2023 RAM 1500 park assist

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

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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.
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152STARTING AND OPERATING
LANE CHANGING
ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the
lane in which you are traveling. In the following lane
changing example, ACC has not yet detected the vehicle
changing lanes and it may not detect the vehicle until it's
too late for the ACC system to take action. ACC may not
detect a vehicle until it is completely in the lane. There
may not be sufficient distance to the lane-changing
vehicle. Always be attentive and ready to apply the brakes
if necessary.

Lane Changing Example

NARROW VEHICLES
Some narrow vehicles traveling near the outer edges of
the lane or edging into the lane are not detected until they
have moved fully into the lane. There may not be sufficient
distance to the vehicle ahead.

Narrow Vehicle Example

STATIONARY OBJECTS AND VEHICLES
ACC does not react to stationary objects or vehicles. For
example, ACC will not react in situations where the vehicle
you are following exits your lane and the vehicle ahead is
stopped in your lane. It will consider this stopped vehicle a
stationary object as it did not previously detect movement
from it. Always be attentive and ready to apply the brakes
if necessary.

Stationary Object And Stationary Vehicle Example

PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Park Assist system provides visual and
audible indications of the distance between the rear and/
or front fascia/bumper and a detected obstacle when
backing up or moving forward (e.g. during a parking
maneuver). If your vehicle is equipped with the automatic
braking function, the vehicle brakes may be automatically
applied and released when the vehicle is in REVERSE if the
system detects a possible collision with an obstacle.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152

STARTING AND OPERATING153
NOTE:

The driver can disable the automatic braking function by
turning ParkSense off via the ParkSense switch. The
driver can also override automatic braking by changing
the gear or by pressing the gas pedal over 90% of its
capacity during the braking event.
 Automatic brakes will not be available if the vehicle is in
4WD Low.
 Automatic brakes will not be available if there is a fault
in the brake module.
 Automatic brakes will not be available if there is a faulted
condition detected with the ParkSense Park Assist
system or the Braking System.
 The automatic braking function may only be applied if
the vehicle deceleration is not enough to avoid colliding
with a detected obstacle.
 The automatic braking function may not be applied fast
enough for obstacles that move toward the rear of the
vehicle from the left and/or right sides.
 The automatic braking function can be enabled/
disabled from the Customer Programmable Features
section of the Uconnect system.
 ParkSense will retain its last known configuration state
for the automatic braking function through ignition
cycles.
 Trailer hitch ball assembly may cause false braking
events if left attached after towing.
The automatic braking function is intended to assist the
driver in avoiding possible collisions with detected obstacles
when backing up in REVERSE gear.

NOTE:

 The system is designed to assist the driver and not to
substitute the driver.
 The driver must stay in full control of the vehicle's accel -
eration and braking and is responsible for the vehicle's
movements.
For limitations of this system and usage precautions, see

Ú
page 156.
ParkSense will retain the last system state (enabled or
disabled) from the last ignition cycle when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN position.
ParkSense can be active only when the gear selector is in
REVERSE or DRIVE. If ParkSense is enabled while in one of
these gears, the system will remain active until the vehicle
speed is increased to approximately 7 mph (11 km/h) or above. A warning will appear in the instrument cluster
display indicating the vehicle speed is above ParkSense
operating speed while in REVERSE. The system will become
active again if the vehicle speed is decreased to less than
approximately 6 mph (9 km/h).

PARKSENSE SENSORS
The four ParkSense sensors (six if equipped with Active
Parksense), located in the front fascia/bumper, monitor
the area in front of the vehicle that is within the sensors’
field of view, and the four ParkSense sensors, located in
the rear fascia/bumper, monitor the area behind the
vehicle that is within the sensors’ field of view. The front
sensors can detect obstacles from approximately
12 inches (30 cm) up to 47 inches (120 cm) from the front fascia/bumper. The rear sensors can detect obstacles from approximately
12 inches (30 cm) up to 79 inches (200 cm). These
distances depend on the location, type and orientation of
the obstacle in the horizontal direction.
PARKSENSE WARNING DISPLAY
The ParkSense Warning screen is located within the
instrument cluster display Úpage 98. It provides visual
warnings to indicate the distance between the rear fascia/
bumper and/or front fascia/bumper and the detected
obstacle.

PARKSENSE DISPLAY
The warning display will turn on indicating the system status
when the vehicle is in REVERSE or when the vehicle is in
DRIVE and an obstacle has been detected.
The system will indicate a detected obstacle by showing a
single arc in the left, right, or center regions based on the
obstacle’s distance and location relative to the vehicle.
If an obstacle is detected in the center front region, the
display will show a single solid arc in the center front region
with no chime. As the vehicle moves closer to the obstacle,
the display will show the single arc moving closer to the
vehicle and a fast chime will be heard and will change from
fast to continuous.
If an obstacle is detected in the left and/or right front region,
the display will show a single flashing arc in the left and/or
right front region and will produce a fast chime. As the
vehicle moves closer to the obstacle, the display will show
the single arc moving closer to the vehicle and the tone will
change from fast to continuous.

4

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156STARTING AND OPERATING
Front Park Assist Audible Alerts

ParkSense will turn off the Front Park Assist audible alert
(chime) after approximately three seconds when an
obstacle has been detected, the vehicle is stationary, and
brake pedal is applied.

Adjustable Chime Volume Settings

The Front and Rear chime volume settings are
programmable through the Uconnect system

Ú
page 191.

ENABLING AND DISABLING FRONT
A
ND/OR REAR PARKSENSE
Front ParkSense can be enabled and disabled
with the Front ParkSense switch.
Rear ParkSense can be enabled and disabled
with the Rear ParkSense switch.
When the Front or Rear ParkSense switch is pushed to
disable the system, the instrument cluster display
Úpage 98 will show a vehicle graphic of the Front or Rear
ParkSense on/off state for two seconds.
When the gear selector is moved to REVERSE and the
Front or Rear system is disabled, the instrument cluster
display will show a vehicle graphic with “OFF” on the
corresponding side. This vehicle graphic will be displayed
for as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE.
NOTE:Arc alerts from the enabled ParkSense system, will
interrupt the five second messages, and the instrument
cluster display will show the vehicle graphic with the corre-
sponding arcs and “OFF” message. The Front or Rear ParkSense switch LED will be on when
Front or Rear ParkSense is disabled or requires service.
The Front or Rear ParkSense switch LED will be off when
the Front or Rear system is enabled. If the Front or Rear
ParkSense switch is pushed, and the system requires
service, the Front or Rear ParkSense switch LED will blink
momentarily, and then the LED will be on.
SERVICE THE PARKSENSE PARK ASSIST
S
YSTEM
During vehicle start up, when the ParkSense System has
detected a faulted condition, the instrument cluster will
actuate a single chime, once per ignition cycle, and it will
display the "PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE WIPE REAR
SENSORS", "PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE WIPE FRONT
SENSORS", or the "PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE
REQUIRED" message for five seconds. When the gear
selector is moved to REVERSE and the system has
detected a faulted condition, the instrument cluster
display will display a "WIPE OFF" message on the
corresponding blocked system while the vehicle is in
REVERSE. The system will continue to provide arc alerts
for the side that is functioning properly.
If "PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE WIPE REAR SENSORS" or
"PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE WIPE FRONT SENSORS"
appears in the instrument cluster display make sure the
outer surface and the underside of the rear fascia/
bumper and/or front fascia/bumper is clean and clear of
snow, ice, mud, dirt or other obstruction and then cycle the
ignition. If the message continues to appear see an
authorized dealer.
NOTE:Water from a car wash or road slush in freezing weather
may also cause sensors to become blocked.
If the "PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED"
message appears in the instrument cluster display, see
your authorized dealer.
CLEANING THE PARKSENSE SYSTEM
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car wash soap
and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard cloths. Do not
scratch or poke the sensors.
PARKSENSE SYSTEM USAGE
P
RECAUTIONS
NOTE:
 Ensure that the front and rear fascias/bumpers are
free of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep the
ParkSense system operating properly.
 Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of ParkSense.
 When you turn Front or Rear ParkSense off, the instru -
ment cluster display will show a vehicle graphic of the
Front or Rear ParkSense on/off state for two seconds.
Furthermore, once you turn Front or Rear ParkSense
off, it remains off until you turn it on again, even if you
cycle the ignition.

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STARTING AND OPERATING157
When you move the gear selector to the REVERSE posi -
tion and Front or Rear ParkSense is turned off, the
instrument cluster display will show a vehicle graphic
with "OFF" in the corresponding side. This vehicle
graphic will be displayed for as long as the vehicle is in
REVERSE.
 ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of the
radio when it is sounding a tone.
 Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not
to scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
 Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense
system off if obstacles such as bicycle carriers, trailer
hitches, etc. are placed near the rear fascia/bumper.
Failure to do so can result in the system misinter -
preting a close obstacle as a sensor problem, causing
the “PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED”
message to be appear in the instrument cluster
display.
 ParkSense should be disabled when the tailgate is in
the lowered or open position. A lowered tailgate could
provide a false indication that an obstacle is behind the
vehicle and could also cause a false braking event. 
The Rear ParkSense system will automatically disable
when the system detects that a trailer with trailer
brakes has been connected to the Integrated Trailer
Brake Module.
 The Front ParkSense system will automatically disable
if a snowplow has been connected to the vehicle.
PARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is intended to
assist the driver during parallel and perpendicular parking
maneuvers by identifying a proper parking space,
providing audible/visual instructions through the
instrument cluster display, and controlling the steering
wheel. The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is defined
as “semi-automatic” since the driver maintains control of
the accelerator, gear selector and brakes. Depending on
the driver's parking maneuver selection, the ParkSense
Active Park Assist system is capable of maneuvering a
vehicle into a parallel or a perpendicular parking space on
either side (i.e., driver side or passenger side).
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using ParkSense. Always check carefully behind your
vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
and blind spots before backing up. You are respon -
sible for safety and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
 Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly be
disconnected from the vehicle when the vehicle is
not used for towing. Failure to do so can result in
injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles because
the hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than
the rear fascia/bumper when the vehicle sounds the
continuous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the
ball mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its
size and shape, and give a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle, and could cause false
braking.
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
 The vehicle must be driven slowly when using Park -
Sense in order to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the
driver looks over his/her shoulder when using Park -
Sense.
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158STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
The driver is always responsible for controlling the
vehicle, responsible for any surrounding objects, and
must intervene as required.
 The system is provided to assist the driver and not to
substitute the driver.
 During a semi-automatic maneuver, if the driver
touches the steering wheel after being instructed to
remove their hands from the steering wheel, the
system will cancel, and the driver will be required to
manually complete the parking maneuver.
 The system may not work in all conditions
(e.g. environmental conditions such as heavy rain,
snow, etc., or if searching for a parking space that has
surfaces that will absorb the ultrasonic sensor waves).
 New vehicles from the dealership must have at least
30 miles (48 km) accumulated before the ParkSense
Active Park Assist system is fully calibrated and
performs accurately. This is due to the system’s
dynamic vehicle calibration to improve the perfor -
mance of the feature.
 The driver must control the vehicle’s brakes. The auto -
matic emergency braking feature is NOT intended to
substitute for the driver during REVERSE maneuvers.ENABLING AND DISABLING THE
P
ARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
S
YSTEM
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system can
be enabled and disabled with the ParkSense
Active Park Assist switch, located on the switch
panel below the Uconnect display.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a 12-inch Uconnect
display, the ParkSense Active Park Assist switch is located
above the display.
To enable or disable the ParkSense Active Park Assist
system, push the ParkSense Active Park Assist switch
once (LED turns on). Pushing the switch a second time will
disable the system (LED turns off).
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system will turn off
automatically for any of the following conditions:
 Parking maneuver is completed.
 Vehicle speed is greater than 18 mph (30 km/h) when
searching for a parking space.
 Vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (7 km/h) during
active steering guidance into the parking space.
 Steering wheel is touched during active steering guid -
ance into the parking space.
 ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist switch is pushed.
 Driver's door is opened.
 Tailgate is opened.
 Electronic Stability Control/Anti-Lock Braking System
intervention. 
Vehicle is in 4WD Low.
 Axle Locker is active.
 Trailer is connected.
 Trailer Reverse Steering Control (TRSC) is active.
 Snowplow is connected.
NOTE:The ParkSense Active Park Assist system will allow a
maximum of eight shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE. If
the maneuver cannot be completed within eight shifts, the
system will cancel and the instrument cluster display will
instruct the driver to complete the maneuver manually.
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system will only operate
and search for a parking space when the following
conditions are present:
Gear selector is in DRIVE.
 The ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
 The ParkSense Active Park Assist switch is activated.
 Driver's door is closed.
 Tailgate is closed.
 Vehicle speed is less than 15 mph (25 km/h).
 The outer surface and the underside of the front and
rear fascias/bumpers are clean and clear of snow, ice,
mud, dirt or other obstruction.
NOTE:If the vehicle is driven above approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h), the instrument cluster display will instruct the
driver to slow down. If the vehicle is driven above approxi -
mately 18 mph (30 km/h), the system will cancel. The driver must then reactivate the system by pushing the
ParkSense Active Park Assist switch.

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STARTING AND OPERATING159
When pushed, the LED on the ParkSense Active Park
Assist switch will blink momentarily, and then the LED will
turn off if any of the above conditions are not present.
PARALLEL/PERPENDICULAR PARKING
S
PACE ASSISTANCE OPERATION
When the ParkSense Active Park Assist system is enabled,
the messages “Active ParkSense Searching - Press OK To
Switch To Perpendicular Park” or “Active ParkSense
Searching - Press OK to Switch to Parallel Park” will appear
in the instrument cluster display. Push the OK button on
the left side of the steering wheel to change your parking
space setting. You can switch between perpendicular and
parallel parking maneuvers.

Press OK to Switch to Perpendicular Park Press OK to Switch to Parallel Park

NOTE:
 When searching for a parking space, use the turn
signal indicator to select which side of the vehicle you
want to perform the parking maneuver. The ParkSense
Active Park Assist system will automatically search for
a parking space on the passenger's side of the vehicle
if the turn signal is not activated.
 The driver needs to make sure that the selected
parking space for the maneuver remains free and clear
of any obstructions (e.g. pedestrians, bicycles, etc.).
 The driver is responsible to ensure that the selected
parking space is suitable for the maneuver and
free/clear of anything that may be overhanging or
protruding into the parking space (e.g., ladders, tail-
gates, etc. from surrounding objects/vehicles).
 When searching for a parking space, the driver should
drive as parallel or perpendicular (depending on the
type of maneuver) to other vehicles as possible. 
The feature will only indicate the last detected parking
space (example: if passing multiple available parking
spaces, the system will only indicate the last detected
parking space for the maneuver). A parking space is
considered invalid after the vehicle is 32 ft (10 m) or
more away from it.
When an available parking space has been found, and the
vehicle is not in position, you will be instructed to move
forward to position the vehicle for a perpendicular or
parallel parking sequence (depending on the type of
maneuver being performed).

Space Found — Keep Moving Forward

Once the vehicle is in position, you will be instructed to
stop the vehicle’s movement and remove your hands from
the steering wheel. When the vehicle comes to a standstill
(your hands still removed from the steering wheel), you will
be instructed to place the gear selector into the REVERSE
position.
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