2021 RAM 1500 heating

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY389
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY – IF EQUIPPED
The fuel filling procedure in case of an
emergency is described on Ú page 208.
The vehicle is equipped with a refueling funnel.
If refueling is necessary, while using an
approved gas can, please insert the refueling
funnel into the filler neck opening.

Refueling FunnelInserting Funnel

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase
the engine idle speed while preventing
vehicle motion with the brakes.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (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 HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
7

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 389

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY391
(Continued)
3. Allow the tether to retract with the lever back to its original position.

Manual Park Release Tether

4. Verify the transmission is in PARK.
5. Confirm that the tether has retracted fully and re-install the access cover. If the access
cover cannot be reinstalled, repeat steps 1
through 4.
NOTE:
When the lever is locked in the released posi -
tion the access cover cannot be reinstalled.FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then
shift back and forth between DRIVE (D) and
REVERSE (R), while gently pressing the
accelerator. Use the least amount of
accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain
the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels
or racing the engine.
NOTE:
Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or
less. Whenever the transmission remains in
NEUTRAL (N) for more than two seconds, you
must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE or
REVERSE.
Push the “ESC OFF” switch to place the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in
“Partial OFF” mode, before rocking the vehicle
Ú page 312. Once the vehicle has been freed,
push the “ESC OFF” switch again to restore
“ESC On” mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle
and tires. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the
transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
7

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 391

392IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing
service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable,
disabled vehicles may also be towed as
described on Úpage 230. NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with the Active-Level Four
Corner Air Suspension System must be placed
in Transport mode, before tying them down
(from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck
Ú
page 165. If the vehicle cannot be placed in
Transport mode (for example, engine will not
run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles
(not to the body). Failure to follow these instruc -
tions may cause fault codes to be set and/or
cause loss of proper tie-down tension.When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels
too fast may lead to transmission over -
heating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
CAUTION! (Continued)
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The
Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
• 30 miles (48 km) max distance Detailed instruction on
Ú page 230
• Automatic Transmission in PARK
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 392

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE421
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans -
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze)
protection every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the
engine coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance,
the system should be drained, flushed and
refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the
A/C condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean
by gently spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the A/C condenser (if
equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and
tightness of the connection at the coolant
recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT. WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
8

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 421

450SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Safety Both underinflation and overinflation affect the
stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling
of sluggish response or over responsiveness in
the steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may
cause erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
abnormal wear patterns and reduced tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire
replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Overinflation produces a
jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver's side B-Pillar or rear edge of the
driver's side door.
At least once a month:
Check and adjust tire pressure with a good
quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not
make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly
inflated even when they are underinflated.
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible
damage.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are
always “cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire
inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km)
after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle
to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve
stem.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 450

485
D
Daytime Running Lights
................................... 53Dealer Service............................................... 409Defroster, Rear Window................................... 63Defroster, Windshield............................. 63, 369Deleting A Phone........................................... 275Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 137Diesel Fuel..................................................... 471Diesel Fuel Requirements............................. 471Bulk Storage Of......................................... 210Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming..................... 414Differential, Limited Slip................................ 174Disable Vehicle Towing.................................. 392Disc Drive...................................................... 268Disconnecting................................................ 275Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 423Disturb........................................................... 278Door Ajar........................................................ 129Door Ajar Light............................................... 129Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 30Doors............................................................... 27Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 412Driver Memory Presets.................................. 265Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 34DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..................................... 234Dual Rear Wheels.......................................... 467
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 311Anti-Lock Brake System............................ 310Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 312, 318Electric Parking Brake................................... 151Electrical Power Outlets................................... 74Electronic Range Select (ERS)...................... 159Electronic Stability Control (ESC).................. 312Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 128Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.... 161, 163Emergency Braking....................................... 327Emergency Gas Can Refueling...................... 389Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 391Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 373Jump Starting........................................... 386Emission Control System Maintenance........ 138Engine........................................................... 404Air Cleaner................................................ 411Block Heater............................................. 150Break-In Recommendations..................... 150Compartment................404, 405, 406, 407Compartment Identification.............404, 405, 406, 407Coolant (Antifreeze).................................. 475Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 371, 372Fails To Start............................................ 144Flooded, Starting...................................... 144Fuel Requirements.......................... 468, 474Idling........................................................ 148
Jump Starting........................................... 386Oil...........................................410, 474, 475Oil Filler Cap............................................. 404Oil Filter.................................................... 410Oil Selection..................................... 410, 474Oil Synthetic.............................................. 410Overheating.............................................. 389Starting............................................ 143, 144Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................ 353, 394Entry System, Illuminated................................58Ethanol.......................................................... 469Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 371, 372Exhaust System................................... 371, 420Exterior Lighting...............................................52Exterior Lights........................................ 52, 371
F
Family Alerts................................................. 300FiltersAir Cleaner................................................ 411Air Conditioning................................. 67, 415Engine Fuel............................................... 412Engine Oil........................................ 410, 475Engine Oil Disposal................................... 410FlashersTurn Signals.............................. 55, 136, 371Flash-To-Pass...................................................54Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 384Fluid Capacities............................................ 474
11

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 485

488
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check
Engine)
.......................................................... 130Manual Service...................................................... 482Media Hub....................................................... 72Media Mode.................................................. 268Memory Seat................................................... 32Memory Settings............................................. 32Methanol....................................................... 469Mirrors............................................................. 44Electric Powered......................................... 47Heated........................................................ 48Memory....................................................... 32Outside........................................................ 46Rearview..................................... 44, 45, 373Trailer Towing.............................................. 48Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................ 11Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 327Mopar Parts................................................... 481MP3 Control.................................................... 72Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 53
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 150, 151
O
Occupant Restraints...................................... 334Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............ 468, 469Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road).................... 235
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)................... 235Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 410Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 410Oil Pressure Light.......................................... 128Oil, Engine............................................ 410, 475Capacity.................................................... 474Dipstick.................................................... 408Disposal................................................... 410Filter................................................ 410, 475Filter Disposal........................................... 410Identification Logo.................................... 410Materials Added To.................................. 410Pressure Warning Light............................ 128Recommendation............................ 410, 474Synthetic.................................................. 410Viscosity................................................... 474Onboard Diagnostic System.......................... 137Operating Precautions.................................. 137Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 482Outside Rearview Mirrors................................ 46Overheating, Engine...................................... 389
P
Paint Care..................................................... 461Parking Brake............................................... 151ParkSense Active Park Assist........................ 195ParkSense System, Rear.............................. 189Passive Entry................................................... 28Pedals, Adjustable........................................... 43
Pets............................................................... 369Phone Mode.................................................. 271Pickup Box................................................90, 92Pinch Protection........................................81, 83Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 447PowerDistribution Center (Fuses).............. 428, 432Door Locks...................................................28Mirrors.........................................................47Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)..........74, 75Seats...........................................................36Side Steps...................................................28Sliding Rear Window....................................79Steering............................................. 47, 174Sunroof.................................................80, 82Windows......................................................77Power SeatsDown...........................................................36Forward.......................................................36Rearward.....................................................36Recline.........................................................37Tilt................................................................37Up................................................................36Pregnant Women And Seat Belts.................. 340Presets.......................................................... 265PretensionersSeat Belts................................................. 340

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 488