GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE33
Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the
operator to manually activate or deactivate the
air conditioning system. When the air condi -
tioning system is turned on, cool dehumidified
air will flow through the outlets into the cabin.
For improved fuel economy, press the A/C
button to turn off the air conditioning and manu -
ally adjust the blower and airflow mode settings.
Also, make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level or
Floor modes.
NOTE:
For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is
in Mix, Floor or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be
turned off, but the A/C system shall remain
active to prevent fogging of the windows.
If fog or mist appears on the windshield or
side glass, select Defrost mode, and increase
blower speed if needed.
If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the
A/C condenser (located in front of the radi -
ator), for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Clean with a gentle water spray from the front
of the radiator and through the condenser.
Recirculation
In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recircu -
lation feature may be unavailable if conditions
exist that could create fogging on the inside of
the windshield. On systems with Manual
Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not
allowed in Defrost mode to improve window
clearing operation. Recirculation is disabled
automatically if this mode is selected.
Attempting to use Recirculation while in this
mode causes the LED in the control button to
blink and then turns off.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50%
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant that
meets the requirements of FCA Material Stan -dard MS.90032 and 50% water is recom
-
mended. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for proper coolant
selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter
months is not recommended because it may
cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high blower
setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri -
cation to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly
removed by turning the mode selector to
Defrost. The Defrost/Floor mode can be used to
maintain a clear windshield and provide suffi -
cient heating. If side window fogging becomes a
problem increase blower speed. Vehicle
windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
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34GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods, as fogging may occur.Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in
front of the windshield, is free of obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air
intake may reduce airflow, and if they enter the
plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear
of ice, slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air
containing dust, pollen and some odors. Strong
odors cannot be totally filtered out. Refer to
“Dealer Service” in “Servicing and Mainte -
nance” for filter replacement instructions.
Operating Tips Chart
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
Use care when washing the inside of the
rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the
window. Use a soft cloth and a mild
washing solution, wiping parallel to the
heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.WEATHER CONTROL
SETTINGS
Hot Weather And
Vehicle Interior Is Very
Hot Set the mode control
to , on, and
blower on high. Roll
down the windows for
a minute to flush out
the hot air. Adjust the
controls as needed to
achieve comfort.
Warm Weather
Turn on and set
the mode control to
the position.
Cool Sunny Operate in
position.
Cool & Humid
Conditions Set the mode control
to and turn on
to keep windows
clear.
Cold Weather Set the mode control to the position. If
windshield fogging
starts to occur, move
the control to the
position.
WEATHERCONTROL
SETTINGS
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE35
WINDOWS
Power Windows
The control on the left front door panel has
up-down switches that give you fingertip control
of all power windows. There is a single opening
and closing switch on the front passenger door
for passenger window control.
Power Window Switches
NOTE:
The Key Off Power Delay feature will allow the
power windows to operate for up to three
minutes after the ignition is placed in the STOP
(OFF/LOCK) position. This feature is cancelled
when either front door is opened.
Auto-Down Feature — If Equipped
The window switches may be equipped with an
Auto-Down feature. Push the window switch for
half a second, release, and the window will go
down automatically.
To stop the window from going all the way down
during the auto-down operation, pull up or push
down on the switch briefly.
To open the window part way, lift the window
switch to the detent for less than half a second
and release it to stop the window. NOTE:
The power window switches remain active for
up to three minutes after the ignition switch has
been placed in the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position.
Opening either of the vehicle’s front doors will
cancel this feature.
Auto-Up Feature — If Equipped
The driver window may be equipped with an
Auto-Up feature. This feature is only available
when the ignition is in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
position. Lift the window switch to the detent for
half a second, release, and the window will go
up automatically.
To stop the window from going all the way up
during the auto-up operation, pull up/push
down on the switch briefly.
To close the window part way, lift the window
switch to the detent for less than half a second
and release it when you want the window to
stop.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat
-
tended 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.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle or in a location accessible to chil -
dren. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
There is no auto-reverse protection. Be sure
to clear all objects from the window before
closing.
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36GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Window Bar Grates — If Equipped
This vehicle may be equipped with metal grates
over the side door windows. This feature is a
part of the vehicle’s safety system, and is
designed to protect you and your passengers in
the event of an accident.
Window Bar Grates
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the percep -
tion of pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type
sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind
buffeting with the windows down, or the sunroof
(if equipped) in certain open or partially open
positions. This is a normal occurrence and can
be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the
rear windows open, open the front and rear
windows together to minimize the buffeting. If
the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open,
adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the
buffeting or open any window.
HOOD
Opening
To open the hood, two latches must be
released.
1. Open the driver’s door to gain access to the hood release lever. Pull the hood release
lever located on the side of the instrument
panel. Hood Release
2. Move to the outside of the vehicle, reach into the opening beneath the center of the
hood and push the safety latch lever to the
right to release it, before raising the hood.
Hood Safety Latch Lever Location
WARNING!
The metal grates over the sliding door
windows are designed to protect you in the
event of an accident. Modification or removal
of the grates could lead to serious injury or
death.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE37
3. Raise the hood and place the hood prop rod
in hood slot to secure the hood in the open
position.
Hood Prop Rod Slot
ClosingCARGO AREA FEATURES
The cargo area may be equipped with different
options such as optional side panels, rear seats
and an optional floor.
INTERNAL EQUIPMENT
Storage
Glove Compartments
The glove compartment is located on the
passenger side of the instrument panel and
features both an upper and lower storage area. Glove Compartments
Front Door Storage — If Equipped
Storage areas and bottle holders are located in
both the front door trim panels.
Front Door Storage
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before
driving your vehicle. If the hood is not fully
latched, it could open when the vehicle is in
motion and block your vision. Failure to follow
this warning could result in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage:
Before closing hood, make sure the hood
prop rod is fully seated into its storage
retaining clips.
Do not slam the hood to close it. Use a firm
downward push at the center front edge of
the hood to ensure that both latches
engage. Never drive your vehicle unless the
hood is fully closed, with both latches
engaged.
1 — Upper Glove Compartment
2 — Lower Glove Compartment
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38GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Dash Storage
The dash storage is located on the right side of
the instrument panel.
Dash Storage
Dashboard Clipboard
Located on top of the dashboard is a clipboard
and two storage bins on each side of the clip -
board. Clipboard And Storage Bins
Underseat Storage Tray (Driver Side Only) — If
Equipped
A storage tray is located under the driver’s seat.
To remove the tray, lift up on the tray to with -
draw it from the hooks on the support base,
then slide the tray out from under the seat.
Underseat Storage TrayCupholders
The cupholders for the driver’s and passenger’s
area are located near the floor just under the
center stack storage compartment. There are
cupholders located in each door panel as well
as one single cupholder located to the right of
the manual climate controls. Cupholders
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE39
Power Outlets
Passenger Compartment Power Outlet
The power outlet is located on the instrument
panel passenger compartment near the cup
holder. It only operates with the ignition key at
MAR (ACC/ON/RUN).
Passenger Compartment Power Outlet Load Compartment Power Outlet — If Equipped
The load compartment power outlet is located
in rear cargo compartment. The outlet can be is
used for powering 12 Volt adaptive accessories
and recharging communications devices.
Load Compartment Power Outlet
NOTE:
Do not connect devices with power higher than
180 W to the socket. Do not damage the socket
by using unsuitable adaptors. Power Outlet Fuses — Under Hood
1 — F14 Fuse 20 Amp Yellow Front Power Outlet
2 — F09 Fuse 15 Amp Blue Rear Power Outlet
WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
Only devices designed for use in this type of
outlet should be inserted into any 12 Volt
outlet.
Do not touch with wet hands.
Close the lid when not in use and while
driving the vehicle.
If this outlet is mishandled, it may cause an
electric shock and failure.
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40GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Auxiliary Switches — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with two auxiliary
switches located on the instrument panel to the
left of the steering column which can be used to
power various electronic devices. Connections
to the switches are found in the right central
pillar fuse panel at the base of the passenger
side B-pillar.
Auxiliary Upfitter Switches Auxiliary Switch 1 is configured to constant
battery feed, while Auxiliary Switch 2 is config
-
ured to ignition feed.
For further information on using the auxiliary
switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builders
Guide by accessing www.rambodybuilder.com
and choosing the appropriate links.CAUTION!
Many accessories that can be plugged in
draw power from the vehicle's battery, even
when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the
vehicle's battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent the
engine from starting.
Accessories that draw higher power (i.e.,
coolers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.) will
degrade the battery even more quickly.
Only use these intermittently and with
greater caution.
After the use of high power draw accesso -
ries, or long periods of the vehicle not being
started (with accessories still plugged in),
the vehicle must be driven a sufficient
length of time to allow the generator to
recharge the vehicle's battery.
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