2023 RAM 1500 hood release

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE21
NOTE:
The key fob may not be detected by the vehicle Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™ system if it is located next to a mobile
phone, laptop or other electronic device; these devices
may block the key fob’s wireless signal and prevent the
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ system from starting the vehicle.
 For more information on normal engine starting, see
Úpage 118.
 When opening the driver's door and the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position (engine not running), a chime will
sound to remind you to place the ignition in the OFF
position. In addition to the chime, the message “Igni-
tion or Accessory ON” will display in the cluster.
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the key fob to start the engine
conveniently from outside the vehicle while still
maintaining security. The system has a range
of approximately 328 ft (100 m).
Remote Start is used to defrost windows in cold weather
and to reach a comfortable climate in all ambient
conditions before the customer enters the vehicle.
NOTE:Obstructions between the vehicle and key fob may reduce
this range Úpage 402.
HOW TO USE REMOTE START
Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob
twice within five seconds. The vehicle doors will lock, the
parking lights will flash, and the horn will chirp twice
(if programmed). Then, the engine will start, and the
vehicle will remain in the Remote Start mode for a
15 minute cycle.
Pushing the Remote Start button a third time shuts the
engine off. To drive the vehicle, push the unlock button, and place the
ignition in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:

With Remote Start, the engine will only run for
15 minutes.
 Remote Start can only be used twice.
 If an engine fault is present or fuel level is low, the
vehicle will start and then shut down in 10 seconds.
 The parking lights will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
 For security, power window and power sunroof opera -
tion (if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in
the Remote Start mode.
 The ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN position
before the Remote Start sequence can be repeated for
a third cycle.
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
 Gear selector in PARK
 Doors closed
 Hood closed
 Hazard switch off
 Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not pressed)
 Battery at an acceptable charge level
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation for thieves. Always
remove key fob from the vehicle and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
WARNING!
Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which is odorless and colorless.
Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can cause
serious injury or death when inhaled.
 Keep key fobs away from children. Operation of the
Remote Start system, windows, door locks or other
controls could cause serious injury or death.2

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 21

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE23
REMOTE START WINDSHIELD WIPER
D
E-ICER ACTIVATION — IF EQUIPPED
When Remote Start is active and the outside ambient
temperature is less than 33°F (0.6°C), the Windshield
Wiper De-Icer will activate. Exiting Remote Start will
resume its previous operation. If the Windshield Wiper
De-Icer was active, the timer and operation will continue.
REMOTE START ABORT MESSAGE
One of the following messages will display in the
instrument cluster display if the vehicle fails to remote
start, or exits Remote Start prematurely:
 Remote Start Canceled — Door Open
 Remote Start Canceled — Hood Open
 Remote Start Canceled — Fuel Low
 Remote Start Canceled — Too Cold
 Remote Start Canceled — Time Expired
 Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset
The message will stay active until the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN position.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security system monitors the vehicle doors,
hood, tailgate, and the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition for
unauthorized operation. While the Vehicle Security system
is armed, interior switches for door locks and tailgate
release are disabled. If something triggers the alarm, the
Vehicle Security system will provide the following audible
and visible signals: 
The horn will pulse.
 The turn signals will flash.
 The Vehicle Security Light, located in the lower right
corner of the instrument cluster display, will flash.
TO ARM THE SYSTEM
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security system:

1. Make sure the vehicle’s ignition is placed in the OFF
position.

 For vehicles equipped with Keyless Entry, make
sure the vehicle’s keyless ignition system is OFF.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the vehicle:
 Push the lock button on the interior power door
lock switch with the driver and/or passenger door
open.
 Push the lock button on the exterior Passive Entry
door handle with a valid key fob available in the
same exterior zone
Úpage 25.
 Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
TO DISARM THE SYSTEM
The Vehicle Security system can be disarmed using any of
the following methods:
 Push the unlock button on the key fob.
 Grab the Passive Entry door handle to unlock the door
Úpage 25.
 Cycle the ignition out of the OFF position to disarm
the system.
NOTE:
The driver's door key cylinder cannot arm or disarm the
Vehicle Security system. Use of the door key cylinder
when the system is armed will sound the alarm when
the door is opened.
 The Vehicle Security system remains armed when the
power tailgate (if equipped) is opened using the
tailgate button on the key fob.
 If Passive Entry (if equipped) is used to unlock the
tailgate, the Vehicle Security system is disarmed and
the rest of the vehicle doors will remain locked unless
all doors are set to unlock on first press within Ucon -
nect Settings.
 When the Vehicle Security system is armed, the interior
power door lock switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security system is designed to protect your
vehicle. However, you can create conditions where the
system will give you a false alarm. If one of the previously
described arming sequences has occurred, the Vehicle
Security system will arm regardless of whether you are in
the vehicle or not. If you remain in the vehicle and open a
door, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the
Vehicle Security system.
If the Vehicle Security system is armed and the battery
becomes disconnected, the Vehicle Security system will
remain armed when the battery is reconnected; the
exterior lights will flash, and the horn will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security system.
2

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 23

74GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
HOOD
TO OPEN THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released.

1. Pull the hood release lever located below the
steering wheel at the base of the instrument panel.

Hood Release Lever Location

2. Reach into the opening beneath the center of the hood and push the safety latch lever to the left to
release it, before raising the hood.

Safety Latch Location

NOTE:
 Vehicle must be at a stop and the gear selector must
be in PARK.
 While lifting the hood, use both hands.
 Before lifting the hood, check that the wiper arms are
not in motion and not in the lifted position.
TO CLOSE THE HOOD
In one continuous motion, pull down on the front edge of
the hood with moderate force until the angle is below the
crossover point (where the gas props are no longer
resisting) and let the hood continue to fall closed from its
own inertia.
TAILGATE
OPENING
The tailgate may be opened by pushing the tailgate
release pad located on the tailgate door.
The tailgate damper strut will lower the tailgate to the
open position (if equipped).
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your
vehicle. If the hood is not fully latched, it could open
when the vehicle is in motion and block your vision.
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious
injury or death.
CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the front center of
the hood to ensure that both latches engage.
WARNING!
It is very dangerous to ride on the tailgate, even when
the vehicle is traveling at low speeds. Anyone riding on
the tailgate could easily fall in response to the vehicle
maneuvers or rough terrain. Passengers should always
sit in the vehicle seats and use their seatbelt. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious injury or
death.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 74

STARTING AND OPERATING121
(Continued)
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle has not
experienced an Extended Park condition as defined
above, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while the engine is
cranking. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for 10
seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs, release
the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the ignition
button/key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking
with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor.
Release the accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key
once the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10 second
period of engine cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

Engine Block Heater Cord Location

The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from an authorized dealer) is recommended.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle next to the engine
coolant reservoir.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
 If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly
Úpage 325.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
4

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 121

142STARTING AND OPERATING
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following Must Occur:

1. The system must be in STOP/START READY state. A
STOP/START READY message is displayed in the
instrument cluster within the Stop/Start section

Ú
page 98.

2. The vehicle must be decelerating and likely coming to a complete stop.
3. The transmission gear selector must be in DRIVE and the brake pedal pressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will move to the
zero position and the Stop/Start telltale will illuminate
indicating you are in an Autostop. While in an Autostop,
the Climate Controls system may automatically adjust
airflow to maintain cabin comfort. Customer settings will
be maintained upon return to an engine running condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check many
safety and comfort conditions to see if they are fulfilled.
In following situations, the engine will not Autostop:
 Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
 Driver’s door is not closed
 The vehicle is on a steep grade
 Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an accept -
able cabin temperature has not been achieved 
HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower speed
 Engine has not reached normal operating temperature
 Engine or exhaust temperature is too high
 The battery is charging
 The transmission is not in DRIVE
 Hood is open
 Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
 TOW/HAUL mode is selected
 Accelerator pedal input
 Excessive 12 Volt loads
 Brake application is adequate to obtain and maintain
a stop
It may be possible to operate the vehicle several
consecutive times in extreme conditions and not meet all
criteria to enable an Autostop state.TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in DRIVE, the engine will start when the brake pedal
is released or the accelerator pedal is pressed and the
transmission will automatically reengage upon engine
restart. Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode
The engine will start automatically when:

The transmission selector is moved from DRIVE to
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or PARK
 To maintain cabin temperature near the HVAC settings
 HVAC is set to full defrost mode
 12 Volt demand requires engine restart
 Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed
 Transfer case is in 4WD LOW
 The emissions system override is present
 A Stop/Start system error is present
Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To Park While In
Autostop Mode
The engine will not start automatically and the
transmission will be placed in PARK if:
 The driver door is open and brake pedal released
 The driver door is open and the driver seat belt is
unbuckled
 The engine hood has been opened
 A Stop/Start system error is present
The engine may then be restarted by moving the
transmission shift selector out of PARK (e.g., to DRIVE) or,
in some cases, only by a key start. The instrument cluster
will display a “SHIFT OUT OF PARK” message, or a
“STOP/START KEY START REQUIRED” message, to
indicate which action is required
Úpage 98.

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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.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 274

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY327
(Continued)

Fuel Funnel Location

NOTE:
In certain cold conditions, ice may prevent the fuel door
from opening. If this occurs, lightly push on the fuel door
to break the ice buildup and re-release the fuel door using
the inside release button. Do not pry on the door.
Emergency Gas Can Refueling:
Most gas cans will not open the flapper doors. A funnel is
provided to allow emergency refueling with a gas can.
See the following steps for refueling:

1. Retrieve funnel from under the passenger’s front seat.

2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel nozzle.

Inserting Funnel

3. Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper doors open.
4. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
5. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting back in the spare tire storage area.IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be serviced by
an authorized dealer.
Potential signs of vehicle overheating:
Temperature gauge is at HOT (H)
 Strong smell of coolant
 White smoke coming from engine or exhaust
 Coolant bottle coolant has bubbles present
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off” the
fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is in
violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to
turn on.
 A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
WARNING!
7

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 327

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE347
Any belt with cracks running along a rib must be replaced.
Also have the belt replaced if it has excessive wear, frayed
cords or severe glazing.

Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)

Conditions that would require replacement:
Rib chunking (one or more ribs has separated from
belt body)
 Rib or belt wear
 Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between two ribs)
 Belt slips
 Groove jumping (belt does not maintain correct posi -
tion on pulley)
 Belt broken
 Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or rumble is
heard or felt while drive belt is in operation)
NOTE:Identify and correct problem before new belt is installed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a Stop/Start, belt must be
replaced with an OEM grade Mopar® belt.
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty component
such as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys should be carefully
inspected for damage and proper alignment.
Belt replacement on some models requires the use of
special tools, we recommend having your vehicle serviced
at an authorized dealer.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically. Use a lithium-based grease, such
as Mopar® Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy
operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the
application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should
be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When performing
other underhood services, the hood latch release
mechanism, and safety catch should be cleaned and
lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Autumn and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar® Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations
of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may
cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending on
geographical area and frequency of use. If chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots are present, clean the
wiper blades or replace as necessary.
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected
periodically, not just when wiper performance problems
are experienced. This inspection should include the
following points:
Wear or uneven edges
 Foreign material
 Hardening or cracking
 Deformation or fatigue
If a wiper blade or wiper arm is damaged, replace the
affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not
attempt to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged.
8

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