2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB trailer

152STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and
will not cause damage to the transmission.
The torque converter will refill within
five seconds after starting the engine.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode

When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission shifting occurs, push the
TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode.
This will improve performance and reduce the
potential for transmission overheating or failure
due to excessive shifting. When operating in
TOW/HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are
delayed, and the transmission will automatically
downshift (for engine braking) when the throttle
is closed and/or during steady braking
maneuvers. TOW/HAUL Switch

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that
TOW/HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing
the switch a second time restores normal
operation. Normal operation is always the
default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch must be pushed each time
the engine is started.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED
There can be up to six auxiliary switches located
in the lower switch bank of the instrument panel
which can be used to power various electronic
devices and Power Take Off (PTO). If equipped,
it will take the place of the sixth auxiliary switch.
Connections to the switches are found under
the hood in the connectors attached to the
auxiliary Power Distribution Center.

You have the ability to configure the functionality of
the auxiliary switches via the instrument cluster
display. All switches can now be configured for
setting the switch type operation to latching or
momentary, power source of either battery or
ignition, and ability to hold last state across key
cycles.

NOTE:
Holding last state conditions are met when
switch type is set to latching and power source
is set to ignition.

For further information on using the auxiliary
switches, please refer to the Ram Body Builders
Guide by accessing
https://www.ramtrucks.com/
ram-commercial/body-builders-guide.html
and
choosing the appropriate links.

WARNING!

Do not use the TOW/HAUL feature when driving
in icy or slippery conditions. The increased
engine braking can cause the rear wheels to
slide, and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control, which may
cause an accident possibly resulting in
personal injury or death.

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STARTING AND OPERATING167
(Continued)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering
wheel operate the ACC system.
Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
Does not always fully recognize
complex driving conditions, which can
result in wrong or missing distance
warnings.

Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop
while following a target vehicle and hold
the vehicle for approximately two seconds
in the stop position. At this point, there will
be an “ACC may cancel soon” chime and
warning to the driver. When ACC is
cancelled, the system will release the
brakes and the driver must take over
braking. The system can be resumed when
the target vehicle drives off by releasing
the brake and pushing the resume button
on the steering wheel.

WARNING! (Continued)
You should switch off the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy
snow, sleet, heavy traffic, and complex
driving situations (i.e., in highway construc -
tion zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp; when driving on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or
have steep uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep
slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
WARNING! (Continued)
1 — Adaptive Cruise Control On/Off Button
2 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off Button
3 — CANCEL
4 — Distance Button
5 — RES (+)
6 — SET (-)
4

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170STARTING AND OPERATING
The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE
position.
The Electronic Stability Control/Traction
Control System (ESC/TCS) activates.
The vehicle parking brake is applied.
Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds.
Driver door is opened at low speeds.
A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) event occurs.
The driver switches ESC to Full Off mode.
The braking temperature exceeds normal
range (overheated).
The trailer brake is applied manually
(if equipped).
The following conditions will only cancel the ACC
system:
Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
Driver door is opened at low speeds
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and clear the set speed
in memory if:
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button is pushed
The Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off button
is pushed
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
4WD Low is engaged
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory push the RES
(+) button and then remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster
display will display the last set speed.
Resume can be used at any speed above
20 mph (32 km/h) when only Fixed Speed
Cruise Control is being used.
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph
(0 km/h) when ACC is active. NOTE: 
While in ACC mode when the vehicle comes
to a complete stop longer than two seconds,
the system will cancel. The driver will have
to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle at a
standstill.
 ACC cannot be resumed if there is a
stationary vehicle in front of your vehicle in
close proximity.
WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if
traffic and road conditions permit. Resuming
a set speed that is too high or too low for
prevailing traffic and road conditions could
cause the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate
too sharply for safe operation. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision
and death or serious personal injury.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 170

172STARTING AND OPERATING
To adjust the distance setting, push the
Distance Button and release. Each time the
button is pushed, the distance setting increases
by one bar (longer). When the farthest distance
is set, pushing the distance button again will
reset to the shortest distance.

If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will
maintain the set speed. If a slower moving
vehicle is detected in the same lane, the
instrument cluster displays the ACC Set With
Target Detected Indicator Light, and the system
adjusts vehicle speed automatically to maintain
the distance setting, regardless of the set speed.

The vehicle will then maintain the set distance
until:
The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed
above the set speed.
The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or
view of the sensor.
The distance setting is changed.
The system disengages. The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited;
however, the driver can always apply the brakes
manually, if necessary. NOTE:
The brake lights will illuminate whenever the
ACC system applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning wil l alert the driver if ACC
predicts that its maximum braking level is not
sufficient to maintain the set distance. If this
occurs, a visua l alert “BRAKE” will flash in the
instrument cluster display and a chime will
sound while ACC continues to apply its
maximum braking force.
NOTE:
The “BRAKE!” screen in the instrument cluster
display is a warning for the driver to take action
and does not necessarily mean that the
Forward Collision Warning system is applying
the brakes autonomously. Overtake Aid
When driving with ACC engaged and following a
vehicle, the system will provide an additional
acceleration up to the ACC set speed to assist in
passing the vehicle. This additional
acceleration is triggered when the driver
utilizes the left turn signal and will only be
active when passing on the left hand side.
ACC Operation At Stop
If the ACC system brings your vehicle to a
standstill while following the vehicle in front,
your vehicle will resume motion without any
driver intervention if the vehicle in front starts
moving within two seconds.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 172
Trailer Detect — If Equipped
When a trailer is detected, the ACC system
automatically defaults to the longest setting
(four bars). The setting can be overridden by
pushing the Distance Button on the steering
wheel.

STARTING AND OPERATING175
Service ACC/FCW Warning

If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster
displays “ACC/FCW Unavailable Service
Required” or “Cruise/FCW Unavailable Service
Required”, there may be an internal system fault
or a temporary malfunction that limits ACC
functionality. Although the vehicle is still drivable
under normal conditions, ACC will be temporarily
unavailable. If this occurs, try activating ACC
again later, following an ignition cycle. If the
problem persists, see an authorized dealer.

Precautions While Driving With ACC
NOTE:
Aftermarket add-ons such as snow plows, lift
kits, and brush/grille bars can hinder module
performance. Ensure the radar/camera has
no obstructions in the field of view.
Height modifications can limit module perfor -
mance and functionality.
Do not put stickers or easy passes over the
camera/radar field of view.
Any modifications to the vehicle that may
obstruct the field of view of the radar/camera
are not recommended.
In certain driving situations, ACC may have
detection issues. In these cases, ACC may
brake late or unexpectedly. The driver needs
to stay alert and may need to intervene.
The following are examples of these types of
situations:
Towing A Trailer
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only
with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.
Aftermarket trailer brake controllers will not
activate the trailer brakes when ACC is braking. Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane
that is offset from your direct line of travel, or a
vehicle merging in from a side lane. There may
not be sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead.
The offset vehicle may move in and out of the
line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to
brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

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182STARTING AND OPERATING
SERVICE THE PARKSENSE PARK ASSIST
S
YSTEM
During vehicle start up, when the Front/Rear
ParkSense System has detected a faulted
condition, the instrument cluster display will
show the "Front/Rear ParkSense Unavailable
Service Required" or the "Front/Rear
ParkSense Unavailable Wipe Sensors"
message.
When the gear selector is moved into REVERSE,
a vehicle graphic will show in the instrument
cluster display, along with the display overlay
“Wipe Sensors.” If the system needs service,
the display overlay will read “Service.” Under
this condition, ParkSense will not operate.
If "Front/Rear ParkSense Unavailable Wipe
Sensors" appears in the instrument cluster
display make sure the outer surface and the
underside of the rear fascia/bumper is clean
and clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt or other
obstruction, and then cycle the ignition. If the
message continues to appear, see an
authorized dealer. If "Front/Rear ParkSense Unavailable Service
Required" appears in the instrument cluster
display, see an authorized dealer.CLEANING THE PARKSENSE SYSTEM
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car
wash soap and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or
hard cloths. Do not scratch or poke the sensors.
Otherwise, you could damage the sensors.
PARKSENSE SYSTEM USAGE
P
RECAUTIONS
NOTE:
Ensure that the front and rear bumpers are
free of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep
the ParkSense system operating properly.

Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations
could affect the performance of ParkSense.
When you move the gear selector to the
REVERSE position and Front or Rear ParkSense
is turned off, the instrument cluster display will
show "Off" on the vehicle graphic arcs. This
vehicle graphic will be displayed for as long as
the vehicle is in REVERSE.

ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume
of the radio when it is sounding a tone.
Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly,
taking care not to scratch or damage them.
The sensors must not be covered with ice,
snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris. Failure to do
so can result in the system not working prop -
erly. The ParkSense system might not detect
an obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/
bumper, or it could provide a false indication
that an obstacle is behind or in front of the
fascia/bumper.
Use the ParkSense switch to turn the Park -
Sense system off if obstacles such as bicycle
carriers, trailer hitches, etc. are placed within
18 inches (45 cm) from the rear fascia/
bumper. Failure to do so can result in the
system misinterpreting a close obstacle as a
sensor problem, causing the “Front/Rear
ParkSense Unavailable Service Required”
message to be appear in the instrument
cluster display.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 182

188STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance
builds up on the camera lens, clean the lens,
rinse with water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Do not cover the lens.
Zoom View
When the Rear View Camera image is
being displayed, and the vehicle
speed is below 8 mph (13 km/h)
while in any gear selector position,
Zoom View is available. By pressing the
“magnifying glass” icon in the upper left of the
display screen, the image will zoom in to four
times the standard view. Pressing the icon a
second time will return the view to the standard
Backup Camera display.
When Zoom View is selected while the vehicle is
in REVERSE, then shifted to DRIVE, the camera
delay view will display the standard Backup
Camera view. If the vehicle is then returned to
REVERSE gear from DRIVE, the Zoom View
selection will automatically resume.
Shifting to NEUTRAL from any gear will maintain
the selected view (Zoom or Standard) as long as
the vehicle is below 8 mph (13 km/h). If the vehicle is in PARK, Zoom View is available
until the gear selector is placed in DRIVE or
REVERSE.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is in DRIVE, NEUTRAL, or
REVERSE, and speed is greater than or equal
to 8 mph (13 km/h), Zoom View is unavail
-
able and the icon will appear gray.
While in Zoom View, the guidelines will not be
visible.
AUX CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or two
AUX Cameras, which display a rearview image
from the trailer on the touchscreen.
Activation

The AUX Camera is activated by first pressing the
Backup Camera, Cargo Camera (if equipped), or
Surround View Camera (if equipped) button on
the touchscreen, followed by the AUX button
located in the upper left corner of the rearview
display. The AUX camera can also be activated
when the vehicle is in REVERSE by pressing the
AUX button.
If equipped with two AUX Cameras, you can
switch between each camera by pressing the
AUX1 or AUX2 buttons on the Trailer Camera
display.
AUX1 Camera Button
AUX2 Camera Button
Deactivation
The AUX Camera is deactivated by pressing the
“X” in the upper right corner of the touchscreen.
This will return the display back to the
previously displayed screen.
NOTE:
If the AUX button is pressed and no AUX
Camera is connected, the touchscreen will
display a blue screen along with the message
“Camera System Unavailable.” The screen
can be exited out by pressing the “X” in the
upper right hand corner. This will return the
display back to the previously displayed
screen.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 188

STARTING AND OPERATING189
Zoom View is not available with the AUX
Camera feature.
The display will always default to the Trailer
Camera display (AUX 1).
SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED

Your vehicle may be equipped with the Surround
View Camera system that allows you to see an
on-screen image of the surroundings and Top
View of your vehicle whenever the gear selector is
put into REVERSE or manually activated via the
Uconnect system. The Top View of the vehicle will
show which doors are open. The image will be
displayed on the touchscreen display along with
a caution note “Check Entire Surroundings”
across the top of the screen. After five seconds,
this note will disappear. The Surround View
Camera system is comprised of three sequential
cameras located in the front grille and side
mirrors, in addition to a fourth Rear Back Up
Camera.
NOTE:

For the 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cab vehi
-
cles, the Rear Backup Camera is shipped loose
and not installed. Please refer to the Ram Body
Builder’s Guide for more information.

The Surround View Camera system has
programmable settings that may be selected
through the Uconnect system Ú page 228.
Press this button on the touchscreen
to enter the Surround View Camera
menu in the Uconnect system.
When the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE, the
Rear View and Top View is the default view of
the system.
If the camera delay is turned on, the camera
image will display for up to 10 seconds after
shifting out of REVERSE. The camera image will
not display for 10 seconds if the vehicle speed
exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted
into PARK, or the ignition is placed in the OFF
position. The “X” button on the touchscreen
disables the display of the camera image.
If the camera delay is turned off, the camera
image will close and display the previous screen
after shifting out of REVERSE. If active guidelines are enabled, the lines are
overlaid on the image in the Rear View to
illustrate the width of the vehicle. The view
will also include the side view mirrors and its
projected back up path based on the steering
wheel position.
There are different colored zones to indicate the
distance to the rear of the vehicle. Refer to the
chart below:
Modes Of Operation
Standard Rear View can be manually activated
by selecting “Back Up Camera” through the
Controls menu within the Uconnect system.
Top View
The Top View will show in the Uconnect system
with Rear View and Front View in a split screen
display. There are integrated ParkSense arcs in
the image at the front and rear of the vehicle.
Zone
Distance To The Rear Of The
Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 6.5 ft (30 cm - 2 m)
Green 6.5 ft or greater
(2 m or greater)
4

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