2023 RAM 1500 key

20GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
IGNITION SWITCH
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 key fob is in the
passenger compartment.
The START/STOP ignition button has several operating
modes that are labeled and will illuminate when in
position. These modes are OFF, ACC, ON/RUN, and START.

Keyless Push Button Ignition

The push button ignition can be placed in the following
modes:
OFF
 The engine is stopped
 Some electrical devices (e.g. power locks, alarm, etc.)
are still available
ACC
 Engine is not started
 Some electrical devices are available
(e.g. power sunroof, power windows, etc.)
ON/RUN
 Driving position
 All electrical devices are available
(e.g. climate controls, heated seats, etc.)
START
 The engine will start (when foot is on the brake)
NOTE:If the ignition switch does not change the mode by pushing
the button, the key fob may have a low or depleted battery.
In this situation, a backup 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.

Backup Starting Method

1 — OFF
2 — ACC (Accessory)
3 — ON/RUN
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 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 children, and do not leave
the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition in the 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.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE21
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 normal engine starting, see
Úpage 118.
 When opening the driver's door and the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position (engine not running), a chime will
sound to remind you to place the ignition in the OFF
position. In addition to the chime, the message “Igni-
tion or Accessory ON” will display in the cluster.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the key fob to start the engine
conveniently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range
of approximately 328 ft (100 m).
Remote Start is used to defrost windows in cold weather
and to reach a comfortable climate in all ambient
conditions before the customer enters the vehicle.
NOTE:Obstructions between the vehicle and key fob may reduce
this range Úpage 402.
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, and place the
ignition in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:

With Remote Start, the engine will only run for
15 minutes.
 Remote Start can only be used twice.
 If an engine fault is present or fuel level is low, the
vehicle will start and then shut down in 10 seconds.
 The parking lights will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
 For security, power window and power sunroof opera -
tion (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in
the Remote Start mode.
 The ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN position
before the Remote Start sequence can be repeated for
a third cycle.
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
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!
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. Operation of the
Remote Start system, windows, door locks or other
controls could cause serious injury or death.2

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 21

22GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Panic button not pushed
 Fuel meets minimum requirement
 System not disabled from previous Remote Start event
 Vehicle Security system not active
 Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is not illuminated
TO EXIT REMOTE START MODE
To drive the vehicle after a Remote Start, unlock the doors
using the key fob or Passive Entry and disarm the Vehicle
Security system (if equipped). Then, prior to the end of the
15 minute cycle, press the brake pedal and push and
release the START/STOP ignition button.
The Remote Start system will turn the engine off if the
Remote Start button on the key fob is pushed again, or if
the engine is allowed to run for the entire 15 minute cycle.
Once the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position, the
climate controls will resume the previously set operations
(temperature, blower control, etc.).
NOTE:
To avoid unintentional shutdowns, the system will
disable for two seconds after receiving a valid Remote
Start request.
 For vehicles equipped with the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ —
Passive Entry feature, the message “Remote Start
Active — Push Start Button” will display in the instru -
ment cluster display until you push the START/STOP
ignition button.
REMOTE START FRONT DEFROST
A
CTIVATION — IF EQUIPPED
When Remote Start is active, and the outside ambient
temperature is 40°F (4.5°C) or below, the system will
automatically activate front defrost for 15 minutes or less.
The time is dependent on the ambient temperature. Once
the timer expires, the system will automatically adjust the
settings depending on ambient conditions. See “Remote
Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped” in the next section
for detailed operation.
REMOTE START COMFORT SYSTEMS —
I
F EQUIPPED
When Remote Start is activated, the front and rear defrost
will automatically turn on in cold weather. The heated
steering wheel and driver heated seat feature will turn on
if programmed in the Comfort menu screen within
Uconnect Settings
Úpage 191. In warm weather, the
driver vented seat feature will automatically turn on when
the Remote Start is activated and is programmed in the
Comfort menu screen. The vehicle will adjust the climate control settings
depending on the outside ambient temperature.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If Equipped
The climate controls automatically adjust to an optimal
temperature and mode, dependent on the outside
ambient temperature. When the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN position, the climate controls will resume their
previous settings.
Manual Temperature Control (MTC) — If Equipped

In ambient temperatures of 40°F (4.5°C) or below, the
climate settings will default to maximum heat, with
fresh air entering the cabin. If the front defrost timer
expires, the vehicle will enter Mix Mode.
 In ambient temperatures from 40°F (4.5°C) to 78°F
(26°C), the climate settings will be based on the last
settings selected by the driver.
 In ambient temperatures of 78°F (26°C) or above, the
climate settings will default to MAX A/C, Bi-Level mode,
with Recirculation on.
For more information on ATC, MTC, and climate control
settings, see
Úpage 54.
NOTE:These features will stay on through the duration of Remote
Start, or until the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
position. The climate control settings will change, and exit
the automatic defaults, if manually adjusted by the driver
while the vehicle is in Remote Start mode. This includes
turning the climate controls off using the OFF button.
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. Operation of the
Remote Start system, windows, door locks or other
controls could cause serious injury or death.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE23
REMOTE START WINDSHIELD WIPER
D
E-ICER ACTIVATION — IF EQUIPPED
When Remote Start is active and the outside ambient
temperature is less than 33°F (0.6°C), the Windshield
Wiper De-Icer will activate. Exiting Remote Start will
resume its previous operation. If the Windshield Wiper
De-Icer was active, the timer and operation will continue.
REMOTE START ABORT MESSAGE
One of the following messages will display in the
instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to remote
start, or exits Remote Start prematurely:
 Remote Start Canceled — Door Open
 Remote Start Canceled — Hood Open
 Remote Start Canceled — Fuel Low
 Remote Start Canceled — Too Cold
 Remote Start Canceled — Time Expired
 Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset
The message will stay active until the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN position.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security system monitors the vehicle doors,
hood, tailgate, and the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition for
unauthorized operation. While the Vehicle Security system
is armed, interior switches for door locks and tailgate
release 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, located in the lower right
corner of the instrument cluster display, 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.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the vehicle:
 Push the lock button on the interior power door
lock switch with the driver and/or passenger door
open.
 Push the lock button on the exterior Passive Entry
door handle with a valid key fob available in the
same exterior zone
Úpage 25.
 Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
TO DISARM THE SYSTEM
The Vehicle Security system can be disarmed using any of
the following methods:
 Push the unlock button on the key fob.
 Grab the Passive Entry door handle to unlock the door
Úpage 25.
 Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position to disarm
the system.
NOTE:
The driver's door key cylinder cannot arm or disarm the
Vehicle Security system. Use of the door key cylinder
when the system is armed will sound the alarm when
the door is opened.
 The Vehicle Security system remains armed when the
power tailgate (if equipped) is opened using the
tailgate button on the key fob.
 If Passive Entry (if equipped) is used to unlock the
tailgate, the Vehicle Security system is disarmed and
the rest of the vehicle doors will remain locked unless
all doors are set to unlock on first press within Ucon -
nect Settings.
 When the Vehicle Security system is armed, the interior
power door lock switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security system is designed to protect your
vehicle. However, you can create conditions where the
system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previously
described arming sequences has occurred, the Vehicle
Security system will arm regardless of whether you are in
the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a
door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the
Vehicle Security system.
If the Vehicle Security system is armed and the battery
becomes disconnected, the Vehicle Security system will
remain armed when the battery is reconnected; the
exterior lights will flash, and the horn will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security system.
2

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24GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
REARMING OF THE SYSTEM
If something triggers the alarm and no action is taken to
disarm it, the Vehicle Security system will turn the horn off
after a 29 second cycle (with five seconds between cycles
and up to eight cycles if the trigger remains active) and
then rearm itself.
SECURITY SYSTEM MANUAL OVERRIDE
The Vehicle Security system will not arm if you lock the
doors using the manual door lock.
DOORS
MANUAL DOOR LOCKS
The power door locks can be manually locked from inside
the vehicle by using the door lock knob. To lock each door,
push the door lock knob on each door trim panel
downward. To unlock the front doors, pull the inside door
handle to the first detent. To unlock the rear doors, pull
the door lock knob on the door trim panel upward. If the
lock knob is down when the door is closed, the door will
lock. Therefore, make sure the key fob is not inside the
vehicle before closing the door.
NOTE:Manually locking the vehicle will not arm the Vehicle
Security system.

Front Door Lock Knob
Rear Door Lock Knob

WARNING!
 For personal security and safety in the event of a
collision, lock the vehicle doors before you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition is in the OFF position, 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 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 Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition in the ACC or
ON/RUN position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE25
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 key fob is
detected 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 fob is inside.
NOTE:If the key fob is located next to a mobile phone, laptop, or
other electronic device, the wireless signal may get
blocked, and the driver’s door may not unlock
automatically. If the door lock switch is pushed while the ignition is in
ACC or ON/RUN and the driver's door is open, the doors
will not lock.
If a rear door is locked, it cannot be opened from inside
the vehicle without first unlocking the door. The door may
be unlocked manually by raising the lock knob.
POWER SIDE STEPS — IF EQUIPPED
The Power Side Steps will extend a step for easier entry
and exit of the vehicle.
When configured for Auto mode, the Power Side Steps will
deploy when any of the doors are opened, or when the
deploy setting is activated through the touchscreen. When
configured for Store mode, the steps will not deploy unless
the setting is selected manually through the Controls
menu within the touchscreen.
If the vehicle speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h), or if the
retract setting is selected within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 191, the steps will retract.
KEYLESS ENTER ‘N GO™ —
P
ASSIVE ENTRY
The Passive Entry system is an enhancement to the
vehicle’s key fob and a feature of Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ —
Passive Entry. This feature allows you to lock and unlock
the vehicle’s door(s) without having to push the key fob
lock or unlock buttons.
NOTE:
 Passive Entry may be programmed on or off within
Uconnect Settings Úpage 191.
 The key fob may not be detected by the vehicle Passive
Entry 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
Passive Entry system from locking/unlocking the
vehicle.
 Passive Entry Unlock initiates illuminated approach
(low beams, license plate lamp, position lamps) for
whichever duration is set between 0, 30, 60 or
90 seconds. Passive Entry Unlock also initiates two
flashes of the turn signals.
 If wearing gloves, if it has been raining/snowing, or if
there is salt/dirt covering the Passive Entry door
handle, the unlock sensitivity can be affected, resulting
in a slower response time.
 The doors may unlock when water is sprayed on the
Passive Entry door handles, if the key fob is located
outside of the vehicle within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the handle.
 If the vehicle is unlocked by Passive Entry and no door
is opened within 60 seconds, the vehicle will relock and
(if equipped) will arm the Vehicle Security system.
2

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26GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To Unlock From The Driver Or Passenger Side
With a valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
door handle, grab the handle to unlock the vehicle.
Grabbing the driver’s door handle will unlock the driver
door automatically. Grabbing the passenger door handle
will unlock all doors and the tailgate automatically.

Grab The Door Handle To Unlock

NOTE:
 Either the driver door only or all doors will unlock when
you grab hold of the front driver’s door handle,
depending on the selected setting in the Uconnect
system
Úpage 191.
 All doors will unlock when the front passenger door
handle is grabbed regardless of the driver’s door
unlock preference setting. Frequency Operated Button Integrated Key (FOBIK-Safe)
To minimize the possibility of unintentionally locking a
Passive Entry key fob inside your vehicle, the Passive Entry
system is equipped with an automatic door unlock feature
which will function if the ignition is in the OFF position.
There are five situations that trigger a FOBIK-Safe search
in any Passive Entry vehicle:

A lock request is made by a valid Passive Entry key fob
while a door is open.
 A lock request is made by the Passive Entry door
handle while a door is open.
 A lock request is made by the door panel switch while
the door is open.
 When the Vehicle Security system is in pre-arm or
armed status and the tailgate transitions from open to
closed.
 When the tailgate transitions from opened to closed
and Remote Start is active.
When any of these situations occur, after all open doors
are shut, the FOBIK-Safe search will be executed. If it
detects a Passive Entry key fob inside the vehicle, the
vehicle will unlock and alert the customer.
NOTE:The vehicle will only unlock the doors when a valid Passive
Entry key fob is detected inside the vehicle. The vehicle will
not unlock the doors when any of the following conditions
are true:
 The doors are manually locked using the door lock
knobs.
 Three attempts are made to lock the doors using the
door panel switch and then the doors are closed.
 There is a valid Passive Entry key fob outside the
vehicle within 5 ft (1.5 m) of a Passive Entry door
handle.
To Lock The Vehicle’s Doors And Tailgate
With one of the vehicle’s Passive Entry key fobs within 5 ft
(1.5 m) of either front door handle, pushing the Passive
Entry lock button will lock the vehicle.

Push The Door Handle Button To Lock

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 26

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE27
NOTE:DO NOT grab the door handle when pushing the door
handle lock button. This could unlock the door(s).

Do NOT Grab The Door Handle When Locking

NOTE:
 After pushing the door handle button, you must wait
two seconds before you can lock or unlock the doors,
using either Passive Entry door handle. This is done to
allow you to check if the vehicle is locked by pulling the
door handle without the vehicle unlocking.
 If Passive Entry is disabled using the Uconnect
Settings, the key protection described in
"Frequency Operated Button Integrated Key
(FOBIK-Safe)" remains active/functional. 
The Passive Entry system will not operate if the key fob
battery is depleted.
 The LED light on the key fob will not blink if the key
fob battery is low or fully depleted, but a low key
fob battery condition will still support the Passive
Entry system functionality. When the key fob
battery is low, the instrument cluster will display a
message indicating that the key fob battery is low
Úpage 402.
AUTOMATIC UNLOCK DOORS ON EXIT —
I
F EQUIPPED
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks after the following sequence of actions:

1. The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature is
enabled within the Uconnect system.

2. All doors are closed.
3. The gear selector was not in PARK, then is placed in PARK.
4. Any door is opened.
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS —
I
F EQUIPPED
The auto door lock feature default condition is enabled.
When enabled, the door locks will lock automatically when
the vehicle's speed exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). The auto
door lock feature is enabled/disabled in the Uconnect
Settings
Úpage 191.
CHILD-PROTECTION DOOR LOCK
S
YSTEM — REAR DOORS
To provide a safer environment for small children riding in
the rear seats, the rear doors are equipped with a
Child-Protection Door Lock system.
To use the system, open each rear door, use a flat-blade
screwdriver, and rotate the dial to the lock or unlock
position. When the system on a door is engaged, that door
can only be opened by using the outside door handle even
if the inside door lock is in the unlocked position.

Child Lock Control

2

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 27