2021 RAM 1500 fuel

STARTING AND OPERATING151
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal operation
is allowed, providing the following
recommendations are followed:
Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for
prolonged periods.
Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera -
ture indicators.
Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
Vary throttle position at highway speeds
when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before
the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel
economy and power may be seen at this time.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving type
lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Ú
page 475.
NOTE:
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers
simple operation, and some additional features
that make the parking brake more convenient
and useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is applied. Also, be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK.
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
Manually, by applying the parking brake
switch.
Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park
Brake feature in the customer programmable
features section of the Uconnect settings. The parking brake switch is located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering
wheel (below the headlamp switch).

Electric Park Brake Switch

To apply the parking brake manually, pull up on
the switch momentarily. You may hear a slight
sound from the back of the vehicle while the
parking brake engages. Once the park brake is
fully engaged, the BRAKE telltale light in the
instrument cluster and an indicator on the
switch will illuminate. If your foot is on the brake
pedal while you apply the parking brake, you
may notice a small amount of brake pedal
movement. The parking brake can be applied
even when the ignition switch is OFF but the
BRAKE telltale light will not illuminate, however,
it can only be released when the ignition is in
the ON/RUN mode.
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158STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
Look at the transmission gear position
display and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P), and is not blinking.
With brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running.
Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle. DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
to select a lower gear range
Úpage 159. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear range will
improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,
as this can damage the drivetrain.
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must start the
engine, and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 231.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 392.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 158

STARTING AND OPERATING161
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
FOUR-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE — IF
E
QUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer
Case Switch), located on the instrument panel.

Four-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case

This electronically shifted transfer case
provides four mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This
range is for normal street and highway
driving on dry hard surfaced roads. Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) —
This range provides torque to the front drive
-
shaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows
front and rear wheels to spin at the same
speed. This provides additional traction for
loose or slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) —
This range provides low speed four-wheel
drive. It maximizes torque (increased torque
over 4WD HIGH) to the front driveshaft;
allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This range provides additional
traction and maximum pulling power for
loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the power -
train. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle Ú page 231.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) posi -
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shaft from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the trans -
mission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if
the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to
PARK, and verify that the transmission gear
position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P)
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position
is properly indicated, before exiting the
vehicle.
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21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 161

STARTING AND OPERATING163
Shifting Procedure
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met,
then the transfer case will not shift. The posi -
tion indicator light for the previous position
will remain on and the newly selected posi -
tion indicator light will continue to flash until
all the requirements for the selected position
have been met.
If all the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have been met, then
the current position indicator light will turn off
and the selected position indicator light will
flash until the transfer case completes the
shift. When the shift is complete, the position
indicator light for the selected position will
stop flashing and remain on.
FIVE-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE — IF
E
QUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer
Case Switch), which is located on the
instrument panel.
Five-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case

This electronically shifted transfer case
provides five mode positions:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This
range is for normal street and highway
driving on dry hard surfaced roads. Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not
engaged in 2WD.
Four-Wheel Drive Automatic High Range
(4WD AUTO) — This range sends power to the
front wheels automatically when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction. This range may be
used during varying road conditions.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) —
This range provides torque to the front drive -
shaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows
front and rear wheels to spin at the same
speed. This provides additional traction for
loose or slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range (4WD LOW) —
This range provides low speed four-wheel
drive. It maximizes torque (increased torque
over 4WD HIGH) to the front driveshaft;
allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This range provides additional
traction and maximum pulling power for
loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the power -
train. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle Ú page 231.
4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163

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
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208STARTING AND OPERATING
AUX CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two
AUX Cameras, which display images from the
trailer on the touchscreen.
Activation
The AUX Camera is activated any of the
following ways:
By first pressing the Backup Camera or
Surround View Camera (if equipped) button
on the touchscreen, followed by the AUX
button located in the upper left corner of the
rearview display
Pressing the AUX button in the Apps menu
Pressing the AUX button when the vehicle is
in REVERSE
If equipped with two AUX Cameras, you can
switch between each camera by pressing the
AUX1 or AUX2 buttons on the Trailer Camera
display. AUX1 Camera Button
AUX2 Camera Button
Deactivation
The AUX Camera is deactivated when the
following situations occur:
The “X” in the upper right corner of the touch -
screen is pressed. This will return the display
back to the previously displayed screen.
The vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h)
for 10 seconds.
The vehicle is shifted into PARK.
The ignition is placed in the OFF position. NOTE:
If the AUX button is pressed and no AUX
Camera is connected, the touchscreen will
display a blue screen along with the message
“Camera System Unavailable.” The screen
can be exited out by pressing the “X” in the
upper right hand corner. This will return the
display back to the previously displayed
screen.
Zoom View is not available with the AUX
Camera feature.
The display will always default to the Trailer
Camera display (AUX 1).
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GASOLINE
ENGINE
The capless fuel filler is located on the left side
of the vehicle.
The capless system is sealed by two flapper
doors.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, Surround View
should only be used as a parking aid. The
Surround View camera is unable to view
every obstacle or object in your drive path.
To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must
be driven slowly when using Surround View
to be able to stop in time when an obstacle
is seen. It is recommended that the driver
look frequently over his/her shoulder when
using Surround View.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 208

STARTING AND OPERATING209

1. Put the vehicle in PARK and switch the
ignition off.

2. Push the center-rear edge of the fuel filler door (3 o'clock position) and release to
open.
Fuel Filler Door

3. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe, the nozzle opens and holds both flapper
doors while refueling.

Fuel Filler

4. When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full. 5. Keep the nozzle in the filler for five seconds
after nozzle clicks to allow fuel to drain from
the nozzle.
6. Remove the fuel filler nozzle.
7. To close the fuel filler door, push the center-rear edge (3 o’clock position) of the
fuel filler door and then release. The fuel
filler door will latch closed.
NOTE:
In certain cold conditions, ice may prevent the
fuel filler door from opening. If this occurs,
lightly push on the fuel filler door around the
perimeter to break the ice build up.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the MIL to
turn on.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into
a portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
gas containers on the ground while filling.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
Always place container on the ground
before filling.
Keep the pump nozzle in contact with the
container when you are filling it.
Use only approved containers for flam -
mable liquid.
Do not leave container unattended while
filling.
A static electric charge could cause a spark
and fire hazard.
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210STARTING AND OPERATING
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE
The capless fuel filler is located on the left side
of the vehicle.
The capless system is sealed by two flapper
doors.

1. Put the vehicle in PARK and switch the
ignition off.

2. Open the fuel filler door.

Diesel Fuel And Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Location

3. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe – the nozzle opens and holds the flapper
door while refueling. 4. Fill the vehicle with fuel – when the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is
full.
5. Remove the fuel nozzle and close the fuel door.
AVOID USING CONTAMINATED FUEL
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can
cause severe damage to the engine fuel
system. Proper maintenance of the engine fuel
filter and fuel tank is essential Ú page 409.
BULK FUEL STORAGE — DIESEL FUEL
If you store quantities of fuel, good
maintenance of the stored fuel is also essential.
Fuel contaminated with water will promote the
growth of “microbes.” These microbes form
“slime” that will clog the fuel filtration system
and lines. Drain condensation from the supply
tank and change the line filter on a regular
basis.
NOTE:
When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of
fuel, air is pulled into the fuel system.
If the vehicle will not start Úpage 414.
1 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill Location
2 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light” to turn on.
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
fuel containers on the ground while filling.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system
with the engine running. Engine operation
causes high fuel pressure. High pressure fuel
spray can cause serious injury or death.

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