turn the system off, push the On/Off button a
second time. The cruise indicator light will turn off. The
system should be turned off when not in use.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on.
NOTE:
The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed and on
level ground before pushing the SET (+) or SET (-) button.
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push the
SET (+) or SET (-) button and release. Release the accelerator
and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by
pushing the SET (+) button.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could go
too fast for the conditions, and you could lose control
and have an accident. Do not use Speed Control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or
slippery.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in use is
dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the system
off when you are not using it.
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350 STARTING AND OPERATING
Distance Setting 1 Bar (Short)
To increase the distance setting, push the Distance Setting —
Increase button and release. Each time the button is pushed,
the distance setting increases by one bar (longer).
To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance Setting —
Decrease button and release. Each time the button is pushed,
the distance setting decreases by one bar (shorter).

If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the set
speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the same lane,
the instrument cluster displays the “Sensed Vehicle Indicator”
icon, and the system adjusts vehicle speed automatically to
maintain the distance setting, regardless of the set speed.
The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:
• The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the set
speed.
• The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of the sensor.
• The distance setting is changed.
• The system disengages. (Refer to the information on ACC Activation).
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however,
the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if neces -
sary.
NOTE:
The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC system
applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts
that its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain
the set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE” will
flash in the instrument cluster display and a chime will
sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum braking
capacity.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 359
La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las siguientes dos
condiciones:
1. es posible que este equipo o dispositivo no cause interfer-
encia perjudicial y
2. este equipo o dispositivo debe aceptar cualquier interfer- encia, incluyendo la que pueda causar su operación no
deseada.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control Mode
In addition to Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) mode, a
Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode is available for
cruising at fixed speeds. The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise
Control mode is designed to maintain a set cruising speed
without requiring the driver to operate the accelerator.
Speed Control can only be operated if the vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To change between the different control modes, push the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button which turns
the ACC on and the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control off. Pushing of the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/
off button will result in turning on (changing to) the Normal
(Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on.
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed,
push the SET (+) or SET (-) button and release.
Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the
selected speed. Once a speed has been set a message
“CRUISE CONTROL SET TO MPH (km/h)” will appear
indicating what speed was set. This light will turn on when
the system is turned on via the on/off control. It turns green
when the cruise control is set.
WARNING!
In the Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode, the
system will not react to vehicles ahead. In addition, the
proximity warning does not activate and no alarm will
sound even if you are too close to the vehicle ahead since
neither the presence of the vehicle ahead nor the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance is detected. Be sure to
maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead. Always be aware which mode is selected.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 405
NOTE:
In certain cold conditions, ice may prevent the fuel filler door
from opening. If this occurs, lightly push on the fuel filler
door around the perimeter to break the ice build up.
Emergency Gas Can Refueling
Most gas cans will not open the flapper doors.
A funnel is provided to open the flapper doors to allow
emergency refueling with a gas can.
1. Retrieve funnel from the jack and jack tool kit.
2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuelnozzle. 3. Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper doors open.
4. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
5. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting
back in the jack and jack tool kit.
VEHICLE LOADING
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total
permissible weight of your vehicle including driver, passen -
gers, vehicle, options and cargo. The label also specifies
maximum capacities of front and rear axle systems Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
WARNING!
• Always place container on the ground before filling.
• Keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container when you are filling it.
• Use only approved containers for flammable liquid.
• Do not leave container unattended while filling.
• A static electric charge could cause a spark and fire hazard.
5
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418 STARTING AND OPERATING
*The suggested selection depends and may change
depending on the customer preferences for braking perfor-
mance. Condition of the trailer brakes, driving and road state
may also affect the selection.
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the instrument cluster
display. Display messages, along with a single chime, will be
displayed when a malfunction is determined in the trailer
connection, trailer brake control, or on the trailer. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information. NOTE:
• An aftermarket controller may be available for use with
trailers with air or electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake
systems. To determine the type of brakes on your trailer
and the availability of controllers, check with your trailer
manufacturer or dealer.
• Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may cause damage to the electrical system and electronic modules of
the vehicle. See your authorized dealer if an aftermarket
module is to be installed.
Light Electric Heavy Electric
Light EOHHeavy EOH
Type of Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric Trailer Brakes Electric over Hydraulic
Trailer BrakesElectric over Hydraulic
Trailer Brakes
Load *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs *Under 10,000 lbs *Above 10,000 lbs
WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be a increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
damage to your vehicle, trailer, or other property.
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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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STARTING AND OPERATING 427
10. Start the engine.
11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brakepedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.
NOTE:
• Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be met before pushing the button to shift out of NEUTRAL (N), and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met before pushing the
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 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.DRIVING TIPS
Driving On Slippery Surfaces
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
Driving Through Water
Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent
damage to your vehicle.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow,
wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).5
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