2021 RAM 1500 open hood

3
UNIVERSAL GARAGE DOOR OPENER
(HOMELINK®) — IF EQUIPPED ...........................49 Before You Begin Programming
HomeLink® .................................................. 49 Erasing All The HomeLink® Channels........ 49
Identifying Whether You Have A Rolling
Code Or Non-Rolling Code Device .............. 49 Programming HomeLink® To A Garage
Door Opener ................................................. 50 Programming HomeLink® To A
Miscellaneous Device.................................. 51 Reprogramming A Single HomeLink®
Button ........................................................... 51 Canadian/Gate Operator Programming ..... 51
EXTERIOR LIGHTS.................................................52
Headlight Switch .......................................... 52
Multifunction Lever ..................................... 53
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) ................. 53
High/Low Beam Switch ............................... 53
Automatic High Beam Headlamp
Control — If Equipped ................................. 53 Flash-To-Pass ............................................... 54
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped ......... 54
Parking Lights And Panel Lights ................. 54
Automatic Headlights With Wipers ............. 54
Headlight Delay ............................................ 55
Lights-On Reminder ..................................... 55
Fog Lights — If Equipped ............................ 55
Turn Signals ................................................ 55
Lane Change Assist — If Equipped ............. 55 Cargo Lights/Trailer Spotter Lights With
Bed Lights — If Equipped............................. 56 Battery Saver ............................................... 57
INTERIOR LIGHTS ................................................ 57
Courtesy Lights ............................................ 57
Illuminated Entry ......................................... 58
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS............. 58
Windshield Wiper Operation ...................... 58
Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped............ 59
CLIMATE CONTROLS ........................................... 60
Automatic Climate Control Descriptions
And Functions .............................................. 60 Manual Climate Control Descriptions And
Functions...................................................... 63 Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) —
If Equipped ................................................... 65 Climate Voice Recognition .......................... 66
Operating Tips ............................................. 66
INTERIOR STORAGE AND EQUIPMENT ............. 68
Storage ......................................................... 68
USB/AUX Control ......................................... 72
Electrical Power Outlets .............................. 74
Power Inverter — If Equipped ..................... 75
Wireless Charging Pad — If Equipped ........ 77
WINDOWS ............................................................ 77
Power Windows............................................ 77
Automatic Window Features ....................... 78
Reset Auto-Up ............................................. 78
Window Lockout Switch .............................. 79 Power Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped .................................................. 79 Manual Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped ................................................... 79 Wind Buffeting ............................................ 80
POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED ....................80
Single Pane Power Sunroof —
If Equipped ................................................... 80 Dual Pane Power Sunroof —
If Equipped ................................................... 82
HOOD .....................................................................84
To Open The Hood ....................................... 84
To Close The Hood....................................... 85
TAILGATE ...............................................................85
Opening ........................................................ 85
Closing.......................................................... 85
Locking Tailgate ........................................... 85
Multifunction Tailgate — If Equipped.......... 85
Tailgate Removal ........................................ 86
Bed Step — If Equipped ............................... 89
PICKUP BOX .........................................................90
Bed Rail Tie-Down System —
If Equipped .................................................. 91
RAMBOX — IF EQUIPPED ....................................92
Locking And Unlocking RamBox ................. 93
RamBox Cargo Storage Bins ....................... 93
RamBox Safety Warning ............................. 94
Bed Divider — If Equipped ........................... 95

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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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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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26GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security system monitors the vehicle
doors, hood, tailgate, and the Keyless Enter-N-Go
— Ignition for unauthorized operation. While the
Vehicle Security system is armed, interior
switches for door locks and tailgate release are
disabled. If something triggers the alarm, the
Vehicle Security system will provide the following
audible and visible signals:
The horn will pulse
The turn signals will flash
The vehicle security light in the instrument
cluster will flash
TO ARM THE SYSTEM
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security
system:

1. Make sure the vehicle’s ignition is placed
in the OFF position.

For vehicles equipped with Keyless Entry,
make sure the vehicle’s keyless ignition
system is OFF.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the vehicle:
Push the lock button on the interior
power door lock switch with the driver
and/or passenger door open.
Push the lock button on the exterior
Passive Entry door handle with a valid key
fob available in the same exterior zone
Úpage 28.
Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
TO DISARM THE SYSTEM
The Vehicle Security system can be disarmed
using any of the following methods:
Push the unlock button on the key fob.
Grab the Passive Entry door handle to unlock
the door Ú page 28.
Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position to
disarm the system.
NOTE:
The driver's door key cylinder cannot arm or
disarm the Vehicle Security system. Use of
the door key cylinder when the system is
armed will sound the alarm when the door is
opened.
The Vehicle Security system remains armed
when the power tailgate (if equipped) is
opened using the tailgate button on the key
fob.
If Passive Entry (if equipped) is used to
unlock the tailgate, the Vehicle Security
system is disarmed and the rest of the
vehicle doors will remain locked unless
“Unlock All Doors 1st Press” is selected in the
Passive Entry settings.
When the Vehicle Security system is armed,
the interior power door lock switches will not
unlock the doors.
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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84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Venting Sunroof — Express
Push and release the Vent button within one
half second and the sunroof will open to the
vent position. This is called “Express Vent” and
it will occur regardless of sunroof position.
During Express Vent operation, any movement
of the switch will stop the sunroof.
NOTE:
If the sunshade was not already open, it will
automatically open prior to the roof opening to
the vent position.
Ignition Off Operation
The power sunroof switch will remain active for
up to approximately 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
Opening either front door will cancel this
feature.
NOTE:
Ignition Off time is programmable through the
Uconnect system Úpage 237.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth
to clean the glass panel. Periodically check for
and clear out any debris that may have
collected in the tracks.
HOOD
TO OPEN THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be
released.

1. Pull the hood release lever located below
the steering wheel at the base of the
instrument panel.

Hood Release Lever Location
2. Reach into the opening beneath the center
of the hood and push the safety latch lever
to the left to release it, before raising the
hood.

Safety Latch Location

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE85
TO CLOSE THE HOOD
Hoods equipped with gas props are closed from
the point where the props no longer hold the
hood open.
TAILGATE
OPENING
The tailgate may be opened by pushing the
tailgate release pad located on the tailgate
door.
The tailgate damper strut will lower the tailgate
to the open position (if equipped).
Electronic Tailgate Release — If Equipped
The key fob may be equipped with an
electronic release feature for the
tailgate, allowing hands-free tailgate
opening. To activate, push and
release the Tailgate Release button on the key
fob twice within five seconds. The tailgate door
will unlatch, and slowly lower into the open
position.
If equipped, a button on the center overhead
console inside the vehicle can be used to
release the tailgate. An indicator light may also
signal when the tailgate is open.
For the tailgate to lower, the vehicle must be
stationary and in PARK or NEUTRAL. NOTE:
The optional Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
Úpage 97
may prevent electronic tailgate release. The
Tonneau Cover must be removed or folded up
before releasing the tailgate.
CLOSING
To close the tailgate, push it upward until both
sides are securely latched.
LOCKING TAILGATE
The tailgate can be locked using the key fob
lock button.
MULTIFUNCTION TAILGATE — IF
E
QUIPPED
The 60/40 multifunction tailgate has two swing
doors to allow for closer access to the pickup
box with the doors open.
Opening
The tailgate must be latched closed to open the
swing doors. Push the paddle down, then pull
the release handle beneath the tailgate
lowering handle. This opens the 60 split door.
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before
driving your vehicle. If the hood is not fully
latched, it could open when the vehicle is in
motion and block your vision. Failure to follow
this warning could result in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the
hood to close it. Use a firm downward push at
the front center of the hood to ensure that
both latches engage.
2

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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.
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150STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

Engine Block Heater Cord Location

The engine block heater warms engine coolant
and permits quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the heater cord to a ground-fault
interrupter protected 110–115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire
extension cord.
For diesel engines, its use is recommended for
environments that routinely fall below -10°F
(-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has
not been running for long periods of time and
should be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its
use is required for cold starts with temperatures
under -20°F (-28°C). To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally powered
electric engine block heater (available from an
authorized dealer) is recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under
the hood on the passenger side of the vehicle
next to the engine coolant reservoir.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contributes
to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and
should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving type
lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with
anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Ú
page 475.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera -
tion. This should be considered a normal part of
the break-in and not interpreted as a problem.
Please check your oil level with the engine oil
indicator often during the break in period. Add
oil as required.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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