2021 RAM 1500 Owners Manual

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OFF-ROAD PAGES — IF EQUIPPED .................. 307 Off-Road Pages Status Bar .......................307
Vehicle Dynamics.......................................308
Accessory Gauge........................................308
Pitch & Roll .................................................308
Suspension ................................................309
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES.... 309
Regulatory And Safety Information........... 309
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 310 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 310
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...311
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 318
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ................................................318 Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................324 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ........................................................ 327
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 334
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....334
Important Safety Precautions ...................334Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 335Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...342Child Restraints..........................................355 SAFETY TIPS ....................................................... 369
Transporting Passengers .......................... 369Transporting Pets ...................................... 369
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................ 369 Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle ........................ 371 Exhaust Gas .............................................. 371
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...................... 372IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS........................373
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .... 373
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................377 Preparations For Jacking........................... 377
Jack Location ............................................. 378
Removal Of Jack And Tools ....................... 378
Removing The Spare Tire .......................... 380Jacking Instructions ................................... 381
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ........................ 384
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............... 385
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 386
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 386Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 387
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY –
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 389
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .........................389
MANUAL PARK RELEASE .................................. 390
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................391 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................ 392
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 393
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 393
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 394
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................ 394
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ....................... 394
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE ............................................................... 395
Maintenance Plan ..................................... 395
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 399
Maintenance Plan — Diesel Fuel Up To
B5 Biodiesel .............................................. 400 Additional Maintenance — B6 To B20
Biodiesel..................................................... 403
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 404
3.6L Engine With Stop/Start .................... 404
5.7L Engine Without Stop/Start ............... 4055.7L Engine With Stop/Start..................... 406
3.0L Diesel Engine .................................... 407Checking Oil Level ..................................... 408
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 408Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 409Pressure Washing...................................... 409

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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE .................................. 409 Engine Oil — Gas Engine ...........................410
Engine Oil Filter ..........................................410Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............................411
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter —
Diesel Engine ............................................412 Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter
Replacement — Diesel Engine ..................413 Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of
Fuel — Diesel Engine .................................414 Intervention Regeneration Strategy —
Message Process Flow (Diesel Engine) ....414 Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..................................415Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................415
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection................417Body Lubrication ........................................418
Windshield Wiper Blades ..........................418
Exhaust System ........................................420
Cooling System .........................................421
Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler (Diesel
Engine)........................................................ 424 Brake System ............................................425
Automatic Transmission ...........................426
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle
Fluid Level .................................................426 Transfer Case ............................................427
FUSES .........................................................427
BULB REPLACEMENT ................................437 TIRES....................................................................443
Tire Safety Information .............................. 443
Tires — General Information ..................... 449Tire Types ................................................... 454
Spare Tires — If Equipped ......................... 455
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................... 456Snow Traction Devices .............................. 458
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............. 460
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................. 460
Treadwear .................................................. 460
Traction Grades ......................................... 461
Temperature Grades ................................. 461
STORING THE VEHICLE ......................................461
BODYWORK ........................................................ 461
Protection From Atmospheric Agents....... 461
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 462Preserving The Bodywork .......................... 462
INTERIORS ......................................................... 464
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 464
Plastic And Coated Parts ........................... 465
Leather Surfaces ....................................... 465Glass Surfaces .......................................... 466
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ................ 467
BRAKE SYSTEM ................................................ 467
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................ 467
Torque Specifications ............................... 467
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE
ENGINE ............................................................... 468
3.6L Engine ............................................... 468
5.7L Engine ................................................ 469
Reformulated Gasoline ............................. 469
Materials Added To Fuel ........................... 469
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..................... 469
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel
Vehicles ...................................................... 470 CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications .. 470Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl (MMT) In Gasoline .................. 470 Fuel System Cautions................................ 470
FUEL REQUIREMENTS – DIESEL ENGINE ....... 471
Diesel Fuel Specifications......................... 471
Biodiesel Fuel Requirements.................... 472
FLUID CAPACITIES ............................................ 474
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................ 475
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ............... 478

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CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE .................................................. 479Prepare For The Appointment ...................479Prepare A List .............................................479Be Reasonable With Requests ................. 479
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE .............................. 479
FCA US LLC Customer Center ...................479FCA Canada Inc. Customer Center ........... 480Mexico ........................................................ 480
Puerto Rico And US Virgin Islands ............480
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or
Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY) .....................480 Service Contract ........................................480 WARRANTY INFORMATION ..............................481
MOPAR® PARTS ................................................ 481
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ........................481 In The 50 United States And
Washington, D.C. ....................................... 481 In Canada ................................................... 481
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS .........................482
General Information .......................................... 482

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INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer, congratulations on the purchase of your new Ram 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, provincial 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 Úpage 234.
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 supplemented by customer-oriented documents. Within this information, you will find a description of the services that FCA US LLC
offers to its customers as well as 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
ensure 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 that is related to the trim level, engine, and version that you have purchased. Any content
introduced throughout the Owner's Information, which 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 authorized dealers know your Ram best, have factory-trained technicians and genuine MOPAR® parts, and
care about your satisfaction.

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SYMBOLS KEY
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures
that could result in a collision, bodily injury and/or death. It also contains
CAUTIONS against procedures that could result in damage to your vehicle.
If you do not read this entire Owner’s Manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not apply to body modifications or
special equipment installed by van conversion/camper manufacturers/
body builders. US residents refer to the Warranty Information, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the “What Is Not Covered” section of
the Warranty Information. Such equipment includes video monitors, DVD/
Blu-Ray™, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment installed by the
conversion/camper manufacturer should also be supplied with your
vehicle. For any additional instructions, please contact your conversion/
camper manufacturer.
To obtain dimensional and technical specifications for your vehicle, refer
to the Body Builder’s Guide at https://www.ramtrucks.com/
ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation,
which if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION! An unsafe practice which may result in personal
injury or damage to the vehicle.
NOTE: A suggestion which will improve installation,
operation, and reliability. If not followed, may
result in damage.
TIP: General ideas/solutions/suggestions on easier
use of the product or functionality.
PAGE REFERENCE
ARROW
Follow this reference for additional information
on a particular feature.
FOOTNOTE Supplementary and relevant information
pertaining to the topic.
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its
roadworthiness and safety and may lead to a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
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SYMBOL GLOSSARY
Some car components have colored labels with symbols indicating
precautions to be observed when using this component. It is important to
follow all warnings when operating your vehicle. See below for the
definition of each symbol Úpage 104.
Red Warning Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Úpage 126
Air Bag Warning Light Úpage 126
Brake Warning Light Úpage 126
Hood Open Warning Light Úpage 127
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 127
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light Úpage 128
Battery Charge Warning Light
Úpage 128
Oil Pressure Warning Light Úpage 128
Oil Temperature Warning Light Úpage 128
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light Úpage 128
Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light Úpage 129
Tailgate Open Warning Light Úpage 129
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light Úpage 129
Red Warning Lights

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Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If Equipped
Ú page 129
Door Open Warning Light Úpage 129
Yellow Warning Lights
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning
Light — If Equipped
Úpage 129
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
Ú page 129
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Ú page 130
Electronic Park Brake Warning Light Úpage 130
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light — If Equipped
Úpage 130
Red Warning Lights
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning
Light — If Equipped
Úpage 131
Service LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 131
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 131
Low Fuel Warning Light Úpage 131
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light
Ú page 131
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light Úpage 132
Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 132
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light — If Equipped
Ú page 132
Yellow Warning Lights
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Service Stop/Start System Warning Light Úpage 133
Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 133
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light Úpage 133
Yellow Indicator Lights
Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator Light —
If Equipped
Ú page 133
Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator Light — If Equipped
Úpage 133
Trailer Merge Assist Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 133
TOW/HAUL Indicator Light Úpage 133
Yellow Warning Lights
Cargo Light On Indicator Light
Úpage 133
Air Suspension Off-Road 1 Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 133
Air Suspension Off-Road 2 Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 133
Air Suspension Normal Height Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 134
Air Suspension Aerodynamic Height Indicator Light — If Equipped
Úpage 134
Entry/Exit Indicator Light — If Equipped Úpage 134
Air Suspension Ride Height Raising Indicator Light — If Equipped
Úpage 134
Yellow Indicator Lights

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