2023 RAM 1500 light

138STARTING AND OPERATING
Entry/Exit Height (Lowers the vehicle approximately
3 inches [73 mm]) – This position lowers the vehicle
for easier passenger entry and exit as well as lowering
the vehicle for easier loading and unloading of cargo.
To enter Entry/Exit Mode, push the height selector
switch down twice from the NRH while the vehicle
speed is below 33 mph (53 km/h). Once the vehicle
speed goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle
height will begin to lower. If the vehicle speed remains
between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) for
greater than 60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the Entry/Exit change will be canceled. To return to Normal Height Mode, push the
height selector switch up twice while in Entry/Exit or
drive the vehicle over 15 mph (24 km/h). Entry/Exit Height may not be available due to vehicle payload, an
instrument cluster display message is shown when this
occurs
Úpage 98.
The system requires that the ignition be in the ON/RUN
position or the engine running for all user requested
changes. When lowering the vehicle, all of the doors must
be closed. If a door is opened at any time while the vehicle
is lowering, the change will not be completed until the
open door(s) is closed. This system uses a lifting and lowering pattern which
keeps the headlights from incorrectly shining into
oncoming traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the
vehicle will move up first and then the front. When
lowering the vehicle, the front will move down first and
then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the air
suspension system operates briefly; this is normal.
The system is correcting the position of the vehicle to
ensure a proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling
to be disabled
Úpage 191.
Default Ride Height:
 Select Aero Height or Normal Ride Height as the default
for all vehicle speeds and operation. This is the
selected height that the suspension will level for speed
changes (e.g. raising from Entry/Exit Height at speed,
lowering from Off-Road Height at speed, etc.).
 Default ride height can be changed by manually
adjusting the Air Suspension switch to Normal Ride
Height or Aero Ride Height and staying in the selected
height for 2.5 seconds. It will be stored as the default
ride height and the height will be maintained until a
new default ride height is selected.
NOTE:If equipped with a touchscreen radio, all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done through
the radio
Úpage 191.
AIR SUSPENSION MODES
The air suspension system has multiple modes to protect
the system in unique situations:
Automatic Aero Mode
To improve aerodynamics, the air suspension system has
a feature which will put the vehicle into Aero height
automatically at higher speeds
Úpage 98.
Tire Jack Mode
To assist with changing a tire, the air suspension system
has a feature which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled
Úpage 191.
Transport Mode
For towing your vehicle with four wheels off the road, the
air suspension system has a feature which will put the
vehicle into Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic
load leveling system
Úpage 191.
CAUTION!
When in Entry/Exit Height, be aware of your
surroundings, you may not have the clearance required
for certain areas and vehicle damage may occur.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure
volume of air to operate the system. To avoid personal
injury or damage to the system, see an authorized
dealer for service.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 138

140STARTING AND OPERATING
Tire/Jack Mode – Indicator lamps 4 and 1 will be illumi -
nated. Tire/Jack Mode is disabled by driving the vehicle
or disabling through the Uconnect settings.
 Wheel Alignment Mode – Indicator lamps 2, 3, and 4
will be illuminated. Wheel Alignment Mode is disabled
by driving the vehicle or disabling through the Uconnect
settings.
AXLE LOCK SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically locking rear
differential. When engaged, this differential locks the axle
shafts forcing the wheels to spin at an equal rate. The
locking of the rear differential should only be engaged
during low-speed, extreme off-road situations where one
wheel is likely to not be in contact with the ground. It is not
recommended to drive the vehicle with the differentials
locked on pavement due to the reduced ability to turn and
speed limitations.

AXLE LOCK Button

The locking rear axle is controlled by the AXLE LOCK
button.
Under normal driving conditions, the rear axle should be
unlocked.
During the command to lock the rear axle, the indicator
light will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock
command has been successfully executed, the light will
remain on solid.
Operating in 4WD LOW the locker can be engaged up to
40 mph (64 km/h) and will remain engaged throughout
the 4WD LOW speed range.
Operating the locker in 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD
LOCK/HIGH, the locker can be engaged up to 20 mph
(32 km/h). While driving with the locker engaged, if speed
exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the locker will automatically disengage, but will automatically re-engage at 20 mph
(32 km/h).
NOTE:Left to right wheel speed difference may be necessary to
allow the rear axle to fully lock. If the indicator light is
flashing after selecting the rear axle lock mode, drive the
vehicle in a turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking
action.
The axle locker could become torque locked due to side to
side loads on the rear axle. Driving slowly while turning the
steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right hand turn or
driving in REVERSE for a short distance may be required to
release the torque lock and unlock the axles.
To unlock the rear axle, push the AXLE LOCK button.
The AXLE LOCK indicator light will go out when the rear
axle is unlocked.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL —
IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction on
snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when there is
a difference between the traction characteristics of the
surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit
performs similarly to a conventional differential. On
slippery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more
of the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.
CAUTION!
 Do not lock the rear axle on hard surfaced roads. The
ability to steer the vehicle is reduced and damage to
the drivetrain may occur when the axle is locked on
hard surfaced roads.
 Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is stuck
and the tires are spinning. You can damage
drivetrain components. Lock the rear axle before
attempting situations or navigating terrain, which
could possibly cause the vehicle to become stuck.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 140

STARTING AND OPERATING141
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator will
supply maximum traction. When starting with only one
rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
POWER STEERING
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide increased
vehicle response and ease of maneuverability. The power
steering system adapts to different driving conditions.
If the steering icon is flashing, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to an authorized dealer for service. It is
likely the vehicle has lost power steering assistance. If the steering icon is displayed and the “POWER
STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is displayed on
the instrument cluster screen, this indicates an over
temperature condition in the power steering system. Once
driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle
idle for a few moments until the icon and message turn off
Úpage 98.
If the steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE POWER
STEERING – ASSIST OFF” message is displayed on the
instrument cluster screen, this indicates the vehicle needs
to be taken to an authorized dealer for service
Úpage 98.
NOTE:
 Even if the power steering assistance is no longer oper -
ational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
 If the condition persists, see an authorized dealer for
service.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting off
four of the engine's eight cylinders during light load and
cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no driver
inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full function -
ality after a battery disconnect.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function, included with eTorque equipped
vehicles, is developed to save fuel and reduce emissions.
The system will stop the engine automatically as the
vehicle decelerates at low speeds if the required
conditions are met. Releasing the brake pedal or shifting
out of DRIVE will automatically restart the engine.
Vehicles equipped with eTorque contain a heavy-duty
motor generator and an additional hybrid electric battery
to store energy from vehicle deceleration used to expand
engine off energy storage and for engine startup after a
stop, as well as providing engine torque assist when
conditions are met to enable this.
AUTOSTOP MODE
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every normal
customer engine start. It will remain in STOP/START NOT
READY until you drive forward with a vehicle speed greater
than 2 mph (3 km/h). At that time, the system will go into
STOP/START READY and if all other conditions are met,
the system may go into STOP/START AUTOSTOP ACTIVE
Autostop mode.
WARNING!
When servicing vehicles equipped with a limited-slip or
locking differential, never run the engine with one rear
wheel off the ground as the vehicle may drive through
the rear wheel remaining on the ground and result in
unintended movement.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 141

STARTING AND OPERATING143
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE
S
TOP/START SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will illuminate.
The “STOP/START OFF” message will appear in the
instrument cluster display and the Autostop mode will be
disabled
Úpage 98.
NOTE:The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to the ON
position every time the ignition is turned OFF and back ON.
TO MANUALLY TURN ON THE
S
TOP/START SYSTEM
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the switch
bank). The light on the switch will turn off.
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 107.
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 maintain 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

1 — SET (+)/Accel
2 — CANC/Cancel
3 — SET (-)/Decel
4 — On/Off
5 — RES/Resume
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 143

144STARTING AND OPERATING
To Activate
Push the on/off button to activate the Cruise Control.
The Cruise Control Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
display will illuminate. To turn the system off, push the
on/off button a second time. The Cruise Control Indicator
Light will turn off. The system should be turned off when
not in use.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Cruise Control on.
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, push
the SET (+) or SET (-) button and release. Release the
accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the selected
speed.
NOTE:The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed and on
level ground before pushing the SET (+) or SET (-) button.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the set speed by
pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease speed by pushing
the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
 Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an adjustment of 1 mph.
 If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust in 5 mph increments until the button
is released. The new set speed is reflected in the instru -
ment cluster display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
 Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an adjustment of 1 km/h.
 If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust in 10 km/h increments until the
button is released. The new set speed is reflected in
the instrument cluster display.
NOTE:When you override and push the SET (+) or SET (-) button,
the new set speed will be the current speed of the vehicle.
To Accelerate For Passing
While the Cruise Control is set, press the accelerator to
pass as you would normally. When the pedal is released,
the vehicle will return to the set speed.
USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS
The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the
vehicle set speed.
The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and down
hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so it
may be preferable to drive without Cruise Control.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES button
and release. Resume can be used at any speed above
20 mph (32 km/h).
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.
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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 144

STARTING AND OPERATING145
(Continued)
To Deactivate
A tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC (cancel)
button, or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle
will deactivate the Cruise Control system without erasing
the set speed from memory.
The following conditions will also deactivate the Cruise
Control system without erasing the set speed from
memory:
Vehicle parking brake is applied
 Stability event occurs
 Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE
 Engine overspeed occurs
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in the OFF
position, erases the set speed from memory.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while traveling on
highways and major roadways. However, it is not a safety
system and not designed to prevent collisions. The Cruise
Control function performs differently
Úpage 143.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged in light
to moderate traffic conditions without the constant need
to reset your speed. ACC utilizes a radar sensor and a
forward facing camera designed to detect a vehicle
directly ahead of you to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
 If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will
apply limited braking or acceleration (not to exceed the
original set speed) automatically to maintain a preset
following distance, while matching the speed of the
vehicle ahead.
 Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to
the vehicle will affect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning system.
 Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled) will not
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be aware
of the feature selected
Úpage 402.
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience
system. It is not a substitute for active driver involve -
ment. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive of road, traffic, and weather conditions,
vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead and,
most importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road conditions.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a colli -
sion and death or serious personal injury.
 The ACC system:
 Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehi -
cles, and stationary objects (e.g., a stopped
vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).
 Cannot take street, traffic, and weather condi -
tions into account, and may be limited upon
adverse sight distance conditions.
 Does not always fully recognize complex driving
conditions, which can result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.
 Will bring your vehicle to a complete stop while
following a vehicle ahead and hold your vehicle
for approximately three minutes in the stop posi -
tion. If the vehicle ahead does not start moving
within three minutes the parking brake will be
activated, and the ACC system will be canceled.
You should not utilize the ACC system:
 When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow, sleet,
heavy traffic, and complex driving situations (i.e., in
highway construction 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!
4

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148STARTING AND OPERATING
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph (0 km/h)
when ACC is active.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is at a standstill for longer than two
seconds, then the driver will either have to push the
RES (resume) button, or apply the accelerator pedal to
reengage the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to the
existing set speed.
 ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle
in front of your vehicle in close proximity.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the set speed by
pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease speed by pushing
the SET (-) button. U.S. Speed (mph)

Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an adjustment of 1 mph.
 If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust in 5 mph increments until the button
is released. The new set speed is reflected in the instru -
ment cluster display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
 Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an adjustment of 1 km/h.
 If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust in 10 km/h increments until the
button is released. The new set speed is reflected in
the instrument cluster display.
NOTE:When you override and push the SET (+) button or SET (-)
buttons, the new set speed will be the current speed of the
vehicle.
When ACC Is Active
 When you use the SET (-) button to decelerate, if the
engine’s braking power does not slow the vehicle suffi -
ciently to reach the set speed, the brake system will
automatically slow the vehicle. 
The ACC system decelerates the vehicle to a full stop
when following the vehicle in front. If your vehicle
follows the vehicle in front to a standstill, after two
seconds the driver will either have to push the RES
(resume) button, or apply the accelerator pedal to reen -
gage the ACC to the existing set speed.
 The ACC system maintains set speed when driving
uphill and downhill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting may
occur while climbing uphill or descending downhill. This
is normal operation and necessary to maintain set
speed. When driving uphill and downhill, the ACC
system will cancel if the braking temperature exceeds
normal range (overheated).
Setting The Following Distance In ACC
The specified following distance for Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) can be set by varying the distance setting
between four bars (longest), three bars (long), two bars
(medium) and one bar (short). Using this distance setting
and the vehicle speed, ACC calculates and sets the
distance to the vehicle ahead. This distance setting
displays in the instrument cluster display.
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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 148

STARTING AND OPERATING149

Distance Settings

To increase the distance setting, push the Distance
Increase button and release. Each time the button is
pushed, the distance setting increases by one bar (longer).
To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance
Decrease button and release. Each time the button is
pushed, the distance setting decreases by one bar
(shorter).
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 will alert the driver if ACC predicts that
its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain the
set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE!” will
flash in the instrument cluster display and a chime will
sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum braking
capacity.
NOTE:The “BRAKE!” screen in the instrument cluster display is a
warning for the driver to take action and does not mean
that the Forward Collision Warning system is applying the
brakes autonomously.
Overtake Aid
When driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (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
In the event that the ACC system brings your vehicle to a
standstill while following the vehicle in front, if the vehicle
in front starts moving within two seconds of your vehicle
coming to a standstill, your vehicle will resume motion
without the need for any driver action.
If the vehicle in front does not start moving within two
seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill, the driver
will either have to push the RES (resume) button, or apply
the accelerator pedal to reengage the ACC to the existing
set speed.
NOTE:After the ACC system holds your vehicle at a standstill for
approximately three consecutive minutes, the parking
brake will be activated, and the ACC system will be
canceled.
While ACC is holding your vehicle at a standstill, if the
driver seat belt is unbuckled or the driver door is opened,
the parking brake will be activated, and the ACC system
will be canceled.
1 — Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
2 — Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
3 — Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
4 — Short Distance Setting (One Bar)
WARNING!
When the ACC system is resumed, the driver must
ensure that there are no pedestrians, vehicles or
objects in the path of the vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision and death or serious
personal injury.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 149