2023 RAM 1500 trailer

SAFETY265
ESC Operating Modes
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the ESC
system may have multiple operating modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC. Whenever
the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for most driving conditions.
Alternate ESC modes should only be used for specific
reasons as noted in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
This mode may be useful if the vehicle becomes stuck.
This mode may modify TCS and ESC thresholds for
activation, which allows for more wheel spin than normally
allowed.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily push the ESC
OFF button and the ESC OFF Indicator Light will illuminate.
To turn the ESC on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF
button and the ESC OFF Indicator Light will turn off.
NOTE:For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes, the push and
release of the button will toggle the ESC modes. Multiple
attempts may be required to return to “ESC On”. Full Off — If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only
and should not be used on any public roadways. In this
mode, TCS and ESC features are turned off. To enter the
“Full Off” mode, push and hold the ESC OFF button for five
seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine
running. After five seconds, a chime will sound, the ESC
OFF Indicator Light will illuminate, and the “ESC OFF”
message will display in the instrument cluster. To turn ESC
on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF button.
NOTE:System may switch from ESC “Full Off” to “Partial Off”
mode when vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed.
When the vehicle speed slows below the predetermined
speed the system will return to ESC “Full Off”.
ESC modes may also be affected by drive modes (if
equipped).
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
in the instrument cluster will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode. It
should go out with the engine running. If the
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on
after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than
30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
WARNING!
 When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality of
ESC (except for the limited slip feature described in
the TCS section) has been disabled and the ESC OFF
Indicator Light will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction feature of
TCS is disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is reduced.
 Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when the ESC
system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque reduc -
tion and stability features are disabled. Therefore,
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC system
is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver,
the ESC system will not engage to assist in main -
taining stability. ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for
off-highway or off-road use only.
 The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions.
6

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266SAFETY
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light starts to
flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system
becomes active. The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light also flashes when TCS is active. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates that the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is in a reduced
mode.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and the
ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily each
time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode.
 Each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode,
the ESC system will be on even if it was turned off previ -
ously.
 The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
HSA is designed to mitigate roll back from a complete stop
while on an incline. If the driver releases the brake while
stopped on an incline, HSA will continue to hold the brake
pressure for a short period. If the driver does not apply the
throttle before this time expires, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill as
normal. The following conditions must be met in order for HSA to
activate:

The feature must be enabled.
 The vehicle must be stopped.
 The parking brake must be off.
 The driver door must be closed.
 The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
 The gear selection must match vehicle uphill direction
(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle
backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
 HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward gears.
The system will not activate if the transmission is in
PARK or NEUTRAL.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:
If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings
Úpage 191.
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll back while
towing a trailer.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) will not activate and slight rolling may occur, such
as on minor hills or with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer. HSA is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people, and
objects, and most importantly brake operation to
ensure safe operation of the vehicle under all road
conditions. Your complete attention is always required
while driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a collision
or serious personal injury.
WARNING!
If you use a trailer brake controller with your trailer,
the trailer brakes may be activated and deactivated
with the brake switch. If so, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold both the vehicle and the
trailer on a hill when the brake pedal is released. In
order to avoid rolling down an incline while resuming
acceleration, manually activate the trailer brake or
apply more vehicle brake pressure prior to releasing
the brake pedal.
 HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when exiting your vehicle. Also, be certain
to place the transmission in PARK.
 Failure to follow these warnings can result in a colli -
sion or serious personal injury.

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268SAFETY
Driver Override
The driver may override SSC activation with throttle or
brake application at any time.
Deactivating SSC
SSC will be deactivated but remain available if any of the
following conditions occur:
The driver overrides SSC set speed with throttle or
brake application.
 The vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h) but
remains below 40 mph (64 km/h).
 The vehicle is shifted into PARK.
Disabling SSC
SSC will deactivate and be disabled if any of the following
conditions occur:
 The driver pushes the SSC switch.
 The driveline is shifted out of the 4WD Low.
 The parking brake is applied.
 The driver door opens.
 The vehicle is driven greater than 20 mph (32 km/h)
for greater than 70 seconds.
 The vehicle is driven greater than 40 mph (64 km/h).
SSC will exist immediately. Feedback To The Driver
The instrument cluster has an SSC icon and the SSC
switch has a lamp which offers feedback to the driver
about the state SSC is in.

The cluster icon and switch lamp will illuminate and
remain on solid when SSC is enabled or activated.
These are the normal operating conditions for SSC.
 The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for several
seconds then extinguish when the driver pushes the
SSC switch but enabled conditions are not met.
 The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for several
seconds then extinguish when SSC disables due to
excess speed.
 The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash then extin -
guish when SSC deactivates due to overheated brakes.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the
driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may apply
brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduce
engine power to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential (BLD)
functions similarly to a limited slip differential and controls
the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a
driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the system
will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow
more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not
spinning. BLD may remain enabled even if TCS and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are in reduced modes.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an
excessively swaying trailer and will take the appropriate
actions to attempt to stop the sway.
NOTE:TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always use
caution when towing a trailer and follow the trailer tongue
weight recommendations
Úpage 173.
When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light will flash, the engine power may be reduced
and you may feel the brakes being applied to individual
wheels to attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” or
“Full Off” modes.
WARNING!
SSC is only intended to assist the driver in controlling
vehicle speed when driving in off road conditions. The
driver must remain attentive to the driving conditions
and is responsible for maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle down,
stop at the nearest safe location, and adjust the trailer
load to eliminate trailer sway.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 268

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
6

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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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280SAFETY
The system will be activated when a positive increase in
tire pressure is detected by the TPMS while inflating the
tire. The ignition must be in the RUN mode, with the
transmission in PARK.
NOTE:It is not required to have the engine running to enter Tire
Fill Alert mode.
The hazard lamps will come on to confirm the vehicle is in
Tire Fill Alert mode.
When Tire Fill Alert mode is entered, the tire pressure
display screen will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
If the hazard lamps do not come on while inflating the tire,
the TPMS sensor may be out of range preventing the TPMS
sensor signal from being received. In this case, the vehicle
may need to be moved either forward or backward slightly
to exit the null spot.
Operation:
The horn will sound once to let the user know when to
stop filling the tire, when it reaches recommended
pressure.
 The horn will sound three times if the tire is overfilled
and will continue to sound every five seconds if the
user continues to inflate the tire.
 The horn will sound once again when enough air is let
out to reach proper inflation level.
 The horn will also sound three times if the tire is then
underinflated and will continue to sound every five
seconds if the user continues to deflate the tire.
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TTPMS) — If Equipped
The Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TTPMS) is a
feature that displays the trailer tire pressure values and
warns the driver of a low tire pressure event based on the
driver’s set target tire pressure value, through TTPMS
settings found in the radio.
The TTPMS monitors the pressure of each tire and warns
the driver through the instrument cluster, when either a
low tire pressure condition falls below 25% of the driver’s
set pressure or if a system malfunction occurs. The
instrument cluster will display the actual tire pressure or
dashes for each of the trailer tires in the correct trailer
position, based on trailer configuration. The TTPMS can
support up to 12 trailer tires per configured trailer on up to
four configurable trailers
Úpage 191.

Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Trailer Tire Pressure Sensor Pairing
In order use this feature, the provided tire pressure
sensors must be installed in the desired trailer tires and
the sensors must be paired to the truck. If the target trailer
requires more than the provided four sensors, additional
sensors can be purchased at an authorized Ram
dealership.
With the sensors installed and the trailer near or
connected to your Ram truck, initiate the pairing process
by entering the settings menu in the radio and selecting
trailer. Select the desired trailer profile to pair to, open the
“Tire Pressure” menu, and hit “Setup All Tires”
Úpage 191.
NOTE:The vehicle may not be driven until the pairing process is
complete.

Trailer Tire Pressure Settings

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