2023 RAM 1500 child lock

28GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
When the Child-Protection Door Lock system is
engaged, the door can be opened only by using the
outside door handle even though the inside door lock
is in the unlocked position.
 After disengaging the Child-Protection Door Lock
system, always test the door from the inside to make
certain it is in the unlocked position.
 After engaging the Child-Protection Door Lock system,
always test the door from the inside to make certain it
is in the locked position.
 For emergency exit with the system engaged, pull up on
the door lock knob (unlocked position), lower the
window, and open the door with the outside door
handle.
NOTE:Always use this device when carrying children. After
engaging the Child-Protection Door Lock system on both
rear doors, check for effective engagement by trying to
open a door with the internal handle. Once the
Child-Protection Door Lock system is engaged, it is impos -
sible to open the doors from inside the vehicle. Before
getting out of the vehicle, be sure to check that there is no
one left inside.
STEERING WHEEL
TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
This feature allows you to tilt the steering column upward
or downward. It also allows you to lengthen or shorten the
steering column. The tilt/telescoping lever is located on
the steering column, below the multifunction lever.

Tilt/Telescoping Lever

To unlock the steering column, push the control downward
(toward the floor). To tilt the steering column, move the
steering wheel upward or downward as desired. To
lengthen or shorten the steering column, pull the steering
wheel outward or push it inward as desired. To lock the
steering column in position, push the control upward until
fully engaged.
HEATED STEERING WHEEL —
I
F EQUIPPED
The steering wheel contains a heating element
that helps warm your hands in cold weather.
The heated steering wheel has only one
temperature setting. Once the heated steering
wheel has been turned on, it will stay on until the operator
turns it off. The heated steering wheel may not turn on
when it is already warm.
The heated steering wheel button is located on the center
of the instrument panel below the radio screen, or within
the Climate or Controls screen of the touchscreen.
 Press the heated steering wheel button once to turn
the heating element on.
 Press the heated steering wheel button a second time
to turn the heating element off.
NOTE:The engine must be running for the heated steering wheel
to operate.
For information on use with the Remote Start system, see
Úpage 22.
WARNING!
Avoid trapping anyone in the vehicle in a collision.
Remember that the rear doors cannot be opened from
the inside door handle when the Child Protection Door
Locks are engaged.
WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while driving.
Adjusting the steering column while driving or driving
with the steering column unlocked, could cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury or death.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 28

36GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Rear Head Restraints
The outboard head restraints are non-adjustable, but can
be folded down for improved rearward visibility. Push the
button on the outboard side of the head restraint to
release. To return the head restraint to its upright position,
push up on the head restraint until it locks back into place.

Release Button

The center head restraint is not adjustable or removable.
NOTE:The head restraints should only be removed by qualified
technicians, for service purposes only. If any of the head
restraints require removal, see an authorized dealer.
For child restraint tethering, see
Úpage 282.
UCONNECT VOICE RECOGNITION —
IF EQUIPPED
INTRODUCING VOICE RECOGNITION
Start using Uconnect Voice Recognition with these helpful
quick tips. It provides the key Voice Commands and tips
you need to know to control your vehicle’s Voice
Recognition (VR) system. This system is only available on
the Uconnect 3 With 5-inch Display, Uconnect 5 NAV With
8.4-inch Display, and the Uconnect 5 NAV With 12-inch
Display.

Uconnect 3 With 5-inch Display

If you see the NAV icon on the bottom bar or in the Apps
menu of your 8.4-inch touchscreen, you have the
Uconnect 5 NAV system. If not, you have a Uconnect 5 with
8.4-inch display system.
BASIC VOICE COMMANDS
The following basic Voice Commands can be given at any
point while using your Uconnect system.
Push the VR button or for the Uconnect 5/5 NAV, say
the vehicle’s “Wake Up” word, “Hey Uconnect”. After the
beep, say:
 “Cancel ” to stop a current voice session.
 “Help ” to hear a list of suggested Voice Commands.
 “Repeat ” to listen to the system prompts again.
Notice the visual cues that inform you of your Voice
Recognition system’s status.
NOTE:On Uconnect 5 systems, the factory default “Wake Up”
word is set to “Hey Uconnect” and can be reprogrammed
through the Uconnect Settings.
WARNING!
Sitting in a seat with the head restraint in its lowered
position could result in serious injury or death in a
collision. Always make sure the outboard head
restraints are in their upright positions when the seat is
to be occupied.

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72GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
WIND BUFFETING
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain open
or partially open positions. This is a normal occurrence
and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear
windows open, open the front and rear windows together
to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the
sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the
buffeting or open any window.
POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED
DUAL PANE POWER SUNROOF
The power sunroof switches are located on the overhead
console between the courtesy/reading lights.

Power Sunroof Switches

Opening And Closing The Sunroof
The sunroof has two programmed automatic stops for the
sunroof open position; a comfort stop position and a full
open position. The comfort stop position has been
optimized to minimize wind buffeting.
Express Open/Close
Push the switch rearward and release it within one-half
second and the sunroof will open automatically from any
position. The sunroof will open fully and stop
automatically.
Push the switch forward and release it within one-half
second and the sunroof will close automatically from any
position. The sunroof will close fully and stop
automatically.
During Express Open or Express Close operation, any
other movement of the sunroof switch will stop the
sunroof.
1 — Opening/Closing Sunroof
2 — Venting Sunroof
3 — Opening/Closing Sunshade
WARNING!

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Never leave the key
fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible
to children. Do not leave the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™
Ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position. Occupants,
particularly unattended children, can become
entrapped by the power sunroof while operating the
power sunroof switch. Such entrapment may result
in serious injury or death.
In a collision, there is a greater risk of being thrown
from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You could also
be seriously injured or killed. Always fasten your seat
belt properly and make sure all passengers are also
properly secured.
 Do not allow small children to operate the sunroof.
Never allow your fingers, other body parts, or any
object, to project through the sunroof opening. Injury
may result.
WARNING!

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118
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE 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 at least 10 to 15 seconds
between such intervals will protect the starter from
overheating.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK position.
Apply the brake before shifting into any driving range.
NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift inter -
locking system. The brake pedal must be pressed to
shift out of PARK.
 If equipped with an 8-speed transmission, starting the
vehicle in NEUTRAL is not possible unless the Manual
Park Release has been activated
Úpage 328.
TIP START FEATURE
Do not press the accelerator. Cycle 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.
NORMAL STARTING USING ENGINE
START/STOP B
UTTON
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/STOP
Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the
ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system starts the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after
10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the button again.WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the OFF position, 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 children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously 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 ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
WARNING!

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

STARTING AND OPERATING123
(Continued)
You may also notice a small amount of movement in the
brake pedal. Once the parking brake is fully disengaged,
the BRAKE telltale light in the instrument cluster and the
LED indicator on the switch will extinguish.
NOTE:When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK.
If exceptional circumstances should make it necessary to
engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,
maintain upward pressure on the EPB switch for as long as
engagement is desired. The BRAKE telltale light will
illuminate, and a continuous chime will sound. The rear
stop lamps will also be illuminated automatically while the
vehicle remains in motion.To disengage the parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, release the switch. If the vehicle is brought to a
complete stop using the parking brake, when the vehicle
reaches approximately 3 mph, (5 km/h) the parking brake
will remain engaged.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the EPB system, a
yellow EPB Warning Light will illuminate. This may be
accompanied by the BRAKE telltale light flashing. In this
event, urgent service of the EPB system is required. Do not
rely on the parking brake to hold the vehicle stationary.
Auto Park Brake
The Electric Park Brake (EPB) can be programmed to be
applied automatically whenever the vehicle is at a
standstill and the automatic transmission is placed in
PARK. Auto Park Brake is enabled and disabled by
customer selection through the Customer Programmable
Features section of the Uconnect Settings
Úpage 206.
Any single Auto Park Brake application can be bypassed by
pushing the EPB switch to the release position while the
transmission is placed in PARK.
WARNING!
 Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
 When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the ignition 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 unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously 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 a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the
ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
 Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
 Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake engaged, or
repeated use of the parking brake to slow the vehicle,
may cause serious damage to the brake system.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a
collision.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING125
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF position. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC position (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine
must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Rotary Shifter — If Equipped
The transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic
gear selector located on the instrument panel. The
transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both above
the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select
a gear range, simply rotate the gear selector. You must
press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of
PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving
at low speeds). To shift past multiple gear ranges at once
(such as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear selector
to the appropriate detent. Select the DRIVE range for
normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects PARK while driving), the position indicator
will blink continuously until the selector is returned to the
proper position, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).

Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF position, 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 children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission 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 in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
A child could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
4

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SAFETY263
REAR SEAT REMINDER ALERT (RSRA)
RSRA alerts of the possible presence of an object,
passenger, or pet in the rear seats through a visual and
auditory notification. When the system is activated, it
displays the message “Check Rear Seat” on the
instrument cluster display and sounds an auditory alert
upon the driver placing the ignition in the OFF position to
exit the vehicle. The system will activate automatically if a
rear door is opened within 10 minutes of the ignition being
placed in the ON/RUN position. RSRA should be used as a
reminder to check the rear seats, it does not directly
detect objects, passengers, or pets and is only activated
when the previous conditions are met.
To enable or disable RSRA, see
Úpage 191.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)
S
YSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic
Brake Control (EBC) system. This system includes
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS),
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill
Start Assist (HSA), and Traction Control System (TCS).
These systems work together to enhance both vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake application, and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous braking
pressure during the stopping sequence (do not “pump”
the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless
braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal is
released, the BAS is deactivated.
Brake System Warning Light
The red Brake System Warning Light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the brake system is not
functioning properly and that immediate service is
required. If the Brake System Warning Light does not
come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode,
have the light repaired as soon as possible.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
EBD manages the distribution of the braking torque
between the front and rear axles by limiting braking
pressure to the rear axle. This is done to prevent overslip
of the rear wheels to avoid vehicle instability, and to
prevent the rear axle from entering the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) before the front axle.
WARNING!
 Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete
stop, then shift the automatic transmission into
PARK and apply the parking brake.
 Always make sure the keyless ignition node is in the
OFF position, key fob is removed from the vehicle
and vehicle is locked.
 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.
 Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The
capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which
could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of
others.
6

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SAFETY287
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Seat belts must be worn by all occupants including
pregnant women: the risk of injury in the event of an
accident is reduced for the mother and the unborn child if
they are wearing a seat belt.
Position the lap belt snug and low below the abdomen and
across the strong bones of the hips. Place the shoulder
belt across the chest and away from the neck. Never place
the shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm.
Seat Belt Pretensioner
The front outboard seat belt system is equipped with
pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack
from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices
may improve the performance of the seat belt by removing
slack from the seat belt early in a collision. Pretensioners
work for all size occupants, including those in child
restraints.
NOTE:These devices are not a substitute for proper seat belt
placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be
worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the pretensioners are
single use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed
air bag must be replaced immediately.
Energy Management Feature
The front outboard seat belt system is equipped with an
Energy Management feature that may help further reduce
the risk of injury in the event of a collision. The seat belt
system has a retractor assembly that is designed to
release webbing in a controlled manner.
Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors
(ALR)
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) which is used to secure a child restraint system
Úpage 306. The figure below illustrates the locking
feature for each seating position.

Automatic Locking Retractor — (ALR) Locations (All Models)

If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR
and is being used for normal usage, only pull the seat belt
webbing out far enough to comfortably wrap around the
occupant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the
ALR is activated, you will hear a clicking sound as the seat
belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in
this case and then carefully pull out only the amount of
webbing necessary to comfortably wrap around the
occupant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the
buckle until you hear a "click"
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