2021 RAM 1500 air condition

172STARTING AND OPERATING
OPERATION

Air Suspension Switch

The indicator lamps 1 through 4 will illuminate
to show the current position of the vehicle.
Flashing indicator lamps will show a position
which the system is working to achieve. When
raising or lowering, the flashing indicator lamp
is the position the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector switch up once will
move the suspension one position higher from
the current position, assuming all conditions
are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, speed below threshold, etc). The
height selector switch can be pushed up
multiple times, each push will raise the
requested level by one position up to a maximum position of OR or the highest position
allowed based on current conditions (i.e.
vehicle speed, etc).
Pushing the height selector switch down once
will move the suspension one position lower
from the current level, assuming all conditions
are met (i.e. key in ON/RUN position, engine
running, doors closed, speed below threshold,
etc). The height selector switch can be pushed
down multiple times, each push will lower the
requested level by one position down to a
minimum of Entry/Exit Mode or the lowest
position allowed based on current conditions
(i.e. vehicle speed, etc.)
Automatic height changes will occur based on
vehicle speed and the current vehicle height.
The indicator lamps and instrument cluster
display messages will operate the same for
automatic changes and user requested
changes.
Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, 2,
and 1 will be illuminated when the vehicle is
in OR1.
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps
4, 3, and 2 will be illuminated when the
vehicle is in this position.
Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 3 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in this posi
-
tion.

Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 4 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in Entry Exit
Mode. Entry/Exit mode can be requested up
to 33 mph (53 km/h). If vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 3 will flash and
indicator lamp 4 will remain solid until
Entry/Exit Mode is achieved at which point
indicator lamp 3 will turn off.

Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Transport Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 1 will
be illuminated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by
driving the vehicle.
Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 2,
3, and 4 will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment
Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle.

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STARTING AND OPERATING175
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine's eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The
system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required.
NOTE:
This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to save
fuel and reduce emissions. The system will stop
the engine automatically during a vehicle stop if
the required conditions are met. Releasing the
brake pedal or shifting out of DRIVE will
automatically restart the engine.
Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a
heavy duty motor generator and an additional
hybrid electric battery to store energy from
vehicle deceleration for use on engine startup
after a stop as well as providing launch torque
assist.
AUTOSTOP MODE

The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every
normal customer engine start. It will remain in
STOP/START NOT READY until you drive
forward with a vehicle speed greater than
2 mph (3 km/h). At that time, the system will
go into STOP/START READY.

To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:

1. The system must be in STOP/START READY
state. A STOP/START READY message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster
within the Stop/Start section
Ú
page 114.

2. The vehicle must be completely stopped.
3. The transmission gear selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal pressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will
move to the zero position and the stop/start
telltale will illuminate indicating you are in an
Autostop. While in an Autostop, the Climate
Controls system may automatically adjust
airflow to maintain cabin comfort. Customer
settings will be maintained upon return to an
engine running condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check
many safety and comfort conditions to see if
they are fulfilled. In following situations, the
engine will not Autostop:
Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
Driver’s door is not closed
The vehicle is on a steep grade
Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an
acceptable cabin temperature has not been
achieved
HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high
blower speed
Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature
Engine temperature too high
The battery is charging
The transmission is not in DRIVE
Hood is open
Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING211
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
Your vehicle is equipped with a Selective
Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to meet diesel
emissions standards required by the
Environmental Protection Agency.
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce
levels of oxides of nitrogen (NO
x) emitted from
engines that are harmful to our health and the
environment to a near-zero level. A small
quantity of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is
injected into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst
where, when vaporized, converts smog-forming
NO
x into harmless nitrogen (N2) and water
vapor (H
2O), two natural components of the air
we breathe.
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID STORAGE
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a very
stable product with a long shelf life. If DEF is
kept in temperatures between 10° and 90°F
(-12° and 32°C), it will last a minimum of one
year.
DEF may freeze at temperatures at or below
12°F (-11°C). The system has been designed to
operate in this environment. NOTE:
When working with DEF, it is important to know
that:
Any containers or parts that come into
contact with DEF must be DEF compatible
(plastic or stainless steel). Copper, brass,
aluminum, iron or non-stainless steel should
be avoided as they are subject to corrosion
by DEF.
If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up
completely.
ADDING DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) gauge (located
on the instrument cluster) will display the level
of DEF remaining in the tank Ú
page 109.
NOTE:
Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed,
load, etc.) will effect the amount of DEF that
is used in your vehicle.
Outside temperature can affect DEF
consumption. In cold conditions, 12°F
(-11°C) and below, the DEF gauge may take
longer to operate as intended. This is a
normal function of the system.
There is an electric heater inside the DEF
tank that automatically works when neces -
sary. And if the DEF supply does freeze, the
truck will operate normally until it thaws.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill Procedure
NOTE:
For the correct fluid type Ú page 475.

1. Remove cap from Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank which is located next to the
diesel fuel filler.

DEF Filler Cap And Fuel Fill

1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING227
Hazard switch is activated
Any button on the key fob is pushed
Ignition button is pushed
High Beam stalk position is changed
Sequence is canceled in the instrument
cluster
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away
from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the (ERS) shift control) on more
severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experi
-
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from
the vehicle, the air suspension system can be
used Ú page 165. NOTE:
The vehicle must remain in the engine running
position while attaching a trailer for proper
leveling of the air suspension system.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a
factory installed option. These packages
include components necessary to equip your
vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:
Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner/installer obtain
and follow the recommendations contained
within the current Body Builders Guide. See an
authorized dealer, installer or snowplow manu
-
facturer for this information. There are unique
electrical systems that must be connected to
properly ensure operator safety and prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING229
OVER THE ROAD OPERATION WITH
S
NOWPLOW ATTACHED
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and
causes the engine to operate at higher than
normal temperatures. Therefore, when
transporting the plow, angle the blade
completely and position it as low as road or
surface conditions permit. Do not exceed
40 mph (64 km/h). The operator should always
maintain a safe stopping distance and allow
adequate passing clearance.
OPERATING TIPS
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph
(32 km/h) should be maximum operating
speed. The operator should be familiar with the
area and surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed
and use extreme caution when plowing
unfamiliar areas or under poor visibility.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Snowplows should be maintained in
accordance with the plow manufacturer's
instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and
battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and
drivetrain damage, the following precautions
should be observed:
Operate with transfer case in 4WD Low when
plowing small or congested areas where
speeds are not likely to exceed 15 mph
(24 km/h). At higher speeds operate in 4WD
High.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions
should use 4WD Low when plowing deep or
heavy snow for extended periods of time to
avoid transmission overheating.
Do not shift the transmission unless the
engine has returned to idle and wheels have
stopped. Make a practice of stepping on the
brake pedal while shifting the transmission.
4

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230STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow
applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices
for additional details.
Vehicles equipped with Active-Level Four
Corner Air Suspension must be placed in
Transport mode before tying them down
(from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck
Úpage 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
instructions may cause fault codes to be set
and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive
models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are
OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow
dolly, follow this procedure:
NOTE:
If vehicle is equipped with air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle,
following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED See InstructionsTransmission in PARK
Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOK

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250MULTIMEDIA
AUX Switches — If Equipped
When the AUX Switches button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to the four vehicle AUX switches.Wheel Alignment Mode
This setting must be activated before performing a wheel alignment.
Refer to an authorized dealer for further information.
Four Corner Air Suspension Modes There are three air suspension modes designed to protect the system in
unique situations. Tire Jack Mode is selected to assist in changing a
spare tire. Transport Mode is selected to assist when the vehicle is being
flat bed towed. Wheel Alignment Mode is selected before performing a
wheel alignment. Refer to an authorized dealer for information.
Setting Name
Description
Setting NameDescription
AUX 1-4 This setting will adjust the type and power source for the four vehicle AUX
switches. There are two types: “Latching” and “Momentary”. The power
source for the AUX switches can either be set to run off the “Battery” or
from the “Ignition”. In addition to setting the type and power source, you
can set if the vehicle will recall the previous state at which the AUX
switches were set. The Recalled Last State setting can be set to “On” or
“Off”. Last state conditions are met only if the type is set to Latching and
the power source is set to Ignition.

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280MULTIMEDIA
NOTE:
It is recommended that you do not store names
in your Favorites phonebook while the vehicle is
in motion.
Number and name recognition rate is optimized
when the entries are not similar. You can say
“O” (letter “O”) for “0” (zero).
Even though international dialing for most
number combinations is supported, some
shortcut dialing number combinations may not
be supported.
Audio Performance
Audio quality is maximized under:
Low-To-Medium Blower Setting
Low-To-Medium Vehicle Speed
Low Road Noise
Smooth Road Surface
Fully Closed Windows
Dry Weather Conditions
Operation From The Driver's Seat Performance such as audio clarity, echo, and
loudness to a large degree rely on the phone
and network, and not the Uconnect Phone.
Echo at the far end can sometimes be reduced
by lowering the in-vehicle audio volume.
Phone Voice Commands
Making and answering hands-free phone calls
is easy with Uconnect. When the Phonebook
button is illuminated on your touchscreen, your
system is ready. Check UconnectPhone.com for
mobile phone compatibility and pairing
instructions.
Push the Phone button and wait for the beep
to say a command. See some examples below:
“ Call John Smith”
“Dial 123 456 7890”
“Redial ” (call previous outgoing phone
number)
“ Call back ” (call previously answered
incoming phone number) Did You Know:
When providing a Voice
Command, push the Phone button and say
“ Call ”, then pronounce the name exactly as it
appears in your phone book. When a contact
has multiple phone numbers, you can say “ Call
John Smith work”.
Voice Text Reply — If Equipped
Uconnect can announce incoming text
messages. Push the VR button or Phone
button and say:

1. “
Listen
” to have the system read an
incoming text message. (Must have
compatible mobile phone paired to
Uconnect system.)

2. “ Reply ” after an incoming text message has
been read.
Listen to the Uconnect prompts. After the
beep, repeat one of the predefined messag -
es and follow the system prompts.

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