2021 RAM 1500 Owners Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE55
HEADLIGHT DELAY
To assist when exiting the vehicle, the headlight
delay feature will leave the headlights on for up
to 90 seconds. This delay is initiated when the
ignition is placed in the OFF position while the
headlight switch is on, and then the headlight
switch is cycled off. Headlight delay can be
cancelled by either turning the headlight switch
on then off, or by placing the ignition in the ON
position.
NOTE:
This feature can be programmed through the
Uconnect system Úpage 237.
The headlight delay feature is automatically
activated if the headlight switch is left in the
AUTO position when the ignition is placed in
the OFF position.
LIGHTS-ON REMINDER
If the headlights, parking lights, or cargo lights
are left on after the ignition is placed in the OFF
position, the vehicle will chime when the
driver’s door is opened.
FOG LIGHTS — IF EQUIPPED
The fog lights are turned on by rotating the
headlight switch to the parking light or headlight
position and pushing in the fog light button on
the headlight switch.

Fog Light Button

The fog lights will operate only when the parking
lights are on or when the vehicle headlights are
on low beam. An indicator light located in the
instrument cluster will illuminate when the fog
lights are on. The fog lights will turn off when the
button is pushed a second time, when the
headlight switch is rotated to the off position, or
the high beam is selected. If the fog lights are off, one of the fog lights will
illuminate depending on the direction in which
the vehicle is turning. This will provide
increased visibility while turning, depending on
the angle of the steering wheel.
TURN SIGNALS
Move the multifunction lever up or down to
activate the turn signals. The arrows on each
side of the instrument cluster flash to show
proper operation.
NOTE:
If either light remains on and does not flash, or
there is a very fast flash rate, check for a defec
-
tive outside light bulb.
LANE CHANGE ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
Lightly push the multifunction lever up or down,
without moving beyond the detent, and the turn
signal will flash three times then automatically
turn off.
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56GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
CARGO LIGHTS/TRAILER SPOTTER
L
IGHTS WITH BED LIGHTS — IF
E
QUIPPED
The cargo light, bed lights, and trailer spotter
lights are turned on by pushing the cargo light
button located on the lower half of the headlight
switch.

Cargo/Bed Lights Button On Headlight Switch Cargo Lights

When the vehicle is stationary, these lights can
also be turned on using the switch located just
inside the pickup box, on the lower part of the
bed light lens. A telltale will illuminate in the
instrument cluster display when these lights are
on. Pushing the switch a second time will turn
the lights off.

Bed Light Switch (Without RamBox)
The cargo light and bed lights (if equipped) will
turn on for approximately 30 seconds when a
key fob unlock button is pushed, as part of the
Illuminated Entry feature.
When these lights are activated using the
button on the headlight switch, the trailer
spotter lights will remain illuminated when the
vehicle transmission is in PARK, NEUTRAL, or
REVERSE. The trailer spotter lights will turn off
when the vehicle transmission is placed in
DRIVE.
NOTE:
The cargo light will automatically turn off if the
vehicle is shifted into NEUTRAL or DRIVE, and
will turn back on when the vehicle is shifted into
PARK or REVERSE. The bed lights are not
affected by gear selection.
NOTE:
For vehicles shipped to or sold in the states of
California or Mississippi, the cargo, bed, and
mirror spotter lights will not work while the
vehicle is in motion. In every other state, the
cargo and mirror spotter lights will turn off when
the vehicle is in motion, but the bed light will
remain on. In all states, including California and
Mississippi, if a bed camera is deactivated, the
bed lights will turn back on.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE57
BATTERY SAVER
Timers are set to both the interior and exterior
lights to protect the life of your vehicle’s battery.
After 10 minutes, if the ignition is OFF and any
door is left open or the dimmer control is
rotated all the way up to the dome light on
position, the interior lights will automatically
turn off.
NOTE:
Battery saver mode is canceled if the ignition is
ON.
If the headlights remain on while the ignition is
placed in the OFF position, the exterior lights will
automatically turn off after eight minutes. If the
headlights are turned on and left on for eight
minutes while the ignition is OFF, the exterior
lights will automatically turn off.
INTERIOR LIGHTS
COURTESY LIGHTS
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the
doors are opened or the Dome ON button is
pushed on the overhead console. If your vehicle
is equipped with Remote Keyless Entry and the
unlock button is pushed on the key fob, the courtesy and dome lights will turn on. When a
door is open and the interior lights are on, and
the Dome Defeat button on the overhead
console is pressed, the interior lights will turn off.
Front Map/Reading Lights
The overhead console lights can also be
operated individually as reading lights by
pushing the corresponding buttons.

Front Courtesy/Reading Lights

Three types of rear courtesy/reading lights are
available for your vehicle.
Push button on/off
Push lens on/off
Push round puck lens on/off (if equipped
with Dual Pane Sunroof)
NOTE:
The courtesy/reading lights will remain on until
the switch is pushed a second time, so be sure
they have been turned off before exiting the
vehicle. If the interior lights are left on after the
ignition is turned off, they will automatically turn
off after 10 minutes.
Dimmer Control
The dimmer controls are inboard and adjacent
to the headlight switch located on the left side
of the instrument panel.

Dimmer Controls

1 — Reading Light On/Off Buttons
2 — Dome Defeat Button
3 — Dome ON Button
1 — Ambient Light Control
2 — Instrument Panel Dimmer Control
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58GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
With the parking lights or headlights on, rotating
the right dimmer control upward will increase
the brightness of the instrument panel lights.
Rotating the left dimmer control will adjust the
interior and ambient light levels when the
headlights are on.
NOTE:
The dimming of the touchscreen is program -
mable through the Uconnect system
Ú page 237.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
key fob to unlock the doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lamps
located beneath the outside mirrors (if
equipped).
The lights will fade to off after approximately
30 seconds, or they will immediately fade to off
once the ignition switch is placed in the ON/
RUN position from the OFF position.
The front courtesy overhead console and door
courtesy lights will not turn off if the Dome ON
button on the overhead console is pushed. The
overhead and door courtesy lights will turn off
after 10 minutes to protect the battery. The illuminated entry system will not operate if
the Dome Defeat button on the overhead
console is pushed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Illuminated
Approach lights under the outside mirrors, they
will also be turned off by pushing the Dome
Defeat button.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The windshield wiper/washer controls are
located on the multifunction lever on the left
side of the steering column. The front wipers are
operated by rotating a switch, located on the
end of the lever.

Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever

WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION
Intermittent Wipers
The intermittent feature of this system was
designed for use when weather conditions
make a single wiping cycle, with a variable
pause between cycles, desirable. For maximum
delay between cycles, rotate the control knob
upward to the first detent.
The delay interval decreases as you rotate the
knob until it enters the low continual speed
position. The delay can be regulated from a
maximum of about 18 seconds between cycles,
to a cycle every one second. The delay intervals
will double in duration when the vehicle speed
is 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.Windshield Washers
To use the windshield washer, push the washer
knob, located on the end of the multifunction
lever, inward and hold. Washer fluid will be
sprayed and the wiper will operate for two to
three cycles after the washer knob is released.
If the washer knob pushed while in the delay
range, the wiper will operate for several
seconds after the washer knob is released. It
will then resume the intermittent interval
previously selected. If the washer knob is

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE59
pushed while in the off position, the wiper will
turn on and cycle approximately three times
after the wash knob is released.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer
system in cold weather, select a solution or
mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature
range of your climate. This rating information
can be found on most washer fluid containers.
Mist
When a single wipe to clear off road mist or
spray from a passing vehicle is needed, push
the washer knob, located on the end of the
multifunction lever, inward briefly and release.
The wipers will cycle one time and automatically
shut off. NOTE:
The mist feature does not activate the washer
pump; therefore, no washer fluid will be sprayed
on the windshield. The wash function must be
used in order to spray the windshield with
washer fluid.
For information on wiper care and replacement,
see Ú
page 418.
RAIN SENSING WIPERS — IF EQUIPPED
This feature senses rain or snowfall on the
windshield and automatically activates the
wipers. Rotate the end of the multifunction
lever to one of four detent positions to activate
this feature.
The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted
with the multifunction lever. Wiper delay
position one is the least sensitive, and wiper
delay detent position four is the most sensitive.
Wiper delay position three should be used for
normal rain conditions.
Positions one and two can be used if the driver
desires less wiper sensitivity. Position four can
be used if the driver desires more sensitivity.
Place the wiper switch in the O (off) position
when not using the system. NOTE:
The Rain Sensing feature will not operate
when the wiper switch is in the low or
high-speed position.
The Rain Sensing feature may not function
properly when ice, or dried salt water is
present on the windshield.
Use of Rain-X or products containing wax or
silicone may reduce Rain Sensing perfor
-
mance.
The Rain Sensing feature can be turned on
and off using the Uconnect system
Ú page 237.
The Rain Sensing system has protection
features for the wiper blades and arms, and will
not operate under the following conditions:
Low Ambient Temperature — When the igni-
tion is first placed in the ON position, the Rain
Sensing system will not operate until the
wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed is
greater than 3 mph (5 km/h), or the outside
temperature is greater than 32°F (0°C).
WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the wind -
shield could lead to a collision. You might not
see other vehicles or other obstacles. To
avoid sudden icing of the windshield during
freezing weather, warm the windshield with
the defroster before and during windshield
washer use.
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60GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Transmission In NEUTRAL Position — When
the ignition is ON, and the automatic transmis -
sion is in the NEUTRAL position, the Rain
Sensing system will not operate until the wiper
switch is moved, vehicle speed is greater than
3 mph (5 km/h), or the gear selector is moved
out of the NEUTRAL position.
Remote Start Mode Inhibit — On vehicles
equipped with Remote Start system, Rain
Sensing wipers are not operational when the
vehicle is in the remote start mode.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Climate Control system allows you to
regulate the temperature, air flow, and direction
of air circulating throughout the vehicle. The
controls are located on the touchscreen (if
equipped), on the sides of the touchscreen or
on the instrument panel below the radio.
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
D
ESCRIPTIONS AND FUNCTIONS

Uconnect 4/4C/4C NAV With 8.4-inch Display Auto -
matic Temperature Controls
Uconnect 4C NAV With 12-inch Display Automatic Tem -
perature Controls
NOTE:
Icons and descriptions can vary based upon
vehicle equipment.
MAX A/C Button
Press and release the MAX A/C button
on the touchscreen to change the
current setting to the coldest output
of air. The MAX A/C indicator
illuminates when MAX A/C is on. Pressing the
button again will cause the MAX A/C operation
to exit.
NOTE:
The MAX A/C button is only available on the
touchscreen.
A/C Button
Press and release this button on the
touchscreen, or push the button on
the faceplate to change the current
setting. The A/C indicator illuminates
when A/C is on.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE61
Recirculation Button
Press and release this button on the
touchscreen, or push the button on
the faceplate, to change the system
between Recirculation mode and
outside air mode. The Recirculation indicator
and the A/C indicator illuminate when the
Recirculation button is pressed. Recirculation
can be used when outside conditions, such as
smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are
present. Recirculation can be used in all modes.
Recirculation may be unavailable (button on the
touchscreen greyed out) if conditions exist that
could create fogging on the inside of the
windshield. The A/C can be deselected
manually without disturbing the mode control
selection. Continuous use of the Recirculation
mode may make the inside air stuffy and
window fogging may occur. Extended use of this
mode is not recommended.
Auto Button
Set your desired temperature and
press AUTO. AUTO will achieve and
maintain your desired temperature by
automatically adjusting the blower speed and air distribution. AUTO mode is highly
recommended for efficiency.
You can turn AUTO on in one of two ways:
Press and release this button on the touch
-
screen.
Push the button on the faceplate.
Toggling this function will cause the system to
switch between manual mode and automatic
mode Ú page 65.
Front Defrost Button
Press and release the Front Defrost
button on the touchscreen, or push
and release the button on the
faceplate, to change the current
airflow setting to Defrost mode. The Front
Defrost indicator illuminates when Front
Defrost is on. Air comes from the windshield
and side window demist outlets. When the
defrost button is selected, the blower level may
increase. Use Defrost mode with maximum
temperature settings for best windshield and
side window defrosting and defogging. When
toggling the front defrost mode button, the
climate system will return to the previous
setting.
Rear Defrost Button
Press and release the Rear Defrost
button on the touchscreen, or push
and release the button on the
faceplate, to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). The Rear Defrost indicator
illuminates when the rear window defroster is
on. The rear window defroster automatically
turns off after 15 minutes.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
Use care when washing the inside of the
rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the
window. Use a soft cloth and a mild
washing solution, wiping parallel to the
heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.
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62GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Driver And Passenger Temperature Up And
Down Buttons
These buttons provide the driver and passenger
with independent temperature control.
Push the red button (or rotate knob if
equipped) on the faceplate or
touchscreen, or press and slide the
temperature bar towards the red
arrow button on the touchscreen for warmer
temperature settings.
Push the blue button (or rotate knob if
equipped) on the faceplate or
touchscreen, or press and slide the
temperature bar towards the blue
arrow button on the touchscreen for cooler
temperature settings.
NOTE:
The numbers within the temperature display
will only appear if the system is equipped
with an automatic climate control system.
Up and down buttons are only available on
vehicles equipped with a 12-inch display.
SYNC Button
Press the SYNC button on the
touchscreen to toggle the SYNC
feature on/off. The SYNC indicator
illuminates when SYNC is on. SYNC
synchronizes the passenger temperature
setting with the driver temperature setting.
Changing the passenger’s temperature setting
while in SYNC will automatically exit this
feature.
NOTE:
The SYNC button is only available on the touch -
screen.
Blower Control
Blower Control regulates the amount
of air forced through the climate
control system. There are seven
blower speeds available. Adjusting
the blower will cause automatic mode to switch
to manual operation. The speeds can be
selected using either the blower control knob on
the faceplate or the buttons on the
touchscreen. Faceplate
The blower speed increases as you turn the
blower control knob clockwise from the lowest
blower setting. The blower speed decreases as
you turn the blower control knob
counterclockwise.
Touchscreen
Use the small blower icon to reduce the blower
setting and the large blower icon to increase the
blower setting. Blower can also be selected by
pressing the blower bar area between the icons.
Mode Control
Select Mode by pressing one of the
Mode buttons on the touchscreen, or
pushing the Mode button on the
faceplate, to change the airflow
distribution mode. The airflow distribution mode
can be adjusted so air comes from the
instrument panel outlets, floor outlets, defrost
outlets, and demist outlets.

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