2023 RAM 1500 key battery

50GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Cargo Lights

When the vehicle is stationary, these lights can also be
turned on using the switch located just inside the pickup
box, on the lower part of the bed light lens. A telltale will
illuminate in the instrument cluster display when these
lights are on. Pushing the switch a second time will turn
the lights off.

Bed Light Switch (Without RamBox)

The cargo light and bed lights (if equipped) will turn on for
approximately 30 seconds when a key fob unlock button
is pushed, as part of the Illuminated Entry feature.
When these lights are activated using the button on the
headlight switch the cargo lights, trailer spotter lights, and
trailer hitch light will remain illuminated when the vehicle
transmission is in PARK, NEUTRAL, or REVERSE. The lights
will turn off when the vehicle transmission is placed in
DRIVE.
When the vehicle is placed in the REVERSE position,
the trailer hitch light will turn on automatically. The trailer
hitch light will turn off when the vehicle is placed in the
DRIVE position.
NOTE:The bed lights are not affected by gear selection.
NOTE:For vehicles shipped to or sold in the states of California
or Mississippi, the cargo, bed, and mirror spotter lights will
not work while the vehicle is in motion. In every other
state, the cargo and mirror spotter lights will turn off when
the vehicle is in motion, but the bed light will remain on.
BATTERY SAVER
Timers are set to both the interior and exterior lights to
protect the life of your vehicle’s battery.
After 10 minutes, if the ignition is OFF and any door is left
open or the dimmer control is rotated all the way up to the
topmost position, the interior lights will automatically
turn off.
NOTE:Battery saver mode is canceled if the ignition is ON.
The headlights will automatically turn off after eight
minutes while the ignition is in the OFF position.
INTERIOR LIGHTS
COURTESY LIGHTS
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the doors
are opened or the Dome ON button is pushed on the
overhead console. If your vehicle is equipped with Remote
Keyless Entry and the unlock button is pushed on the key
fob, the courtesy and dome lights will turn on. When a door
is open and the interior lights are on, and the Dome Defeat
button on the overhead console is pressed, the interior
lights will turn off.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 50

52GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Dimmer Controls (Vehicles Sold In Canada Only)

With the parking lights or headlights on, rotating the
instrument panel dimmer control upward will increase the
brightness of the instrument panel lights. Rotating the
ambient dimmer control will adjust the interior and
ambient light levels when the headlights are on.
Dimming Of The Uconnect Touchscreen
The brightness of the Uconnect touchscreen can be
dimmed using the instrument panel dimmer control when
the parking lights or headlights are on.
When Display Mode is set to Auto within the Uconnect
system, the brightness will automatically adjust from
daytime intensity to nighttime intensity (and vice versa)
based on ambient light levels outside of the vehicle.
NOTE:The brightness of the Uconnect touchscreen cannot be
adjusted when the instrument panel dimmer control is
rotated to the upper most detent, even when Display
Mode is set to Auto within the Uconnect Settings.
When Display Mode is set to Manual, the brightness of the
Uconnect touchscreen will adjust to the set brightness
(1 - 6) when the headlights are either on or off. For more
information on these Uconnect Settings, see
Úpage 191.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the key fob
to unlock the doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lamps located
beneath the outside mirrors (if equipped).
The lights will fade to off after approximately 30 seconds,
or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch
is placed in the ON/RUN position from the OFF position.
The front courtesy overhead console and door courtesy
lights will not turn off if the Dome ON button on the
overhead console is pushed. The overhead and door
courtesy lights will turn off after 10 minutes when the
ignition is placed in the OFF position to protect the battery.
The illuminated entry system will not operate if the Dome
Defeat button on the overhead console is pushed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Illuminated Approach lights
under the outside mirrors, they will also be turned off by
pushing the Dome Defeat button.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The windshield wiper/washer controls are located on the
multifunction lever on the left side of the steering column.
The front wipers are operated by rotating a switch, located
on the end of the lever.

Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever

WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION
Intermittent Wipers
The intermittent feature of this system was designed for
use when weather conditions make a single wiping cycle,
with a variable pause between cycles, desirable. For
maximum delay between cycles, rotate the control knob
upward to the first detent.
1 — Ambient Light Control
2 — Instrument Panel Dimmer Control
1 — Push End Inward
(Hold For Washer Or Short Press For Mist)
2 — Rotate For Front Wiper Operation

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 52

66GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:Charge unsupported devices with the Charge Only USB
ports. If an unsupported device is plugged into a Media
USB port, a message will display on the touchscreen that
the device is not supported by the system.
Plugging in a phone or another USB device may cause the
connection to a previous device to be lost.
If equipped, your vehicle may also contain a USB port
located on the top tray of the vehicle’s center console.
If equipped, two Mini-USB ports (Type C), two Standard
USB ports (Type A), and one AUX port may be located to the
left of the center stack, just below the climate controls.

Center Console USB/AUX Media Hub

Some USB ports support media and charging. You can use
features, such as Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™,
Pandora®, and others while charging your phone.
NOTE:Plugging in a phone or another USB device may cause the
connection to a previous device to be lost.
For further information, refer to the Uconnect Radio
Instruction Manual or visit UconnectPhone.com.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The auxiliary 12 Volt (13 Amp) power outlet can provide
power for in-cab accessories designed for use with the
standard “cigarette lighter” style plug. The 12 Volt power
outlets and 5 Volt (2.5 Amp) USB Port (Charge Only) have
a cap attached to the outlet indicating “12V DC”, together
with either a key symbol, battery symbol, or USB symbol.
An auxiliary power outlet can be found in the tray on top of
the center stack. This power outlet works when the ignition
is in the ON/RUN, ACC, or OFF position.

Power Outlet — Top Of Center Stack
Power Outlet Fuse Locations

1 — Standard USB Type A Ports
2 — Mini-USB Type C Ports
3 — AUX Port
CAUTION!
 Do not exceed the maximum power of 160 Watts
(13 Amps) at 12 Volts. If the 160 Watts (13 Amps)
power rating is exceeded, the fuse protecting the
system will need to be replaced.
 Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only.
Do not insert any other object in the power outlets as
this will damage the outlet and blow the fuse.
Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
1 — F54 Fuse 20 A Yellow Power Outlet Battery Fed
Position
2 — F54 Fuse 20 A Yellow Power Outlet Ignition Fed
Position
3 — F48 Fuse 10 A Red Port Power or Rear USB
(Charge Only)

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 66

82GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING RAMBOX
Push and release the lock or unlock button on the key fob
to lock and unlock all doors, the tailgate and the RamBox
Úpage 16. To unlatch the storage bin manually, insert the
emergency key into the keyhole and turn clockwise.
Always return the key to the upright (vertical) position
before removing it from the keyhole.
RAMBOX CARGO STORAGE BINS
Cargo storage bins are located on both sides of the pickup
box. The cargo storage bins provide watertight, lockable,
illuminated storage for up to 150 lb (68 kg) of evenly
distributed cargo.

RamBox Cargo Storage Bins

To open a storage bin with the RamBox unlocked, push
and release the button located on the lid. The RamBox lid
will open upward to allow hand access. Lift the lid to fully
open.
NOTE:RamBox will not open when the button is pushed if the
RamBox is locked.

RamBox Button And Keyhole Lock

The interior of the RamBox will automatically illuminate
when the lid is opened. The timing can be adjusted within
Uconnect Settings
Úpage 191.
CAUTION!
 Ensure cargo bin lids are closed and latched before
moving or driving vehicle.
 Loads applied to the top of the bin lid should be
minimized to prevent damage to the lid and
latching/hinging mechanisms.
 Damage to the RamBox bin may occur due to
heavy/sharp objects placed in bin that shift due to
vehicle motion. In order to minimize potential for
damage, secure all cargo to prevent movement and
protect inside surfaces of bin from heavy/sharp
objects with appropriate padding.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow the following items could cause
damage to the vehicle:
Assure that all cargo inside the storage bins is
properly secured.
 Do not exceed cargo weight rating of 150 lb (68 kg)
per bin.
1 — Keyhole Lock
2 — Button
CAUTION!
Leaving the lid open for extended periods of time could
cause the vehicle battery to discharge. If the lid is
required to stay open for extended periods of time, it is
recommended that the bin lights be turned off
manually using the on/off switch.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 82

120STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the vehicle
with the engine running, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary shifter and an 8-speed
transmission
 Vehicle is not in PARK
 Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
 Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
 Driver’s door is ajar
 Brake pedal is not pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged Shift To P Then Shift To
Gear ” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be displayed in
the instrument cluster, causing the “ AutoPark Engaged
Shift To P Then Shift To Gear ” message to not be seen. In
these cases, the gear selector must be returned to “P” to
select desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the vehicle may
AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLY when vehicle speed is 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed Is Too High To Shift to P ” will
be displayed in the instrument cluster if vehicle speed is
above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h). 4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the vehicle in
4WD LOW.
The message “
AutoPark Disabled ” will be displayed in the
instrument cluster.
Additional customer warnings will be given when all of
these conditions are met:
 Vehicle is not in PARK
 Driver’s door is ajar
 Vehicle is in 4WD LOW
The message “ AutoPark Not Engaged ” will be displayed in
the instrument cluster. A warning chime will continue until
you shift the vehicle into PARK or the driver’s door is
closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in PARK
by looking for the "P" in the instrument cluster display and
near the gear selector. As an added precaution, always
apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
EXTENDED PARK STARTING
NOTE:Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle has not
been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery to ensure a full battery charge during the
crank cycle.

2. Place the ignition to the START position and release it when the engine starts. For Keyless Enter ‘n Go
ignition systems, press and hold the brake pedal
while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, wait 10 to 15 seconds to allow the starter to cool, then
repeat the Extended Park Starting procedure.
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the starter to cool for at least 10 minutes, then repeat
the Extended Park Starting procedure.
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h), the transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the vehicle
speed drops below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h). A vehicle left in
the NEUTRAL position can roll. As an added precaution,
always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 120

STARTING AND OPERATING121
(Continued)
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle has not
experienced an Extended Park condition as defined
above, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while the engine is
cranking. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 10
seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, release
the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the ignition
button/key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking
with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor.
Release the accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key
once the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10 second
period of engine cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

Engine Block Heater Cord Location

The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from an authorized dealer) is recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle next to the engine
coolant reservoir.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
 If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly
Úpage 325.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 121

STARTING AND OPERATING139
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment, this mode must be
enabled which moves the vehicle to normal ride height
and disables the automatic leveling
Úpage 191.
Protection Strategy
In order to protect the air suspension system, the vehicle
will disable load leveling as required (suspension
overloaded, battery charge low, etc.). Load leveling will
automatically resume as soon as system operation
requirements are met. See an authorized dealer if system
does not resume.
NOTE:For towing with air suspension Úpage 173.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
M
ESSAGES
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster display Úpage 98.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a system error
has been detected.
See an authorized dealer for system service if normal
operation does not resume.
OPERATION

Air Suspension Switch

The indicator lamps 1 through 4 will illuminate to show the
current position of the vehicle. Flashing indicator lamps
will show a position which the system is working to
achieve. When raising or lowering, the flashing indicator
lamp is the position the system is working to achieve.
Pushing the height selector switch up once will move the
suspension one position higher from the current position,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e., key in ON/RUN
position, engine running, speed below threshold, etc.).
The height selector switch can be pushed up multiple
times, each push will raise the requested level by one
position up to a maximum position of OR or the highest
position allowed based on current conditions
(i.e., vehicle speed, etc.). Pushing the height selector switch down once will move
the suspension one position lower from the current level,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e., key in ON/RUN
position, engine running, doors closed, speed below
threshold, etc.). The height selector switch can be pushed
down multiple times, each push will lower the requested
level by one position down to a minimum of Entry/Exit
Mode or the lowest position allowed based on current
conditions (i.e., vehicle speed, etc.).
Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle
speed and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps
and instrument cluster display messages will operate the
same for automatic changes and user requested changes.

Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, 2, and 1 will
be illuminated.
 Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamps 4, 3, and
2 will be illuminated.
 Aero Height– Indicator lamps 4 and 3 will be
illuminated.
 Entry/Exit – Indicator lamp 4 will be illuminated.
Entry/Exit can be requested up to 33 mph (53 km/h).
If vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 3 will flash and indicator
lamp 4 will remain solid until Entry/Exit is achieved at
which point indicator lamp 3 will turn off.
 Automatic Aero Mode – Indicator lamps 5 and 4 will be
illuminated.
 Transport Mode – No indicator lamps will be illumi -
nated. Transport Mode is disabled by driving the
vehicle or disabling through the Uconnect settings.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 139

142STARTING AND OPERATING
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following Must Occur:

1. The system must be in STOP/START READY state. A
STOP/START READY message is displayed in the
instrument cluster within the Stop/Start section

Ú
page 98.

2. The vehicle must be decelerating and likely coming to a complete stop.
3. The transmission gear selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal pressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will move to the
zero position and the Stop/Start telltale will illuminate
indicating you are in an Autostop. While in an Autostop,
the Climate Controls system may automatically adjust
airflow to maintain cabin comfort. Customer settings will
be maintained upon return to an engine running condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check many
safety and comfort conditions to see if they are fulfilled.
In following situations, the engine will not Autostop:
 Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
 Driver’s door is not closed
 The vehicle is on a steep grade
 Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an accept -
able cabin temperature has not been achieved 
HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower speed
 Engine has not reached normal operating temperature
 Engine or exhaust temperature is too high
 The battery is charging
 The transmission is not in DRIVE
 Hood is open
 Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
 TOW/HAUL mode is selected
 Accelerator pedal input
 Excessive 12 Volt loads
 Brake application is adequate to obtain and maintain
a stop
It may be possible to operate the vehicle several
consecutive times in extreme conditions and not meet all
criteria to enable an Autostop state.TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in DRIVE, the engine will start when the brake pedal
is released or the accelerator pedal is pressed and the
transmission will automatically reengage upon engine
restart. Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode
The engine will start automatically when:

The transmission selector is moved from DRIVE to
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or PARK
 To maintain cabin temperature near the HVAC settings
 HVAC is set to full defrost mode
 12 Volt demand requires engine restart
 Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed
 Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
 The emissions system override is present
 A Stop/Start system error is present
Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To Park While In
Autostop Mode
The engine will not start automatically and the
transmission will be placed in PARK if:
 The driver door is open and brake pedal released
 The driver door is open and the driver seat belt is
unbuckled
 The engine hood has been opened
 A Stop/Start system error is present
The engine may then be restarted by moving the
transmission shift selector out of PARK (e.g., to DRIVE) or,
in some cases, only by a key start. The instrument cluster
will display a “SHIFT OUT OF PARK” message, or a
“STOP/START KEY START REQUIRED” message, to
indicate which action is required
Úpage 98.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 142