2023 RAM 1500 tailgate

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE77
5. Remove the connector bracket from the sill by
pushing inward in the locking tab.

Connector Bracket Location
Locking Tab

6. Disconnect the wiring harness by pushing on the two release tabs, ensuring the connector bracket does
not fall into the sill.

Connected Wiring Harness
Disconnected Body Side Harness

7. Connect the body side plug (provided in the glove compartment) to the body side wiring harness and
insert the bracket back into the sill.

Body Side Plug (One Piece)

8. Connect the tailgate plugs (provided in the glove compartment) to the tailgate wiring harness to
ensure that the terminals do not corrode.

Tailgate Plugs (Two Pieces)

1 — First Release Tab
2 — Second Release Tab
1 — Large Plug
2 — Small Plug
2

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78GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
9. Tape the tailgate harness and bracket against the
forward-facing surface of the tailgate. This will
prevent damaging the connector and bracket when
storing or reinstalling the tailgate.
10. Raise the tailgate slightly, and remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang from the pivot.
NOTE:Make sure tailgate is supported by you and/or a second
person when removing support cables.

Locking Tang

11. Remove the tailgate from the vehicle.
NOTE:
Do not carry the tailgate loose in the truck pickup box.
 If the tailgate is closed with the wire harness discon -
nected, the tailgate can only be opened by removing
the inside panel and unlatching the locking mechanism
manually.
BED STEP — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with an extendable bed
step to provide easier entry and exit into the truck bed.
If your vehicle is equipped with a standard tailgate, the
step will be located on the driver’s side of the tailgate.
If equipped with a multifunction tailgate, the step will be
located below the center of the tailgate.
Bed Step For Standard Tailgate

Bed Step Location

To extend the bed step, place your foot on the protruding
foot tab located on the left edge of the bed step, and push
rearward. A small amount of force will release the spring
load and extend the bed step out and away from the
tailgate.

Bed Step Components (Standard Tailgate)
Bed Step Extended

WARNING!
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the
exhaust system on vehicles equipped with “Cap or
Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the
overhanging camper compartment and be free of leaks.
1 — Bed Step
2 — Foot Tab

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE79
NOTE:Once the spring load is overcome, the bed step will extend
out quickly, so be sure to stand in a position that will avoid
coming into contact with the step as it extends.
To stow the bed step back under the tailgate, push the bed
step forward with your foot until the bed step is retracted
by the spring load.
Bed Step For Multifunction Tailgate

Bed Step Location

To extend the bed step, place your foot on the top center
of the bed step, and push down while pulling rearward.
A small amount of force will release the spring load and
extend the bed step out and away from the tailgate.

Bed Step Extended

NOTE:
Once the spring load is overcome, the bed step will extend
out quickly. Be sure to stand in a position that will avoid
coming into contact with the step as it extends.
To stow the bed step back under the tailgate, push the bed
step forward with your foot until the bed step is retracted
by the spring load.
PICKUP BOX
The pickup box has many features designed for utility and
convenience.

Pickup Box Features

NOTE:
If you are installing a Toolbox, Ladder Rack or Headache
Rack at the front of the Pickup Box, you must use Mopar®
Box Reinforcement Brackets that are available from an
authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to stow the bed step with your hands.
The low clearance space between the bed step and the
rear bumper as the bed step returns to the stowed
position could result in injury to your hands or fingers.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to stow the bed step with your hands.
The low clearance space between the bed step and the
rear bumper as the bed step returns to the stowed
position could result in injury to your hands or fingers.
1 — Upper Load Floor Indents
2 — Bulk Head Dividers
3 — Cleats
2

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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.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE85
Extender Position
The extender position allows you to load the bed of the
truck beyond the tailgate. The bed extender will add an
additional 15 inches (38 cm) in the back of the truck when
additional cargo room is needed. The extender position
utilizes a locating pin and rotating handle located on both
sides of the truck bed near the tailgate.

Extender Position

To install the bed extender into the extender position,
perform the following:

1. Lower the tailgate.

2. Make sure the center handle is unlocked and rotate
the center handle vertically in order to release the
extender side gates.
3. Fit the end of the side gate ends onto the pin and handle.

Extender Installation

4. Rotate the handles to the horizontal position to secure into place.

Locking Tab

Storage Position
The storage position for the bed divider is at the front of
the truck bed which maximizes the bed cargo area when
not in use.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of potential injury or property
damage:
Cargo must be secured.
 Do not exceed cargo load rating of your vehicle.
 Secure all loads to truck utilizing cargo tie downs.
 Extender should not be used as cargo tie down.
 When vehicle is in motion do not exceed 150 lb
(68 kg) load on the tailgate.
 The bed extender is not intended for off road use.
 When not in use, the extender/divider should be in
stowed or divider position with the tailgate closed.
 When in use all handles are to be in the locked
position.
2

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE87

Position Two (Front And Rear Latches Latched)

TRI-FOLD TONNEAU COVER FOLDING
F
OR DRIVING OR REMOVAL
To remove the Tonneau Cover use the following steps:

1. Open the tailgate to access the rear pair of Tonneau
Cover latches located on the underside of the Cover.

Location Of Rear Latches
Slide Locking Lever Inward

2. Slide the locking lever toward the inside of the truck bed to release the J Hook and pull the handle
downward into the released position.

Unlatching Latch
Released Position

1 — Panel 1
2 — Panel 2
3 — Panel 3
2

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110GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the
engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns
on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off
the engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil
temperature to return to normal levels.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the driver or
passenger seat belt is unbuckled. When the
ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position and if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will turn on.
When driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash
or remain on continuously and a chime will sound
Úpage 282.
Tailgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
tailgate is open.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
Trailer Brake has been disconnected.
Transmission Temperature Warning
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a
high transmission fluid temperature. This may
occur with strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive
normally.
Vehicle Security Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the vehicle
security system is arming, and then will flash
slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
fault in the ACC system. Contact an authorized
dealer for service
Úpage 145.
Air Suspension Fault Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will illuminate when a fault is
detected with the air suspension system.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This warning light monitors the ABS. The light
will turn on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required as soon as possible.
However, the conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not
also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have the brake
system inspected by an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated
you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe
transmission damage or transmission failure.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 110

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.
4

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