2021 RAM 1500 tailgate

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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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.

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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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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE29
To Unlock From The Driver Or Passenger Side
With a valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft
(1.5 m) of the door handle, grab the handle to
unlock the vehicle. Grabbing the driver’s door
handle will unlock the driver door automatically.
Grabbing the passenger door handle will unlock
all doors and the tailgate automatically.

Grab The Door Handle To Unlock

NOTE:
If “Unlock All Doors 1st Press” is
programmed all doors will unlock when you
grab hold of the front driver’s door handle.
You can select between “Unlock Driver Door
1st Press” and “Unlock All Doors 1st Press”
within the Uconnect Settings Ú page 237.
All doors will unlock when the front
passenger door handle is grabbed regardless
of the driver’s door unlock preference
setting.
Frequency Operated Button Integrated Key
(FOBIK-Safe)
To minimize the possibility of unintentionally
locking a Passive Entry key fob inside your
vehicle, the Passive Entry system is equipped
with an automatic door unlock feature which
will function if the ignition switch is in the OFF
position.
There are five situations that trigger a
FOBIK-Safe search in any passive entry vehicle:
A lock request is made by a valid Passive
Entry key fob while a door is open.
A lock request is made by the Passive Entry
door handle while a door is open.
A lock request is made by the door panel
switch while the door is open.
When the Vehicle Security system is in
pre-arm or armed status and the tailgate
transitions from opened to closed.
When the tailgate transitions from open to
closed and remote start is active.
When any of these situations occur, after all
open doors are shut, the FOBIK-Safe search will
be executed. If it finds a Passive Entry key fob
inside the vehicle, the vehicle will unlock and
alert the customer.
NOTE:
The vehicle will only unlock the doors when a
valid Passive Entry key fob is detected inside
the vehicle. The vehicle will not unlock the doors
when any of the following conditions are true:
The doors are manually locked using the door
lock knobs.
Three attempts are made to lock the doors
using the door panel switch and then the
doors are closed.
There is a valid Passive Entry key fob outside
the vehicle within 5 ft (1.5 m) of a Passive
Entry door handle.
To Lock The Vehicle’s Doors And Tailgate
With one of the vehicle’s Passive Entry key fobs
within 5 ft (1.5 m) of either front door handles,
pushing the Passive Entry lock button will lock
the vehicle.
2

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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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86GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

60 Split Door Release Handle

Once the 60 split swing door is opened, pull the
release handle on the inboard side of the
40 split door to open.

40 Split Door Release Handle
Closing
Always close the 40 split door first, then close
the 60 split door. The swing doors must be
securely latched before the tailgate can be
lowered.
NOTE:
When the swing doors are open, the
maximum load placed on a door cannot
exceed 180 lbs (82 kg).
Pull back on the swing doors firmly after
closing to ensure they are securely latched.
TAILGATE REMOVAL
To remove the tailgate, follow the instructions
below:

1. Open the tailgate to a 45° angle.

2. Lift up on the right side of the tailgate, lifting
it off of the pivot.

Lift Right Side Off Of Pivot

WARNING!
To prevent serious injury or death:
Always keep hands away from the hinge
sides of the swing doors and where the
doors meet when opening and closing the
doors. Your hand or someone else’s hand
could be pinched.
Never operate the vehicle with the swing
doors open.
Never hang from or sit on the swing doors.
CAUTION!
Always check both swing doors are latched
before starting vehicle.
Vehicle damage may occur if doors are not
securely latched.

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