2021 RAM 1500 warning light

82GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
DUAL PANE POWER SUNROOF — IF
E
QUIPPED
The power sunroof switches are located on the
overhead console between the courtesy/
reading lights.

Power Sunroof Switches

Opening And Closing The Sunroof
The sunroof has two programmed automatic
stops for the sunroof open position; a comfort
stop position and a full open position. The
comfort stop position has been optimized to
minimize wind buffeting.
Express Open/Close
Push the switch rearward and release it within
one-half second and the sunroof will open
automatically from any position. The sunroof
will open fully and stop automatically.
Push the switch forward and release it within
one-half second and the sunroof will close
automatically from any position. The sunroof
will close fully and stop automatically.
During Express Open or Express Close
operation, any other movement of the sunroof
switch will stop the sunroof.
1 — Opening/Closing Sunroof
2 — Venting Sunroof
3 — Opening/Closing Sunshade
WARNING!
Never leave children unattended in a
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Never leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle, or in a location accessible to
children. Do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. Occupants,
particularly unattended children, can
become entrapped by the power sunroof
while operating the power sunroof switch.
Such entrapment may result in serious
injury or death.
In a collision, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof.
You could also be seriously injured or killed.
Always fasten your seat belt properly and
make sure all passengers are also properly
secured.
Do not allow small children to operate the
sunroof. Never allow your fingers, other
body parts, or any object, to project through
the sunroof opening. Injury may result.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE85
TO CLOSE THE HOOD
Hoods equipped with gas props are closed from
the point where the props no longer hold the
hood open.
TAILGATE
OPENING
The tailgate may be opened by pushing the
tailgate release pad located on the tailgate
door.
The tailgate damper strut will lower the tailgate
to the open position (if equipped).
Electronic Tailgate Release — If Equipped
The key fob may be equipped with an
electronic release feature for the
tailgate, allowing hands-free tailgate
opening. To activate, push and
release the Tailgate Release button on the key
fob twice within five seconds. The tailgate door
will unlatch, and slowly lower into the open
position.
If equipped, a button on the center overhead
console inside the vehicle can be used to
release the tailgate. An indicator light may also
signal when the tailgate is open.
For the tailgate to lower, the vehicle must be
stationary and in PARK or NEUTRAL. NOTE:
The optional Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
Úpage 97
may prevent electronic tailgate release. The
Tonneau Cover must be removed or folded up
before releasing the tailgate.
CLOSING
To close the tailgate, push it upward until both
sides are securely latched.
LOCKING TAILGATE
The tailgate can be locked using the key fob
lock button.
MULTIFUNCTION TAILGATE — IF
E
QUIPPED
The 60/40 multifunction tailgate has two swing
doors to allow for closer access to the pickup
box with the doors open.
Opening
The tailgate must be latched closed to open the
swing doors. Push the paddle down, then pull
the release handle beneath the tailgate
lowering handle. This opens the 60 split door.
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, do not slam the
hood to close it. Use a firm downward push at
the front center of the hood to ensure that
both latches engage.
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE89
10. Raise the tailgate slightly, and remove the
support cables by releasing the lock tang
from the pivot.
NOTE:
Make sure tailgate is supported by you and/or a
second person when removing support cables.

Locking Tang

11. Remove the tailgate from the vehicle.
NOTE:
Do not carry the tailgate loose in the truck
pickup box.
If the tailgate is closed with the wire harness
disconnected, the tailgate can only be
opened by removing the inside panel and
unlatching the locking mechanism manually.
BED STEP — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with an
extendable bed step on the driver’s side of the
tailgate to provide easier entry and exit into the
truck bed.

Bed Step Location Bed Step Components

To extend the bed step, place your foot on the
protruding foot tab located on the left edge of
the bed step, and push rearward. A small
amount of force will release the spring load, and
extend the bed step out and away from the
tailgate.
NOTE:
Once the spring load is overcome, the bed step
will extend out quickly, so be sure to stand in a
position that will avoid coming into contact with
the step as it extends.
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.
1 — Bed Step
2 — Foot Tab
2

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94GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
The interior of the RamBox will automatically
illuminate when the lid is opened. The timing
can be adjusted within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 237.
Cargo bins feature two removable drain plugs
(to allow water to drain from bins). To remove
plug, pull up on the edge. To install, push plug
downward into drain hole.

RamBox Drain Plug Removal
NOTE:
Provisions are provided in the bins for cargo
dividers. These accessories (in addition to other
RamBox accessories) are available from Mopar.
If equipped, a 115 Volt (400 Watts Maximum)
inverter may be located inside the RamBox of
your vehicle. The inverter can be turned on by
the Instrument Panel Power Inverter switch
located to the left of the steering wheel. The
RamBox inverter can power cellular phones,
electronics and other low power devices
requiring power up to 400 Watts. Certain
high-end video game consoles exceed this
power limit, as will most power tools.

RamBox Power Inverter
The Instrument Panel Power Inverter switch is
only found on vehicles equipped with a
RamBox. The switch only controls on/off
operation of the power outlet in the RamBox; it
does not control on/off operation of the power
outlets located inside the cabin of the vehicle.

Instrument Panel Power Inverter Switch

RAMBOX SAFETY WARNING
Carefully follow these warnings to help prevent
personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
CAUTION!
Leaving the lid open for extended periods of
time could cause the vehicle battery to dis -
charge. If the lid is required to stay open for
extended periods of time, it is recommended
that the bin lights be turned off manually
using the on/off switch.
WARNING!
Always close the storage bin covers when
your vehicle is unattended.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 94

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE97
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
Information Truck-Camper Loading” document
available online at ramtrucks.com. For safety
reasons, follow all instructions in this
document.
NOTE:
When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a
vehicle, an alternate Center High Mounted Stop
Light (CHMSL) must be provided.
TRI-FOLD TONNEAU COVER — IF EQUIPPED
The Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover can be installed on
the truck bed to protect your gear and cargo.
TONNEAU COVER COMPONENTS

Folded Tonneau Components Tonneau Cover Latch Components

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.
1 – Stowage Strap
2 – Tonneau Bumper Folded
1 — Handle
2 — Slide Locking Lever
3 — Locating Bumper
4 — Truck Flange Bead
5 — Latch Bumper
6 — J Hook
2

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110GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
BASE / MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS — DIESEL

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 Úpage 114.
Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

The display always show one of the main
menu item after ignition on.
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.
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 Ú page 423.
WARNING!
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.1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL111
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The gauge 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 door
is located. 7. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
DEF is required to maintain normal
vehicle operation and emissions compli
-
ance. If something is wrong with the
gauge, a DEF Warning Message or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will be
displayed Ú page 123.
NOTE:
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 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 12°F (-11°C). The DEF line
heater will possibly 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.
Outside temperature can affect DEF
consumption. In cold conditions, 12°F
(-11°C) and below, the DEF gauge needle
can stay on a fixed position and may not
move for extended periods of time. This is a
normal function of the system.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL113
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS — DIESEL

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 Ú page 114.

Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

The display always show one of the main
menu item after ignition on. 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.
5. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
DEF is required to maintain normal
vehicle operation and emissions compli -
ance. If something is wrong with the
gauge, a DEF Warning Message or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will be
displayed Ú page 123.
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 2,000 miles in some
cases.
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of 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 12°F (-11°C). The DEF line
heater will possibly 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.
Outside temperature can affect DEF
consumption. In cold conditions, 12°F
(-11°C) and below, the DEF gauge needle
can stay on a fixed position and may not
move for extended periods of time. This is a
normal function of the system.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

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