2023 RAM 1500 ECO mode

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.

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SAFETY269
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM) —
I
F EQUIPPED
BSM uses two radar sensors, located inside the taillights,
to detect highway licensable vehicles (automobiles,
trucks, motorcycles, etc.) that enter the blind spot zones
from the rear/front/side of the vehicle.

Rear Detection Zones

When the vehicle is started, the BSM Warning Light will
momentarily illuminate in both outside rearview mirrors to
let the driver know that the system is operational. The
BSM system sensors operate when the vehicle is in any
forward gear and enters standby mode when the vehicle is
in PARK. The BSM detection zone covers approximately one lane
width on both sides of the vehicle 12 ft (3.8 m). The zone
length starts at the outside rearview mirror and extends
approximately 10 ft (3 m) beyond the rear fascia/bumper
of the vehicle. The BSM system monitors the detection
zones on both sides of the vehicle when the vehicle speed
reaches approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and will
alert the driver of vehicles in these areas.
NOTE:

The BSM system DOES NOT alert the driver about
rapidly approaching vehicles that are outside the
detection zones.
 BSM may experience dropouts (blinking on and off) of
the side mirror warning indicator lights when a motor -
cycle or any small object remains at the side of the
vehicle for extended periods of time (more than a
couple of seconds).
The BSM system can become blocked if snow, ice, mud, or
other road contaminations accumulate on the rear fascia/
bumper where the radar sensors are located. The system
may also detect blockage if the vehicle is operated in
areas with extremely low radar returns such as a desert or
parallel to a large elevation drop. If blockage is detected,
a “Blind Spot Temporarily Unavailable, Wipe Rear
Corners” message will display in the cluster, both mirror
lights will illuminate, and BSM and RCP alerts will not
occur. This is normal operation. The system will
automatically recover and resume function when the
condition clears. To minimize system blockage, do not
block the area of the rear fascia/bumper where the radar
sensors are located with foreign objects (bumper stickers,
bicycle racks, etc.) and keep it clear of road
contaminations.

Radar Sensor Locations

If the system detects degraded performance due to
contamination or foreign objects, a message will warn you
of a blocked sensor and the warning indicators in side
view mirrors will be on. The warning indicators will remain
illuminated until blockage clearing conditions are met.
First clear the taillights around the sensors of the
blockage. After removing the blockage, the following
procedure can be used to reset the system:
Cycle the ignition from ON to OFF and then back ON.
If the blockage message is still present after cycling the
ignition and driving in traffic, check again for a blockage.
The system may also detect a blockage if the vehicle is
operated in areas with extremely low radar returns such as
a desert or parallel to a large elevation drop.
6

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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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SAFETY279
Service TPMS Warning
If a system fault is detected, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) Warning Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault will
also sound a chime. In addition, the instrument cluster will
display a "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message for a minimum
of five seconds and then display dashes (--) in place of the
pressure value to indicate which sensor is not being
received.
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault no
longer exists, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light will no longer flash, and the "SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM" message will no longer display, and a pressure
value will display in place of the dashes. A system fault can
occur due to any of the following:
Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies
as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors
 Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains
materials that may block radio wave signals
 Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings
 Using tire chains on the vehicle
 Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors
A system fault may occur due to an incorrect TPMS sensor
location condition. When a system fault occurs due to an
incorrect TPMS sensor location, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light will flash on and
off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault will also sound a chime. In addition, the
instrument cluster will display a Tire Pressure Temporarily
Unavailable message in place of the tire pressure display
screen. If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will
repeat, providing the system fault still exists. If the system
fault no longer exists, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light” will no longer flash and the tire
pressure display screen will be displayed showing the tire
pressure values the correct locations.
Vehicles With Non-Matching Full Size Spare Or Compact
Spare

The non-matching full size spare or compact spare tire
does not have a TPMS sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will
not monitor the pressure in the non-matching full size
spare or compact spare tire.
 If you install the non-matching full size spare or
compact spare tire in place of a road tire that has a
pressure below the low-pressure warning limit, upon
the next ignition switch cycle, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light and a
“LOW TIRE” message will remain on and a chime will
sound. In addition, the graphic in the instrument
cluster will still display a pressure value in a different
color and an “Inflate to XX” message.
 After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h), the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) Warning Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid. In addition, the
instrument cluster will display a "SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM" message for a minimum of five seconds and
then display dashes (--) in place of the pressure value. 
For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime will
sound, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and
then remain on solid, and the instrument cluster will
display a "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message for a
minimum of five seconds and then display dashes (--)
in place of the pressure value.
 Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the non-matching
full size spare or compact spare, the TPMS will update
automatically. In addition, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) Warning Light will turn off and the
graphic in the instrument cluster will display a new
pressure value instead of dashes (--), as long as no tire
pressure is below the low-pressure warning limit in any
of the four active road tires. 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.
Tire Fill Alert
This feature notifies the user when the placard tire
pressure is attained while inflating or deflating the tire.
You may choose to disable or enable the Tire Fill Alert
feature through use of the Uconnect Settings in the radio.
NOTE:
Only one tire can be filled at a time when using the Tire
Fill Alert system.
 The Tire Fill Alert feature cannot be entered if an
existing TPMS fault is set to “active” or if the system is
in deactivation mode (if equipped).
6

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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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294SAFETY
The Air Bag Warning Light in the instrument panel will
turn on whenever the OCS is unable to classify the front
passenger seat status. A malfunction in the OCS may
affect the operation of the air bag system.
If the Air Bag Warning Light does not come on, or stays
on after you start the vehicle, or it comes on as you drive,
take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for service
immediately.
The passenger seat assembly contains critical OCS
components that may affect the Passenger Advanced
Front Air Bag inflation. In order for the OCS to properly
classify the seated weight of a front seat passenger, the
OCS components must function as designed. Do not make
any modifications to the front passenger seat
components, assembly, or to the seat cover. If the seat,
trim cover, or cushion needs service for any reason, take
the vehicle to an authorized dealer. Only FCA US LLC
approved seat accessories may be used.
The following requirements must be strictly followed:
Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or
components in any way.
 Do not use prior or future model year seat covers or
cushions not designated by FCA US LLC for the specific
model being repaired. Always use the correct seat
cover and cushion specified for the vehicle. 
Do not replace the seat cover or cushion with an after -
market seat cover or cushion.
 Do not add a secondary seat cover or mat.
 At no time should any Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) component or SRS related component or
fastener be modified or replaced with any part except
those which are approved by FCA US LLC.Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the
driver and front passenger, and position the front
occupants for improved interaction with the front air bags.
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat-Mounted
Side Air Bags (SABs).
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs) are
located in the outboard side of the front seats. The SABs
are marked with “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or
on the seat trim on the outboard side of the seats.
The SABs may help to reduce the risk of occupant injury
during certain side impacts, in addition to the injury
reduction potential provided by the seat belts and body
structure.
WARNING!
Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the passenger seat assembly, its related compo -
nents, seat cover or cushion may inadvertently
change the air bag deployment in case of a frontal
collision. This could result in death or serious injury
to the front passenger if the vehicle is involved in a
collision. A modified vehicle may not comply with
required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS) and/or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (CMVSS).
 If it is necessary to modify the air bag system
for persons with disabilities, contact an authorized
dealer.
WARNING!
Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact
bolsters in any way.
 Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact
bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band
radios, etc.

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