2020 Ram 2500 warning

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.

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100GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
SLIDE-IN CAMPERS
Camper Applications
Certain truck models are not recommended for
slide-in campers. To determine if your vehicle is
excluded, please refer to the “Consumer Infor -
mation Truck-Camper Loading” document at
www.ramtrucks.com . For safety reasons, follow
all instructions in this important document.
NOTE:
When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate Center High-Mounted Stop
Light (CHMSL) must be provided.
EASY-OFF TAILGATE
To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an
overhang, the tailgate can be removed.
NOTE:
The electric connector at the bottom of the tail -
gate must be disconnected prior to removing
the tailgate.
Disconnecting The Rear Camera And
Remote Keyless Entry

1. Open the tailgate to access the rear camera or Remote Keyless Entry
connector bracket located on the rear sill.

Connector Bracket

2. Remove the connector bracket from the sill by pushing inward in the locking tab.
Locking Tab

3. Disconnect the chassis wiring harness, ensuring the connector bracket does not
fall into the sill.
4. Connect the chassis plug and bracket (provided in the glove compartment) to the
chassis wiring harness and insert the
bracket back into the sill.
5. Connect the tailgate plug (provided in the glove compartment) to the tailgate wiring
harness to ensure that the terminals do not
corrode.
6. Tape the tailgate harness and bracket against the forward-facing surface of the
tailgate. This will prevent damaging the
connector and bracket when storing or rein -
stalling the tailgate.
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.

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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

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL109
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Gas Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Voltmeter
When the vehicle is in the RUN state, the gauge indicates the electrical system
voltage. The pointer should stay within
the normal range if the battery is
charged. If the pointer moves to either
extreme left or right and remains there
during normal driving, the electrical
system should be serviced.
3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion. 4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate the oil
pressure when the engine is running. A
continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme -
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when 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.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. 7. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant
temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge 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. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
3

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112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Gas Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when 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. Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
5. Temperature Gauge
The gauge pointer shows engine coolant temperature. The pointer positioned
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge 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. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to the warnings under
“Cooling System Pressure Cap” in see
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
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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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Base Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Diesel Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Engine Coolant Temperature
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. The gauge pointer will likely
show higher temperatures when driving
in hot weather, up mountain grades, or in
heavy stop and go traffic. If the red
Warning Light turns on while driving,
safely bring the vehicle to a stop, and
turn off the engine. DO NOT operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected. 3. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion. 4. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some
oil pressure when the engine is running.
A continuous high or low reading under
normal driving conditions may indicate a
lubrication system malfunction. Imme -
diate service should be obtained from an
authorized dealer.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel filler
door is located.
Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads greater “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 PANEL115
7. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is required to
maintain normal vehicle operation and
emissions compliance. If something is
wrong with the gauge, a DEF Warning
Message or Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) will be displayed. More information
is available in the instrument cluster
display section under the heading of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning
Messages. NOTE:The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to the DEF tank. If
you have a fault related to the DEF system,
the gauge may not update to the new level.
See an authorized dealer for service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
heater will warm up the DEF fluid and allow
the gauge to update after a period of run
time. Under very cold conditions, it is possible
that the gauge may not reflect the new fill
level for several drives.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL117
Premium Instrument Cluster Descriptions —
Diesel Engine

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further informa -
tion.
3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel filler
door is located. Refer to “Refueling The Vehicle — Gas
Engine” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
5. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is required to
maintain normal vehicle operation and
emissions compliance. If something is
wrong with the gauge, a DEF Warning
Message or Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) will be displayed. More information
is available in the instrument cluster
display section under the heading of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning
Messages.
NOTE:
The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed
with a large amount of full reserve. So the
level sensor will indicate a full reading even
before the tank is completely full. To put it
another way, there’s additional storage
capacity in the tank above the Full mark
that’s not represented in the gauge. You may
not see any movement in the reading – even after driving up to 200 miles (322 kilome
-
ters) in some cases.
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to the DEF tank. If
you have a fault related to the DEF system,
the gauge may not update to the new level.
See an authorized dealer for service.
The DEF gauge may also not immediately
update after a refill if the temperature of the
DEF fluid is below 39°F (4°C). The DEF tank
heater will warm up the DEF fluid and allow
the gauge to update after a period of run
time. Under very cold conditions, it is possible
that the gauge may not reflect the new fill
level for several drives.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle will be equipped with an instru -
ment cluster display, which offers useful infor -
mation to the driver. With the ignition in the OFF
mode, opening/closing of a door will activate
the display for viewing, and display the total
miles, or kilometers, in the odometer. Your
instrument cluster display is designed to display
important information about your vehicle’s
systems and features. Using a driver interactive
3

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