2020 Ram 1500 automatic

2
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION .............................................................. 13
 HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL ....................................... 14
Essential Information .................................................... 14
Symbols ........................................................................... 14
 WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ....................................... 14
 VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS .................................. 14
 VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS............. 15
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
VEHICLE USER GUIDE — IF EQUIPPED...................... 16
 KEYS ..................................................................................... 18
Key Fob ........................................................................... 18
 IGNITION SWITCH ........................................................... 25
Keyless Push Button Ignition....................................... 25
 REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED .................................. 28
How To Use Remote Start ............................................ 28
Remote Start Abort Message........................................ 28
To Enter Remote Start Mode........................................ 29
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle ............................................................................. 29
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The
Vehicle ............................................................................. 29
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped .........29
General Information ......................................................30
 SENTRY KEY .......................................................................31
Key Programming ........................................................31
Replacement Keys..........................................................32
General Information ......................................................32
 VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM .........................................33
To Arm The System .......................................................33
To Disarm The System ..................................................34
Rearming Of The System ..............................................34
Security System Manual Override ..............................34
 DOORS .................................................................................35
Manual Door Locks .......................................................35
Power Door Locks — If Equipped .............................36
Power Side Steps — If Equipped.................................37
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry ........................37
Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped .......................41
Child-Protection Door Lock ........................................42
 SEATS ...................................................................................42
Manual Front Seat Adjustment....................................43
Manual Rear Seat Adjustment .....................................45
Power Front Seat Adjustment — If Equipped ..........46
Driver Memory Seats — If Equipped .........................47
Heated Seats — If Equipped ........................................51
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 2

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
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 3

4
Climate Control Functions ........................................... 90
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped......................................................................... 91
Operating Tips .............................................................. 92
 WINDOWS .......................................................................... 94
Power Windows ........................................................... 94
Wind Buffeting .............................................................. 97
 POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED ............................. 98
Single Pane Power Sunroof — If Equipped ............... 98
Dual Pane Power Sunroof — If Equipped ............... 101
 HOOD ................................................................................ 105
To Open The Hood ..................................................... 105
To Close The Hood...................................................... 106
 TAILGATE ......................................................................... 106
Opening ........................................................................ 106
Closing .......................................................................... 107
Multifunction Tailgate — If Equipped ..................... 107
 GARAGE DOOR OPENER — IF EQUIPPED............... 109
Before You Begin Programming HomeLink® ........ 110
Canadian/Gate Operator Programming ................. 113
Using HomeLink® ...................................................... 114
Security ......................................................................... 114
Troubleshooting Tips .................................................. 115
General Information .................................................... 115 
INTERNAL EQUIPMENT ...............................................116
Storage ...........................................................................116
Cupholders ..................................................................126
Electrical Power Outlets..............................................128
Power Inverter — If Equipped ................................. 131
Wireless Charging Pad — If Equipped ...................134
Overhead Sunglass Storage........................................135
 PICKUP BOX .....................................................................135
 RAMBOX — IF EQUIPPED ............................................136
RamBox Integrated Box Side Storage Bins............... 137
RamBox Safety Warning .............................................139
Bed Divider — If Equipped........................................140
Bed Rail Tie-Down System .........................................144
 SLIDE-IN CAMPERS .......................................................146
Camper Applications ..................................................146
 EASY-OFF TAILGATE ....................................................147
Disconnecting The Rear Camera And Remote
Keyless Entry ................................................................147
Removing The Tailgate ...............................................148
Locking Tailgate........................................................... 150
 TRI-FOLD TONNEAU COVER — IF EQUIPPED ....... 150
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Removal.............................150
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Installation ........................ 155
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Cleaning ............................160
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 4

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
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 6

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
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 10

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 29
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob
twice within five seconds. The parking lights will flash,
vehicle doors will lock, and the horn will chirp twice (if
programmed). Once the vehicle has started, the engine will
run for 15 minutes.
NOTE:
• If your power door locks were unlocked, Remote Start willautomatically lock the doors.
• If an engine fault is present or fuel level is low, the vehicle will start and then shut down in 10 seconds.
• The park lamps will turn on and remain on during Remote Start mode.
• For security, power window and power sunroof operation (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in the
Remote Start mode.
• The engine can be started two consecutive times (two 15 minute cycles) with the key fob. However, the ignition
must be placed in the ON/RUN position before you can
repeat the start sequence for a third cycle.
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle
Push and release the remote start button one time or allow
the engine to run for the entire 15 minute cycle.
NOTE:
To avoid unintentional shutdowns, the system will disable
with a one time push of the remote start button for two
seconds after receiving a valid remote start request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle
Before the end of the 15 minute cycle, push and release the
unlock button on the key fob to unlock the doors and disarm
the vehicle security alarm system (if equipped). Then, prior
to the end of the 15 minute cycle, place the ignition in the
ON/RUN position.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When Remote Start is activated, the heated steering wheel
and driver heated seat features will automatically turn on in
cold weather. In warm weather, the driver vented seat
feature will automatically turn on when the remote start is
2
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 29

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 31
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents unauthorized
vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The system does
not need to be armed or activated. Operation is automatic,
regardless of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses a key fob, keyless push button ignition and
a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only key fobs that are
programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system cannot reprogram a key fob obtained
from another vehicle.
After placing the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position,
the vehicle security light will turn on for three seconds for a
bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it
indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In addi-
tion, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check, it indi -
cates that someone attempted to start the engine with an
invalid key fob. In the event that a valid key fob is used to
start the engine but there is an issue with the vehicle elec -
tronics, the engine will start and shut off after two seconds. If the vehicle security light turns on during normal vehicle
operation (vehicle running for longer than ten seconds), it
indicates that there is a fault in the electronics. Should this
occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible by an
authorized dealer.
All of the key fobs provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Key Programming
Programming key fobs may be performed at an authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not compatible
with some aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of
these systems may result in vehicle starting problems
and loss of security protection.
2
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 31

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 35
(Continued)
DOORS
Manual Door Locks
Front and rear doors may be locked by moving the lock knob
down. The lock knobs will unlock when the interior handle
is used to open the doors.Door Lock Knob
Front doors may be opened with the inside door handle
without lifting the lock knob. Doors locked before closing will remain locked when closed.
The emergency key will unlock the driver door lock on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may cause
serious injury or death.
• For personal security and safety in the event of a colli -
sion, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well as
when you park and leave the vehicle.
• Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the automatic transmission into PARK, apply the parking brake, turn
the vehicle OFF, remove the key fobs from vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving children in a vehicle
unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A
child or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.2
2020_DT_1500_OM_US.book Page 35