2023 RAM 1500 overheating

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE45
REPROGRAMMING A SINGLE
H
OMELINK® BUTTON
To reprogram a single HomeLink® button that has been
previously trained, without erasing all the channels, refer
to the following procedure. Be sure to determine whether
the new device you want to program the HomeLink®
button to has a rolling code, or non-rolling code.

1. Place the ignition in the ON/RUN position, without
starting the engine.

2. Push and hold the desired HomeLink® button until the HomeLink® indicator light begins to flash after
20 seconds. Do not release the button.
3. Without releasing the button , proceed with Step 2 in
“Programming HomeLink® To A Garage Door
Opener”
Úpage 44, and follow all remaining steps.
CANADIAN/GATE OPERATOR
P
ROGRAMMING
For programming transmitters in Canada/United States
that require the transmitter signals to “time-out” after
several seconds of transmission:
Canadian Radio Frequency (RF) laws require transmitter
signals to time-out (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission, which may not be long enough for
HomeLink® to pick up the signal during programming.
Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to time-out in the same manner.
It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling
process to prevent possible overheating of the garage
door or gate motor.
1. Place the ignition in the ON/RUN position.

NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™, place
the ignition in the RUN position. Make sure while
programming HomeLink® with the engine on that your
vehicle is outside of your garage, or that the garage door
remains open at all times.
2. Place the hand-held transmitter 1 to 3 inches
(3 to 8 cm) away from the HomeLink® button you
wish to program while keeping the HomeLink®
indicator light in view.
3. Continue to push and hold the HomeLink® button while you push and release (cycle) your hand-held
transmitter every two seconds until HomeLink® has
successfully accepted the frequency signal. The
indicator light will flash slowly and then rapidly when
fully trained.
4. Watch for the HomeLink® indicator to change flash rates. When it changes, it is programmed. It may take
up to 30 seconds or longer in rare cases. The garage
door may open and close while you are programming.
5. Push and hold the programmed HomeLink® button and observe the indicator light.
NOTE:
If the indicator light stays on constantly, program -
ming is complete and the garage door/device
should activate when the HomeLink® button is
pushed.
 To program the two remaining HomeLink®
buttons, repeat each step for each remaining
button. DO NOT erase the channels. If you unplugged the garage door opener/device for
programming, plug it back in at this time.
Reprogramming A Single HomeLink® Button
(Canadian/Gate Operator)
To reprogram a channel that has been previously trained,
follow these steps:

1. Place the ignition in the ON/RUN position.

2. Press and hold the desired HomeLink® button until
the indicator light begins to flash after 20 seconds.
Do not release the button.
3. Without releasing the button, proceed with “Canadian/Gate Operator Programming” Step 2 and
follow all remaining steps.
SECURITY
It is advised to erase all channels before you sell or turn in
your vehicle.
To do this, push and hold the two outside buttons for
20 seconds until the indicator flashes. Note that all
channels will be erased. Individual channels cannot be
erased.
The HomeLink® Universal Transceiver is disabled when
the Vehicle Security system is active.
2

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 45

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE59
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL
(ATC) — I
F EQUIPPED
Automatic Operation

1. Push the AUTO button on the faceplate, or the AUTO
button on the touchscreen on the Automatic
Temperature Control (ATC) Panel.

2. Next, adjust the temperature that you would like the system to maintain by adjusting the driver and
passenger temperature control buttons. Once the
desired temperature is displayed, the system will
achieve and automatically maintain that
temperature.
3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is not necessary to change the settings. You will
experience the greatest efficiency by simply allowing
the system to function automatically.
NOTE:
It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode, and blower speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
 The temperature can be displayed in US or Metric units
by selecting the US/Metric customer-programmable
feature within Uconnect Settings
Úpage 191.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan will remain on
low until the engine warms up. The blower will increase in
speed and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC display will be
turned off when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
CLIMATE VOICE RECOGNITION —
I
F EQUIPPED
Adjust vehicle temperatures hands-free and keep
everyone comfortable while you keep moving ahead.
Push the VR button on the steering wheel. After the beep,
say one of the following commands:
 “Set driver temperature to 70 degrees”
 “Set passenger temperature to 70 degrees”
Did you know: Voice Command for Climate may only be
used to adjust the interior temperature of your vehicle.
Voice Command will not work to adjust the heated seats
or steering wheel if equipped.
OPERATING TIPS
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for suggested
control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster
performance, make sure the engine cooling system is
functioning properly and the proper amount, type, and
concentration of coolant is used. Use of the Air
Recirculation mode during Winter months is not
recommended, because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
For information on maintaining the Climate Control system
when the vehicle is being stored for an extended period of
time, see
Úpage 387.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy,
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed.
Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions, such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the air distribution box, they could plug the water
drains. In Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear
of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The Climate Control system filters out dust and pollen
from the air. Contact an authorized dealer to service your
cabin air filter, and to have it replaced when needed.
2

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 59

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE69
iPhone® 12 (including iPod®) is equipped with
software to protect the device from overheating. When
the software is active, the rate of charge is slowed
down to protect the device.
 Phones must always be placed on the wireless
charging pad within the outline shown on the pad so
that its charging parts connect with the charging coils
of the system. Movement of the phone during charging
may prevent or slow the rate of charge.
 Having multiple applications open on the phone while
charging will reduce the charging efficiency, and may
even shut down an application that is actively running
(i.e. Apple CarPlay®). This may also cause the phone to
overheat.
 Wireless chargers may implement certain methods to
prevent the phone from overheating during charging
such as slowing down the rate of charge. In certain
instances, the device may shut down for a brief period
of time (when the device reaches a certain tempera -
ture). If this happens, it does not mean there is a fault
with the wireless charging pad. This may just be a
protective measure to prevent damage to the phone.UV-C LIGHT — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a UV-C light located
inside the glove compartment used to hygienize surface
areas of items placed inside. The UV-C light hygienizes
using a very specialized, and high powered, UV-C light
source.
NOTE:No chemicals are used in the hygienizing process.
The UV-C light switch is located on the instrument panel,
below the radio.

UV-C Light Switch

Operating Instructions

1. Place item to be hygienized inside the glove compartment, and close the door completely.

2. Push the UV-C light switch on the instrument panel to start the operation. The LED indicator light on the
switch will turn on (blue) during the UV-C hygienizing
operation. The LED indicator light will remain on and solid until the
hygienizing operation is complete. The indicator light will
turn off, and an audible chime will be heard when the
operation is successfully completed.
NOTE:One complete hygienizing cycle takes about three
minutes.
If the hygienizing operation is interrupted or stopped, the
LED indicator light will blink for five seconds, and the UV-C
light will be ready for a new cycle when the blinking has
stopped.
Any objects placed in the glove compartment for
hygienizing must be repositioned as many times as
necessary to ensure that the UV-C light hits every surface
of the object.
NOTE:

The UV-C light only operates with the ignition in the
ON/RUN position.
 The UV-C light is not intended for medical use. Use of
the UV-C light does not guarantee that the user will
avoid illness.
 Surfaces must be directly exposed to the UV ray in
order to be hygienized. Rays will not penetrate mate -
rials like cloth, paper, or regular glass. Therefore, it is
important to remove items from the direct line of sight
that would block or shield the rays from other surfaces.
CAUTION!
The key fob should not be placed on the charging pad
or within 6 inches (15 cm) of it. Doing so can cause
excessive heat buildup and damage to the fob. Placing
the fob in close proximity of the charging pad blocks the
fob from being detected by the vehicle and prevents the
vehicle from starting.
2

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 69

118
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belt.
The starter should not be operated for more than
10-second intervals. Waiting at least 10 to 15 seconds
between such intervals will protect the starter from
overheating.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission in PARK position.
Apply the brake before shifting into any driving range.
NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift inter -
locking system. The brake pedal must be pressed to
shift out of PARK.
 If equipped with an 8-speed transmission, starting the
vehicle in NEUTRAL is not possible unless the Manual
Park Release has been activated
Úpage 328.
TIP START FEATURE
Do not press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition switch
briefly to the START position and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run and will automatically
disengage when the engine is running.
KEYLESS ENTER ‘N GO™ — IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition
switch with the push of a button, as long as the Remote
Start/Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ key fob is in the passenger
compartment.
NORMAL STARTING USING ENGINE
START/STOP B
UTTON
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/STOP
Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the
ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system starts the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after
10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the button again.WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node 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
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 of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter
‘n Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
WARNING!

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

130STARTING AND OPERATING
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode
Select TOW/HAUL mode when driving in conditions such
as: driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy
load, etc. This mode will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting.

TOW/HAUL Switch

The TOW/HAUL Indicator Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED
FOUR-POSITION ELECTRONICALLY
S
HIFTED TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), located on
the instrument panel.

Four-Position/On-Demand Transfer Case

This electronically shifted transfer case provides four
positions:
 Two-Wheel Drive High Range (2WD) — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced
roads. Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel
economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in
2WD.
 Four-Wheel Drive High Range (4WD HIGH) — This range
provides torque to the front driveshaft (engages
four-wheel drive) which allows front and rear wheels to
spin at the same speed. This provides additional
traction for loose or slippery road surfaces only.
WARNING!
Do not use the TOW/HAUL feature when driving in icy or
slippery conditions. The increased engine braking can
cause the rear wheels to slide, and the vehicle to swing
around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which
may cause an accident possibly resulting in personal
injury or death.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 130

184STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up
the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL
mode or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control).
NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear range
(using the ERS shift control) while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide
better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in
hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the (ERS)
shift control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
 When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
 Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Air Suspension System
To aid in attaching/detaching the trailer from the vehicle,
the air suspension system can be used Úpage 134.
Selecting Tow/Haul or connecting a trailer with an
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) will disable
Automatic Aero mode to avoid height changes while
towing and shifting loads or tongue weights.
NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the engine running position
while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air
suspension system.
SNOWPLOW
Snowplow Prep Packages are available as a factory
installed option. These packages include components
necessary to equip your vehicle with a snowplow.
NOTE:Before installation of a snowplow it is highly recom -
mended that the owner/installer obtain and follow the
recommendations contained within the current Body
Builder’s Guide. See an authorized dealer, installer or
snowplow manufacturer for this information. There are
unique electrical systems that must be connected to
properly ensure operator safety and prevent overloading
vehicle systems.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could adversely
affect performance of the airbag system in a collision.
Do not expect that the airbag will perform as described
earlier in this manual.
CAUTION!
The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exterior
lamps are not properly installed.

23_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 184

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

328IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
In the event it is observed that the temperature gauge is
moving towards or close to the HOT (H) position, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
 In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes.
 If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
 You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supple -
ment to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.MANUAL PARK RELEASE
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as a
depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is available.
Follow these steps to activate the Manual Park Release:

1. Apply firm pressure to the brake pedal while seated in the driver’s seat.

2. Apply the parking brake if possible.
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, open the Manual Park Release cover, which is located to the
lower left of the steering column.

Manual Park Release Access Cover

4. Behind the Manual Park Release access cover is the orange tether strap. Pull the tether strap out as far as
it will go, then release it. The tether and lever will
remain outside of the trim panel and the
transmission should now be in NEUTRAL, allowing the
vehicle to be moved.

Manual Park Release Tether

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your
vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads HOT (H), pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on HOT (H),
and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the parking
brake before activating the Manual Park Release. In
addition, you should be seated in the driver’s seat with
your foot firmly on the brake pedal when activating the
Manual Park Release. Activating the Manual Park
Release will allow your vehicle to roll away if it is not
secured by the parking brake, or by proper connection
to a tow vehicle. Activating the Manual Park Release on
an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious injury or
death for those in or around the vehicle.

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