2021 RAM 1500 ABS

7
OFF-ROAD PAGES — IF EQUIPPED .................. 307 Off-Road Pages Status Bar .......................307
Vehicle Dynamics.......................................308
Accessory Gauge........................................308
Pitch & Roll .................................................308
Suspension ................................................309
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES.... 309
Regulatory And Safety Information........... 309
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES ............................................ 310 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................. 310
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...311
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ........................ 318
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ................................................318 Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................324 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ........................................................ 327
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 334
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....334
Important Safety Precautions ...................334Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 335Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...342Child Restraints..........................................355 SAFETY TIPS ....................................................... 369
Transporting Passengers .......................... 369Transporting Pets ...................................... 369
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................ 369 Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle ........................ 371 Exhaust Gas .............................................. 371
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...................... 372IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS........................373
ASSIST AND SOS SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .... 373
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................377 Preparations For Jacking........................... 377
Jack Location ............................................. 378
Removal Of Jack And Tools ....................... 378
Removing The Spare Tire .......................... 380Jacking Instructions ................................... 381
To Stow The Flat Or Spare ........................ 384
Reinstalling The Jack And Tools ............... 385
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 386
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 386Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 387
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY –
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 389
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .........................389
MANUAL PARK RELEASE .................................. 390
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................391 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................ 392
Two-Wheel Drive Models ........................... 393
Four-Wheel Drive Models .......................... 393
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 394
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ................................................................ 394
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ....................... 394
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE ............................................................... 395
Maintenance Plan ..................................... 395
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE .. 399
Maintenance Plan — Diesel Fuel Up To
B5 Biodiesel .............................................. 400 Additional Maintenance — B6 To B20
Biodiesel..................................................... 403
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 404
3.6L Engine With Stop/Start .................... 404
5.7L Engine Without Stop/Start ............... 4055.7L Engine With Stop/Start..................... 406
3.0L Diesel Engine .................................... 407Checking Oil Level ..................................... 408
Adding Washer Fluid ................................. 408Maintenance-Free Battery ....................... 409Pressure Washing...................................... 409

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 7

13
Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If Equipped
Ú page 129
Door Open Warning Light Úpage 129
Yellow Warning Lights
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning
Light — If Equipped
Úpage 129
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
Ú page 129
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Ú page 130
Electronic Park Brake Warning Light Úpage 130
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light — If Equipped
Úpage 130
Red Warning Lights
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning
Light — If Equipped
Úpage 131
Service LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 131
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 131
Low Fuel Warning Light Úpage 131
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light
Ú page 131
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light Úpage 132
Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If Equipped
Ú page 132
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light — If Equipped
Ú page 132
Yellow Warning Lights
1

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 13

88GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
6. Disconnect the wiring harness by pushing
on the two release tabs, ensuring the
connector bracket does not fall into the sill.

Connected Wiring Harness
Disconnected Body Side Harness
7. Connect the body side plug (provided in the
glove compartment) to the body side wiring
harness and insert the bracket back into
the sill.

Body Side Plug (One Piece)

8. Connect the tailgate plugs (provided in the glove compartment) to the tailgate wiring
harness to ensure that the terminals do not
corrode.
Tailgate Plugs (Two Pieces)

9. Tape the tailgate harness and bracket against the forward-facing surface of the
tailgate. This will prevent damaging the
connector and bracket when storing or
reinstalling the tailgate.
1 — First Release Tab
2 — Second Release Tab
1 — Large Plug
2 — Small Plug

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 88

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL127
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a
problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System
reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction or that a problem with the Brake
Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected. NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two
seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the hood is ajar/open and not fully
closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security system is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
3

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 127

132GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This warning light monitors the ABS.
The light will turn on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position and may stay on for as
long as four seconds.If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is
required as soon as possible. However, the
conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning
Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position, have the brake system inspected
by an authorized dealer.
Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate when a rear axle locker fault
has been detected.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the FCW System.
Contact an authorized dealer for
service Ú
page 324.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type,
and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire
sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

182STARTING AND OPERATING
To Set A Desired ACC Speed
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired,
push the SET (+) button or the SET (-) button
and release. The instrument cluster display will
show the set speed.
NOTE:
Fixed Speed Cruise Control can be used without
an ACC distance set. To change between the
different modes, push the ACC on/off button
which turns the ACC and the Fixed Speed Cruise
Control off. Pushing the Fixed Speed Cruise
Control on/off button will result in turning on
(changing to) Fixed Speed Cruise Control mode. If ACC is set when the vehicle speed is
below
20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed will default to
20 mph (20 km/h).
NOTE:
Fixed Speed Cruise Control cannot be set below
20 mph (32 km/h).
If either system is set when the vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall
be the current speed of the vehicle.
NOTE:
Keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal
can cause the vehicle to continue to accel -
erate beyond the set speed. If this occurs, the
message “ACC DRIVER OVERRIDE” will
display in the instrument cluster display.
If you continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed while an ACC distance is also set, the
system will not be controlling the distance
between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
The vehicle speed will only be determined by
the position of the accelerator pedal.
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel the ACC or Fixed
Speed Cruise Control systems:
The brake pedal is applied
The CANC (cancel) button is pushed
The Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) activates
The trailer brake is applied manually (if
equipped)
The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE
position
The Electronic Stability Control/Traction
Control System (ESC/TCS) activates
The vehicle parking brake is applied
The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) activates
The driver switches ESC to Full Off mode
The braking temperature exceeds normal
range (overheated)
The following conditions will only cancel the ACC
system:
Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
Driver door is opened at low speeds
WARNING!
In the Fixed Speed Cruise Control mode, the
system will not react to vehicles ahead. In
addition, the proximity warning does not
activate and no alarm will sound even if you
are too close to the vehicle ahead since
neither the presence of the vehicle ahead nor
the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is detected. Be
sure to maintain a safe distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Always be
aware which mode is selected.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 182

STARTING AND OPERATING195
PARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM
— IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is
intended to assist the driver during parallel and
perpendicular parking maneuvers by identifying
a proper parking space, providing audible/
visual instructions, and controlling the steering
wheel. The ParkSense Active Park Assist system
is defined as “semi-automatic” since the driver
maintains control of the accelerator, gear
selector and brakes. Depending on the driver's parking maneuver selection, the ParkSense
Active Park Assist system is capable of
maneuvering a vehicle into a parallel or a
perpendicular parking space on either side (i.e.,
driver side or passenger side).
NOTE:
The driver is always responsible for
controlling the vehicle, responsible for any
surrounding objects, and must intervene as
required.
The system is provided to assist the driver
and not to substitute the driver.
During a semi-automatic maneuver, if the
driver touches the steering wheel after being
instructed to remove their hands from the
steering wheel, the system will cancel, and
the driver will be required to manually
complete the parking maneuver.
The system may not work in all conditions
(e.g. environmental conditions such as heavy
rain, snow, etc., or if searching for a parking
space that has surfaces that will absorb the
ultrasonic sensor waves).
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using ParkSense. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind
you, and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, and
blind spots before backing up. You are
responsible for safety and must continue to
pay attention to your surroundings. Failure
to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
Before using ParkSense, it is strongly
recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly is disconnected from
the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for
towing. Failure to do so can result in injury
or damage to vehicles or obstacles
because the hitch ball will be much closer
to the obstacle than the rear fascia when
the loudspeaker sounds the continuous
tone. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending
on its size and shape, and give a false indi
-
cation that an obstacle is behind the
vehicle, and could cause false braking.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is
unable to recognize every obstacle,
including small obstacles. Parking curbs
might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or
below the sensors will not be detected
when they are in close proximity.
The vehicle must be driven slowly when
using ParkSense in order to be able to stop
in time when an obstacle is detected. It is
recommended that the driver looks over
his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.4

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 195

212STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
2. Insert DEF fill adapter/nozzle into DEF tank filler neck.
NOTE:
The DEF 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.
Refilling With Nozzles
You can fill up at any DEF distributor.
Proceed as follows:
Insert the DEF nozzle in the filler, start
refilling and stop refilling at the first
shut-off (the shut-off indicates that the
DEF tank is full). Do not proceed with the
refilling, to prevent spillage of DEF.
Extract the nozzle. Refilling With Containers
Proceed as follows:
Check the expiration date.
Read the advice for use on the label
before pouring the content of the bottle
into the DEF tank.
If systems which cannot be screwed in
(e.g. tanks) are used for refilling, after the
indication appears on the instrument
panel display Ú
page 114 fill the DEF
tank with no more than 2 Gallons (8
liters).
If containers which can be screwed to the
filler are used, the reservoir is full when
the DEF level in the container stops
pouring out. Do not proceed further.
CAUTION!
To avoid DEF spillage, and possible
damage to the DEF tank from overfilling, do
not “top off” the DEF tank after filling.
DO NOT OVERFILL. DEF will freeze below
12ºF (-11ºC). The DEF system is designed
to work in temperatures below the DEF
freezing point, however, if the tank is over -
filled and freezes, the system could be
damaged.
When DEF is spilled, clean the area imme -
diately with water and use an absorbent
material to soak up the spills on the ground.
Do not attempt to start your engine if DEF is
accidentally added to the diesel fuel tank
as it can result in severe damage to your
engine, including but not limited to failure
of the fuel pump and injectors.
CAUTION! (Continued)

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 212