2021 RAM 1500 heater

4
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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11
SYMBOLS KEY
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures
that could result in a collision, bodily injury and/or death. It also contains
CAUTIONS against procedures that could result in damage to your vehicle.
If you do not read this entire Owner’s Manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not apply to body modifications or
special equipment installed by van conversion/camper manufacturers/
body builders. US residents refer to the Warranty Information, Section
2.1.C. Canadian residents refer to the “What Is Not Covered” section of
the Warranty Information. Such equipment includes video monitors, DVD/
Blu-Ray™, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, etc. For warranty coverage and
service on these items, contact the applicable manufacturer.
Operating instructions for the special equipment installed by the
conversion/camper manufacturer should also be supplied with your
vehicle. For any additional instructions, please contact your conversion/
camper manufacturer.
To obtain dimensional and technical specifications for your vehicle, refer
to the Body Builder’s Guide at https://www.ramtrucks.com/
ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation,
which if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION! An unsafe practice which may result in personal
injury or damage to the vehicle.
NOTE: A suggestion which will improve installation,
operation, and reliability. If not followed, may
result in damage.
TIP: General ideas/solutions/suggestions on easier
use of the product or functionality.
PAGE REFERENCE
ARROW
Follow this reference for additional information
on a particular feature.
FOOTNOTE Supplementary and relevant information
pertaining to the topic.
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its
roadworthiness and safety and may lead to a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
1

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32GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
downward as desired. To lengthen or shorten
the steering column, pull the steering wheel
outward or push it inward as desired. To lock
the steering column in position, push the
control upward until fully engaged.
HEATED STEERING WHEEL — IF
E
QUIPPED
The steering wheel contains a heating element
that helps warm your hands in cold weather.
The heated steering wheel has only one
temperature setting. Once the heated steering
wheel has been turned on, it will stay on until the operator turns it off. The heated steering
wheel may not turn on when it is already warm.
The heated steering wheel control button is
located within the climate or controls screen of
the touchscreen.
Press the heated steering wheel button
once to turn the heating element on.
Press the heated steering wheel button a
second time to turn the heating element off.
NOTE:
The engine must be running for the heated
steering wheel to operate.
For information on use with the Remote Start
system, see Ú page 24.DRIVER MEMORY SETTINGS — IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows the driver to save up to two
different memory profiles for easy recall
through a memory switch. Each memory profile
saves desired position settings for the following
features:
Driver’s seat
Easy Entry/Exit seat operation (on/off) (if
equipped)
Adjustable pedals (if equipped)
Side mirrors
NOTE:
Your vehicle is equipped with two key fobs, each
can be linked to either memory position 1 or 2.
WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while
driving. Adjusting the steering column while
driving or driving with the steering column
unlocked, could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury or death.
WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the
skin because of advanced age, chronic
illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medica -
tion, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other phys -
ical conditions must exercise care when
using the steering wheel heater. It may
cause burns even at low temperatures,
especially if used for long periods.
Do not place anything on the steering wheel
that insulates against heat, such as a
blanket or steering wheel covers of any type
and material. This may cause the steering
wheel heater to overheat.
WARNING! (Continued)

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38GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
When you remove the key fob from the igni -
tion, the driver’s seat will move to a position
0.3 inches (7.7 mm) forward of the rear stop if the driver’s seat position is between
0.9 inches and 2.7 inches (22.7 mm and
67.7 mm) forward of the rear stop. The seat
will return to its previously set position when
you place the ignition to the ACC or ON/RUN
position.
The Easy Entry/Easy Exit feature is disabled
when the driver’s seat position is less than
0.9 inches (22.7 mm) forward of the rear stop. At this position, there is no benefit to
the driver by moving the seat for Easy Exit or
Easy Entry.
When enabled in Uconnect Settings, Easy Entry
and Easy Exit positions are stored in each
memory setting profile Ú page 32.
NOTE:
The Easy Entry/Exit feature is enabled or
disabled through the programmable features in
the Uconnect system Ú page 237.
HEATED SEATS — IF EQUIPPED
For information on use with the Remote Start
system, see Úpage 24.
Front Heated Seats — If Equipped
The front heated seats control buttons are
located within the Uconnect system. You can
gain access to the control buttons through the
climate screen and the controls screen.
Push the heated seat button once to turn
the HI setting on.
Push the heated seat button a second
time to turn the MED setting on.
Push the heated seat button a third time
to turn the LO setting on.
Push the heated seat button a fourth time
to turn the heating elements off.
NOTE:
Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be
felt within two to five minutes.
The engine must be running for the heated
seats to operate.
The level of heat selected will stay on until
the operator changes it.
WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the
skin because of advanced age, chronic
illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medica -
tion, alcohol use, exhaustion or other phys -
ical condition must exercise care when
using the seat heater. It may cause burns
even at low temperatures, especially if
used for long periods of time.
Do not place anything on the seat or seat -
back that insulates against heat, such as a
blanket or cushion. This may cause the seat
heater to overheat. Sitting in a seat that has
been overheated could cause serious
burns due to the increased surface
temperature of the seat.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE39
Rear Heated Seats — If Equipped
On some models, the two rear outboard seats
may be equipped with heated seats. There are
two heated seat switches that allow the rear
passengers to operate the seats independently.
The heated seat switches for each heater are
located on the rear of the center console.
There are two heated seat switches that allow
the rear passengers to operate the seats
independently. You can choose from HI, MED,
LO, or OFF heat settings. Amber indicator lights
in each switch indicate the level of heat in use.
Push the heated seat button once to turn
the HI setting on.
Push the heated seat button a second
time to turn the MED setting on.
Push the heated seat button a third time
to turn the LO setting on.
Push the heated seat button a fourth time
to turn the heating elements off.
NOTE:
The level of heat selected will stay on until the
operator changes it.
VENTILATED SEATS — IF EQUIPPED
Front Ventilated Seats
The ventilated seats are equipped with fans
that can be controlled through the climate and
control screen in the Uconnect system. The fans
operate at three speeds, HI, MED and LO.
Press the ventilated seat button once to
choose HI.
Press the ventilated seat button a second
time to choose MED.
Press the ventilated seat button a third
time to choose LO.
Press the ventilated seat button a fourth
time to turn the ventilation off.
NOTE:
The engine must be running for the ventilated
seats to operate.
Rear Ventilated Seats — If Equipped
If equipped, the two outboard rear seats will
have ventilated seats. The rear ventilated seat
control switches are located on the rear of the
center console.
There are two ventilated seat switches that
allow the rear passengers to operate the seats
independently. The fans operate at three
speeds: HI, MED, and LO. Push the ventilated
seat buttons to toggle through the speeds, or to
turn the feature off.
NOTE:
The engine must be running for the ventilated
seats to operate.
PLASTIC GROCERY BAG RETAINERS
Retainer hooks which will hold plastic grocery
bag handles are attached to the underside of
the rear seat cushion. To access these hooks,
lift the rear seat cushion upward.
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66GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
It is not necessary to move the temperature
settings for cold or hot vehicles. The system
automatically adjusts the temperature,
mode, and blower speed to provide comfort
as quickly as possible.
The temperature can be displayed in US or
Metric units by selecting the US/Metric
customer-programmable feature within
Uconnect Settings Úpage 237.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the
Automatic mode during cold start-ups, the
blower fan will remain on low until the engine
warms up. The blower will increase in speed
and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual
override features. The AUTO symbol in the front
ATC display will be turned off when the system
is being used in the manual mode.
CLIMATE VOICE RECOGNITION
Adjust vehicle temperatures hands-free and
keep everyone comfortable while you keep
moving ahead. Push the VR button on the steering wheel. After
the beep, say one of the following commands:
“
Set driver temperature to 70 degrees ”
“Set passenger temperature to 70 degrees ”
Did you know: Voice Command for Climate may
only be used to adjust the interior temperature
of your vehicle. Voice Command will not work to
adjust the heated seats or steering wheel if
equipped.
OPERATING TIPS
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and
defroster performance, make sure the engine
cooling system is functioning properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration of
coolant is used. Use of the Air Recirculation
mode during Winter months is not
recommended, because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation/Storage
For information on maintaining the Climate
Control system when the vehicle is being stored
for an extended period of time, see
Ú
page 461.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in
mild, rainy, and/or humid weather. To clear the
windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and
increase the front blower speed. Do not use the
Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in
front of the windshield, is free of obstructions,
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air
intake may reduce airflow, and if they enter the
air distribution box, they could plug the water
drains. In Winter months, make sure the air
intake is clear of ice, slush, and snow.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL111
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Fuel Gauge
The gauge shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door
is located. 7. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
DEF is required to maintain normal
vehicle operation and emissions compli
-
ance. If something is wrong with the
gauge, a DEF Warning Message or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will be
displayed Ú page 123.
NOTE:
The gauge may take up to five seconds to
update after adding a gallon or more of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 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.
Outside temperature can affect DEF
consumption. In cold conditions, 12°F
(-11°C) and below, the DEF gauge needle
can stay on a fixed position and may not
move for extended periods of time. This is a
normal function of the system.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL113
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS — DIESEL

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages Ú page 114.

Instrument Cluster Display/Controls Location

The display always show one of the main
menu item after ignition on. 3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel filler
door is located.
5. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
The DEF Gauge displays the actual level
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the DEF tank.
DEF is required to maintain normal
vehicle operation and emissions compli -
ance. If something is wrong with the
gauge, a DEF Warning Message or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will be
displayed Ú page 123.
NOTE:
The DEF tank on these vehicles is designed
with a large amount of full reserve. So the
level sensor will indicate a full reading even
before the tank is completely full. To put it
another way, there’s additional storage capacity in the tank above the Full mark
that’s not represented in the gauge. You may
not see any movement in the reading – even
after driving up to 2,000 miles in some
cases.
The 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.
Outside temperature can affect DEF
consumption. In cold conditions, 12°F
(-11°C) and below, the DEF gauge needle
can stay on a fixed position and may not
move for extended periods of time. This is a
normal function of the system.
1 – Instrument Cluster Display Controls
2 – Instrument Cluster Display Screen
3

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