2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB traction control

278SAFETY

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction
and the ESC system becomes active. The ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also
flashes when 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.

The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates
that the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) is in a reduced mode.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light and the ESC OFF Indicator Light come
on momentarily each time the ignition is
placed in the ON position.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON
position, the ESC system will be on even if it
was turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive
following the maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped
HDC is intended for low speed off-road driving
while in 4WD Low. HDC maintains vehicle speed
while descending hills during various driving
situations. HDC controls vehicle speed by
actively controlling the brakes.
HDC Has Three States:

1. Off (feature is not enabled and will not activate).

2. Enabled (feature is enabled and ready but activation conditions are not met, or driver
is actively overriding with brake or throttle
application).
3. Active (feature is enabled and actively controlling vehicle speed).
Enabling HDC
HDC is enabled by pushing the HDC switch, but
the following conditions must also be met to
enable HDC:
The driveline is in 4WD Low.
The vehicle speed is below 5 mph (8 km/h).
The parking brake is released.
The driver door is closed. Activating HDC
Once HDC is enabled it will activate
automatically if driven down a grade of
sufficient magnitude. The set speed for HDC is
selectable by the driver, and can be adjusted by
using the gear shift +/-. The following
summarizes the HDC set speeds:
HDC Target Set Speeds
P = No set speed. HDC may be enabled but
will not activate.
R = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
N = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)
D = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
1st = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
2nd = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)
3rd = 1.8 mph (3 km/h)
4th = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
5th = 3.1 mph (5 km/h)
6th = 3.7 mph (6 km/h)
7th = 4.3 mph (7 km/h)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 278

SAFETY281
Traction Control System (TCS)
TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected,
the TCS may apply brake pressure to the
spinning wheel(s) and/or reduce engine power
to provide enhanced acceleration and stability.
A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential
(BLD), functions similarly to a limited slip
differential and controls the wheel spin across a
driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will
apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will
allow more engine power to be applied to the
wheel that is not spinning. BLD may remain
enabled even if TCS and Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) are in reduced modes.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an
excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway.
NOTE:
TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Always use caution when towing a trailer and
follow the trailer tongue weight recommenda -
tions Ú page 200.
When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light will flash, the engine
power may be reduced and you may feel the
brakes being applied to individual wheels to
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” or “Full Off” modes.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
W
ITH MITIGATION — IF EQUIPPED
FCW with Mitigation provides the driver with
audible warnings, visual warnings (within the
instrument cluster display), and may apply a
brake jerk to warn the driver when it detects a
potential frontal collision. The warnings and
limited braking are intended to provide the
driver with enough time to react, avoid or
mitigate the potential collision.
NOTE:
FCW monitors the information from the forward
looking sensors as well as the Electronic Brake
Controller (EBC), to calculate the probability of a
forward collision. When the system determines
that a forward collision is probable, the driver
will be provided with audible and visual warn-
ings as well as a possible brake jerk warning.
If the driver does not take action based upon
these progressive warnings, then the system
will provide a limited level of active braking to
help slow the vehicle and mitigate the potential
forward collision. If the driver reacts to the warn -
ings by braking and the system determines that
HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when exiting your
vehicle. Also, be certain to place the trans -
mission in PARK.
Failure to follow these warnings can result
in a collision or serious personal injury.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer
sway.
6

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 281

418SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
If you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the
wheel’s specifications match those of the
original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized
tire dealer or original equipment dealer with any
questions you may have on tire specifications
or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.TIRE TYPES
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Traction
levels may vary between different all season
tires. All season tires can be identified by the
M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the tire
sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the safety
and handling of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If
Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and
dry conditions, and are not intended to be
driven in snow or on ice. If your vehicle is
equipped with Summer tires, be aware these
tires are not designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your vehicle
when ambient temperatures are less than 40°F
(5°C) or if roads are covered with ice or snow.
For more information, contact an authorized
dealer.
WARNING!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or
speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of unap -
proved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for
your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with
a smaller load index could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can
result in sudden tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false speedometer
and odometer readings.
WARNING! (Continued)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 418

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE419
Summer tires do not contain the all season
designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on
the tire sidewall. Use Summer tires only in sets
of four; failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of
snow tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be
identified by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol
on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the
original equipment tires. Use snow
tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle. Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at
sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).
For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire dealer
for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance
on ice, skid and traction capability on wet or
dry surfaces may be poorer than that of
non-studded tires. Some states prohibit
studded tires; therefore, local laws should
be checked before using these tire types.SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use
Ú
page 206.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire
rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin
with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving too
fast for conditions also creates the possibility
of loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic
car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the
vehicle may result.8

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 419

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE423
3500 DRW CAB CHASSIS
Trim Level Axle
Tire/Wheel Size Snow Traction Device
(maximum projection beyond tire profile or equivalent)
4x2 Rear
LT235/80R17E U Class
4x4 Front/Rear
4500/5500 DRW CAB CHASSIS
Trim Level Axle
Tire/Wheel Size Snow Traction Device
(maximum projection beyond tire profile or equivalent)
4x2 Rear225/70R19.5G U Class
4x4
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type
(M+S, Snow) between front and rear axles
can cause unpredictable handling. You could
lose control and have a collision.8

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 423

426SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
All passenger vehicle tires must conform
to Federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
TREADWEAR
The Treadwear grade is a comparative
rating, based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half times as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION GRADES
The Traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under
controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
TEMPERATURE GRADES
The Temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat, when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel,
than the minimum required by law.

WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 426

454 J
Jack Location
................................................. 339Jack Operation............................................... 339Jacking And Tire Changing............................. 339Jump Starting................................................ 344
K
Key Fob Programming Additional Key Fobs
.............. 17Key Fob Battery Service (Remote
Keyless Entry).................................................. 16Key Fob Programming (Remote
Keyless Entry).................................................. 17Keyless Enter-N-Go........................26, 118, 123Passive Entry............................................... 26Keys................................................................. 15
L
Lane Change And Turn Signals........................ 54Lane Change Assist......................................... 54LaneSense.................................................... 183Latches.......................................................... 332Hood........................................................... 79Lead Free Gasoline........................................ 433Leaks, Fluid................................................... 332Life Of Tires................................................... 417Light Bulbs........................................... 332, 401
Lights............................................................ 332Air Bag.................................... 107, 303, 331Automatic High Beam.................................. 52Brake Assist Warning............................... 277Brake Warning.......................................... 107Bulb Replacement.................................... 401Cab Top Clearance................................... 405Cargo........................................................... 54Center Mounted Stop............................... 405Courtesy/Reading....................................... 55Cruise....................................................... 115Daytime Running......................................... 51Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator............................................... 108Exterior...............................................50, 332Fog........................................................... 404Four Wheel Drive Indicator....................... 162Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 334Headlights............................................ 50, 52High Beam................................................... 51Hill Descent Control Indicator................... 278Illuminated Entry......................................... 56Interior......................................................... 55Lights On Reminder..................................... 53Low Fuel................................................... 111Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)....... 110Park.......................................................... 115Passing........................................................ 52
Seat Belt Reminder.................................. 107Security Alarm.......................................... 108Service...................................................... 401Traction Control........................................ 277Transfer Case........................................... 162Turn Signals..................... 54, 115, 332, 402Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions................................ 108, 115Limited-Slip Differential....................... 162, 391Load Shed Battery Saver Mode..................... 105Load Shed Battery Saver On......................... 105Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction........... 105Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor............ 105Loading Vehicle............................................. 199Tires.......................................................... 411LocksAutomatic Door............................................28Child Protection...........................................28Power Door..................................................25Low Tire Pressure System............................. 284Lubrication, Body.......................................... 380Lug Nuts/Bolts..................................... 342, 432
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................ 366Maintenance Plan......................................... 359Maintenance Schedule............... 353, 357, 359Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).. 110

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 454

458 Rotation
.................................................... 424Safety.............................................. 406, 414Sizes.......................................................... 407Snow Tires................................................. 419Spare Tires............................. 419, 420, 421Spinning.................................................... 416Trailer Towing............................................ 206Tread Wear Indicators............................... 417Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 432To Open Hood.................................................. 79Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight....................... 205Torque Converter Clutch................................ 151Towing................................................. 200, 350Disabled Vehicle........................................ 350Guide......................................................... 205Recreational.............................................. 214Weight....................................................... 205Towing Behind A Motorhome......................... 214Traction......................................................... 218Traction Control............................................. 281Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 281Trailer Towing................................................ 200Hitches...................................................... 204Minimum Requirements............................ 205Mirrors......................................................... 46Tips........................................................... 211Trailer And Tongue Weight........................ 205Wiring........................................................ 209Trailer Towing Guide...................................... 205Trailer Weight................................................ 205
Transfer Case............................................... 391Electronically Shifted....................... 153, 156Fluid......................................................... 444Transmission................................................ 141Automatic............................... 141, 146, 387Fluid......................................................... 444Maintenance............................................ 387Shifting..................................................... 140Transporting Pets.......................................... 330Tread Wear Indicators.................................. 417Turn Signals.................................. 54, 115, 402
U
UconnectPhone Call Features
................................. 264Things You Should Know About Your Uconnect Phone................................... 267Uconnect Phone.................................. 259, 260Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — Call Currently In Progress..................... 265Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — No Call Currently In Progress................ 265Bluetooth Communication Link................ 269Call Continuation...................................... 266Call Controls............................................. 264Call Termination....................................... 266Cancel Command..................................... 260Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing............... 262
Help Command......................................... 260Join Calls.................................................. 266Making A Phone Or Audio Device A Favorite................................................ 262Making A Second Call While Current Call Is In Progress................................. 266Managing Your Favorites.......................... 263Natural Speech......................................... 259Operation.................................................. 259Overview................................................... 258Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile Phone....................................... 260Phonebook Download............................... 263Place/Retrieve A Call From Hold............... 266Power-Up.................................................. 269Recent Calls.............................................. 264Redial....................................................... 266To Remove A Favorite............................... 263Toggling Between Calls............................. 266Touch-Tone Number Entry........................ 264Transfer Call To And From Mobile Phone.. 266Voice Command....................................... 267Uconnect SettingsCustomer Programmable Features..............26Passive Entry Programming.........................26Uconnect System.......................................... 244Uniform Tire Quality Grades.......................... 425Unleaded Gasoline........................................ 433Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt.................... 297USB..................................................................72

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 458