
176STARTING AND OPERATING  
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If there is a malfunction in the Stop/Start system, 
the system will not shut down the engine. A 
“SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM” message will 
appear in the instrument cluster display  
Úpage 128.
The system will need to be checked by an 
authorized dealer.
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED 
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cruise 
Control system, or the Adaptive Cruise Control 
(ACC) system:
Cruise Control will keep your vehicle at a 
constant preset speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will adjust the 
vehicle speed up to the preset speed to main -
tain a distance with the vehicle ahead.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with ACC, if ACC is not 
enabled, Fixed Speed Cruise Control will not 
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be 
aware of the feature selected.
Only one Cruise Control feature can operate at a 
time. For example, if Fixed Speed Cruise Control 
is enabled, Adaptive Cruise Control will be 
unavailable, and vice versa.
CRUISE CONTROL
When engaged, the Cruise Control takes over 
accelerator operations at speeds greater than 
20 mph (32 km/h).
The Cruise Control buttons are located on the right 
side of the steering wheel.
Cruise Control Buttons
To Activate
Push the on/off button to activate the Cruise 
Control. The cruise indicator light in the instrument 
cluster display will illuminate. To turn the system 
off, push the on/off button a second time. The 
cruise indicator light will turn off. The system 
should be turned off when not in use.
1 — SET (+)/Accel
2 — CANC/Cancel
3 — SET (-)/Decel
4 — On/Off
5 — RES/Resume
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the 
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your 
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and 
you could lose control and have an accident. Do 
not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on 
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or 
slippery.
WARNING!
Leaving the Cruise Control system on when not 
in use is dangerous. You could accidentally set 
the system or cause it to go faster than you 
want. You could lose control and have an 
accident. Always ensure the system is off when 
you are not using it.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 176   

220STARTING AND OPERATING  
(Continued)
Perform the maintenance listed in the Scheduled 
Servicing section for the proper maintenance 
intervals  
Úpage 393. When towing a trailer, never 
exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a 
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when 
towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to 
the safe and satisfactory operation of your 
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation 
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire 
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying 
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR 
and GAWR limits.
For further information  Ú page 444.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system 
or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of 
the trailer.
An electronically actuated trailer brake 
controller is required when towing a trailer with 
electronically actuated brakes. When towing a 
trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated 
brake system, an electronic brake controller is 
not required.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that 
a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph 
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full 
throttle. This helps the engine and other parts 
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the 
trailer and will not shift during travel. When 
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, 
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be 
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose 
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not 
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading 
can cause a loss of control, poor performance 
or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis -
sion, steering, suspension, chassis structure 
or tires.
CAUTION!
Safety chains must always be used between 
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the 
chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle 
hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer 
tongue and allow enough slack for turning 
corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on 
a grade. When parking, apply the parking 
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle 
transmission in PARK. For four-wheel drive 
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in 
NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the trailer 
wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the 
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the 
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch 
utilized.
WARNING!
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 220   

226STARTING AND OPERATING  
BEFORE PLOWING
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper 
fluid level.
Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper 
tightness.
Check the runners and cutting edge for exces -
sive wear. The cutting edge should be ¼ to
½ inches (6 cm to 1.2 cm) above ground in 
snow plowing position.
Check that snowplow lighting is connected and 
functioning properly.
SNOWPLOW PREP PACKAGE MODEL 
A
VAILABILITY
For Information about snowplow applications visit 
www.ramtrucks.com or refer to the current Body 
Builder’s Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the 
truck should not exceed two.
2. The total GVWR, Front GAWR or the Rear  GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition  of options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow 
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, 
passengers, options, and cargo, must not exceed 
either the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or  Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings. These weights 
are specified on the Safety Compliance 
Certification Label on the driver's side door 
opening.
NOTE:Detach the snowplow when transporting 
passengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to 
specifications at the factory without consideration 
for the weight of the plow. Front end toe-in should 
be checked and reset if necessary at the beginning 
and end of the snowplow season. This will help 
prevent uneven tire wear.
The blade should be lowered whenever the vehicle 
is parked.
Maintain and operate your vehicle and snowplow 
equipment following the recommendations 
provided by the specific snowplow manufacturer.
OVER THE ROAD OPERATION WITH 
S
NOWPLOW ATTACHED
The blade restricts air flow to the radiator and 
causes the engine to operate at higher than 
normal temperatures. Therefore, when 
transporting the plow, angle the blade completely 
and position it as low as road or surface conditions 
permit. Do not exceed 40 mph (64 km/h). The 
operator should always maintain a safe stopping 
distance and allow adequate passing clearance.
OPERATING TIPS
Under ideal snow plowing conditions, 20 mph 
(32 km/h) should be maximum operating speed. 
The operator should be familiar with the area and 
surface to be cleaned. Reduce speed and use 
extreme caution when plowing unfamiliar areas or 
under poor visibility.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Snowplows should be maintained in accordance 
with the plow manufacturer's instructions.
Keep all snowplow electrical connections and 
battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
When plowing snow, to avoid transmission and 
drivetrain damage, the following precautions 
should be observed:
Operate with transfer case in 4WD LOW when 
plowing small or congested areas where speeds 
are not likely to exceed 15 mph (24 km/h). 
At higher speeds operate in 4WD HIGH.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions should 
use 4WD LOW when plowing deep or heavy 
snow for extended periods of time to avoid 
transmission overheating.
Do not shift the transmission unless the engine 
has returned to idle and wheels have stopped. 
Make a practice of stepping on the brake pedal 
while shifting the transmission.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 226   

230STARTING AND OPERATING  
If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, 
the engine should be started and left running for 
a minimum of 60 seconds (with all the doors 
closed) at least once every 24 hours. This 
process allows the air suspension to adjust the 
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for 
temperature effects.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral) 
Use the following procedure to prepare your 
vehicle for normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving 
it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. Apply the parking brake. Shift  the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push  and hold the recessed transfer case N 
(Neutral) button (at the center of the transfer 
case switches).
5. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off,  release the N (Neutral) button.
6. Turn the engine off. The transmission will  automatically select PARK when the engine is 
turned off.
7. Release the brake pedal. 8. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal.
10. Start the engine.
11. Release the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the 
brake pedal, and check that the vehicle 
operates normally.NOTE:
Steps 3 and 4 are requirements that must be 
met before pushing the button to shift out of 
N (Neutral), and must continue to be met until 
the shift has been completed. If any of these 
requirements are not met before pushing the 
button or are no longer met during the shift, the 
N (Neutral) indicator light will flash continuously 
until all requirements are met or until the button 
is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a 
shift to take place and for the position indicator 
lights to be operable. If the ignition is not in the 
ON/RUN mode, the shift will not take place and 
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light 
indicates that shift requirements have not been 
met.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES 
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other 
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to 
pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon 
occurs when there is a difference in the surface 
traction under the rear (driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is 
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden 
pulling of the rear wheels. You could lose control 
of the vehicle and possibly have a collision. 
Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there 
is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, 
loose sand, etc.).
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 230   

STARTING AND OPERATING231
(Continued)
DRIVING THROUGH WATER 
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to 
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through 
shallow standing water, consider the following 
Cautions and Warnings before doing so.
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where 
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm 
run-off). Flowing water can wear away the road 
or path's surface and cause your vehicle to sink 
into deeper water. Furthermore, flowing and/or 
rising water can carry your vehicle away swiftly. 
Failure to follow this warning may result in 
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your 
passengers, and others around you.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your 
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 
5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through 
standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your 
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which increases 
stopping distances. Therefore, after driving 
through standing water, drive slowly and 
lightly press on the brake pedal several times 
to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result in 
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your 
passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing water 
before driving through it. Never drive through 
standing water that is deeper than the bottom 
of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the 
path that is under water and if there are any 
obstacles in the way before driving through 
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving  through standing water. This will minimize 
wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause 
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids 
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for 
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky 
or foamy in appearance) after driving through 
standing water. Do not continue to operate 
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, 
as this may result in further damage. Such 
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle 
Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can 
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause 
serious internal damage to the engine. Such 
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle 
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
4
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 231   

MULTIMEDIA291
Working Vehicle Conditions
The vehicle must be off or in ACC mode.
The vehicle has been started with the key fob 
within the last 14 days.
The vehicle must be in PARK or at a standstill.
The vehicle’s security system has been armed 
and not triggered since the last vehicle start.
The doors, hood, and trunk/liftgate are closed.
The vehicle’s check engine light must be off.
The vehicle must have at least a quarter tank of 
fuel, along with oil and battery power.
The vehicle’s hazard lights must be off.
If equipped, the vehicle must have an automatic 
transmission.
The vehicle must be in an open area with cell 
tower reception.
Your mobile device must have a cellular or Wi-Fi 
connection.
If the Panic button has been pressed, the 
vehicle must be started at least once after 
alarming the system.
NOTE:The SiriusXM Guardian™ Customer Care agents 
are not authorized for Remote Vehicle Start 
services. Contact the Uconnect Care Team for 
assistance.
Remote Horn & Lights 
Description
It is easy to locate a vehicle in a dark, crowded or 
noisy parking area by activating the horn and 
lights. It may also help if you need to draw attention 
to your vehicle for any reason.
If you want, you can set up push notifications every 
time a command is sent to turn on the horn and 
lights.
Working Vehicle Conditions
The vehicle must in PARK or at a standstill.
The vehicle must be in an open area with cell 
tower reception.
Your mobile device must have a cellular or Wi-Fi 
connection.
NOTE:The Remote Horn & Lights feature is designed to 
be loud and get noticed. Please keep in mind the 
surroundings when using this feature. You are 
responsible for compliance with local laws, rules 
and ordinances in the location of your vehicle 
when using Remote Horn & Lights.
Assist — If Equipped
Description
Vehicles equipped with the SiriusXM Guardian™ 
connected services feature may contain an ASSIST 
button in the vehicle. Once your SiriusXM 
Guardian™ connected services have been 
activated, the ASSIST button can connect you 
directly to a Customer Care call center (if 
equipped). You will be directed to one of the four 
services below:
Roadside Assistance  — If you get a flat tire or 
need a tow, you’ll be connected to someone 
who can help anytime.
Connected Services  — Contact the SiriusXM 
Guardian™ Customer Care call center to acti -
vate your services, renew after your trial has 
expired, for in-vehicle support for your SiriusXM 
Guardian™ connected services, or help 
answering any general questions surrounding 
your connected services.
Uconnect Care — In-vehicle support for all 
non-connected Uconnect system features, such 
as radio and Bluetooth® connections.
Vehicle Care  — Total support for your vehicle.
5
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 291   

342SAFETY  
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Occupant Classification System
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 igni
-
tion 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 128.
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.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 342   

SAFETY353
(Continued)
NOTE:After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to 
the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key 
from the ignition switch to avoid draining the 
battery. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in 
the engine compartment and on the ground near 
the engine compartment and fuel tank before 
resetting the system and starting the engine. If 
there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle 
electrical devices (e.g. headlights) after an 
accident, reset the system by following the 
procedure described below. If you have any doubt, 
contact an authorized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System 
Reset Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response 
System functions after an event, the ignition switch 
must be changed from ignition START or ON/RUN 
to ignition OFF. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel 
leaks in the engine compartment and on the 
ground near the engine compartment and fuel 
tank before resetting the system and starting the 
engine. After an accident, if the vehicle will not 
start after performing the reset procedure, the 
vehicle must be towed to an authorized dealer to 
be inspected and to have the Enhanced Accident 
Response System reset.
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. 
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 compo-
nents 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!
6
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 353