2023 RAM 1500 brakes

124STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
SafeHold
SafeHold is a safety feature of the Electric Park Brake
(EPB) system that will engage the parking brake
automatically if the vehicle is left unsecured while the
ignition is in ON/RUN.
The parking brake will automatically engage if all of the
following conditions are met:
The vehicle is at a standstill.
 There is no attempt to press the brake pedal and accel -
erator pedal.
 The seat belt is unbuckled.
 The driver door is open.
SafeHold can be temporarily bypassed by pushing the EPB
switch while the driver door is open. Once manually
bypassed, SafeHold will be enabled again once the vehicle
reaches 12 mph (20 km/h) or the ignition is turned to the
OFF position and back to ON again.
Brake Service Mode
We recommend having your brakes serviced by an
authorized dealer. You should only make repairs for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
You should only enter Brake Service mode during
brake service. When servicing your rear brakes, it may be necessary for
you or your technician to push the rear piston into the rear
caliper bore. With the Electric Park Brake (EPB) system,
this can only be done after retracting the EPB actuator.
Fortunately, actuator retraction can be done easily by
entering the Brake Service mode through the Uconnect
Settings in your vehicle. This menu-based system will
guide you through the steps necessary to retract the EPB
actuator in order to perform rear brake service.
Service Mode has requirements that must be met in order
to be activated:

The vehicle must be at a standstill.
 The parking brake must be unapplied.
 The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
While in Service Mode, the EPB Warning Light will flash
continuously while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
When brake service work is complete, the following steps
must be followed to reset the park brake system to normal
operation:
 Ensure the vehicle is at a standstill.
 Press the brake pedal with moderate force.
 Apply the EPB Switch.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have
the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
 Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the trans -
mission gear selector out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before exiting the vehicle.
 The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle
is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete
stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the
transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is prop -
erly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
 It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is
not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could
lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing the
brake pedal.

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STARTING AND OPERATING125
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF position. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC position (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine
must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Rotary Shifter — If Equipped
The transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic
gear selector located on the instrument panel. The
transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both above
the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select
a gear range, simply rotate the gear selector. You must
press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of
PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving
at low speeds). To shift past multiple gear ranges at once
(such as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear selector
to the appropriate detent. Select the DRIVE range for
normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects PARK while driving), the position indicator
will blink continuously until the selector is returned to the
proper position, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).

Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF position, remove the key fob
from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do not
leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
A child could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
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146STARTING AND OPERATING
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel operate
the Adaptive Cruise Control system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The instrument cluster display will show the current ACC
system settings. The information it displays depends on
ACC system status.
Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button until
one of the following appears in the instrument cluster
display: Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read “Adaptive
Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed setting has
not been selected, the display will read “Adaptive Cruise
Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed, the
display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the instrument
cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of the
following ACC activity occurs:

System Cancel
 Driver Override
 System Off
 ACC Proximity Warning
 ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the last
display selected after five seconds of no ACC display
activity.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster display will read “ACC Ready.” When the system is off, the instrument cluster display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following conditions:

When in 4WD Low
 When the brakes are applied
 When the parking brake is applied
 When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE
or NEUTRAL
 When the vehicle speed is below the minimum speed
range
 When the brakes are overheated
 When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
 When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
 When there is a stationary vehicle in front of your
vehicle in close proximity
 When Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Full Off mode is
active
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button. The ACC menu in the instrument cluster displays
“ACC Ready.”
To turn the system off, push and release the Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again. At this time, the
system will turn off and the instrument cluster display will
show “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
1 — Distance Setting Increase
2 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
3 — Distance Setting Decrease

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STARTING AND OPERATING149

Distance Settings

To increase the distance setting, push the Distance
Increase button and release. Each time the button is
pushed, the distance setting increases by one bar (longer).
To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance
Decrease button and release. Each time the button is
pushed, the distance setting decreases by one bar
(shorter).
If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the
set speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the
same lane, the instrument cluster displays the ACC Set
With Target Detected Indicator Light, and the system
adjusts vehicle speed automatically to maintain the
distance setting, regardless of the set speed. The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:

The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the
set speed.
 The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of the
sensor.
 The distance setting is changed.
 The system disengages.
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however,
the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if
necessary.
NOTE:The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC system
applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts that
its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain the
set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE!” will
flash in the instrument cluster display and a chime will
sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum braking
capacity.
NOTE:The “BRAKE!” screen in the instrument cluster display is a
warning for the driver to take action and does not mean
that the Forward Collision Warning system is applying the
brakes autonomously.
Overtake Aid
When driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged,
and following a vehicle, the system will provide an
additional acceleration up to the ACC set speed to assist
in passing the vehicle. This additional acceleration is
triggered when the driver utilizes the left turn signal and
will only be active when passing on the left hand side.
ACC Operation At Stop
In the event that the ACC system brings your vehicle to a
standstill while following the vehicle in front, if the vehicle
in front starts moving within two seconds of your vehicle
coming to a standstill, your vehicle will resume motion
without the need for any driver action.
If the vehicle in front does not start moving within two
seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill, the driver
will either have to push the RES (resume) button, or apply
the accelerator pedal to reengage the ACC to the existing
set speed.
NOTE:After the ACC system holds your vehicle at a standstill for
approximately three consecutive minutes, the parking
brake will be activated, and the ACC system will be
canceled.
While ACC is holding your vehicle at a standstill, if the
driver seat belt is unbuckled or the driver door is opened,
the parking brake will be activated, and the ACC system
will be canceled.
1 — Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
2 — Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
3 — Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
4 — Short Distance Setting (One Bar)
WARNING!
When the ACC system is resumed, the driver must
ensure that there are no pedestrians, vehicles or
objects in the path of the vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision and death or serious
personal injury.
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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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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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