2021 RAM 1500 ECU

2
INTRODUCTION
Symbols Key ..........................................................11
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ...............................11
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS ..........................11
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS .........11
Symbol Glossary ...................................................12
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
KEYS ......................................................................17
Key Fob......................................................... 17
SENTRY KEY ..........................................................20
IGNITION SWITCH .................................................21
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ..................... 21
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (GASOLINE) ...22
How To Use Remote Start ........................... 22
To Exit Remote Start Mode ......................... 23
Remote Start Front Defrost Activation — If
Equipped ...................................................... 24 Remote Start Comfort Systems —
If Equipped ................................................... 24 Remote Start Windshield Wiper De-Icer
Activation — If Equipped .............................. 25 Remote Start Abort Message ...................... 25
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (DIESEL) ........25
How To Use Remote Start ........................... 25 VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .. 26
To Arm The System ...................................... 26
To Disarm The System ................................ 26
Rearming Of The System............................. 27
Security System Manual Override .............. 27
DOORS .................................................................. 27
Manual Door Locks...................................... 27
Power Door Locks — If Equipped ............... 28
Power Side Steps — If Equipped ................. 28
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry .......... 28
Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit —
If Equipped ................................................... 30 Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped ......... 30
Child-Protection Door Lock System —
Rear Doors ................................................... 31
STEERING WHEEL ................................................ 31
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column .............. 31
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ...... 32
DRIVER MEMORY SETTINGS — IF EQUIPPED ... 32
Programming The Memory Feature............ 33
Linking And Unlinking The Key Fob To
Memory ........................................................ 33 Memory Position Recall............................... 34
SEATS ................................................................... 34
Manual Adjustment (Front Seats) — If
Equipped ...................................................... 34 Manual Adjustment (Rear Seats) ............... 36 Power Adjustment (Front Seats) —
If Equipped ................................................... 36 Heated Seats — If Equipped ...................... 38
Ventilated Seats — If Equipped................... 39
Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers ................... 39
Head Restraints ........................................... 40
UCONNECT VOICE RECOGNITION ......................41
Introducing Voice Recognition .................... 41
Basic Voice Commands .............................. 42
Get Started................................................... 43
Additional Information................................. 43
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................................................43
MIRRORS ..............................................................44
Inside Rearview Mirror ................................ 44
Outside Mirrors ........................................... 46
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirrors — If
Equipped ...................................................... 47 Power Mirrors............................................... 47
Power Folding Outside Mirrors For
Standard And Trailer Tow — If Equipped .... 47 Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ......... 48
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ..................... 48
Tilt Side Mirrors In Reverse —
If Equipped ................................................... 48

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SLIDE-IN CAMPERS .............................................97 Camper Applications ................................... 97
TRI-FOLD TONNEAU COVER — IF EQUIPPED .....97
Tonneau Cover Components....................... 97
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Folding For
Driving Or Removal ...................................... 98 Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Installation ..........101
Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Cleaning ..............103
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BASE / MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER —
GASOLINE ........................................................... 104
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Gasoline ............................105
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER —
GASOLINE ........................................................... 107
Premium Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Gasoline ............................108
BASE / MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER —
DIESEL ................................................................. 109
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Diesel ................................110
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER —
DIESEL ................................................................. 112
Premium Instrument Cluster
Descriptions — Diesel ...............................113 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY..................... 114
Instrument Cluster Display Controls......... 114
Oil Life Reset .............................................. 115
Display Menu Items ................................... 116
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Messages .................................................. 121 Displays ...................................................... 123
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning
Messages ................................................... 123 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fault
Warning Messages .................................... 124 Battery Saver On/Battery Saver Mode
Message — Electrical Load Reduction
Actions — If Equipped ................................ 125
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ................126
Red Warning Lights ................................... 126
Yellow Warning Lights ............................... 129Yellow Indicator Lights .............................. 133
Green Indicator Lights ............................... 135White Indicator Lights ............................... 136Blue Indicator Lights.................................. 137
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II..... 137
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ............................................. 138
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS .............................138
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................................... 140
Automatic Transmission............................ 141AutoPark ..................................................... 141
Tip Start Feature ....................................... 143
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition................... 143
Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button — Gasoline Engine .............. 143 Normal Starting Using ENGINE START/
STOP Button — Diesel Engine .................. 144 Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F
Or −30°C) ................................................. 146 After Starting .............................................. 146Starting Fluids — Diesel Engine Only ........ 146
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ....... 146
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 146
Engine Idling .............................................. 148Stopping The Engine ................................. 148
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ....... 150
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE ........................................... 150
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE .................................................. 151
PARKING BRAKE ............................................... 151 Electric Park Brake (EPB) .......................... 151

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VEHICLE LOADING ............................................. 213 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......213Payload .......................................................213Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............213
Tire Size ......................................................213
Rim Size......................................................214
Inflation Pressure ......................................214
Curb Weight................................................214
Loading .......................................................214
TRAILER TOWING .............................................. 214
Common Towing Definitions .....................214Trailer Hitch Type and Maximum Trailer
Weight.........................................................218 Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..........................................218 Trailer And Tongue Weight ........................ 219Trailer Reverse Steering Control ...............219
Towing Requirements ...............................221
Towing Tips ................................................227
SNOWPLOW ...................................................... 227
Before Plowing ........................................... 228
Snowplow Prep Package Model
Availability .................................................. 228 Over The Road Operation With Snowplow
Attached .....................................................229 Operating Tips ............................................229
General Maintenance ................................229 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME) ...................................................230
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................ 230 Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 230 Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................................................ 231
DRIVING TIPS ...................................................... 234
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 234
Driving Through Water .............................. 234
Off-Road Driving Tips ................................. 235
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS .......................................236
CYBERSECURITY ............................................... 236
UCONNECT SETTINGS ........................................ 237Customer Programmable Features .......... 237
HEAD-UP DISPLAY (HUD) .................................. 254
UCONNECT INTRODUCTION ..............................256
System Overview ....................................... 256Safety And General Information ............... 258
UCONNECT MODES ............................................259
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ................ 259
Radio Mode ............................................... 259Media Mode .............................................. 268
Phone Mode .............................................. 271 CONNECTED VEHICLE SERVICES —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 282
Is My Vehicle Connected? ......................... 282
Introduction To Connected Vehicle
Services ..................................................... 282 Getting Started With Connected Vehicle
Services ..................................................... 284 Using SiriusXM Guardian™ ...................... 286
Manage My SiriusXM Guardian™
Account ...................................................... 301
CONNECTED SERVICES FAQs ......................... 301
Connected Services SOS FAQs ................ 301
Connected Services Remote Door Lock/
Unlock FAQs .............................................. 302 Connected Services Roadside
Assistance FAQs ....................................... 302 Connected Services Send & Go FAQs ..... 302Connected Services Vehicle Finder
FAQs .......................................................... 303 Connected Services Stolen Vehicle
Assistance FAQs ....................................... 303 Connected Services Remote Vehicle
Start FAQs ................................................. 303 Connected Services Remote Horn &
Lights FAQs ................................................ 304 Connected Services Account FAQs........... 304
Data Collection & Privacy .......................... 306

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12
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
Some car components have colored labels with symbols indicating
precautions to be observed when using this component. It is important to
follow all warnings when operating your vehicle. See below for the
definition of each symbol Úpage 104.
Red Warning Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Úpage 126
Air Bag Warning Light Úpage 126
Brake Warning Light Úpage 126
Hood Open Warning Light Úpage 127
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped Úpage 127
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light Úpage 128
Battery Charge Warning Light
Úpage 128
Oil Pressure Warning Light Úpage 128
Oil Temperature Warning Light Úpage 128
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light Úpage 128
Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light Úpage 129
Tailgate Open Warning Light Úpage 129
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light Úpage 129
Red Warning Lights

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20GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Programming And Requesting Additional
Key Fobs
Programming the key fob may be performed by
an authorized dealer.
NOTE:
Once a key fob is programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be re-purposed and reprogrammed to
another vehicle.
Only key fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. Once a key fob is
programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be
programmed to any other vehicle.
Duplication of key fobs may be performed at an
authorized dealer. This procedure consists of
programming a blank key fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank key fob is one that has
never been programmed.
NOTE:
When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer system
serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer Ú
page 482.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents
unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling the
engine. The system does not need to be armed
or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless
of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses a key fob, keyless push button
ignition and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to
prevent unauthorized vehicle operation.
Therefore, only key fobs that are programmed
to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system cannot reprogram a key
fob obtained from another vehicle.
After placing the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position, the vehicle security light will turn on for
three seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates
that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the
bulb check, it indicates that someone attempted to start the engine with an invalid key
fob. In the event that a valid key fob is used to
start the engine but there is an issue with the
vehicle electronics, the engine will start and
shut off after two seconds.
If the vehicle security light turns on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there
is a fault in the electronics. Should this occur,
have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible by
an authorized dealer.
All of the key fobs provided with your new
vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle
electronics Ú
page 482.
WARNING!
Always remove the key fobs from the
vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the
vehicle unattended.
For vehicles equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go — Ignition, always remember to
place the ignition in the OFF mode.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not
compatible with some aftermarket remote
starting systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.

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22GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
The key fob may not be detected by the
vehicle Keyless Enter-N-Go system if it is
located next to a mobile phone, laptop or
other electronic device; these devices may
block the key fob’s wireless signal and prevent the Keyless Enter-N-Go system from
starting the vehicle.
Engine starting procedure Ú
page 140.
When opening the driver's door and the igni -
tion is in the ON/RUN position (engine not
running), a chime will sound to remind you to
place the ignition in the OFF position. In addi -
tion to the chime, the message “Ignition or
Accessory ON” will display in the cluster.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED
(GASOLINE)
This system uses the key fob to start
the engine conveniently from outside
the vehicle while still maintaining
security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
Remote start is used to defrost windows in cold
weather and to reach a comfortable climate in
all ambient conditions before the customer
enters the vehicle. NOTE:
Obstructions between the vehicle and key fob
may reduce this range.
HOW TO USE REMOTE START
Push and release the Remote Start button on
the key fob twice within five seconds. The
vehicle doors will lock, the parking lights will
flash, and the horn will chirp twice (if
programmed). Then, the engine will start, and
the vehicle will remain in the Remote Start
mode for a 15 minute cycle.
Pushing the remote start button a third time
shuts the engine off.
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 of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go
in the ON/RUN mode. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation for
thieves. Always remove key fob from the
vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the
vehicle unattended.
WARNING!
(Continued)
WARNING!
Do not start or run an engine in a closed
garage or confined area. Exhaust gas
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which is
odorless and colorless. Carbon Monoxide is
poisonous and can cause serious injury or
death when inhaled.
Keep key fobs away from children. Opera -
tion of the Remote Start System, windows,
door locks or other controls could cause
serious injury or death.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE23
To drive the vehicle, push the unlock button,
insert the key into the ignition, and turn to the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
With Remote Start, the engine will only run
for 15 minutes.
Remote Start can only be used twice.
If an engine fault is present or fuel level is
low, the vehicle will start and then shut down
in 10 seconds.
The parking lights will turn on and remain on
during Remote Start mode.
For security, power window and power
sunroof operation (if equipped) are disabled
when the vehicle is in the Remote Start
mode.
The ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN
position before the Remote Start sequence
can be repeated for a third cycle. All of the following conditions must be met
before the engine will remote start:
Gear selector in PARK
Doors closed
Hood closed
Hazard switch off
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not
pushed)
Battery at an acceptable charge level
PANIC button not pushed
Fuel meets minimum requirement
System not disabled from previous remote
start event
Vehicle Security system not active
Malfunction Indicator Light is not illuminated
TO EXIT REMOTE START MODE
To drive the vehicle after starting the Remote
Start system, either push and release the
unlock button on the key fob to unlock the
doors, or unlock the vehicle using Keyless
Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry via the door
handles, and disarm the vehicle security system
(if equipped). Then, prior to the end of the
15 minute cycle, press the brake pedal and
push and release the START/STOP ignition
button.
WARNING!
Do not start or run an engine in a closed
garage or confined area. Exhaust gas
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which is
odorless and colorless. Carbon Monoxide is
poisonous and can cause serious injury or
death when inhaled.
Keep key fobs away from children. Opera
-
tion of the Remote Start System, windows,
door locks or other controls could cause
serious injury or death.
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE25
REMOTE START WINDSHIELD WIPER
D
E-ICER ACTIVATION — IF EQUIPPED
When the Remote Start system is active and the
outside ambient temperature is less than 33°F
(0.6°C), the Windshield Wiper De-Icer will
activate. Exiting remote start will its resume
previous operation. If the Windshield Wiper
De-Icer was active, the timer and operation will
continue.
REMOTE START ABORT MESSAGE
The following messages will display in the
instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to
remote start, or exits remote start prematurely:
Remote Start Cancelled — Door Open
Remote Start Cancelled — Hood Open
Remote Start Cancelled — Fuel Low
Remote Start Cancelled — Too Cold
Remote Start Cancelled — Time Expired
Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to
Reset
The message will stay active until the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN position Ú page 482.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (DIESEL)
This system uses the key fob to start
the engine conveniently from outside
the vehicle while still maintaining
security. The system has a range of
approximately 300 ft (91 m).
NOTE:
Obstructions between the vehicle and the
key fob may reduce this range.
The Remote Start system will wait for the
Wait To Start indicator light Ú page 135 to
extinguish before cranking the engine. This
allows time for the engine pre-heat cycle to
pre-heat the cylinder air, and is normal in
cold weather. For further information on the
Wait To Start indicator light and the pre-heat
cycle see .
HOW TO USE REMOTE START
All of the following conditions must be met
before the engine will remote start:
Gear selector in PARK
Doors closed
Hood closed
Hazard switch off
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not
pressed)
Battery at an acceptable charge level
PANIC button not pushed
Fuel meets minimum requirement
System not disabled from previous remote
start event
Vehicle Security system not active
Water In Fuel indicator light is not illuminated
Wait To Start indicator light is not illuminated
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is not illumi -
nated
2

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