2021 RAM 1500 battery replacement

17
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
KEYS
KEY FOB
Your vehicle is equipped with a key fob which
supports Passive Entry, Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE), Keyless Enter-N-Go (if equipped), and
Remote Start (if equipped). The key fob allows
you to lock or unlock all doors, tailgate, and the
RamBox (if equipped) as well as activate the
Panic Alarm from distances up to approximately
66 ft (20 m). The key fob does not need to be
pointed at the vehicle to activate the system. The
key fob also contains an emergency key, which is
stored in the rear of the key fob.
NOTE:
The key fob’s wireless signal may be blocked if
the key fob is located next to a mobile phone,
laptop, or other electronic device. This may
result in poor performance.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Wireless
Charging Pad, the key fob may not be found if
it is placed within 15 cm (150 mm) of the pad
Ú page 77.
With the ignition in the ON position and the
vehicle moving at 2 mph (4 km/h), all RKE
commands are disabled.
Key Fob
In case the ignition switch does not change with
the push of a button, the key fob may have a low
or fully depleted battery. A low key fob battery
can be verified by referring to the instrument
cluster, which will display directions to follow.
NOTE:
A low key fob battery condition may be indicated
by a message in the instrument cluster display,
or by the LED light on the key fob. If the LED key
fob light no longer illuminates from key fob
button pushes, then the key fob battery requires
replacement.
1 — Unlock
2 — LED Light
3 — Lock
4 — Tailgate Lowering
5 — Remote Start
6 — PANIC
7 — Emergency Key
8 — Air Suspension
2

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 17

18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To Lock/Unlock The Doors And Tailgate
Push and release the unlock button on the key
fob once to unlock the driver’s door, or, twice
within five seconds to unlock all doors, the
tailgate and the RamBox (if equipped). To lock all
the doors and the tailgate, push the lock button
once.
When the doors are unlocked, the turn signals
will flash and the illuminated entry system will
be activated. When the doors are locked, the
turn signals will flash and the horn will chirp.
All doors can be programmed to unlock on the
first push of the unlock button. The horn chirp
when the lock button is pushed can be
programmed on/off within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 237.
Air Suspension (Remote Lowering Of The
Vehicle) — If Equipped
For easy entry and loading, your
vehicle can be lowered by pushing the
key fob air suspension lowering button
two times. When air suspension
lowering is requested using the key fob, the
vehicle will send a series of chirps and flashes to
alert the customer that the operation has begun
and will continue these alerts until it successfully
lowers. The following conditions must be met for the
vehicle to lower remotely:
The vehicle must not already be in Entry/Exit
(Park) ride height.
The vehicle battery must be fully charged.
All doors must be closed.
The key fob must be out of the vehicle.
NOTE:
Ensure the vehicle is clear of all objects, pets,
and people prior to remote lowering.
Canceling Remote Lowering
Vehicle lowering can be cancelled at anytime.
When vehicle lowering is cancelled, the vehicle
will raise up to the next defined level and lock
out the remote lowering feature until the
ignition has been cycled ON/OFF.
To cancel vehicle lowering, push the key fob air
suspension lowering button one time during the
lowering process. When vehicle lowering is
cancelled, the horn will chirp two times and the
turn signal lamps will flash four times. Once
raising is completed, the horn will chirp one
time. NOTE:
More information on air suspension is provided
later in this manual Ú
page 165.
Replacing The Battery In The Key Fob
The replacement battery model is one CR2450
battery.
NOTE:
Customers are recommended to use a
battery obtained from Mopar. Aftermarket
coin battery dimensions may not meet the
original OEM coin battery dimensions.
Perchlorate Material — special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazard -
ouswaste/perchlorate for further informa -
tion.
Do not touch the battery terminals that are
on the back housing or the printed circuit
board.
Do not replace the coin battery if the LED on
the key fob above the top row buttons blinks
when a button is pressed. The coin battery
should last a minimum of three years with
normal vehicle usage.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 18

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE19

1. Remove the emergency key (1) by pushing
the emergency key release button (2) on
the side of the key fob, and pulling the
emergency key out with your other hand.

Emergency Key Removal

2. Hold the key fob with the button side facing down, and locate the small rectangular gap
on the left side between the housing and
the back cover of the key fob. Use a small
screw driver (or similar tool) to pry open the
left side of the fob cover while applying
pressure until the cover snaps open.
3. Next, locate the gap on the right side of the key fob, which is positioned further to the edge than the left side gap. Pry open the
right side, and remove the back cover.
4. Remove the battery by using your thumb to slide the battery downward and back
toward the key ring.

Key Fob Battery Location

NOTE:
When replacing the battery, ensure the (+) sign
on the battery is facing upward. Avoid touching
the new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may
cause battery deterioration. If you touch a
battery, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
5. Replace the battery by using your thumb to push down and slide the battery under the
small lip on the top edge of the opening.
Key Fob Battery Replacement

6. To assemble the key fob case, line up the top edge of the back cover with the top of
the fob, and press the edges into the
interlocking hinges until all edges snap
together with no large visual gaps.
7. Reinsert the emergency key until it locks into place.
NOTE:
The key fob battery should only be replaced by
qualified technicians. If the battery requires
replacement, see an authorized dealer.
1 — Emergency Key
2 — Emergency Key Release Button
2

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 19

138GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
(OBD II) C
YBERSECURITY
Your vehicle is required to have OBD II and a
connection port to allow access to information
related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may
need to access this information to assist with
the diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system Ú page 236.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement
to pass an inspection of your vehicle's
emissions control system. Failure to pass could
prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection
and Maintenance (I/M), this check
verifies the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The
OBD II system may not be ready if your vehicle
was recently serviced, recently had a depleted
battery or a battery replacement. If the OBD II
system should be determined not ready for the
I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test
station. To check if your vehicle's OBD II system
is ready, you must do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position,
but do not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:
If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) symbol
come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds
and then return to being fully illuminated
until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle's
OBD II system is not ready and you
should not proceed to the I/M station.
The MIL will not flash at all and will
remain fully illuminated until you place
the ignition in the off position or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle's
OBD II system is ready and you can
proceed to the I/M station.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to read the VIN,
diagnose, or service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected to
the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
Be possible that vehicle systems,
including safety related systems, could
be impaired or a loss of vehicle control
could occur that may result in an acci -
dent involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access, infor -
mation stored in your vehicle systems,
including personal information.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 138

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL139
If your OBD II system is not ready, you should
see an authorized dealer or repair facility. If your
vehicle was recently serviced or had a battery
failure or replacement, you may need to do
nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD II system
to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II
system is ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation you should
have your vehicle serviced before going to the
I/M station. The I/M station can fail your vehicle
because the MIL is on with the engine running.
3

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 139

396SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
Using white lithium grease, lubricate the door hinge roller pivot joints twice a year to prevent premature wear.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
Change the oil and filter.
Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Inspect the engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions, replace the engine air cleaner, as necessary.
Inspect and replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter as necessary; replacement may be more frequent if vehicle is operated in extreme dusty
conditions.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 396

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE439
Replacing Exterior Bulbs
Base Quad: Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam
Headlamp, Front Park And Turn — If Equipped
Low Beam
See below steps to replace:

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
3. Locate the low beam access cover, which can be found on the back side of the
headlamps.

Low Beam Headlight Cover
NOTE:
It may be necessary to remove/reposition Air
Cleaner Assembly to access passenger side
headlamp/side marker light bulbs.
4. Disengage the bulb access cover by rotating
counterclockwise.
5. Disconnect the internal lamp wiring harness connector from the low beam bulb.
6. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise a quarter turn to unlock the bulb from the lamp.
7. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing.
8. Reverse the procedure for installation of new bulb and covers. High Beam

High Beam Headlight Cover

See below steps to replace:

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Locate the high beam access cover, which can be found on the back side of the
headlamps.
NOTE:
It may be necessary to remove/reposition Air
Cleaner Assembly to access passenger side
headlamp/side marker light bulbs.
CAUTION!
Do not contaminate the bulb glass by
touching it with your fingers or by allowing it
to contact other oily surfaces. Shortened
bulb life will result.
Always use the correct bulb size and type
for replacement. An incorrect bulb size or
type may overheat and cause damage to
the lamp, the bulb socket, or the lamp
wiring.
8

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 439

440SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
4. Reach behind the headlamp and disengage
the access cover by rotating counter -
clockwise.
5. Disconnect the internal lamp wiring harness connector from the high beam bulb.
6. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise a quarter turn to unlock the bulb from the lamp.
7. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing.
8. Reverse the procedure for installation of new bulb and cover. Front Park And Turn
See below steps to replace:

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
3. Locate the park and turn socket, which can be found on the back side of the
headlamps.

Park And Turn Socket

4. Reach behind the headlamp and unlock the park and turn socket from the lamp by
rotating counterclockwise a quarter turn.
5. Pull the bulb straight out from the housing. 6. Separate the bulb from the socket without
twisting.
7. Reverse the procedure for installation of new bulb and covers.
Side Marker Lamp
See below steps to replace:

1. Open the hood.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Locate the side marker lamp, which can be found on the back side of the headlamps.

Side Marker Lamp

CAUTION!
Do not contaminate the bulb glass by
touching it with your fingers or by allowing it
to contact other oily surfaces. Shortened
bulb life will result.
Always use the correct bulb size and type
for replacement. An incorrect bulb size or
type may overheat and cause damage to
the lamp, the bulb socket, or the lamp
wiring.

21_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 440