2021 RAM 1500 key

RAM 1500
2021 OWNER’S MANUAL
21_DT_OM_EN_USC
FIRST EDITION
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2021 RAM 1500
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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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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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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

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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

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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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