2020 Ram 2500 four wheel drive

5
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GAS ENGINE ......... 211Automatic Transmission ............................211
Tip Start Feature .......................................211
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ...................211
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button ...............................................212 Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or
−30°C) ......................................................215 After Starting ..............................................215
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE..... 215
Automatic Transmission ............................215
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ...................216
Extreme Cold Weather...............................218
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine
Manifold Air Temperature Above 66° F
(19° C)........................................................ 218 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to
19°C) ..........................................................219 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) ..............220 Starting Fluids ............................................221 NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ........221
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 222
Engine Idling ............................................. 224
Noise........................................................... 225
Stopping The Engine ................................. 225
Idle Shutdown ............................................ 226
Programmable Maximum Vehicle
Speed ......................................................... 226 Operating Precautions............................... 226
Cooling System Tips .................................. 226
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — GAS ENGINE (IF
EQUIPPED) ..........................................................227
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — DIESEL ENGINE (IF
EQUIPPED) ......................................................... 227
Block Heater Usage ................................... 228
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS — GAS
ENGINE ................................................................ 228
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE...................................................228
PARKING BRAKE ............................................... 229
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE — ENGINE BRAKING
(IF EQUIPPED) ....................................................230
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ........................... 231
Ignition Park Interlock ............................... 232
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System ....................................................... 232 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .................................................... 233 Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .................................................... 237
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ........... 243
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION ........................ 243
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 244
Four-Position Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case — If Equipped ................................... 244
Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped ................................................. 247
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED.... 250
Description ................................................. 250
Air Suspension Modes .............................. 251
Instrument Cluster Display Messages ..... 251
Operation ................................................... 251
AXLE LOCKER SYSTEM — POWER WAGON
MODELS ONLY (IF EQUIPPED) ......................... 252
STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLY .................................................... 253

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7
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............. 302 AUX Camera — If Equipped .......................304
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED ........................................................... 305
AUX Camera — If Equipped .......................311
ENGINE RUNAWAY — DIESEL ENGINE ............ 312
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GAS ENGINE ..... 312
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................313
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL
ENGINE ............................................................... 313
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................314
VEHICLE LOADING ............................................. 317
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......317
Payload .......................................................317
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............317
Tire Size ......................................................317
Rim Size......................................................318
Inflation Pressure ......................................318
Curb Weight................................................318
Loading .......................................................318
TRAILER TOWING .............................................. 318
Common Towing Definitions .....................318
Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight.........................................................322 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..........................................323 Trailer And Tongue Weight ........................ 323
Towing Requirements ...............................323
Towing Tips ................................................328 SNOWPLOW ....................................................... 329
Before Plowing ........................................... 329
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 330 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached ..................................................... 330 Operating Tips ............................................ 330
General Maintenance................................ 330
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) .......................................... 331
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 331 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 331 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 332
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 335
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 335
Driving Through Water .............................. 335
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................. 336
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS........................338
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED..... 338
General Information .................................. 342 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...................... 342
Jack Location ............................................. 343
Removal Of Jack And Tools....................... 343
Removing The Spare Tire .......................... 345
Preparations For Jacking .......................... 346
Jacking Instructions................................... 347
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ....................... 350
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............... 352
Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped ... 352
FUSES .................................................................. 353
Power Distribution Center ........................ 354
JUMP STARTING ............................................... 362
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 363
Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 363
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE — 6–SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 365
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8 – SPEED
TRANSMISSION ................................................ 366
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 367
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 367
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................ 369
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 370
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 370
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 371

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11
INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer, congratulations on selecting
your new vehicle. Be assured that it represents
precision workmanship, distinctive styling, and
high quality.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go
places and perform tasks that are not intended
for conventional passenger vehicles. It handles
and maneuvers differently from many
passenger vehicles both on-road and off-road,
so take time to become familiar with your
vehicle. If equipped, the two-wheel drive version
of this vehicle was designed for on-road use
only. It is not intended for off-road driving or use
in other severe conditions suited for a
four-wheel drive vehicle. Before you start to
drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s Manual. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering,
transmission, and transfer case shifting. Learn
how your vehicle handles on different road
surfaces. Your driving skills will improve with
experience. When driving off-road, or working
the vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect
the vehicle to overcome the natural laws of
physics. Always observe federal, state, provin-cial and local laws wherever you drive. As with
other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
a collision. Refer to the “Driving Tips” in
“Starting and Operating” for further informa
-
tion.
This Owner's Manual has been prepared with
the assistance of service and engineering
specialists to acquaint you with the operation
and maintenance of your vehicle. It is supple -
mented by Warranty Information, and
customer-oriented documents. Within this infor -
mation, you will find a description of the
services that FCA US LLC offers to its
customers, the vehicle's warranty coverage,
and the details of the terms and conditions for
maintaining its validity. Please take the time to
read all of these publications carefully before
driving your vehicle for the first time. Following
the instructions, recommendations, tips, and
important warnings in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your
vehicle. This Owner's Manual describes all versions of
this vehicle. Options and equipment dedicated
to specific markets or versions are not expressly
indicated in the text. Therefore, you should only
consider the information which is related to the
trim level, engine, and version that you have
purchased. Any content introduced throughout
the Owner's Information, that may or may not be
applicable to your vehicle, will be identified with
the wording “If Equipped”. All data contained in
this publication are intended to help you use
your vehicle in the best possible way. FCA US
LLC aims at a constant improvement of the
vehicles produced. For this reason, it reserves
the right to make changes to the model
described for technical and/or commercial
reasons. For further information, contact an
authorized dealer.
When it comes to service, remember that an
authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has
factory-trained technicians and genuine
MOPAR® parts, and cares about your satisfac
-
tion.1

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136GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi -
mately one minute and then remain continu -
ously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This warning light monitors the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The
light will turn on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning
Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the igni
-
tion is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position, have the brake system inspected by an
authorized dealer.
Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate when a rear axle locker fault
has been detected.
Refer to “Axle Locker System — Power
Wagon Models Only (If Equipped)” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type,
and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire
sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.

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138GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Diesel Exhaust Brake Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the Diesel Exhaust Brake has
been activated, and is in full strength
mode.
Refer to “Diesel Exhaust Brake (Engine
Braking)” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Sway Bar Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the front sway bar is discon -
nected.
Refer to “Stabilizer/Sway Bar System — Power
Wagon Only” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
Snowplow Mode Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when Snowplow Mode has been acti -
vated.
Refer to “Snowplow” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” for further information.
Air Suspension Alternate Trailer Height
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the air
suspension system is set to the Alter -
nate Trailer Height setting.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
Air Suspension Bed Lowering Mode Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the Bed
Lowering Mode procedure is
complete.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
Air Suspension Ride Height Raising Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver
that the vehicle is changing to a
higher ride height.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
Air Suspension Ride Height Lowering
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will blink and alert the driver
that the vehicle is changing to a lower
ride height.
Refer to “Air Suspension System — If Equipped”
in “Starting And Operating” for further informa -
tion.
Front And Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the front,
rear, or both axles have been locked.
The telltale will display the lock icon
on the front and rear axles to indicate
the current lock status.
Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light
This light indicates when the rear axle
lock has been activated.
Refer to “Four Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL139
4WD Lock Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive LOCK
mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information
on four-wheel drive operation and proper use.
4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive LOW
mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Low range provides a greater gear
reduction ratio to provide increased torque at
the wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information on four-wheel drive opera -
tion and proper use.
4WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive HIGH
mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed.
NEUTRAL Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
4WD power transfer case is in the
NEUTRAL mode and the front and rear
driveshafts are disengaged from the
powertrain.
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Indicator
Light — If Equipped
The Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Indicator will illuminate if the vehicle
is low on Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
Refer to “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
Wait To Start Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the
ignition is turned to the RUN position.
Its duration may be longer based on colder operating conditions. Vehicle will not
initiate start until telltale is no longer displayed.
Refer to “Starting The Engine” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
NOTE:
The “Wait To Start” telltale may not illuminate if
the intake manifold temperature is warm
enough.
Water In Fuel Indicator Light — If Equipped
The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will
illuminate when there is water
detected in the fuel filter. If this light
remains on, DO NOT start the vehicle
before you drain the water from the fuel filter to
prevent engine damage.
Refer to the “Draining Fuel/Water Separator
Filter” section in “Dealer Service” in “Servicing
And Maintenance” for further information.
3

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SAFETY165

Example: Tire Pressure Monitoring Display

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
uses wireless technology with wheel rim
mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle
monthly and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following compo -
nents:
Receiver module
Four Tire Pressure Monitoring sensors
Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System
messages, which display in the instrument
cluster
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure
Warnings
The “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Warning Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster when tire pressure
is low in one or more of the four active
road tires. In addition, the instrument cluster
will display a graphic showing the pressure
values of each tire with the low tire pressure
values in a different color. An "Inflate to XX"
message will also be displayed.

Example: Low Tire Pressure Display
Should this occur, you should stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tires with a low pressure
condition (those in a different color in the instru
-
ment cluster graphic) to the vehicle’s recom-
mended cold placard pressure inflation value
as shown in the "Inflate to XX" message. Once
the system receives the updated tire pressures,
the system will automatically update, the
graphic display in the instrument cluster will
return to its original color, and the “Tire Pres -
sure Monitoring Telltale Light” will turn off. The
vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order
for the TPMS to receive this information.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
need to be increased up to an additional 4 psi
(28 kPa) above the recommended cold placard
pressure in order to turn the Tire Pressure Moni -
toring Warning Light off.
Service TPMS Warning
If a system fault is detected, the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Warning Light” will flash on and off
for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. In
addition, the instrument cluster will display a
"SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message for a
4

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182SAFETY
The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system even
if the battery loses power or it becomes discon -
nected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in
the instrument panel for approximately four to
eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition
switch is first in the ON/RUN position. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn
off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part
of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light, either momentarily or continuously. A
single chime will sound to alert you if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illu-
minate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could
affect the air bag system. The diagnostics also
record the nature of the malfunction. While the
air bag system is designed to be maintenance
free, if any of the following occurs, have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the
ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN position.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after
the four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermit -
tently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be
disabled. In this condition the air bags may not
be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning
Light is detected, which could affect
the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS), the Redundant Air Bag Warning
Light will illuminate on the instrument panel.
The Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will stay
on until the fault is cleared. In addition, a single
chime will sound to alert you that the Redun -
dant Air Bag Warning Light has come on and a
fault has been detected. If the Redundant Air
Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving have an authorized
dealer service the vehicle immediately.
For additional information regarding the Redun -
dant Air Bag Warning Light refer to “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” section of this
manual.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder
belts for both the driver and front passenger.
The front air bags are a supplement to the seat
belt restraint systems. The driver front air bag is
mounted in the center of the steering wheel.
The passenger front air bag is mounted in the
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t have
the air bag system to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as a
bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it
comes on as you drive, have an authorized
dealer service the air bag system
immediately.

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