2023 RAM 1500 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING151
SERVICE ACC/FCW WARNING
If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster displays
“ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required” or “Cruise/FCW
Unavailable Service Required”, there may be an internal
system fault or a temporary malfunction that limits ACC
functionality. Although the vehicle is still drivable under
normal conditions, ACC will be temporarily unavailable.
If this occurs, try activating ACC again later, following an
ignition cycle. If the problem persists, see an authorized
dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
NOTE:
Aftermarket add-ons such as snowplows, lift kits, and
brush/grille bars can hinder module performance.
Ensure the radar/camera has no obstructions in the
field of view.
 Height modifications can limit module performance
and functionality.
 Do not put stickers or easy passes over the camera/
radar field of view.
 Any modifications to the vehicle that may obstruct the
field of view of the radar/camera are not recom -
mended.
In certain driving situations, ACC may have detection
issues. In these cases, ACC may brake late or
unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert and may need
to intervene. The following are examples of these types of
situations:
TOWING A TRAILER
ACC while towing a trailer is recommended only with an
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Aftermarket trailer
brake controllers will not activate the trailer brakes when
ACC is braking.
OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is
offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle merging
in from a side lane. There may not be sufficient distance
to the vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and
out of the line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to
brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the system
may increase or decrease the vehicle speed for stability,
with no vehicle ahead detected. Once the vehicle is out of
the curve, the system will resume your original set speed.
This is a part of normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on hills.
ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane depending on
the speed, vehicle load, traffic conditions, and the
steepness of the hill.

ACC Hill Example

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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.

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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.

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154STARTING AND OPERATING

Front/Rear ParkSense Arcs

1 — No Tone/Solid Arc 6 — Fast Tone/Flashing Arc
2 — No Tone/Flashing Arc 7 — Fast Tone/Flashing Arc
3 — Fast Tone/Flashing Arc 8 — Slow Tone/Solid Arc
4 — Continuous Tone/Solid Arc 9 — Slow Tone/Solid Arc
5 — Continuous Tone/Solid Arc 10 — Single 1/2 Second Tone/Solid Arc

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The vehicle is close to the obstacle when the display shows one flashing arc and sounds a continuous tone. The following chart shows the warning alert operation when the system is detecting
an obstacle:

NOTE:
ParkSense will reduce the volume of the radio, if on, when the system is sounding an audio tone.

WARNING ALERTS FOR REAR
Rear Distance
(inches/cm) Greater than
79 inches (200 cm) 79-59 inches
(200-150 cm) 59-47 inches
(150-120 cm) 47-39 inches
(120-100 cm) 39-25 inches
(100-65 cm) 25-12 inches
(65-30 cm) Less than 12 inches
(30cm)
Audible Alert (Chime) NoneSingle 1/2 Second
Tone Slow
Slow FastFastContinuous
Arcs-Left NoneNoneNoneNoneNone6thFlashing 5th Solid
Arcs-Center None10th Solid 9th Solid8th Solid7th Flashing 6th Flashing 5th Solid
Arcs-Right NoneNoneNoneNoneNone6th Flashing 5th Solid
Radio Volume Reduced No
Yes YesYesYesYesYes
WARNING ALERTS FOR FRONT
Front Distance
(inches/cm) Greater than 47 inches
(120 cm) 47-39 inches
(120-100 cm) 39-25 inches
(100-65 cm) 25-12 inches
(65-30 cm) Less than 12 inches
(30 cm)
Audible Alert (Chime) NoneNoneNone FastContinuous
Arcs-Left NoneNoneNone3rd Flashing 4th Solid
Arcs-Center None1st Solid2nd Flashing 3rd Flashing 4th Solid
Arcs-Right NoneNoneNone3rd Flashing 4th Solid
Radio Volume Reduced NoNoNoYes Yes
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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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