2023 RAM 1500 Owners Manual

SAFETY271

Overtaking/Passing

The BSM system is designed not to issue an alert on
stationary objects such as guardrails, posts, walls, foliage,
berms, snow banks, car washes, etc. However,
occasionally the system may alert on such objects. This is
normal operation and your vehicle does not require
service.
The BSM system will not alert you of objects that are
traveling in the opposite direction of the vehicle in
adjacent lanes
Úpage 402.

Opposing Traffic

For information on how Blind Spot Monitoring functions
when pulling a trailer Úpage 272.
Rear Cross Path (RCP)
RCP is intended to aid the driver when backing out of
parking spaces where their vision of oncoming vehicles
may be blocked. Proceed slowly and cautiously out of the
parking space until the rear end of the vehicle is exposed.
The RCP system will then have a clear view of the cross
traffic, and if an oncoming vehicle is detected, alert the
driver.

RCP Detection Zones

RCP monitors the rear detection zones on both sides of
the vehicle, for objects that are moving toward the side of
the vehicle with a minimum speed of approximately 3 mph
(5 km/h), to objects moving a maximum of approximately
20 mph (32 km/h), such as in parking lot situations.
WARNING!
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an aid to help
detect objects in the blind spot zones. The BSM system
is not designed to detect pedestrians, bicyclists, or
animals. Even if your vehicle is equipped with the BSM
system, always check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance
over your shoulder, and use your turn signal before
changing lanes. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury or death.6

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272SAFETY
When RCP is on and the vehicle is in REVERSE (R), the
driver is alerted using both the visual and audible alarms,
including reducing the radio volume.
NOTE:In a parking lot situation, oncoming vehicles can be
blocked by vehicles parked on either side. If the sensors
are blocked by other structures or vehicles, the system will
not be able to alert the driver.
Blind Spot Modes
Blind Spot has three selectable modes of operation that
are available in the Uconnect system.
Blind Spot Alert Lights Only
When operating in Blind Spot Alert mode, the BSM system
will provide a visual alert in the appropriate side view
mirror based on a detected object. However, when the
system is operating in Rear Cross Path (RCP) mode, the
system will respond with both visual and audible alerts
when a detected object is present. Whenever an audible
alert is requested, the radio is muted. Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime
When operating in Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime mode,
the BSM system will provide a visual alert in the
appropriate side view mirror based on a detected object.
If the turn signal is then activated, and it corresponds to
an alert present on that side of the vehicle, an audible
chime will also be sounded. Whenever a turn signal and
detected object are present on the same side at the same
time, both the visual and audible alerts will be issued. In
addition to the audible alert the radio (if on) will also be
muted.
NOTE:Whenever an audible alert is requested by the BSM
system, the radio is also muted.
When the system is in RCP, the system shall respond with
both visual and audible alerts when a detected object is
present. Whenever an audible alert is requested, the radio
is also muted. Turn/hazard signal status is ignored; the
RCP state always requests the chime.
Blind Spot Alert Off
When the BSM system is turned off there will be no visual
or audible alerts from either the BSM, RCP, or Trailer
Merge Assist systems.
NOTE:The BSM system will store the current operating mode
when the vehicle is shut off. Each time the vehicle is
started the previously stored mode will be recalled and
used.
Trailer Merge Assist — If Equipped
Trailer Merge Assist is a function of the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) system that extends the blind spot zone
to work while pulling a trailer.
NOTE:When Trailer Merge Assist is activated, Rear Cross Path is
disabled.
Trailer Merge Assist consists of three sub functions:

Automatic Trailer Detection
 Trailer Length Detection
 Trailer Merge Warning

Blind Spot Zones With Trailer Merge Assist

WARNING!
Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) is not a backup aid
system. It is intended to be used to help a driver detect
an oncoming vehicle in a parking lot situation. Drivers
must be careful when backing up, even when using
RCP. 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. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury or death.
1 — Vehicle
2 — Trailer

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SAFETY273
Automatic Trailer Detection
There are two modes of operation for the detection of the
trailer length:
Automatic Mode — When “Auto Mode” is selected, the
system will use the blind spot sensors to automatically
determine the presence and length of a trailer. The
presence of a trailer will be detected using the blind
spot radar within 90 seconds of forward movement of
the vehicle. The vehicle must be moving above 6 mph
(10 km/h) to activate the feature. Once the trailer has
been detected, the system will default to the maximum
blind spot zone until the length has been verified. You
will see “Auto” in the instrument panel cluster .
 Maximum Mode — When “Max Mode” is selected, the
system will default to the maximum blind spot zone
regardless of what size trailer is attached .
NOTE:Selected setting is stored when the ignition is placed in the
OFF position. To change this setting, it must be selected
through the Uconnect Settings
Úpage 191.
Trailer Length Detection
Once the trailer presence has been established, the trailer
length will be established (by making a 90 degree turn)
and then the trailer length category (example 10-20 ft
(3 m to 6 m)) will be displayed. This can take up to
30 seconds after completing the turn.
NOTE:During the same ignition cycle, if the vehicle is at a
standstill for a minimum of 90 seconds, a new “trailer
detection request” is enabled by the system once the
vehicle resumes motion.
The maximum trailer length supported by the Trailer
Merge Assist feature is 39.5 ft (12 m). Trailer length is
considered the forward most portion of the trailer hitch to
the rearward most portion of the body, fascia/bumper, or
ramp of the trailer.
The maximum width supported by the Trailer Merge Assist
feature is 8.5 ft (2.59 m). Trailer width is measured at the
widest portion of the trailer and may include wheels, tires,
finders, or rails.
NOTE:Fifth wheel or gooseneck trailers are not supported by
Trailer Merge Assist.
NOTE:The ability to detect a trailer may be degraded in crowded
or busy environments. Busy parking lots, narrow areas
surrounded with trees, or any other crowded area may
prevent the radar sensors from being able to adequately
detect the trailer. The system will try to detect a trailer at
every ignition cycle or 90 seconds of standstill.

Trailer Length Detection

Trailer length will be identified and placed into one of the
following categories:
 Trailer length up to 10 ft (3 m) — Blind spot zone will be
adjusted to 10 ft (3 m) .
 Trailer length between 10 ft to 20 ft
(3 m to 6 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted to
20 ft (6 m) .
 Trailer length between 20 ft to 30 ft
(6 m to 9 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted to
30 ft (9 m) .
 Trailer length between 30 ft and 39.5 ft
(9 m to 12 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted to
Max distance .
1 — Trailer Length
2 — Trailer Hitch
3 — Trailer Width
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274SAFETY
NOTE:Trailer length is determined within +/- 3 ft (1 m) of actual
length. Trailers that are the same size as the category
limit, 10/20/30 ft (3/6/9 m), could be subject to being
placed in the category above or below the correct one.
Trailer Merge Warning
Trailer Merge Warning is the extension of the blind spot
function to cover the length of the trailer, plus a safety
margin, to warn the driver when there is a vehicle in the
adjacent lane. The driver is alerted by the illumination of
the BSM Warning Light located in the outside mirror on the
side the other vehicle is detected on. In addition, an
audible (chime) alert will be heard and radio volume will
be reduced
Úpage 272.
NOTE:
The Trailer Merge Alert system DOES NOT alert the
driver about rapidly approaching vehicles that are
outside the detection zones.
 The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may experi -
ence drop outs (blinking on and off) of the side mirror
warning indicator lights when a motorcycle or any small
object remains at the side of the vehicle for extended
periods of time (more than a couple of seconds).
 Crowded areas such as parking lots, neighborhoods,
etc. may lead to an increased amount of false alerts.
This is normal operation.
FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
W
ITH MITIGATION — IF EQUIPPED
FCW with Mitigation provides the driver with audible
warnings, visual warnings (within the instrument cluster
display), and may apply a brake jerk to warn the driver
when it detects a potential frontal collision. The warnings
and limited braking are intended to provide the driver with
enough time to react, avoid or mitigate the potential
collision.
NOTE:FCW monitors the information from the forward looking
sensors as well as the Electronic Brake Controller (EBC), to
calculate the probability of a forward collision. When the
system determines that a forward collision is probable, the
driver will be provided with audible and visual warnings as
well as a possible brake jerk warning. If the driver does not take action based upon these
progressive warnings, then the system will provide a
limited level of active braking to help slow the vehicle and
mitigate the potential forward collision. If the driver reacts
to the warnings by braking and the system determines
that the driver intends to avoid the collision by braking but
has not applied sufficient brake force, the system will
compensate and provide additional brake force as
required.
If a FCW with Mitigation event begins at a speed below
32 mph (52 km/h), the system may provide the maximum
braking possible to mitigate the potential forward
collision. If the Forward Collision Warning with Mitigation
event stops the vehicle completely, the system will hold
the vehicle at standstill for two seconds and then release
the brakes.

FCW Message

WARNING!
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an aid to help
detect objects in the blind spot zones. The BSM system
is not designed to detect pedestrians, bicyclists, or
animals. Even if your vehicle is equipped with the BSM
system, always check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance
over your shoulder, and use your turn signal before
changing lanes. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury or death.

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SAFETY275
When the system determines a collision with the vehicle in
front of you is no longer probable, the warning message
will be deactivated
Úpage 402.
NOTE:
The minimum speed for FCW activation is 3 mph
(5 km/h).
 The FCW alerts may be triggered on objects other than
vehicles such as guardrails or sign posts based on the
course prediction. This is expected and is a part of
normal FCW activation and functionality.
 It is unsafe to test the FCW system. To prevent such
misuse of the system, after four Active Braking events
within a key cycle, the Active Braking portion of FCW will
be deactivated until the next key cycle.
 The FCW system is intended for on-road use only. If the
vehicle is taken off-road, the FCW system should be
deactivated to prevent unnecessary warnings to the
surroundings.
 FCW may not react to irrelevant objects such as over -
head objects, ground reflections, objects not in the
path of the vehicle, stationary objects that are far away,
oncoming traffic, or leading vehicles with the same or
higher rate of speed.
 FCW will be disabled like ACC, with the unavailable
screens.
Turning FCW On Or Off
The FCW button is located in the Uconnect display in the
control settings Úpage 191.
 To turn the FCW system on, press the forward collision
button once.
 To turn the FCW system off, press the forward collision
button once.
NOTE:
When the FCW is “on”, this allows the system to warn
the driver of a possible collision with the vehicle in
front.
 When the FCW is “off”, this prevents the system from
warning the driver of a possible collision with the
vehicle in front. If the FCW is set to “off”, “FCW OFF” will
be displayed in the instrument cluster display. 
When FCW status is set to “Only Warning”, this
prevents the system from providing limited active
braking, or additional brake support if the driver is not
braking adequately in the event of a potential frontal
collision.
 When FCW status is set to “Warning and Braking”, this
allows the system to warn the driver of a possible colli -
sion with the vehicle in front using audible/visual warn -
ings and it applies autonomous braking.
 The FCW system state is defaulted to “Full On” from
one ignition cycle to the next. If the system is turned off,
it will reset to “Full On” when the vehicle is restarted.
FCW Braking Status And Sensitivity
The FCW Sensitivity and Active Braking status are
programmable through the Uconnect system
Úpage 191.
 Far
 When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the “Far”
setting and the system status is “Only Warning”,
this allows the system to warn the driver of a
possible more distant collision with the vehicle in
front using audible/visual warnings.
 More cautious drivers that do not mind frequent
warnings may prefer this setting.
NOTE:The “Far” setting may result in a greater number of FCW
possible collision warnings experienced.
WARNING!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not intended to
avoid a collision on its own, nor can FCW detect every
type of potential collision. The driver has the
responsibility to avoid a collision by controlling the
vehicle via braking and steering. Failure to follow this
warning could lead to serious injury or death.
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276SAFETY
Medium
 When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the “Medium”
setting and the system status is “Only Warning”,
this allows the system to warn the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front using
audible/visual warnings.
 Near
 When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the “Near”
setting and the system status is “Only Warning”,
this allows the system to warn the driver of a
possible closer collision with the vehicle in front
using audible/visual warnings.
 This setting provides less reaction time than the
“Far” and “Medium” settings, which allows for a
more dynamic driving experience.
 More dynamic or aggressive drivers that want to
avoid frequent warnings may prefer this setting.
NOTE:The “Near” setting may result in a lesser number of FCW
possible collision warnings experienced.
FCW Limited Warning
If the instrument cluster displays “ACC/FCW Limited
Functionality” or “ACC/FCW Limited Functionality Clean
Front Windshield” momentarily, there may be a condition
that limits FCW functionality. Although the vehicle is still
driveable under normal conditions, the active braking may
not be fully available. Once the condition that limited the
system performance is no longer present, the system will
return to its full performance state. If the problem persists,
see an authorized dealer.
Service FCW Warning
If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster
displays:
ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required
 Cruise/FCW Unavailable Service Required
This indicates there is an internal system fault. Although
the vehicle is still drivable under normal conditions, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) —
If Equipped
PEB is a subsystem of the FCW system that provides the
driver with audible and visual warnings in the instrument
cluster display, and may apply automatic braking when it
detects a potential frontal collision with a pedestrian/
cyclist.
If a PEB event begins at a speed below 37 mph (60 km/h),
the system may provide braking to mitigate the potential
collision with a pedestrian/cyclist. If the PEB event stops
the vehicle completely, the system will hold the vehicle at
a standstill for two seconds and then release the brakes.
When the system determines a collision with the
pedestrian/cyclist in front of you is no longer probable, the
warning message will be deactivated.
The minimum speed for PEB activation is 3 mph (5 km/h). Turning PEB On Or Off
NOTE:The default status of PEB is “On.” This allows the system
to warn you of a possible frontal collision with the
pedestrian.
The PEB button is located in the Uconnect display in the
controls settings
Úpage 191.
To turn the PEB system off, push the Pedestrian
Emergency Braking button once.
To turn the PEB system back on, push the Pedestrian
Emergency Braking button again.
Changing the PEB status to “Off” deactivates the system,
so no warning or active braking will be available in case of
a possible frontal collision with the pedestrian.
NOTE:The PEB system will retain the last setting selected by the
driver after ignition shut down.
WARNING!
Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) is not intended to
avoid a collision on its own, nor can PEB detect every
type of potential collision with a pedestrian. The driver
has the responsibility to avoid a collision by controlling
the vehicle via braking and steering. Failure to follow
this warning could lead to serious injury or death.

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SAFETY277
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on
the vehicle recommended cold placard pressure.
NOTE:The TPMS Warning Light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster and a chime will sound when tire pressure is low in
one or more of the four active road tires. In addition, the
instrument cluster will display a graphic showing the
pressure values of each tire with the low tire pressure
values in a different color, or the Uconnect radio will
display a TPMS message; when this occurs you must
increase the tire pressure to the recommended cold
placard pressure in order for the TPMS Warning Light to
turn off.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 psi
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that when the
outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will
decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based on
cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a
three hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum inflation pressure molded into the
tire sidewall. The tire pressure will also increase as the
vehicle is driven — this is normal and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pressure.
See
Úpage 370 on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s
tires. The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if the
tire pressure falls below the low-pressure warning limit for
any reason, including low temperature effects and natural
pressure loss through the tire
Úpage 402.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire
pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn
off until the tire pressure is at or above the recommended
cold placard pressure. Once the low TPMS Warning Light
illuminates, increase the tire pressure to the
recommended cold placard pressure in order for the
TPMS Warning Light to turn off. The system will
automatically update and the TPMS Warning Light will turn
off once the system receives the updated tire pressures.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes
above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive
this information.
NOTE:When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need to be
increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa) above the
recommended cold placard pressure in order to turn the
TPMS Warning Light off.
For example, your vehicle may have a recommended cold
(parked for more than three hours) placard pressure of
30 psi (207 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F
(20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 27 psi
(186 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately 23 psi
(158 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low enough
to turn on the TPMS Warning Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to
approximately 27 psi (186 kPa), but the TPMS Warning
Light will still be on. In this situation, the TPMS Warning
Light will turn off only after the tires are inflated to the
vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure value.
CAUTION!

The TPMS has been optimized for the original equip -
ment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equip -
ment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage.
 Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to
become inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your vehicle
to an authorized dealership to have your sensor func -
tion checked.
 After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent mois -
ture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which
could damage the TPMS sensor.
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278SAFETY
NOTE:
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance or to provide warning of a tire failure
or condition.
 The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure, unless your vehicle
is equipped with a Tire Fill Alert (TFA) system.
 Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinfla -
tion also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
 The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte -
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if underinflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS Warning Light.
 Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pres -
sure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pres -
sure in the tire.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the tire
pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly and to
maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
 Receiver module
 Four Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors
 Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System messages,
which display in the instrument cluster
 Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Low
Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster and a chime will sound when tire
pressure is low in one or more of the four active
road tires. In addition, the instrument cluster will display a
graphic showing the pressure values of each tire with the
low tire pressure values in a different color. An "Inflate to
XX" message will also be displayed.

Low Tire Pressure Display

Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires with a low pressure condition
(those in a different color in the instrument cluster
graphic) to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard
pressure inflation value as shown in the "Inflate to XX"
message. Once the system receives the updated tire
pressures, the system will automatically update, the
graphic display in the instrument cluster will return to its
original color, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light will turn off. The vehicle may need to be
driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in
order for the TPMS to receive this information.
NOTE:When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need to be
increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa) above the
recommended cold placard pressure in order to turn the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light off.

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