2020 Ram 2500 ECU

96GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Locking And Unlocking RamBox
Push and release the lock or unlock button on
the key fob to lock and unlock all doors, the tail -
gate and the RamBox (if equipped). Refer to
“Keys” in this chapter for further details. The
RamBox storage bins can be locked using the
vehicle key. To lock and unlock the storage bin,
insert the key into the keyhole on the push
button and turn clockwise to lock or counter -
clockwise to unlock. Always return the key to the
upright (vertical) position before removing the
key from the push button.
RamBox Safety Warning
Carefully follow these warnings to help prevent
personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
RamBox Storage Bin Cover Emergency
Release Lever — If Equipped
As a security measure, a Storage Bin Cover
Emergency Release is built into the storage bin
cover latching mechanism.

Storage Bin Cover Emergency Release Lever

NOTE:
In the event of an individual being locked inside
the storage bin, the storage bin cover can be
opened from inside of the bin by pulling on the
glow-in-the-dark lever attached to the storage
bin cover latching mechanism.
Bed Divider — If Equipped
The bed divider has two functional positions:
Storage Position
Divider Position
CAUTION!
Ensure cargo bin lids are closed and
latched before moving or driving vehicle.
Loads applied to the top of the bin lid
should be minimized to prevent damage to
the lid and latching/hinging mechanisms.
Damage to the RamBox bin may occur due
to heavy/sharp objects placed in bin that
shift due to vehicle motion. In order to mini -
mize potential for damage, secure all cargo
to prevent movement and protect inside
surfaces of bin from heavy/sharp objects
with appropriate padding.
WARNING!
Always close the storage bin covers when
your vehicle is unattended.
Do not allow children to have access to the
storage bins. Once in the storage bin, young
children may not be able to escape. If
trapped in the storage bin, children can die
from suffocation or heat stroke.
In an accident, serious injury could result if
the storage bin covers are not properly
latched.
Do not drive the vehicle with the storage bin
covers open.
Keep the storage bin covers closed and
latched while the vehicle is in motion.
Do not use a storage bin latch as a tie
down.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 96

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE97
Storage Position
The storage position for the bed divider is at the
front of the truck bed which maximizes the bed
cargo area when not in use.
To install the bed divider into the storage posi -
tion, perform the following:

1. Make sure the center handle is unlocked using the vehicle key and rotate the center
handle vertically to release the divider side
gates.

Center Handle And Lock
2. With the side gates open, position the
divider fully forward in the bed against the
front panel.

Storage Position

3. Rotate the side gates closed allowing the outboard ends to be positioned in front of
the cargo tie down loops.

Cargo Tie Down Loop
4. Rotate the center handle horizontally to
secure the side gates in the closed position.

Side Gates Closed

5. Lock the center handle using the vehicle key to secure the panel into place.
Divider Position
The divider position is intended for managing
your cargo and assisting in keeping cargo from
moving around the bed. There are 11 divider
slots along the bed inner panels which allow for
various positions to assist in managing your
cargo.
1 — Center Handle Lock
2 — Handle
2

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 97

98GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To install the bed divider into a divider position,
perform the following:

1. Make sure the center handle is unlocked
using the vehicle key and rotate the center
handle vertically to release the divider side
gates.

Center Handle And Lock

2. With the side gates open, position the divider so the outboard ends align with the
intended slots in the sides of the bed.
Aligning Gate To Slots

3. Rotate the side gates closed so that the outboard ends are secured into the
intended slots of the bed.
4. Rotate the center handle horizontally to secure the side gates in the closed position.

Side Gates Closed
5. Lock the center handle to secure the panel
into place.
Bed Rail Tie-Down System — If Equipped
NOTE:
This feature is only available for vehicles
equipped with a RamBox.

There are two adjustable cleats on each side of the
bed that can be used to assist in securing cargo.
Adjustable Cleats

1 — Center Handle Lock
2 — Handle
CAUTION!
The maximum load per cleat should not
exceed 250 lbs (113 kg) and the angle of
the load on each cleat should not exceed
45 degrees above horizontal, or damage to
the cleat or cleat rail may occur.

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 98

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE99
Each cleat must be located and tightened down
in one of the detents, along either rail, in order
to keep cargo properly secure.
To move the cleat to any position on the rail,
turn the nut counterclockwise several turns.
Then pull out on the cleat and slide it to the
detent nearest the desired location. Make sure
the cleat is seated in the detent and tighten the
nut.

Adjustable Cleat Assembly
Cleat Removal (With Tonneau Cover)
To remove the cleats from the utility rail, remove
the end cap screw located in the center of the
end cap, using a #T30 Torx head driver.
Remove the end cap and slide the cleat off the
end of the rail.

End Cap Screw Location If Equipped With Tonneau Cover

Cleat Removal (Without Tonneau Cover)
Remove the end cap by pushing upward on the
release button located beneath the end cap
while pulling the cap away from the rail. The
cleat can now be removed by sliding it off the
end of the rail.
End Cap Release Button If Not Equipped With Tonneau
Cover
Pull End Cap Away From Rail

1 — Utility Rail Detent
2 — Cleat Retainer Nut
3 — Utility Rail Cleat
2

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 99

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE101
Removing The Tailgate

1. Disconnect the wiring harness for the rear
camera and or power locks (if equipped).

NOTE:
Refer to “Disconnecting The Rear Camera And
Remote Keyless Entry” in this section.
2. Unlatch the tailgate and remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang from the
pivot.
NOTE:
Make sure tailgate is supported when removing
support cables.

Locking Tang
3. Position the tailgate on a 45 degree angle.
4. Raise the right side of the tailgate until the
right side pivot clears the hanger bracket.
5. Slide the entire tailgate to the right to free the left side pivot.
6. Remove the tailgate from the vehicle.
NOTE:
Do not carry the tailgate loose in the truck
pickup box.
Locking Tailgate
The tailgate can be locked using the key fob
lock button.
TRI-FOLD TONNEAU COVER — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tri-Fold
Tonneau Cover which consists of different
features:
Easy Tri-Fold cover
Tonneau fore aft locator
Crossbar inside bed locator
Front and rear clamps
Stowage strap
Locking capability
NOTE:
The Tonneau Cover can be folded up and
secured at the front of the box without removing
it completely.
WARNING!
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is
deadly, the exhaust system on vehicles
equipped with “Cap or Slide-In Campers”
should extend beyond the overhanging
camper compartment and be free of leaks.
2

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 101

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL127
displayed. on pickup applications, and
approximately 7 gallons (26 Liters) are
required on chassis-cab applications.
Speed Limited to 5 MPH in XXX mi Refill DEF
— This message will continuously display if
the “DEF Low Refill Soon” message is
ignored, and the frequency of occurrence of
the chime will increase unless up to 2 gallons
(7.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the tank.
5 MPH Max Speed on Restart, Long Idle or
Refuel Refill DEF — This message will contin -
uously display when the counter reaches
zero, and will be accompanied by a periodic
chime.
The vehicle will only be capable of a
maximum speed of 5 MPH upon the first of
the following conditions to occur:
If the vehicle is shutoff and restarted.
If the vehicle is idled for an extended
period of time, approximately one hour or
greater.
If the system detects that the level of fuel in the tank has increased.
Add a minimum of 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) of DEF
to the tank in order to avoid vehicle operation
at a maximum speed of 5 MPH (8 km/H).

NOTE:
A minimum of 2 gallons (7.5 Liters) may be
required to restore normal vehicle operation.
Although the vehicle will start normally and can
be placed in gear after this message has been
initially displayed, extreme caution should be
utilized since the vehicle will only be capable of
maneuvering at a maximum speed of 5 MPH
(8 km/H).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault Warning
Messages
There are five different messages which are
displayed if the vehicle detects that the DEF
system has been filled with a fluid other than
DEF, has experienced component failures, or
when tampering has been detected. The vehicle
may be limited to a maximum speed of 5 MPH
(8 km/H) if the DEF system is not serviced
within less than 200 miles (322 km) of the fault
being detected.
When the DEF system needs to be serviced the
following warnings will display:
Service DEF System See Dealer — This
message will display when the fault is initially
detected, each time the vehicle is started,
and periodically during driving. The message
will be accompanied by a single chime. We
recommend you drive to your nearest autho -
rized dealer and have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible.
5 MPH Max Speed in 150 mi Service DEF
System See Dealer — This message will
display if the DEF system has not been
serviced after the “Service DEF System – See
Dealer” message is displayed. This message
will continuously display until the mileage
counter reaches zero, and will be accompa -
nied by a periodic chime. The message will
continue to countdown until it reaches zero
unless the vehicle is serviced. We recom -
mend you drive to your nearest authorized
dealer and have your vehicle serviced imme -
diately.
NOTE:
Under some circumstances this mileage
counter may start with a value of less than
150 miles (241 km). For example, if recurring
faults are detected in a time interval of less
than 40 hours, the counter may restart at the
3

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 127

130GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and
review specifications if any (load and Ignition
Off Draw currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).
The vehicle should have service performed if
the message is still present during consecu-
tive trips and the evaluation of the vehicle
and driving pattern did not help to identify the
cause.
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in
the instrument panel together with a dedicated
message and/or acoustic signal when appli -
cable. These indications are indicative and
precautionary and as such must not be consid -
ered as exhaustive. Always refer to the informa-
tion in this chapter in the event of a failure
indication. All active telltales will display first if
applicable. The system check menu may
appear different based upon equipment
options and current vehicle status. Some tell -
tales are optional and may not appear.
Red Warning Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the
driver or passenger seat belt is
unbuckled. When the ignition is first
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will
turn on. When driving, if the driver or front
passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on
continuously and a chime will sound.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information.
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault with the air bag, and
will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN posi -
tion. This light will illuminate with a single chime
when a fault with the air bag has been detected,
it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light
is either not on during startup, stays on, or turns
on while driving, have the system inspected at
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake fluid
level and parking brake application. If
the brake light turns on it may indi -
cate that the parking brake is applied, that the
brake fluid level is low, or that there is a
problem with the anti-lock brake system reser -
voir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction or that a problem with the Brake
Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 130

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL131
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required. Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two
seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the hood is ajar/open and not fully
closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This warning light warns of an over -
heated engine condition. If the engine
coolant temperature is too high, this
indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound. If the temperature reaches
the upper limit, a continuous chime will sound
for four minutes or until the engine is able to
cool; whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning
(A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
3

20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 131