2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB run flat

294SAFETY
Research has shown that seat belts save lives,
and they can reduce the seriousness of injuries
in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen
when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat
belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the
risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the
vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be
belted at all times.
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert)
Driver And Passenger BeltAlert — If Equipped

BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind
the driver and outboard front seat passenger
(if equipped with outboard front passenger seat
BeltAlert) to buckle their seat belts. The BeltAlert
feature is active whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON/RUN position.

Initial Indication

If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch
is first in the START or ON/RUN position, a chime
will signal for a few seconds. If the driver or
outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with
outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is
unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in
the START or ON/RUN position the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until
both outboard front seat belts are buckled.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is
not active when an outboard front passenger
seat is unoccupied.

BeltAlert Warning Sequence
The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated
when the vehicle is moving above a specified
vehicle speed range and the driver or outboard
front seat passenger is unbuckled (if equipped
with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert)
(the outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is
not active when the outboard front passenger
seat is unoccupied). The BeltAlert warning
sequence starts by blinking the Seat Belt
Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent
chime. Once the BeltAlert warning sequence
has completed, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will remain on until the seat belts are buckled.
The BeltAlert warning sequence may repeat
based on vehicle speed until the driver and
occupied outboard front seat passenger seat
belts are buckled. The driver should instruct all
occupants to buckle their seat belts.
Change Of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger
(if equipped with outboard front passenger seat
BeltAlert) unbuckles their seat belt while the
vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert warning
sequence will begin until the seat belts are
buckled again.

The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not
active when the outboard front passenger seat is
unoccupied. BeltAlert may be triggered when an
animal or other items are placed on the outboard
front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat
(if equipped). It is recommended that pets be
restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet
harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat
belts, and cargo is properly stowed.

BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by an
authorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not
recommend deactivating BeltAlert.
NOTE:

If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver or
outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with
outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is
unbuckled the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn
on and remain on until the driver and outboard
front seat passenger seat belts are buckled.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 294

SAFETY303
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags — If Equipped
Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped
Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system
whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch
is in the OFF position or in the ACC position, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not
inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system even
if the battery loses power or it becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in
the instrument panel for approximately four to
eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition
switch is first in the ON/RUN position. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn
off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part
of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound to alert you if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could
affect the air bag system. The diagnostics also
record the nature of the malfunction. While the
air bag system is designed to be maintenance
free, if any of the following occurs, have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the
ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN position.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after
the four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermit
-
tently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:

If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled.
In this condition the air bags may not be ready to
inflate for your protection. Have an authorized
dealer service the air bag system immediately.

Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning
Light is detected, which could affect
the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS), the Redundant Air Bag Warning
Light will illuminate on the instrument panel.
The Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will
stay on until the fault is cleared. In addition, a
single chime will sound to alert you that the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light has come on
and a fault has been detected. If the Redundant
Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving have an authorized
dealer service the vehicle immediately
Ú page 107.
WARNING!

Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t have
the air bag system to protect you in a collision.
If the light does not come on as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on, stays on
after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as
you drive, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.

6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 303

SAFETY311
(Continued)
Maintaining Your Air Bag System Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE:
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are
recorded by the EDR under normal driving
conditions and no personal data (e.g., name,
gender, age, and crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law enforce -
ment, could combine the EDR data with the type
of personally identifying data routinely acquired
during a crash investigation.
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you need
it. You could be injured if the air bag system
is not there to protect you. Do not modify
the components or wiring, including adding
any kind of badges or stickers to the
steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper
passenger side of the instrument panel.
Do not modify the front fascia/bumper,
vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket
side steps or running boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of
the air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell
anyone who works on your vehicle that it
has an air bag system.

Do not attempt to modify any part of your air
bag system. The air bag may inflate acciden -
tally or may not function properly if modifica -
tions are made. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for any air bag system
service. If your seat, including your trim cover
and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way
(including removal or loosening/tightening
of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to
an authorized dealer. Only manufacturer
approved seat accessories may be used. If it
is necessary to modify the air bag system for
persons with disabilities, contact an autho -
rized dealer.

WARNING! (Continued)
6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 311

340IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position.
For example, if the driver’s front wheel is
being changed, block the passenger’s rear
wheel.

Wheel Blocked

NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.JACKING INSTRUCTIONS 4500 AND
5500 S
ERIES

Jack Warning Label

WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings
to help prevent personal injury or damage to
your vehicle:
Always park on a firm, level surface as far
from the edge of the roadway as possible
before raising the vehicle.
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers.
Apply the parking brake firmly and set the
transmission in PARK.
Block the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be raised.
Never start or run the engine with the
vehicle on a jack.
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it
is on a jack.
Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a
jack. If you need to get under a raised
vehicle, take it to a service center where it
can be raised on a lift.
Only use the jack in the positions indicated
and for lifting this vehicle during a tire
change.
If working on or near a roadway, be
extremely careful of motor traffic.
To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated,
are securely stowed, spares must be
stowed with the valve stem facing the
ground.
WARNING! (Continued)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 340

350IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service. If the transmission and drivetrain are operable,
disabled vehicles may also be towed as described Ú page 215.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow
bars and other equipment designed for this
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to
fascia/bumpers or associated brackets. State
and local laws regarding vehicles under tow
must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC
mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, Ú
page 348.
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The
Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance (6–speed transmission)
• 30 miles (48 km) max distance (8–speed transmission) Detailed instructions Ú
page 215
• Auto Transmission in PARK
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL
• Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen-
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 350

353
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

Based on engine operation conditions, the
oil change indicator message will illuminate.
This means that service is required for your
vehicle. Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change.
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage. Rotate at the
first sign of irregular wear.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, power steering and
automatic transmission (six-speed only), and
fill as needed.

Check function of all interior and exterior lights.

8

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 353

416SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Radial Ply Tires
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be
repaired if it meets the following criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when flat.
The damage is only on the tread section of
your tire (sidewall damage is not repairable).
The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an
inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs
and additional information.

Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have
experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced
immediately with another Run Flat tire of identical
size and service description (Load Index and Speed
Symbol). Replace the tire pressure sensor as well as
it is not designed to be reused.

Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive
50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a
rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid loss
of inflation is referred to as the Run Flat mode.
A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a
Run Flat tire reaches the Run Flat mode it has
limited driving capabilities and needs to be
replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not
repairable. When a Run Flat tire is changed
after driving with underinflated tire condition,
please replace the TPM sensor as it is not
designed to be reused when driven under Run
Flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa) condition.
NOTE:
TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the
vehicle on a flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded
at full capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in
the Run Flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for
more information.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping.WARNING!

Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause a collision.
Always use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never
combine them with other types of tires.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
for more than 30 seconds continuously when
you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 416

451
Belts, Seat
..................................................... 330Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................262Body Builders Guide........................................ 10Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 380B-Pillar Location............................................. 411Brake Assist System...................................... 274Brake Control System.................................... 274Brake Fluid.......................................... 387, 444Brake System...................................... 387, 431Fluid Check............................................... 387Master Cylinder......................................... 387Parking...................................................... 137Warning Light............................................ 107Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 141Bulb Replacement......................................... 401Bulbs, Light.......................................... 332, 401
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights.............................. 405Camera.......................................................... 186Camera, AUX........................................ 188, 194Camera, Rear...................................... 186, 189Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 439Capacities, Fluid............................................ 439Caps, FillerOil (Engine)................................................ 364Power Steering.......................................... 163Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 385
Car Washes................................................... 428Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 333Cargo Light....................................................... 54CD................................................................. 255Cellular Phone.............................................. 269Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 405Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 67Changing A Flat Tire...................................... 339Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 386Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 407Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light).............................................. 117Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 330Checks, Safety.............................................. 330Child Restraint.............................................. 312Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 315Child Seat Installation..................... 323, 325How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 322Infant And Child Restraints....................... 313Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 320Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 317Older Children And Child Restraints......... 314Seating Positions...................................... 316Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 433CleaningWheels..................................................... 421Climate Control................................................ 58Automatic.................................................... 59Manual........................................................ 62
Cold Weather Operation................................ 122Compact Spare Tire...................................... 419Contract, Service........................................... 446Controls........................................................ 247Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 385Cooling System............................................. 383Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 384Coolant Level................................... 384, 386Cooling Capacity....................................... 439Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 385Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 384Inspection................................................. 386Points To Remember................................ 386Pressure Cap............................................ 385Radiator Cap............................................. 385Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 384, 440Corrosion Protection..................................... 427Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 164, 166Cruise Light................................................... 115Customer Assistance.................................... 445Cybersecurity................................................ 220
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................51Dealer Service............................................... 367Defroster, Rear Window...................................62Defroster, Windshield............................ 62, 331Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................57Deleting A Phone........................................... 262Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 116
11

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 451