2021 RAM CHASSIS CAB parking brake

4
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ... 116 Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II) Cybersecurity ................................116
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ........................................................ 117
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
ENGINE ............................................................... 118
Automatic Transmission ............................118
Tip Start Feature .......................................118
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ...................118Normal Starting Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button .................................119 AutoPark — Rotary Shifter and Eight
Speed Transmission Only ..........................120 Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) .........................122 After Starting ..............................................122
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE..... 122
Automatic Transmission ............................123
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition ...................123Extreme Cold Weather...............................125
Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature Above 66°F (19°C) .......125 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Air Temperature 0°F To 66°F
(–18°C to 19°C)........................................126 Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 0°F (-18°C) .............. 127 Starting Fluids ............................................ 128
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ........128
Cold Weather Precautions ........................ 129
Engine Idling ............................................. 131
Noise........................................................... 132
Stopping The Engine ................................. 133
Idle Shutdown ............................................ 133Programmable Maximum Vehicle
Speed ......................................................... 134 Operating Precautions............................... 134Cooling System Tips .................................. 134Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Manual
Regeneration - If Equipped ....................... 135
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ........135
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE ............................................136
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE...................................................137
PARKING BRAKE ............................................... 137
DIESEL EXHAUST BRAKE
(ENGINE BRAKING) ...........................................138
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............................ 140 Ignition Park Interlock ............................... 141Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System ....................................................... 141 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .................................................... 141 Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission — If Equipped ..................... 146 AUXILIARY SWITCHES — IF EQUIPPED ........... 152
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 153
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Eight
Speed Transmission) — If Equipped ........ 153 Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Six Speed Transmission) — If Equipped .. 156 Manually Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped ................................................. 160
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL .......................... 162
POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................................................... 163
POWER STEERING............................................. 163
Hydraulic Power Steering .......................... 163
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS —
IF EQUIPPED ...................................................... 164
Cruise Control — If Equipped ................... 164
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) —
If Equipped ................................................ 166
PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK
ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED ..................................... 177
ParkSense Sensors ................................... 178
ParkSense Warning Display...................... 178
ParkSense Display..................................... 178
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .......... 181Service The ParkSense Park Assist
System........................................................ 182 Cleaning The ParkSense System.............. 182
ParkSense System Usage Precautions .... 182

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 4

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE19
(Continued)
ACC
Engine is not started.
Some electrical devices are available
(e.g. power windows etc.).
RUN
Driving position.
All the electrical devices are available
(e.g. climate controls, heated seats, etc.).
START
The engine will start.
In case the ignition switch does not change with
the push of a button, the key fob may have a low
or depleted battery. In this situation, a back up
method can be used to operate the ignition
switch. Put the nose side (side opposite of the
emergency key) of the key fob against the
START/STOP ignition button and push to
operate the ignition switch.
Back Up Starting Method

NOTE:The key fob may not be detected by the
vehicle Keyless Enter-N-Go system if it is
located next to a mobile phone, laptop or
other electronic device; these devices may
block the key fob’s wireless signal and
prevent the Keyless Enter-N-Go system from
starting the vehicle.
For more information on the engine starting
procedure, see Ú page 118.
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock your
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.

Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
or in a location accessible to children, and do
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ON/RUN mode.
A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.

Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat
build-up may cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation for
thieves. Always remove key fob from the
vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the
vehicle unattended.
WARNING! (Continued)
2

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 19

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE23
HOW TO USE REMOTE START

Push and release the Remote Start button on the
key fob twice within five seconds. The vehicle
doors will lock, the parking lights will flash, and
the horn will chirp twice (if programmed). Then,
the engine will start, and the vehicle will remain
in the Remote Start mode for a 15 minute cycle.

Pushing the remote start button a third time
shuts the engine off.
To drive the vehicle, push the unlock button,
insert the key into the ignition, and turn to the
ON/RUN position.
All of the following conditions must be met
before the engine will remote start:
Gear selector in PARK
Doors closed
Hood closed
Hazard switch off
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not
pressed)
Battery at an acceptable charge level
PANIC button not pushed
Fuel meets minimum requirement

Water In Fuel Indicator Light is not illuminated

Wait To Start Light is not illuminated
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is not illumi -
nated
For additional functions of the Remote Start
system, see Ú page 21
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security system monitors the
vehicle doors and ignition for unauthorized
operation. When the Vehicle Security system is
activated, interior switches for door locks 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.
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.
2

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 23

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE25
(Continued)

Door Lock Knob

POWER DOOR LOCKS — IF EQUIPPED
The power door lock switches are located on
each front door panel. Push the switch to lock or
unlock the doors.
Power Door Lock Switches

The driver’s door will unlock automatically if the
keys are found inside the vehicle when the door
lock button on the front door panel is used to
lock the door. This will occur for two attempts.
Upon the third attempt, the doors will lock even
if the key is inside.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
For personal security and safety in the
event of an collision, lock the vehicle doors
as you drive as well as when you park and
leave the vehicle.
Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the
automatic transmission into PARK, apply
the parking brake, turn the vehicle OFF,
remove the key fobs from vehicle, and lock
all doors. and lock your vehicle.

Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector.

Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-
dren, and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
2

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 25

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE51

Headlight Switch

To turn on the headlights, rotate the headlight
switch clockwise. When the headlight switch is
on, the parking lights, taillights, license plate
light and instrument panel lights are also turned
on. To turn off the headlights, rotate the
headlight switch back to the O (off) position.
MULTIFUNCTION LEVER
The multifunction lever is located on the left
side of the steering column.

Multifunction Lever

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRLS)
The Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) come on
whenever the engine is running, and the low
beams are not on. The lights will remain on until
the ignition is placed in the OFF or ACC position,
or the parking brake is engaged. NOTE:
For vehicles sold in Canada, the Daytime
Running Lights will automatically deactivate
when the front fog lights are turned on.
If allowed by law in the country in which the
vehicle was purchased, the Daytime Running
Lights can be turned on and off using the
Uconnect system Ú
page 228.
On some vehicles, the Daytime Running
Lights may deactivate, or reduce intensity, on
one side of the vehicle (when a turn signal is
activated on that side), or on both sides of
the vehicle (when the hazard warning lights
are activated).
HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH
Push the multifunction lever toward the
instrument panel to switch the headlights to
high beam. Pulling the multifunction lever back
toward the steering wheel will turn the low
beams back on.
1 — Rotate Headlight Control
2 — Ambient Light Dimmer Control
3 — Instrument Panel Dimmer Control
4 — Push Fog Light Switch
5 — Push Cargo Light Switch
2

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 51

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL107
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES

The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the
instrument panel together with a dedicated
message and/or acoustic signal when
applicable. These indications are indicative
and precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive. Always refer to the
information in this chapter in the event of a
failure indication. All active telltales will display
first if applicable. The system check menu may
appear different based upon equipment options
and current vehicle status. Some telltales are
optional and may not appear.

RED WARNING LIGHTS
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light

This warning light indicates when
the driver or passenger seat belt is
unbuckled. When the ignition is first
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position and if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled,
a chime will sound and the light will turn on.
When driving, if the driver or front passenger seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder
Light will flash or remain on continuously and a
chime will sound
Ú
page 292.

Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault with the air bag, and
will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position. This light will illuminate with a single
chime when a fault with the air bag has been
detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared.
If the light is not on during startup, stays on,
or turns on while driving, have the system
inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake fluid
level and parking brake application.
If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a
problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System
reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light
will remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
3

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 107

108GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two seconds.
The light should then turn off unless the parking
brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the
light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.

The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position. NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the hood is ajar/open and not fully
closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning
(A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service Ú
page 346.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly.
If it stays on while the engine is
running, there may be a malfunction
with the charging system. Contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer.
A chime will sound when this light turns on.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 108

118 (Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10-second intervals. Waiting a few
seconds between such intervals will protect the
starter from overheating.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in the
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting
into any driving range. NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal
must be pressed to shift out of PARK.
If equipped with an eight-speed transmis
-
sion, starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL is not
possible unless the Manual Park Release has
been activated. For the Manual Park Release
operation information Ú page 348.
TIP START FEATURE
Do not press the accelerator. Place the ignition
switch briefly to the START position and release
it. The starter motor will continue to run and will
automatically disengage when the engine is
running.
KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO — IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button, as long
as the Remote Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go key
fob is in the passenger compartment.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the keyless ignition node is in the OFF
mode, remove the key fob from the vehicle
and lock the vehicle.

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous
for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.

Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-
dren, and do not leave the ignition of a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
WARNING! (Continued)

21_DPF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118