2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB torque

STARTING AND OPERATING157
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2WD
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
4WD HIGH
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range
maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional traction
for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive.
It maximizes torque to the front driveshaft,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This range provides additional
traction and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h). N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain.
To be used for flat towing behind another
vehicle Ú
page 214.
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the two-wheel drive
position (2WD) for normal street and highway
conditions on dry, hard surfaced roads. When additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4WD High and 4WD Low positions
can be used to maximize torque to the front
driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished
by rotating the four-wheel drive Control Switch
to the desired position.
For specific shifting instructions Ú
page 159.

The 4WD High and 4WD Low positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Driving in the 4WD High and 4WD Low positions
on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased
tire wear and damage to the driveline
components.

NOTE:

The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located on
the lower left hand corner of the four-wheel drive
Control Switch. The transfer case NEUTRAL posi -
tion is to be used for recreational towing only

Ú
page 214.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case N (NEUTRAL) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shafts from the powertrain
and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 157

STARTING AND OPERATING183
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED
LANESENSE OPERATION
The LaneSense system is operational at speeds
above 37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph
(180 km/h). It uses a forward looking camera to
detect lane markings and measure vehicle
position within the lane boundaries.
When both lane markings are detected and the
driver drifts out of the lane (no turn signal has
been applied) OR the driver departs the lane on
the opposite side of the applied turn signal (if the left turn signal is applied and the vehicle
departs to the right), the LaneSense system
provides a haptic warning in the form of torque
applied to the steering wheel, as well as a visual
warning in the instrument cluster display to
prompt the driver to remain within the lane
boundaries.
The driver may manually override the haptic
warning by applying torque into the steering
wheel at any time.
When only a single lane marking is detected
and the driver drifts across that lane marking
(no turn signal applied), the LaneSense system
provides a visual warning through the
instrument cluster display to prompt the driver
to remain within the lane.
When only a single lane marking is detected, a
haptic (torque) warning will not be provided.
NOTE:
When operating conditions have been met, the
LaneSense system will monitor if the driver’s
hands are on the steering wheel and provide
an audible and visual warning to the driver if
removed. The system will cancel if the driver
does not return their hands to the wheel.
WARNING!

Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using ParkSense. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind
you, and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, and
blind spots before backing up. You are
responsible for safety and must continue to
pay attention to your surroundings. Failure to
do so can result in serious injury or death.

Before using ParkSense, it is strongly
recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly be disconnected from
the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for
towing. Failure to do so can result in injury
or damage to vehicles or obstacles
because the hitch ball will be much closer
to the obstacle than the rear fascia when
the vehicle sounds the continuous tone.
Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending
on its size and shape, giving a false indica
-
tion that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!

ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is
unable to recognize every obstacle, including
small obstacles. Parking curbs might be
temporarily detected or not detected at all.
Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in
close proximity.

The vehicle must be driven slowly when
using ParkSense in order to be able to stop
in time when an obstacle is detected. It is
recommended that the driver looks over
his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 183

STARTING AND OPERATING185
Left Lane Departure — Both Lane Lines
Detected
When the LaneSense system is on, and both
the lane markings have been detected, the
system is "armed" to provide visual warnings
in the instrument cluster display and a torque
warning in the steering wheel if an uninten -
tional lane departure occurs. The lane lines
turn from gray to white and the LaneSense
telltale is solid green.

Lanes Sensed (White Lines) With Green Telltale

When the LaneSense system senses a lane
drift situation, the left lane line turns solid
yellow. The LaneSense telltale changes
from solid green to solid yellow. At this time
torque is applied to the steering wheel in the
opposite direction of the lane boundary.

For example: If approaching the left side of the
lane the steering wheel will turn to the right.
Lane Approached (Solid Yellow Lane Line) With Solid Yellow Telltale
When the LaneSense system senses the lane
has been approached and is in a lane depar -
ture situation, the left lane line flashes yellow
(on/off). The LaneSense telltale changes
from solid yellow to flashing yellow. At this
time torque is applied to the steering wheel in
the opposite direction of the lane boundary.

For example: If approaching the left side of the
lane the steering wheel will turn to the right.
Lane Crossed (Flashing Yellow Lane Line) With Flashing Yellow Telltale

NOTE:
The LaneSense system operates with similar
behavior for a right lane departure.
4

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 185

186STARTING AND OPERATING
CHANGING LANESENSE STATUS
The LaneSense system has settings to adjust
the intensity (Low/Medium/High) of the torque
warning and the warning zone sensitivity (Early/
Medium/Late) that you can configure through
the Uconnect system Úpage 228.
NOTE:
When enabled the system operates above
37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph (180 km/h).

Use of the turn signal suppresses the warnings.

The system will not apply torque to the
steering wheel whenever a safety system
engages (Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control
System, Electronic Stability Control, Forward
Collision Warning, etc.).
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA
The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera allows
you to see an on-screen image of the rear
surroundings of your vehicle whenever the gear
selector is put into REVERSE. The image will be
displayed on the Navigation/Multimedia radio
display screen along with a caution note to
“Check Entire Surroundings” across the top of
the screen. After five seconds this note will
disappear. The ParkView Camera is located in
the center of the tailgate handle.
NOTE:
For the 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cab
vehicles, the Rear Backup Camera is shipped
loose and not installed. Please refer to the Ram
Body Builders Guide for more information.
Manual Activation Of The Rear View
Camera:

1. Press the "Controls" button located on the bottom of the Uconnect display.

2. Press the "Back Up Camera" icon to turn the Rear View Camera system on.

When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with
camera delay turned off), the rear camera mode is exited and the previous screen appears. When
the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with
camera delay turned on), the camera image will
continue to be displayed for up to 10 seconds
unless the following conditions occur: The vehicle
speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle is
shifted into PARK, the vehicle’s ignition is placed
in the OFF position, or the user presses image
defeat “X” to exit out of the camera video display.

Whenever the Rear View Camera image is
activated through the "Backup Camera" button
in the Controls menu, and the vehicle speed is
greater than, or equal to, 8 mph (13 km/h), a
display timer for the image is initiated. The
image will continue to be displayed until the
display timer exceeds 10 seconds.
NOTE:
If the vehicle speed remains below 8 mph
(13 km/h), the Rear View Camera image will
be displayed continuously until deactivated
via the touchscreen button "X", the transmis -
sion is shifted into PARK, or the ignition is
placed in the OFF position.
The touchscreen button "X" to disable display
of the camera image is made available ONLY
when the vehicle is not in REVERSE.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 186

SAFETY275
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
EBD manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by
limiting braking pressure to the rear axle. This is
done to prevent overslip of the rear wheels to
avoid vehicle instability, and to prevent the rear
axle from entering ABS before the front axle.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
ERM anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and
the speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines
that the rate of change of the steering wheel
angle and vehicle’s speed are sufficient to
potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the
appropriate brake and may also reduce engine
power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM can only reduce the chance of
wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive
driving maneuvers; it cannot prevent wheel lift
due to other factors, such as road conditions,
leaving the roadway, or striking objects or other
vehicles.
NOTE:
ERM is disabled any time the ESC is in “Full Off”
mode (if equipped). For a complete explanation
of the available ESC modes, see Ú page 275.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC enhances directional control and stability
of the vehicle under various driving conditions.
ESC corrects for oversteering or understeering
of the vehicle by applying the brake of the
appropriate wheel(s) to counteract the above
conditions. Engine power may also be reduced
to help the vehicle maintain the desired path.

Oversteer — when the vehicle is turning more
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
Understeer — when the vehicle is turning less
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and
compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the
intended path, ESC applies the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
located in the instrument cluster will start to flash
as soon as the ESC system becomes active.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
also flashes when the TCS is active. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light begins to
flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.

WARNING!

Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions and driving conditions, influence
the chance that wheel lift or rollover may occur.
ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or roll overs,
especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles.
The capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.

6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 275

SAFETY277
(Continued)
NOTE:
For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes,
the push and release of the button will toggle
the ESC modes. Multiple attempts may be
required to return to "ESC On" mode.
Full Off — If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only and should not be used on any
public roadways. In this mode, TCS and ESC
features are turned off. To enter the “Full Off”
mode, push and hold the ESC OFF button for
five seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After five seconds, a chime
will sound, the ESC OFF Indicator Light will
illuminate, and the “ESC OFF” message will
display in the instrument cluster. To turn ESC on
again, momentarily push the ESC OFF button.
NOTE:
System may switch from ESC “Full Off” to
“Partial Off” mode when vehicle exceeds a
predetermined speed. When the vehicle speed
slows below the predetermined speed the
system will return to ESC “Full Off”.
ESC modes may also be affected by drive
modes (if equipped).
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON
mode. It should go out with the engine
running. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the
ESC system. If this light remains on after several
ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than
30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as
soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.

WARNING!

When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS function -
ality of ESC, except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section, has
been disabled and the ESC OFF Indicator
Light will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by the ESC system is
reduced.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine
torque reduction and stability features are
disabled. Therefore, enhanced vehicle
stability offered by the ESC system is
unavailable. In an emergency evasive
maneuver, the ESC system will not engage
to assist in maintaining stability. ESC “Full
Off” mode is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, driving on very
slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent collisions.
WARNING! (Continued)
6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 277

332SAFETY
(Continued)
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the lug nuts/bolt torque for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold
inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on
the passenger’s side floor area.

ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when the
vehicle is moving. Objects can become trapped
under accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals and
could cause a loss of vehicle control.

NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects
could change the position of the floor mat
and may cause interference with the accel -
erator, brake, or clutch pedals.

If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet to
the floor and check the floor mat fasteners
are secure to the vehicle carpet. Fully
depress each pedal to check for interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals
then re-install the floor mats.

WARNING! (Continued)
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 332

342IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
5. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off.
Install the spare wheel and lug nuts with the
cone shaped end of the nuts toward the
wheel on Single Rear-Wheel (SRW) models.
On Dual Rear-Wheel models (DRW) the lug
nuts are a two-piece assembly with a flat
face. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid risk
of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not
fully tighten the nuts until the vehicle has
been lowered.
6. Using the lug wrench, finish tightening the nuts using a crisscross pattern
Úpage 432. If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a torque
wrench by an authorized dealer or at a
service station. 7. Install wheel center cap (if equipped) and
remove wheel blocks. Do not install chrome
or aluminum wheel center caps on the
spare wheel. This may result in cap damage.
8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the jack will not lower by turning the dial
(thumbwheel) by hand, it may be necessary
to use the jack driver in order to lower the
jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and tools
as previously described.
9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
10. After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut torque Úpage 432 with a torque wrench to
ensure that all lug nuts are properly seated
against the wheel.
Dual Rear Wheels
Slots in the wheels will assist in properly
orienting the inner and outer wheels. Align
these slots when assembling the wheels
for best access to the tire valve on the inner
wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be
completely off the ground when tightening to
ensure wheel centering and maximum wheel
clamping.
Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty
lug nut tightening adapter (included with the
vehicle) to correctly tighten the lug nuts. Also,
when it is necessary to remove and install dual
rear wheels, use a proper vehicle lifting device.
NOTE:
When installing a spare tire (if equipped) as part
of a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire
diameter of the two individual tires must be
compared. If there is a significant difference,
the larger tire should be installed in a front loca-
tion. The correct direction of rotation for dual
tire installations must also be observed.
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept
torqued to specifications at all times. Torque
wheel stud nuts to specifications at each
lubrication interval Ú page 432.WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can
make the vehicle less stable. It could slip off
the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
WARNING!

A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision
or hard stop, could endanger the occupants of
the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the
spare tire in the places provided.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 342